Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 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 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. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: LETTER OF CREDIT EXTENSIONS: These Letter of Credit extensions were extensions only – no reductions. 12.002.1 THE THIRSTY OWL, 184 South Broadway. 06.042.3 262-268 BROADWAY, 262-268 Broadway. 00.051.5 HERITAGE MANOR SUBDIVISION, 29 Buff Road. 11.037.1 SARATOGA YOUTH LACROSSE FIELDS, Weibel Avenue. 06.065.3 MOKASHA SQUARE SUBDIVISION, 4 Mokasha Square. 11.025.1 UNLIMITED POTENTIAL, 36 Cady Hill Road. LETTER OF CREDIT REDUCTIONS: 07.093.3 MEADOW VISTA SUBDIVISION, 520-546 Grand Avenue reduced from $289,430.00 to $196,675 due to site work completed on-site. Reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. New figure reflects minimum 25% required to be retained. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday, May 8, 2013 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, May 8, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Wednesday, May 10, 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. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 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. 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 we are the Lead Agency on this project. We reviewed Part I of the long EAF which the applicant provided. We reviewed Part II and had some concerns. The applicant has returned before us this evening. Applicant: Plaza 15 Storage, LLC, Joel Aaronson Agent: Michael Toohey, Attorney, Don McPherson, LA Group 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. An area variance is required, seeking relief from the build to line and minimum two story requirements of the Transect-4 District. If the area variance is granted from the Zoning Board of Appeals, special use permit modification, and site plan with this Board is required. Architectural review with the Design Review Commission. The placement of the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 2 of 13 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. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. SEQRA: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated Part I EAF has been submitted by the applicant. 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. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman reviewed the two SEQRA questions which were not addressed at the applicant's last appearance. All the questions the Board had were answered and all the problems/concerns were mitigated. No large or significant areas of concern were noted. Howard Pinsley stated that based upon the information provided by the applicant in Part I of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, and analysis of the information provided and presented in Part II of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, the project will not result in any large and important impacts and, therefore, is one that will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. Based on this, I move to make a SEQR negative declaration for this action. Philip Klein seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 2. 12.023.2 CONGRESS PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT, 46 West Congress Street, site plan review of hotel, restaurant and retail in the Transect-6 District. DISCLOSURE: Bob Bristol disclosed he does own property across the street from the cemetery, no need for recusal, just disclosure. Applicant: Don Green Enterprises, Don MacElroy Agents: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney; Mike Ingersoll, LA Group; Alana Moran, Creighton Manning; Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 3 of 13 SEQRA: Action appears to be an Unlisted action with the DRC as the other involved agency. Planning Board requested SEQRA Lead Agency on March 27, 2013. DRC deferred Lead Agency on April 3, 2013. BACKGROUND: Larger scaled redevelopment of Congress Plaza was previously before the Planning Board for sketch plan review on September 15, 2011. Project has been reduced in scale to the current proposed redevelopment project. Hotel, restaurant, retail are permitted uses with site plan review in a T-6 District. Current project is before the Board for site plan review. This was seen by the Planning Board on March 27, 2013. Proposed lot line adjustment submitted which eliminates need for 70% build out along the plaza frontage, restricted to proposed lot configuration. Remainder of Congress Plaza, Congress Street frontage will remain as existing. Brief overview of the project was provided by Matthew J. Jones, Attorney. Architectural presentation of the project was provided by Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects. The Design Review Commission is concerned with the overall mass to be softened either through the stepping of the upper floor or through the treatment of what has been proposed the glass and steel elements. The Board also requested a stronger pedestrian level and street scape backing up to the wall. Mike Ingersoll, LA Group, stated there is no new break in access. Access in the back provides access to the properties to the north and the apartments in the back. No additional parking will be added. A visual presentation was provided to the Board including landscaping. All new sidewalks, trees and hedgerow will be provided. Additional LED Lighting will be added. Sidewalk will be extended and we will keep the red pines. South Federal will open up driveway access. South Franklin Street access is now proposed