Zoning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF COHOES CITY HALL ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2019 AT 6:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Michael Briggs, Chairperson Ms. Joyce Baranski, Vice Chairperson Ms. Mary Shanks Mr. Mark Cotch Mr. Greg Mollnow ALSO PRESENT: Sharon Butler, Administrative Assistant to Economic & Community Development CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 MEETING Chairperson Briggs called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and asked for the Board to review and comment on the September 25, 2019 meeting minutes. There being no questions, Chairperson Briggs made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, which Member Shanks seconded and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Mary Shanks X Greg Mollnow X CONSIDERATION OF AN AREA VARIANCE FOR LOT SIZE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO STORY TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOME AT 10 BROADWAY Chairperson Briggs read through the proposal of the variance request. Chairperson Briggs asked if the applicant was present, he was not but the engineer Dave Kemmer from ABD Engineering was present and approached. Mr. Kemmer gave an overview of the project, which is to construct a two story two family residential dwelling of which they need an area variance for the lot size. The lot size is 5,150 sf and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sf, so an area variance of 2,350 sf is needed. Chairperson Briggs noted that they would need special use permit from Planning. Member Cotch asked about parking. Mr. Kemmer noted that there is off street parking. Member Mollnow asked if there are 4 spots and Mr. Kemmer said yes. Chairperson Briggs then asked if there were any questions or comments from the audience. Mr. Michael Changa approached stating that he had issues when there was a house there getting into his house because of parking. There are issues with the street condition, it needs to be paved. He also stated that the tree removed from the property is also a concern for drainage and he asked if it is going to be a rental property. Mr. Changa also brought up the concern of workers parking during construction and there not be adequate parking for residents. Mr. Kemmer stated that they will be doing some excavating at the retaining wall, but it could stay in place. Mr. Kemmer also stated that the building is going to be substantially smaller than the one that was there previously. Chairperson Briggs told Mr. Changa that he could contact DPW regarding the condition of the street and Sharon could give him the information after the meeting. Chairperson Briggs then asked if any of the members had questions or concerns, being none Member Cotch made a motion to grant the 2,350 sf area variance contingent on Planning Board approval seconded by Member Mollnow, motion carried unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Mary Shanks X Greg Mollnow X CONSIDERATION OF AN AREA VARIANCE FOR LOT SIZE AT 181 MANOR AVENUE Chairperson Briggs read through the proposal and asked if SEQR is closed, Sharon said yes the Planning Board did do a negative declaration at their meeting on November 12, 2019. Chairperson Briggs asked if there were any questions or concerns from the audience, of which there were none. Chairperson Briggs asked if any of the members had any questions or concerns, being none Chairperson Briggs made a motion to grant the area variance of 1,420 sf for the lot size at 181 Manor Avenue seconded by Member Mollnow, the motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Briggs reminded Mr. Raucci to return his sign and he would be refunded his $27.00 YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Mary Shanks X Greg Mollnow X Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Briggs made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 PM, which was seconded by Member Shanks and passed unanimously.