Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman; Amy Durland; Philip Klein; Dan Gaba; Howard Pinsley; Mariesa Coppola ABSENT: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner CALL TO ORDER: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting are being taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. REPORT ON ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS BY THE CHAIR 11.012.2 SARATOGA HOSPITAL SIGNAGE, Saratoga Hospital Medical/Professional PUD – Proposed building identification. Per Saratoga Hospital Medical/Professional PUD, request can be reviewed within context of location of signage as an administrative action. ACTION: Approved. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADJOURNED PROJECTS: -11.022 181 PHILA NEIGHBORHOOD ROOMING HOUSE, 181 Phila Street, public hearing for special use permit for neighborhood rooming house in the Urban Residential-3 District. -11.002 BUFF ROAD SUBDIVISION, BUFF ROAD AND ROUTE 9N, public hearing for a final 15 lot subdivision in the Urban Residential-1 and Rural Residential-1 Districts. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday July 23, 2012 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, July 23, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Opportunity to allow citizens to address planning issues not on the scheduled agenda. None heard. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 12.023 CONGRESS PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT, 46 Congress Street, sketch site plan review of redevelopment in T-6 and UR-5 Districts. SEQRA: No SEQRA action required with sketch plan review. Parcel was site of urban renewal activity in late 1970's – in line with general philosophy of time, plaza was envisioned as stand alone development, existing grid and street connections were severed, site layout and composition of buildings was distinct and largely did not draw from the surrounding neighborhood. In our Comprehensive Plan, transect zoning calls for connectivity, established blocks, accommodating all modes of transportation (vehicular, pedestrian, bike etc). We also have adopted the Complete Streets policy which requires a review of how all users are accommodated through activities on City Streets. Sketch plan proposed back in March 2010 that provided an overall redevelopment concept for the Plaza. The Planning Board had specific comments and requests for additional information. This sketch is a proposed Phase I of the plaza redevelopment of primarily the Congress Street frontage. T-6 standards and intents were reviewed. Applicant: DCG Development – Donald Green Agents: Frost Hurff Architects – Tom Frost; Matthew Hurff A visual presentation was provided by Frost Hurff Architects outlining the project per staff's request. Amy Durland informed the applicants that recently Saratoga Springs passed a complete streets policy and of course it emphasizes pedestrian access and accommodating all types of pedestrian traffic and cyclists. Can you tell me what accommodations were made. Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects stated there are a number of pedestrian paths which are available. There are also sidewalks available. There is a network of pedestrian paths available on the property. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – July 11, 2012 - Page 2 of 6 Amy Durland questioned if there was pedestrian access along the eastern portion of the project. Matthew Hurff, stated there is a sidewalk available. Amy Durland stated the Zoning Ordinance and our standards in general for T-6 are focused on the grid design, smaller blocks, having establishments face the roadways and hiding the parking. Do you see yourselves accommodating that. Matthew Hurff stated he actually does. One of the things the ordinance mentions is that larger block sizes are permitted if they conceal interior parking. Since we are enclosing the surface parking lot in the interior of the lot, we are providing access to these store fronts along Congress Street. We will be providing access from the rear as well. There are multiple entry options. If in the future this portion of the City develops more and there is more pedestrian traffic the entrances will be used more. Amy Durland stated that was a great comparison to Broadway. The frontage of the buildings on Broadway has large sidewalks and that is the model we are aiming for. Is there any way that you are accommodating that vision. Are you expanding the sidewalks on Congress making it more inviting for pedestrians, linking it to the West side of the City in different ways. One of the things I asked in the workshop was how this was going to be seen in the context of the existing neighbors on the west side that were really cut off in the development project during the Urban Renewal and is there any reinstatement of that connection. I feel that although you have stated there will be some connections from the West and I feel that you have not gone far enough to accommodate the vision. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the T-6 intent provides for small blocks, range of building scale, and shallow build to lines. Mixed uses, walk ability, smaller blocks and availability of public transportation. Connections into site now shown from Ash Street and William Street. Internal function of the connections- informal, travel lanes with parking directly adjacent, in contrast with more formally delineated streets with curbs, sidewalks, trees. Regarding civic space, what is currently proposed for civic space on the site. The intent is to provide an area designated for public use or enjoyment such as a park, green, square or plaza. Another area to consider is along the Congress Street frontage. The applicant’s consultant has proposed a potential enhancement of the City owned lot on Congress Street to west of the site, serves as an underutilized secondary access to the cemetery. Can this area be used to create a pocket park use for the neighborhood. The Cemetery Association should be contacted for input in this area. Also the proposed parking garage and its proximity to the cemetery. 2 story wall will be added to rear of the cemetery. Proposed elevations is an area which the Board might wish to look at. Stormwater management is an issue which still needs to be addressed. PUBLIC HEARING: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Jim Mastroianni, stated he has concerns regarding the height of the building from the current grade. Matthew Hurff, explained the height of the new buildings, showed the plans to Mr. Mastroianni outlining his areas of concern. Gene Corsale, suggests refraining from parking in the area with the empty lot which is City owned. Enhancing the area he feels will be an attractive nuisance. He restored the cemetery with the help of Joe Bruno and Jim Tedesco. He argued against blacktopping and prefers nothing be done there at all. Mr. Green the applicant stated they have eliminated half the square footage. They have gone from 80,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet. Traffic generation will be less than what was there previously. He would appreciate early approval so the project can move forward. