Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, Dan Gaba; Philip Klein; Robert Bristol; Mariesa Coppola; Howard Pinsley ABSENT: Dan Gaba STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:02 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. 12.004 RYNICK PROPERTIES SARATOGA SPRINGS, LLC, (DENNY'S) 468 Louden Road, sketch site plan in the Weibel Avenue Planned Unit Development District. Adjourned to April 24, 2013. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman reviewed a lot line adjustment 27-29 Meadowbrook Road no increase in density. ACTION BY THE CHAIR: Approved. Letter of Credit extension and reductions will be updated. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday, April 22, 2013 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, April 22, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Opportunity to allow citizens to address planning issues not on the scheduled agenda. None heard. COMMENTS/UPDATES FROM THE CITY ENGINEER: The City Engineer has advised the Board of two proposed revisions to the City Standard Details. 1. Revised Asphalt Pavement Detail (SS-5). 2. Revised LED Streetlight Details LT-1; LT3; LT4 Kate Maynard, Principal Planner reviewed the proposed revisions. The updated LT-1; LT3; LT4 which are the City's decorative historic street lighting. This includes the triple decorative historic street lights as well. Basically we will swap out the standard details for the LED equivalent. This will result in energy savings, return in investment over time and clarity of lighting. Staff along with Sternberg's representative have visited sites at night and it is of sufficient detail to move forward with. Also, we are updating our asphalt standard pavement detail. This is largely to reflect DOT standards. This is basically what they have had in place over the past several years. These are details the Planning Board will expect each project to adhere to. Philip Klein made a motion to accept the new revisions to the City Standard Details. Bob Bristol seconded the motion. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 13.008 135 SOUTH BROADWAY REDEVELOPMENT, 135 South Broadway, modification to a special use permit for office, medical offices/clinics in the Transect-5 District. BACKGROUND: This project was before the Board very recently for the Schenectady County Mental Health Office to relocate all three locations to the 135 South Broadway Site. The Special Use Permit was granted and we were advised by Mr. Toohey that his client had made an error on the request for evening hours. The Special Use Permit this Board granted was for two evening hours until 8:00 P.M. The clients realized their hours are three evenings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays until 9:00 P.M. There are no weekend hours. Applicant: Saratoga County Mental Health Agent: Michael Toohey, Attorney, LA Group Mr. Toohey stated the wrong information was provided to the Planning Board. What we are seeking to do is to have a modification to the Special Use Permit to be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 9:00 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 2 of 9 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there were any other comments from the Board. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated notice was provided in the newspaper as well as neighbors being noticed. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, opened the public hearing at 7:14 P.M. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:15 P.M. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion to approve the modification to the Special Use Permit. Howard Pinsley, seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 11.010.2 MARTELL BROTHERS BREWING/DRUTHERS, 381 Broadway, site plan review of addition to restaurant within the Transect-6 District. BACKGROUND: This is a project which had a SEQRA negative declaration issued on November 9, 2011, site plan approval was received the same evening. Applicant: Chris Martell, owner Agent: Jason Tommell Mr. Martell stated there have been some material changes since the applicant first met with staff. The exit plan we had on our building was not adequate and we needed to provide an additional form of egress by obtaining an easement either to the rear of the property or the north. After much negotiation this did not happen. A new submission was submitted with a 5 foot separation provided from the Perry building allowing egress. Mr. Martell reviewed the details of the addition. We will be utilizing a green roof system and will tie into the buildings current drainage system. We will be decreasing impervious pavement. The current bar area is small and we have had some requests for small parties which is what has driven this addition. The Planning Board has received Saratoga County approval. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 3 of 9 Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated there were some questions regarding circulation from the front to the back of the site. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. SEQRA: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated a SEQRA negative declaration was issued in November 2011. We do need to reaffirm the SEQRA negative declaration. Bob Bristol made a motion to reaffirm the SEQRA negative declaration. Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Bob Bristol made a motion to approve the Site Plan Modification with the caveat that any drainage issues or any concerns voiced by the City Engineer will be addressed before the final plans are signed. Philip Klein seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 09.032.3 WEIBEL AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION, 60 Weibel Avenue, public hearing for modification to a special use permit for additional residential units to existing mixed-use development in the Transect-4 District. 4. 11.023.1 WEIBEL AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION, 60 Weibel Avenue, site plan review for additional residential units to existing mixed-use development in the Transect-4 District. Applicant: Weibel Avenue Apartments, LLC, Sonny Bonacio Agent: Dave Carr/Bob Kiernan/Corrina Martino, LA Group BACKGROUND: City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 4 of 9 Approval for special use permit issued by the Planning Board on September 9, 2009. Site plan approval issued on June 8, 2011. Mr. Carr stated the applicant is before the Board for an amendment to the Special Use Permit as well as a Site Plan Review for additional residential units. A visual presentation was provided by Mr. Carr to the Board. This is a ½ an acre on the northeast corner of the property. 178 apartments are being constructed, we are requesting 10 additional units to increase the total to 188. Stormwater management/concept will remain the same. By adding 10 units, 15 parking spaces have been added. A play area was installed and will be designated a green space area. The sanitary sewer was constructed for the entire site. Dumpster accessibility is proposed to be relocated to the rear of the building. No further expansion is anticipated on this site. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman reviewed the 6 criteria for Special Use Permit. All the criteria has been met. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, stated we do need to reaffirm the SEQRA negative declaration issued in 2009. