Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, Dan Gaba; Howard Pinsley; Mariesa Coppola; Philip Klein via videoconferencing ABSENT: Bob Bristol STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded 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. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADJOURNED PROJECTS ADJOURNED AT THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST: -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. -11.010.4 SIRO's, 168 Lincoln Avenue, public hearing for a renewable special use permit for outdoor entertainment in the Institutional Horse Track Related District. .12.044 SARATOGA EXIT 15, 84 Weibel Avenue, site plan review of telecommunications tower in the Transect-5 District. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday, February 11, 2013 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, February 11, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Opportunity to allow citizens to address planning issues not on the scheduled agenda. Harley Lake, 70 Railroad Place stated he has concerns regarding the speed of traffic in the area. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated staff will pass his concerns onto public safety. The Planning Board does not have jurisdiction over this. Staff will contact Mr. Lake after speaking with the public safety department.  1. 13.001 HIDDEN FOUNTAIN COMMONS, 61 Lawrence Street, site plan review of mixed use building in the Transect-5 District. SEQRA: Negative declaration was issued on October 24, 2012. BACKGROUND: Special Use Permit was approved by the Planning Board on October 24, 2012. DRC Architectural review of building and signage are also required. Applicant: William Brayton Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group; Matthew Brobston, LA Group Mr. Ingersoll stated this application has appeared before the Design Review Commission and received architectural approval. Saratoga County referral was initiated. This project currently occupies an half acre site. There will be two spaces for retail on the first floor, approximately 6,000 square feet, and three apartments per floor above, with required parking. Parking 30 spaces required for cumulative residential, office/retail uses. 29 spaces provided on site. 3 spaces provided including existing on-street parking. Parking loading and unloading area above 15 spaces required to provide 10% landscaped areas. Visual presentation was provided to the Board. Dumpsters have been located away from the property line and neighbors. Stormwater will be treated in the courtyard with a bio-retention area. Building colors will be of a green-beige pallet looking towards an Adirondack type feel. Additional landscaping/buffering has been added. Dan Gaba questioned the issue of snow plowing and removal. Mr. Ingersoll stated snow will be removed and taken off site. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we have access from Warren Street and Railroad Alley. One curb cut for employees, one curb cut for an entrance, Church Street cut will be an entrance and exit. Landscaping on the western border of the parking lot. Added landscaping at the Church Street entrance. Sidewalks will be redone on Lawrence Street. Applicants have submitted a lot line adjustment which will merge two parcels. This is a formalization of what previously existed. This will create two principal buildings on one lot. This Board can then consider a waiver which will allow more than one principal building per lot. The applicant will install a new 24 inch storm drain line at their expense. There will be no cost to the city. This will take care of the drainage on this lot and will be beneficial to the residents in the area. The City Engineer is comfortable with the storm drain line and the 20 foot easement down the center of the parking lot. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated just for clarification purposes the loading and unloading for smaller deliveries will use the first curb cut, the alley access. The Lawrence Street frontage, we have discussed it is 24 feet in width and there is currently signage for alternate street parking. Public Safety would make any changes concerning the street. A question that will come up is how the alternate street parking will affect the loading and unloading and how it will work. Matthew Brobston, LA Group stated the opposite side of Lawrence Street offers no parking on the street due to the locksmiths. Only one sided parking on this street. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner addressed the issue of lighting spillover on the parcel. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 2 of 9 Mike Ingersoll stated there will be a solid wood fence installed approximately 6 feet in height on the property with a 3 foot fence along the frontage of the property. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Michael Gregg, owner of property at 199 Church. Fabulous addition to the neighborhood. Entrance on Railroad alley could be a potential problem. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman assured Mr. Gregg that proper signage will be installed. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner questioned if the site has met the 10% landscape requirement around the parking area. Mr. Ingersoll confirmed the applicant has met the requirement. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the Saratoga County Planning Board received a referral due to the proximity of this project to the County Road. Saratoga County Planning Board responded with a recommendation to approve, noting no large inter-county or intra-community impact. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the Planning Board has two issues to deal with. Voting for the lot line adjustment, merging the two parcels. This motion would also waive/allow more than one principal building, may be converted on one lot because these two lots are merged. Site Plan requested will then be acted on. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:49 P.M. Dan Gaba made a motion to approve more than one principal structure on one lot. Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we now can act on Site Plan approval. Tom Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion to approve the Site Plan with signage to be installed on the north side of the parking lot which will indicate no exit going in the northerly direction. In the alley a sign would will be posted Entrance only. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 3 of 9 Dan Gaba seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 13.002 EXCELSIOR AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, Excelsior Avenue and Marion Avenue, public hearing for special use permit for mixed use building in the Transect-5 District. SEQRA: This project appears to be a Unlisted Action, Full EAF submitted, DRC is other involved agency. Planning Board may wish to initiate request for Lead Agency with DRC. BACKGROUND: Prior Special Use Permit approved by the Planning Board 07/09/03. Prior Site Plan approved by the Planning Board 10/15/03 Architectural Review 10/21/04, extended 06/01/06. Construction halted in 2007. All approvals preserved as start of actual construction occurred. Letter of Credit in place for $444,756 associated with former approved project. Planning Board required additional securing and screening of site in December 2010. Ground floor non-residential uses such as eating and drinking, retail, service and offices with walk-in clientele, are required along the following key frontages: Excelsior Avenue from Warren Street to Marion Avenue Former approved plan called for diversity of uses – hotel restaurant, banquet facility, spa, office/retail, residential (multi-family, and townhouses) and parking deck and on-street parking. Current Plan: 20,000 square foot grocery store (retail) 20,000 square foot retail