Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman; Robert Bristol, Vice Chairman; Clifford Van Wagner; Philip Klein; Howard Pinsley LATE ARRIVAL: Tom L. Lewis arrived at 7:47 P.M.; Dan Gaba arrived at 8:28 P.M. STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs. CALL TO ORDER: Mark Torpey, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Mark Torpey, 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 PENDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 14.010 SUBDIVISION OF LANDS OF HARRISON, 180 Meadowbrook Road, public hearing for a two-lot subdivision in the Rural Residential District. 14.008.1 CONGREGATION AND YESHIVA PARDES YOSEF DORMITORY, 1 Veteran's Way, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency and SEQRA project review in the Urban Residential-1 (UR-1) District. 14.053.1 GUARINO AND HANER, 21 Park Place, consideration of SEQRA lead agency for 3 additional residential units including construction of new two family residence, a two-unit addition to an existing three family residence. 14.042 DOWNTON WALK, JUMEL PLACE, site plan review for single family residences in an Urban Residential-1 (UR-1) District. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Joint Land Use Board Meeting, Planning Board & DRC, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. Planning Board Caravan, Monday, September 22, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, September 22, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Opportunity to allow citizens to address planning issues not on the scheduled agenda. None heard. A. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 14.035 TRIPLE CROWN SUBDIVISION, Richard Avenue, public hearing for a three-lot subdivision within the Urban Residential-2 (UR-2) District. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated when the applicant was last before the Board there were several issues which needed clarification. Many of these have been addressed. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner provided background information and reviewed the issues the Board wanted clarified from the last meeting. These items were in regards to the right of way and pavement width. Guidance was suggested from Public Safety before moving forward. DPW Administrative Staff requested public input before moving forward with any proactive recommendation. A letter was sent out to residents of Richard Avenue requesting their input and three specific alternatives were laid out for them to consider – continuing a 20 ft consistent width which what the applicant currently proposes, continuing with not signing the street for any restricted parking, looking for a one way travel scenario which would allow for traffic to enter on a one way basis. Or, look to expand to the city standard which is 28 ft. which would allow for two way travel and alternate side parking. We did hear from several residents. Correspondence the Board has from Sean Walmsley who is a resident in the neighborhood also included a petition from not only Richard Avenue residents but residents around the neighborhood. They were in favor of the 20 ft width, and to keep any further restriction in terms of parking. Public safety also responded to look at widening the portion along the three lots to a width of 20 ft. and not sign for restricted parking at this time. If necessary Public Safety would revisit this situation. ROW width needs to be considered. It is still substandard. Subdivision regulations require half of difference be conveyed to the City. In this case it would equal 7.5 ft. Also, the Board has considered easements or other agreements that allow for public use along frontage of lots if deemed necessary. Email received this date from the applicant looking to decrease the size of the lots and remove current vegetation and replace with new vegetation. Subdivision regulations state any residential subdivision shall preserve and protect the existing major trees located within the required setback areas. Applicant: Andrew Kazanjian Agent: Stephen Hart, Hart Engineering; Dan Wheeler, Surveyor SEQRA: Action appears to be unlisted. Mr. Hart explained some changes regarding utilities which were requested by the Board both the sanitary sewer and the fire hydrants and water supply. The City Engineer requested we move those lines out past the last lot. We relocated the fire hydrant and the water lines 75 ft to extend past the property line. We are in discussion with Tim Wales, City Engineer, regarding extending the water line into the Doten Avenue connection. The applicant is in agreement with the City Engineer. The city is providing the materials and the applicant will make the connection and installation. This will loop the water line. Stormwater management was another issue. We are installing a 12" pipe over a 3 ft. stone trench. Dry wells will be installed as well. Discussion ensued regarding the right of way width. Possible signage to indicate two way traffic on Richard. Recommendation to public safety. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the public hearing remains open. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 2 of 8 Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:25 P.M. SEQRA: The Board reviewed the EAF Part I which was submitted by the Board. Corrections were noted by the applicant. Short EAF Part II was reviewed by the Board. No large or important 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. Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board regarding the subdivision project. Philip Klein made a motion for the Triple Crown Subdivision, Richard Avenue, with the following conditions: Extend the water infrastructure to create a loop situation; Widen the pavement to a 20 ft consistent width; Keeping the substandard 40 right of way; Mature trees to be retained to the extent possible, those scheduled for removal to be verified by City Staff Planning as well as the City Arborist. Driveways provided in accordance with illustrated plans. Replacement screening to be approved by the City Arborist and City Planning Staff. Discussion ensued regarding the substandard right of way, and the tree belt width. Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 3 of 8  MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 14.048 HOMEWOOD SUITES, 3368 South Broadway, site plan review for a hotel in a Tourist Related Business (TRB) District. SEQRA: SEQRA Negative Declaration for entire action issued by the Planning Board. BACKGROUND: Site of former Weathervane Restaurant. The City Council approved a map amendment from the former Office Medical Business-1 to Tourist Related Business District. Site is also with the Gateway Overlay Design District.-1A which provides additional requirements and guidance related to its prominent gateway location from south into town. Just south of the site is the illegally subdivided parcel, the southernmost portion was subject of SEQRA Lead Agency for requested wetland crossing/access into the site. Board member Tom L. Lewis arrived at 7:47 P.M. Applicant: Turf Saratoga South, LLC Mike Hoffman; Brian Straughter Agent: Mike Ingersoll, Matt Brobston, LA Group Mr. Ingersoll provided the Board with a visual presentation of the project. He stated this project was begun over a year ago. This is approximately a 5 acre site. We are looking to construct a 4 story hotel with 112 guest rooms for long term stays. There are kitchenettes provided in the rooms as well as a dining room in the hotel, a workout room, and a saltwater pool. We exceed the green space requirements and we do have city water. We will be providing a 2200 ft. sewer connection with excess capacity. Stormwater management will be handled on site. Zoning change was made by the City Council. A Negative SEQRA Declaration was received. DRC has approved the project. Review of all elevations, infrastructure, drainage, landscaping, trees, sidewalks, and parking. The building is setback approximately 162 ft from the road. We are providing 145 parking spaces, 122 are required. No waiver of parking is required since we are below the 20%. Additional screening is proposed. There will be only one boulevard entry divided with a median. The applicant has been in contact with the DOT. Brian Straughter, Vice President Turf Hotels, stated he did speak with CDTA regarding the summer shuttle. They are very open to extending this service. The hotel is energy efficient with the design and construction. Low flow plumbing, energy star appliances, and LED lighting. The hotel works on an energy management system. We have car charging stations, tinted windows, salt water pools, high efficiency wall mounted units for hot water heating. Recycling programs are also in effect. Mike Hoffman spoke regarding service contracts and monitoring energy bills. Dave Wyler spoke regarding NYSERDA certification. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tom L. Lewis made a motion in the matter of the Homewood Suites, 3368 Broadway for Site Plan Approval. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 4 of 8 Howard Pinsley seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Board member Dan Gaba arrived at 8:29 P.M. 3. 14.046 GREENFIELD MANUFACTURING, Duplainville Road, public hearing for a 2-lot subdivision in the Industrial-General (IND-G) District. 4. 14.047 GREENFIELD MANUFACTURING, Duplainville Road, site plan review for light and heavy manufacturing in the Industrial General (IND-G) District. Mark Torpey stated this is an existing business which is looking to relocate to a parcel on site. A five acre parcel, in a 30,000 sq. ft. new building. Also they have the potential to add another 10,000 ft of office space if warranted. We will combine both applications under one SEQRA. Applicant: Mike Munter, Munter Enterprises; Dan O'Rourke, General Manager, Greenfield Manufacturing Mr. Munter stated Greenfield Manufacturing has been a tenant in the Industrial Park for 12 years. They are doing well and need to grow and expand their business. A visual presentation was provided for the Boards review. They are looking to establish on a 4.99 lot off of Duplainville Road extension. Dan O'Rourke, General Manager provided a brief overview of the business of Greenfield Manufacturing. We specialize in the development of high quality fuel additives, industrial water treatment chemistries and rubber additives, and special coatings. There is no outdoor chemical storage. All chemical storage is inside under secondary containment. Currently they employ over 100 people and this will increase over the next few years. We operate 5 days per week a single shift. No increase in traffic volume. We are subject to OSHA and EPA inspections and are subject to following their guidelines and regulations. Mr. Munter stated no additional infrastructure is planned at this time both water and natural gas are accessible from the this location. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 8:41 P.M. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Board. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 5 of 8 None heard. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated traffic is an issue which has been before the Board in this area on many occasions. Creighton Manning correspondence dated September 2, 2014 provides the Board with information in this regard. This indicates that this is still remaining below the Capital District Transportation Committee Level D, which would be a threshold of 1,250 vehicles for local roadways. Updated plans with current submissions provided by the applicant our staff will evaluate to see that these meet City standards. Saratoga County Sewer District stated if there are no flows that are entering their County distribution then they will not be involved. The applicant has indicated that they will continue their present operation. The easement, for the rail across the frontage of the property, will also continue and will be held by SEDC which would allow for future expansion. Saratoga County Planning Board correspondence stating no countywide or intra community impact. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman closed the public hearing at 8:57 P.M. SEQRA: Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the Board reviewed Part I which was submitted by the applicant and appears to be accurate. The Board reviewed Part II of SEQRA. No large or important 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. Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Mark Torpey, Chairman stated we will now act on the subdivision application. Philip Klein made a motion to approve the Greenfield Manufacturing, Duplainville Road subdivision application as submitted. Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 6 of 8 VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Mark Torpey, Chairman stated we will now act on the Site Plan. Clifford Van Wagner made a motion to approve the Greenfield Manufacturing, Duplainville Road Site Plan application as submitted. Bob Bristol seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 5. 14.041 137 MAPLE AVENUE ADDITION, 137 Maple Avenue, site plan review for office addition in the Transect-5 District. SEQRA: Action appears to be a Type II action, no further environmental review required. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this is a second story addition of approximately 1800 sq. ft. to an existing one story office building. DISCLOSURE: Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman stated long ago Victor Ciquino and I were partners. We are no longer partners. I have no financial interest or conflict with this application. This is merely a disclosure. Applicant: Rytodebar Realty; Susan Bartkowski; Jim Towne partners; Randy Barton, Owner Agent: Vic Ciquino, Architect Mr. Ciquino provided an overview of the project. We are proposing an addition to an existing building which was built in 1984. Mr. Ciquino provided a visual presentation to the Commission of the proposed project as well as providing schematic drawings. Mr. Ciquino stated different configurations for the addition were explored, but proved impractical. This addition will provide no undesirable change to the neighborhood character in the T-5 District. The property owner recently obtained a portion of the City ROW along Maple Avenue providing an opportunity to expand the building and parking area. Five additional parking spaces will be provided under the new addition. The Zoning Board has approved a variance for this project and we are now zoning compliant. This is a fairly tight sight. New fencing is proposed along the Route 50 corridor. Landscaping elements were added to shield the parking. Plans were provided to the Board. We are also proposing some street trees. The City did ask for more information on the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 7 of 8 stormwater and the catch basin system which is being designed by ABD Engineering and that information will be forthcoming. Site distance analysis was performed by ABD, copies were provided to the Board, which states we have a clear site to the east 650 ft and a clear site to the west 800 ft. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the City Engineer has stated that a new Water Service Agreement would be required for the increase in service. Susan Bartkowski, applicant stated conversations with DPW indicated a new agreement would not be necessary since we are not adding a new service. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the applicant is proposing new fencing. Perhaps the applicant might check with DOT regarding the type of fencing used at the Fresh Market site so there is some consistency along the corridor. Mark Torpey asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. Howard Pinsley made a motion to approve the 137 Maple Avenue Addition, 137 Maple Avenue Site Plan application as submitted. Bob Bristol seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tom Lewis made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 25, 2014 Planning Board Meeting Minutes as submitted. Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Mark Torpey, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 9/23/14 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – September 17, 2014 - Page 8 of 8