to be completed, providing for a connection for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Alana Moran, Creighton Manning Engineering explained the project. The performed trip generations and land use codes results in net reduction in trips for this site, both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone from the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will leave this open. This application has come a long way. We are being asked to accept Lead Agency Status. DRC relinquished that and review Part I and Part II of SEQRA. Dan Gaba made a motion to accept Lead Agency Status for the Congress Plaza Redevelopment, 46 West Congress Street. Bob Bristol 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 24, 2013 - Page 4 of 13  Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 SEQRA: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will now review SEQRA long EAF. Part I has been completed. Board reviewed Part II of the SEQRA Long EAF. No large or important areas of concern noted. Howard Pinsley stated that based upon the information provided by the applicant in Part I of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, and analysis of the information provided and presented in Part II of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, the project will not result in any large and important impacts and, therefore, is one that will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. Based on this, I move to make a SEQR negative declaration for this action. Dan Gaba seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will now address the Lot Line Adjustment. Any questions or comment from the Board. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on the Lot Line Adjustment. None heard. Philip Klein made a motion to approve the Lot Line Adjustment as proposed, for utility easements and access. Bob Bristol 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 24, 2013 - Page 5 of 13  Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will now address Site Plan. The presentation by Mike Ingersoll has addressed the egress, two additional staircases which approach the building on the north side, street trees, LED lighting will be provided, parking to the west side accessed between the proposed building and the existing bank. The key part to this is that two additional thoroughfares will be created. This will open up those corridors that can effectively keep traffic off of Broadway and let traffic flow north south. The project respects that the Gideon Putnam cemetery is to the west. Creighton Manning Traffic Study indicates a net decrease in trips. Bike racks are proposed and some additional bike racks off the site. Public safety crosswalk proposed at Federal. Way finding signage is proposed. Rooftop mechanicals will be hidden by a substantial parapet to conceal. Landscaping and green space is provided. Stormwater management proposed and reviewed by the City Engineer. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the new information which was just provided was three staircases and one patio which is level to the sidewalk. One of the items which was mentioned was providing interaction between the public space along the streetscape and building. There is still a continuous wall along the frontage along Congress Street. Is the current proposed design acceptable to the Board? Other potential alternatives of providing a visible staircase directly accessible from the sidewalk, reducing the grade between the sidewalk and level of the building, or enhancing the streetscape further were discussed. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman closed the public hearing at 8:52 P.M. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion for Site Plan Approval as discussed with the condition that heated sidewalks could be handled administratively, as well as the crosswalk to be addressed with Public Safety and wayfinding signage. Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 The Board recessed at 8:54 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 6 of 13 The Board reconvened at 9:09 P.M. 3. 13.016 72-74 WEIBEL AVENUE, 72-74 Weibel Avenue, special use permit, initiate SEQRA coordinated review for mixed use buildings featuring commercial and residential uses in the Transect-5 District. 4. 13.017 72-74 WEIBEL AVENUE, 72-74 Weibel Avenue, site plan review for mixed use buildings in the Transect-5 District. BACKGROUND: Project was first seen by the Planning Board on March 27, 2013. Project is within the T-5 commercial center – a commercial zoning district. In the development of the Weibel Avenue corridor, changing incrementally as development continues within an area, establishing a new city neighborhood. SEQRA: Action appears to be Unlisted, with the DRC as other involved agency. DRC deferred lead agency on April 17, 2013. Applicant: Standish, LLC – Sonny Bonacio, Mark Halworth, Agent: Dave Carr, Bob Kernan, LA Group; Alana Moran, Creighton Manning Brett Balzer, Balzer-Tuck Architects Paul Lambert, Bonacio Construction Mr. Carr presented the Board with a quick overview of the mixed use project approximately 7.82 acres. The proposed uses we have included with the application. The allowed uses which are proposed art gallery, retail bakery, convenient store, daycare center, eating and drinking establishment, office, real estate office, recreational facility, retail, service establishment, educational facility. This is in harmony with the commercial uses of 60 Weibel Avenue. Mr. Carr reviewed the layout of the project with a visual presentation and discussed the civic space, green space, and all stormwater will be handled underground. Landscaping was discussed, smaller trees will be used, LED lighting will be used, and discussion of utilities, and sanitary sewer. Possible cross lot easements could be obtained. Ample parking is being provided to serve both the commercial and residential needs of this building. Alana Moran of Creighton Manning Engineering answered the questions posed to her by staff. 