building 30 apartment units and commercial space – 19,000 within Excelsior Avenue building. Applicant: Beechwood Associates, LLC Andre Schmid; Chris Schmid Agent: Dave Carr, LA Group; Corrine Martino, LA Group City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 4 of 9 Mr. Carr of the LA Group has appeared before the Board many times and looking to officially present the project. We are looking for the Planning Board to initiate SEQRA Lead Agency, Coordinated review with the Design Review Commission. The site is approximately a 4 ½ acres site. This our third sketch plan. What we are proposing is much more toward commercial. A second 20,000 square foot two story retail building, and is along Excelsior Avenue a mixed use four story building. The first floor of the four story building will include approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial use along Excelsior Avenue and more than half of the building would provide parking. The second level would have 10,000 square feet and indoor or covered parking with two stories above and 30 apartments. One access point off of Marion and one access off of Excelsior Avenue which will be shared access with the vacant parcel to the west, a property the Schmidt's already own. A five foot retaining wall will be placed along Route #50, where the grade drops. There are 281 parking spaces all surface levels. Sewer and Water will match the approved plan. Creighton Manning will update the traffic study outlining the differences between the impacts of the original plan and this plan at the next meeting. A very extensive sidewalk system is planned for this site. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, stated no action will be taken this evening. This is an overview. The Planning Board will request Lead Agency Status and ask the DRC to go along with this request. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman opened the public hearing at 8:20 P.M. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Davie Corrino, Park Place. Commented on perhaps a turning lane on the Excelsior Avenue. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated information will be transferred to the Public Safety Office. Howard Pinsley made a motion to request Lead Agency Status from the DRC. Dan Gaba seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 10.039.1 WASHINGTON COMMONS, Washington Street and Central Avenue public hearing for special use permit of mixed use building in the Transect-4 District. RECUSAL: Board Member Dan Gaba is recusing from this application. He does have the property listed and has a financial City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 5 of 9 interest in this project. SEQRA: SEQRA negative declaration issued by the Planning Board on April 27, 2011. BACKGROUND: Washington Commons Special Use Permit was approved by the Planning Board on April 27, 2011, expiration of October 27, 2012. Site plan approval was issued July 13, 2011. The applicant failed to move ahead with the project within the specified 18 months of the approval date or request an extension. This is a formality. Since the Special Use Permit approval expired, the applicant has submitted for a new Special Use Permit for the same uses approved previously; medical office, office, real estate office, retail bank and residential (12 unit ) uses. Applicant: Steven Ethier. Mr. Ethier explained that work stopped on the site plan. He is requesting this construction be completed in two phases. First to be Central to Washington to West Avenue. Two letters of credit were submitted to the City Engineer and they are waiting for his feedback and hope to move forward. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated we are reviewing the project. Phasing was not a part of the previous approval. What would need to be explored is what the phasing would entail, such as the infrastructure, storm water, sidewalks. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated some of the Phasing would need to be completed entirely. I would be fine dealing with this administratively. First, the Board will do a reaffirmation of the SEQRA Negative Declaration, and the Board will consider the Site Plan Approval. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this Erica Friday. Water is trapped in this area. Stormwater management needs to be resolved. A site plan sketch was provided for her review. The applicant reassured the neighbor that this construction will aide with the standing water. James Backusay questioned the buffering. The applicant stated nothing has changed with the property. Howard Pinsley made a motion to reaffirm the SEQRA Negative Declaration. Mariesa Coppola seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 6 of 9  Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor Dan Gaba recused MOTION PASSES: 5-0-1 4. 10.040.2 WASHINGTON COMMONS, Washington Street and Central Avenue, site plan extension of mixed-use building in the Transect-4 District. RECUSAL: Dan Gaba, Board member is recusing from this application. He does have the property listed and has a financial interest. SEQRA: SEQRA negative declaration issued by the Planning Board on April 27, 2011. BACKGROUND: Site plan approval issued for project on July 13, 2011, expiration of 18 was January 13, 2013, application was submitted prior to this date. Per the Zoning Ordinance, this is the first of two potential extension to site plan approval. Applicant proposes an extension of site plan approval until July 13, 2014. Applicant: Steven Ethier. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the applicant has requested to have this project completed in two phases. In discussion with the City Engineer we have no problem with this and it will be approved administratively agreed upon with professional staff and the City Engineer. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on the request for an 18 month extension of the existing site plan approval application. None heard. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman made motion for an 18 month extension to the existing site plan approval. Philip Klein seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 7 of 9  Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor Dan Gaba recused MOTION PASSES: 5-0-1 Board Member Dan Gaba resumed his position on the Board. 5. 10.032.2 CHLOE'S WAY SUBDIVISION, East Broadway and Garfield, extension of subdivision in the Urban Residential-2 District. DISCLOSURE: Dan Gaba disclosed that he has worked with Mr. Ethier on other projects. No financial interest in this project. There is no need for recusal, just disclosure. SEQRA: A SEQRA negative declaration issued on September 29, 2010. BACKGROUND: Subdivision was approved on September 29, 2010. An 18 month extension of subdivision approval granted on September 27, 2011 until March 31, 2013. Applicant: Steve Ethier Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated this is a 30 house subdivision. Applicant is entitled to an extension. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner explained the changes in the new Zoning Ordinance which is reflective of the state requirements. The project is approved until March 31, 2013 and will extend this project for 90 days until June 30, 2013. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on the subdivision extension. None heard. Dan Gaba made a motion to approve a 90 day extension until June 30, 2013 for this subdivision. Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 8 of 9  Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2013 Planning Board as submitted. Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor; Mariesa Coppola; Philip Klein abstained. MOTION PASSES: 4-0-2 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:41 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 2/27/13 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 23, 2013 - Page 9 of 9