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion to reaffirm the SEQRA negative declaration issued in 2009. Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman opened the public hearing at 7:51 P.M. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:52 P.M. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, 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 will now move to the Modification of the Special Use Permit Application. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion for the modification of the Special Use Permit. Philip Klein seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 5 of 9  Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, 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 will now move onto Site Plan. Discussion ensued regarding the infiltration basin and what will be done following the completion of construction and the further landscaping of the site. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the conditions are the removal of stone in the infiltration basin. Plantings to staff and Chairman satisfaction. Playground designated as open space. No future site development planned at this time. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman closed the public hearing at 8:11 P.M. Howard Pinsley made a motion to approve amended Site Plan. Mariesa Coppola seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 The Board Recessed at 8:13 P.M. The Board Reconvened at 8:23 P.M. 5. 13.022 CAFÉ LENA, 47 Phila Street, site plan modification in the Transect-6 District. BACKGROUND: Proposed action involved construction of an addition, removal of a parking area, and increasing green space "civic space" area along Henry Street frontage, DRC review is also required. Applicant: Cafe Lena Agent: Matt Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 6 of 9 SEQRA: Project appears to be a Type II action, no further environmental review required. Mr. Hurff stated this is a very small modest project. The upper stories are occupied by Café Lena and the lower story is occupied by a restaurant. The building has not had any significant improvements in over 60 years. Café Lena is looking to upgrade the building, the kitchen, bathroom and a new elevator and stairs. They have also upgraded the performance space. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the setback off the street. The addition will allow for the stairwell and elevator, life safety issues. There will be an outdoor patio on the east edge of the building. They have made this into a plaza with benches. The existing parking lot will be shifted. The curb cut will come off of Phila Street and a new one will be placed on Henry Street. Parking will be screened by a hedge. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the City Engineer reviewed the information to be sure a SWPPP did not need to be completed. It was determined the SWPPP is not required. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Mr. Hurff reviewed the patio will be herringbone brick and will be somewhat porous. The walkway will be the same herringbone brick. A 3 foot tall hedge will be added. Car stops will be added for pedestrian safety. The building will be painted. Site lighting will be placed along the path. Security light in the parking lot. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated in addition a bench is added in the civic space. Public art will be introduced, a sculpture will be added. A low lying hedge will be placed on Henry Street. Philip Klein made a motion to approve the Site Plan Modification. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 13.025 PLAZA 15 SELF STORAGE, 43 Plaza Road, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for proposed storage buildings in the Transect-4 District. BACKGROUND: The Design Review Commission deferred Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board on April 3, 2013. The Zoning Board of Appeals deferred Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board on April 8, 2013. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 7 of 9 Site Plan Review approval received September 8, 2004. DRC Architectural Review approval on November 6, 2003. Permanent Special Use Permit issued to allow outdoor storage on October 22, 2002. SEQRA: Unlisted action. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the only action to be taken this evening is to accept Lead Agency Status. Review Part I of the long EAF. Review of Part II. Visual presentation of the project was provided to the Board. Mr. Toohey gave a visual presentation to the Board outlining the proposal to construct three additional self storage buildings to the existing self storage use of the property. He outlined the location of the proposed buildings. This is an ideal use. Environmentally, all stormwater is handled within the site. This is a 24 hour a day controlled site operation. The new buildings would result in greater compliance with the Transect requirements, and buildings B and C would meet the minimum frontage build out. The placement of the buildings will move toward compliance with the Zoning Code as each new building conforms to the setback requirements. The site design visually screens the use by maintaining a 30 ft natural growth and tree buffer. This type of facility is primarily auto oriented and the buildings associated with this use are one story. Lighting will be placed within the site so that it does not impact adjacent neighborhoods. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman made a motion that the Planning Board accept Lead Agency Status for SEQRA. Mariesa Coppola seconded the motion. VOTE: Bob Bristol, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Mariessa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated Part I EAF has been submitted by the applicant. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the number of parking spaces total 8. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman reviewed all SEQRA questions. Question 11 regarding the buffering was of some concern. The Chairman also voiced concern about the cutting down of some vegetation, and the total length of the buildings. 530 feet is a pretty major building. Philip Klein requested additional photographs to be taken from the slip ramp. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman requested the applicant to mark and stake out the corners of the two buildings. The Board will revisit the site on caravan. I would like to hold off on this decision for SEQRA, following this site visit. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 8 of 9 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was a motion to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2013 meeting, with any correction or additions. Howard Pinsley made a motion. Mariesa Coppola seconded the motion. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Bob Bristol, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was a motion to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2013 meeting, with any correction or deletions. Howard Pinsley made the motion. Mariesa Coppola seconded the motion. VOTE: Philip Klein, in favor; Bob Bristol, in favor; Mariesa Coppola, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, abstained; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 4/24/13 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 10, 2013 - Page 9 of 9