1). The previous and current study – pass by percentages. As part of the transportation industry the Institute of Traffic Transportation Engineers publishes a document that identifies general pass by rates for different land uses. For the 60 Weibel Avenue address the pass by rate that was used for the commercial pieces of the site was 25% as well as the opportunity to use a multi-use credit because the site itself included office, retail, and residential. There was a percentage that was taken off the top because they would be internal to the site. What the 72-74 study looked at was retail and residential. So, rather than having that 5% multiuse credit it was a 30% pass by credit. So what ends up happening is that the driveway trips are a little bit higher than if you used the multiuse credits. That was the difference between the different uses at the different sites. 2). Identifying if this new access on 72-74 Weibel Avenue would effect the potential for this new boulevard. The answer is no it would not. It is spaced far enough away from that location as it can be and then the way the site is set up it has access directly to the boulevard which provides that future opportunity. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 7 of 13 3). Existing traffic volumes. Volume studies were done in 2005 as part of the Master Plan. It was previously done in this area. The 2005 existing volumes were actually a little bit higher than what was counted in 2013. We counted them this year in February. That is not unusual to see a change like that. I also looked at the traffic volumes on other roadways in the area and they was a peak in 2005. If you were on Rt. 29 between downtown and Schuylerville the volumes peeked in 2005 and then everything saw a decrease. They are now on the way back up. The volume on Weibel was 1,000 vehicles during the peak hours. The daily traffic count is 11,350. Seasonal variations account for a little difference. One of statements in the report we provided stated that the project does not exceed the 100 vehicle threshold for requiring additional analysis. The site itself does generate more than 100 trips during the PM peak hours but in order to have to evaluate adjacent intersections. The entrance into the Hannaford Plaza or something like that DOT and IT guidance is that you need to have 100 additional vehicles at a single intersection on a single approach during a single peak hour. So this site does not trip that trigger for those additional analyses of the other intersections. 4). There was also a question as to providing a center turn lane on Weibel Avenue at the site access because there is one at the 60 Weibel Avenue site. This site does not actually need one because the trips generated are about half as much as is at 60 Weibel Avenue and that is why we are not recommending a turn lane. It is just not needed at this location. 5). Weibel Avenue can it accommodate bicycle traffic. Right now bicyclists can use the travel lane. There are also fairly wide shoulders they range from about 4 to 6 feet and they are paved along that section so they can handle bicycle traffic. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner requested Alana Moran to describe for the Board what the 2005 Feasibility Study, which was completed by Creighton Manning, how the overall improvements tie together. We spoke about the entrance into the adjacent property, and the boulevard. Can you describe what the future potential trip generation could be on 80 acres and what could be expected to be made in terms of improvements according to the study. Alana Moran, Creighton Manning stated in 2005 study really was a Feasibility Study. It looked at a significant amount of growth along Weibel Avenue. The list of uses were 200,000 sq. ft. of mixed use, 50,000 sq. ft. of retail commercial, 125 units, 50,000 sq. ft. commercial office, active recreation space 4-6 fields, 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor recreation, some additional institutional space 10,000 sq. ft. some passive recreation space such as community gardens, open space. 150,000 sq. ft of commercial office. It was a very large feasibility study to look at what might happen along the Weibel Avenue corridor should it develop further. These two pieces that have been developed the 60 Weibel Avenue and 72-74 Weibel Avenue which is being proposed are matching relatively well except with more residential space than had been originally identified. What the original feasibility study recommended as far as improvements was to focus the main access to the overall development and corridor on the site at this boulevard location because that is where you get access to everything that is happening behind the two frontage sites. Kate is asking us to make sure that access at this point does not preclude these improvements in the future. In the future, that boulevard location, as identified in this study would include a traffic signal as well as a turn lane at the signal. So as this area builds out anybody that wants to go left can go directly out to the signal. With having the access to the two parcels already built that future connection will be made for better access and mobility in these two parcels as well as everything going on. Brett Balzer, Balzer Tuck Architects provided the Board with a visual presentation concerning the architecture of the project. Similar to Phase I yet subtle differences. A similar earth tone pallet will be used. The front building is 3 stories high but becomes 4 stories on the end due to the grading of the land. There will be 5 two story buildings. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated since this is the first time the Board has seen the entire application. It is encouraging to know that the DRC process is moving along with ours. I will request this Board to accept Lead City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 8 of 13 Agency Status on this project. Then we will digest all the information provided to us this evening. We can take this information and review with staff and move on with this in two weeks. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will leave the public hearing open. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated there are a few things I will reiterate from the workshop. Along the road furthest north there is a question regarding the sidewalk between the pavement of the road and the sidewalk, and the curbing detail. The use of the alleyway, it is a narrow public right of way to the rear of the buildings, this is not its application within the proposed site plan. Buildings do no consistently face one direction-question of true front and rear of buildings, defined private versus public space. Garage doors should be in the rear in the Transect Zones. Proposed buildings within the site have garages located on both sides. Question to Board of whether this is acceptable within intent and guidelines of the Transect district? Mr. Carr stated the sidewalk is on the south side of the street. This was done to build the sidewalk at the same level of the street to make it a more comfortable walking surface. Some pervious pavers were also included in this design. We are working with the site. Mr. Bonacio stated these streets are being designed to City standards but they are private streets. DPW does not plow these. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the amount of surface parking was discussed and where it is located on the site. Mr. Carr stated they did consider that and one of the main reasons is the grade of the property. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will vote on Lead Agency Status, take some time to digest all the information we were provided this evening, and possibly take another caravan to the site. Then the applicant can return to us in two weeks. Bob Bristol made a motion to accept Lead Agency Status. Dan Gaba seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 9 of 13 The Board recessed at 10:09 P.M. The Board reconvened at 10:17 P.M. 5. 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: Re-use of structure for office, medical office/clinic for Saratoga County Mental Health Facility was approved by the Planning Board on March 13, 2013. Amendment to permit to extend hours of operation to 9:00 P.M. for three weekdays was approved on April 10. 2013. Site plan review is required, as well as Architectural Review with the Design Review Commission. Applicant: Saratoga Prime Properties, LLC Agent: Michael Toohey, Attorney, Mike Ingersoll, LA Group Mr. Toohey stated this evening we are going through the site plan. The property is in an area of the City where the community would like to see revitalized. Mike Ingersoll will take you through the project. Mr. Ingersoll provided the Board with an overview of the project. This is very similar to what we spoke about in Special Use. This is a T-5 District. It is on 2.2 acres. Parking has been reduced from 135 spaces to 86 spaces thereby increasing green space by 10%. New sidewalks are proposed in the front. New curbs, and driveway access. New street lights and street trees. LED lighting will be to the City standard newly instituted. New parking lot lights are for security purposes. We have also greened up the front of the building. We removed parking from the front of the building. Screening on the frontage by the addition of a hedgerow. We have also enhanced the corner edge of the parking lot with trees and an island. Sewer and water will connect into existing connections. If we need to increase these connections we will go through the process with the City. Storm drainage is being developed with Al Flick. Interior renovations were shown to the Board. Signage will consist of the address of the building only. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated there was concern with McDonalds and this project took a very long time. This was the barometer of the future development of South Broadway. We did hold the applicant to a higher standard. This is the next barometer. Sidewalks, curbing, street trees, lights, landscaping corner detail, and the removal of the blacktop is a good start. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there were any other comments from the Board. None heard. PUBLIC HEARING: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, opened the public hearing at 10:35 P.M. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Judge Lawrence LaBelle speaking on behalf of Joe Balsamo. He filed a memorandum asking to consider very carefully what the applicant is proposing regarding the architectural design of the area. It is the barometer of future development. The restaurant the Paradiso is on the market and will have a new operator soon. Concern regarding a pharmacy on the property. Security measures on the premises in the evening and a buffer zone along the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 10 of 13 property edge. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated that there will be no pharmacy on this site and this has already been taken care of and made part of the Special Use Permit. The Board asked Kate Maynard to clarify the noted concern of Mr. LaBelle that noticing was not completed correctly. Kate Maynard stated that all notification as required by the City was verified to have been completed correctly. This verification was provided to Mr. LaBelle. Discussion ensued and explained by Mr. Toohey regarding this parcel actually being three parcels. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman closed the public hearing at 10:45 P.M. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman made a motion for Site Plan Approval for the 135 South Broadway Development. Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 6. 13.027 MIXED USE APARTMENTS AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, 2 West Avenue, public hearing for a special use permit for senior housing and commercial uses including eating and drinking, medical office retail and office within the Transect-5 District. 7. 13.028 MIXED USE APARTMENTS, 2 West Avenue, site plan review for senior housing apartments and commercials uses including eating and drinking, medical office, retail and office within the Transect-5 District. BACKGROUND: Plans have progressed significantly from first proposed concept. Due to the fact that this is a very large structure, efforts were encouraged to break down the scale of the building, provide functional access points from front of the building to interior. Plan currently illustrates row house individual units, central entrance point along West/Church frontage and commercial space along West Avenue frontage. Project was approved for mixed use development. Approvals have since expired. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated what we will do this evening is to open a public hearing for a special use permit for senior housing and commercial uses. We will initiate SEQRA Coordinated Review and we will be asking for Lead Agency Status from the Design Review Commission. SEQRA: Action appears to be Unlisted, with DRC as additional involved agency. Applicant: Omni Housing Development, LLC. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 11 of 13 Agent: Mike Ingersoll, Matt Brobston, LA Group; Randy Collins, Architect DISCLOSURE: Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman owned 1/3 of this property which was sold in 1997. Currently there is no financial interest in this project. Philip Klein stated he owned a portion of this property. It was sold in 2006 and currently does not have a financial interest in this project. Mr. Ingersoll provided the Board with an overview of the project. This is in a T-5 zone approximately 2.8 acres. This is a four story building, 90 senior apartments, 5,500 sq. ft. of commercial. There are 131 paved parking spaces. Buffering will be retained. Curb cut will be shared with the beverage center. Dual access. Cross lot easement connection. It will have a Church Street address. We will be increasing the buffer with a screened wall. Application sent to the Department of Transportation regarding a fountain to be set in this area. Main entrance will be off West Avenue. Parking will be provided underneath the building. This will serve the population 55 an older. Currently a bus stop exists and will remain. Utility connections are being verified. Storm water will be handled on site. Two curb cuts were proposed we are now requesting one curb cut. Mr. Collins reviewed architectural details. Included in this project is an outdoor porch, water wall, restaurant, below grade parking with elevators up to main level. Large front feature was requested by the DRC and we now have a large clock as the front feature. Retail space on the ground floor. Residential porch on the main level. The building will be comprised of brick, stone and clapboard with hardy board siding. The entrance is covered. There will be a terrace and deck. In the back there will be a European courtyard, with courtyard gardens, and the garage entrance. There will be a green wall, and a gated rolling gate. The garage will be heated. Along Church Street, stoops will be provided and bay windows. These apartments will be 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated there are many agenda notes to consider. We will review these and make another caravan to the site. We will initiate SEQRA coordinated review and request Lead Agency Status. Dan Gaba made a motion for coordinated review with the DRC and also to request Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board. Philip Klein seconded the motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Saratoga County Planning Board referral is required. VOTE: Dan Gaba, in favor; 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: 7-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 12 of 13 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was a motion to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2013 meeting, as submitted. 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; Dan Gaba abstained MOTION PASSES: 6-0-1 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 6/26/13 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – April 24, 2013 - Page 13 of 13