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – July 11, 2012 - Page 3 of 6 Amy Durland stated in an effort for the Board to give direction, and reviewing the sketch plan which allows the Board to review such things less formally, she would like to reiterate all the things Kate indicated, she really agrees with them. I would be happier with this project if there were more emphasis on smaller blocks. There is an opportunity to be thinking about internal configuration more seriously. The City standard indicates that the Urban Center in the T-6 consists of shallow built to lines, smaller blocks, wider range of buildings, interior blocks shared. The applicant does not have to comply with each and every feature of the ordinance but I believe you are fairly far away from the vision that was created in the T-6 zone. It does seem that it is an opportunity to make some more significant improvements and align it with what is outlined in the ordinance. In addition, I would like to see a lot more emphasis on pedestrian activity. I believe this is similar to what we have seen in 2010. We will get into this more during site plan. Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman thanked the applicant for their presentation. 2. 12.025 19 RAILROAD PLACE, 19 Railroad Place, site plan for movie theater and office development in the Transect-6 District. SEQRA: Action appears to be unlisted to Type I action due to being substantially contiguous to the National Historic Registry. DRC is other involved agency and deferred lead agency status to the Planning Board at their July 5, 2012 meeting. BACKGROUND: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman stated this is the former Price Chopper location (24,000 square feet existing structure. Price Chopper has since moved into 16,156 square footage space within adjacent Market Center. Several traffic studies have been completed in August of 2009 for Market Center, and also Long Alley Parking Deck, in December of 2011. Parking is not required within T-6 district. 7 parking spaces located internally along side of building. Applicant: RR Depot, LLC Agent: Mike Ingersoll, Matt Brobston, LA Group; Matthew J Jones, Attorney Mr. Ingersoll gave a visual presentation to the Board. This is a one acre parcel. There is no green space, but we will improve upon that. The applicant will bring the building into compliance for a two story structure. The first floor will provide 11 theatre rooms. One IMAX theatre will be provided. They will be digital format theatres. Entrance will be on Railroad and Church. The second floor will be office space. There will be the availability to stream in conferences during the day since the movies will be shown in the evening. The applicant will tap into the water and sewer and current infrastructure. Stormwater line is present we will also tap into that. Potential addition of formal pedestrian access between Railroad Place and Woodlawn on County property is being investigated. The applicant is exploring this accommodation with the County. Connection could provide an important mid-block crossing and line up with pedestrian connection through parking garage Woodlawn to Long Alley through existing connection to Broadway. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the Mayor has provided general City support of connection. Sketch has been sent to Saratoga County Planning, and they have forwarded it to Building and Grounds. They are in the talking phase and it will proceed for consideration to the County Board of Supervisors. Planning Board may want to consider in their discussion if they want to send a letter of support for the concept. Mr. Ingersoll stated the streetscape is important. No large trees. Smaller street trees are planned due to current infrastructure. Two bicycle racks. Two benches and heated sidewalks will be provided. The applicant will be utilizing the existing structure. This will be an adaptive re-use. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – July 11, 2012 - Page 4 of 6 Amy Durland stated the Planning Board’s review of this is fairly limited. We cannot base our decision on use because a movie theatre is a permitted use. Parking is not required in a T-6 District. Positive or negative feelings about use or character is not really under the purview of what this Board should be discussing in any great detail unless it relates to other issues that are within our list of site plan elements. What is within the range of our review is traffic. The applicant stated an updated traffic study will be provided by Creighton Manning and input from Mark Benaquista is forthcoming. Saratoga County approval is required. Saratoga County Planning Board recognized the proposed re-use of the existing grocery store and site as appropriately meeting the intent and requirement of the City's T-6 zoning district. Correspondence received by the Board: Todd Garofano, Saratoga County Tourist Center on 07-03-2012. Charles Wait, Adirondack Trust on 07-06-2012. Todd Shimkus, President, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Jim Letts, Saratoga, YMCA. Robert Davis, email 07-11-2012. Beth and Marc Fecteau 07-11-2012. PUBLIC HEARING: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Susan Bokan – She believes this is a great idea, and one more reason not to go to the mall. Mike Mastropietro – Nine years ago he wanted to move to a place where he could walk to the things he wished to do. Finally it is here in Saratoga. Downtown is great. Everything one wants to do within walking distance. Dan Gaba made a motion to accept SEQR Lead Agency Status. Seconded by Philip Klein. VOTE: Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion to send a letter to the Saratoga County Buildings and Grounds Committee stating this Board completely agrees with the potential addition of formal pedestrian access between Railroad Place and Woodlawn on County property, providing an important mid-block crossing to serve the area and line up with existing connections.. Seconded by Howard Pinsley. VOTE: City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – July 11, 2012 - Page 5 of 6  Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes was deferred to the next meeting on July 25, 2012. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss, Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 7/25/12 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – July 11, 2012 - Page 6 of 6