Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman; Robert Bristol, Vice Chairman; Clifford Van Wagner; Dan Gaba; Howard Pinsley; Tom L. Lewis; Janet Casey STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs. Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER: Mark Torpey, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. 14.059 77 EXCELSIOR MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, 77 Excelsior Avenue, Special use permit for commercial and residential uses in a Transect-5 (T-5) District. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Mark Torpey, Chairman welcomed new Board Member Janet Casey, and thanked former Board Member Phil Klein for all his years of service to the Planning Board. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday, February 9, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, February 9, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: None heard. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 14.062 STEWART'S SHOPS #104, 30 Church Street, site plan modification in a Transect-6 (T-6) District. Applicant: Stewart's Shops Agent: Chuck Marshall BACKGROUND: The existing Stewart's site located at 30 Church Street, proposed modification is 475 square foot single story addition, change in signage and roof treatment of gas pumping structure overhead and, replacement of sidewalks. The ZBA has granted required variances, DRC Architectural Review is required. The applicant has not yet appeared before the DRC. SEQRA: Action appears to be a Type II action, no further environmental review is required. DISCLOSURE: Board Member Tom L. Lewis disclosed that he was employed by Stewart's for over twenty years. He is no longer employed there. He has no financial interest in this application, and notes he can be impartial. No need for recusal, simply disclosure. Mr. Marshall stated LED lighting will replace what currently exists. The ZBA has granted relief. The Railroad Place curbcut is approximately 53 feet wide, the applicant will be reducing this curb cut by 10 feet, which will still provide enough area for their large truck needs. Sidewalks are proposed to be replaced on all three frontages of the site. They will be handicap accessible sidewalks with necessary ramping. They will be adding a bike rack, a bench and landscaping. Plans were provided to the Board. NOTIFICATIONS/APPROVALS/CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL Saratoga County Planning Board referral stated no significant countywide or inter community impact. Howard Pinsley made a motion in the matter of the application of Stewarts Shops #104, 30 Church Street to approve the site plan modification as presented, with sidewalks installed to City standards and the bench to be approved by staff. Clifford Van Wagner, 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; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 2. 11.010.5 SIRO'S RESTAURANT, 168 Lincoln Avenue, public hearing and renewable special use permit for outdoor entertainment in an Institutional-Horse Track Related (INST-HTR) District. Mark Torpey, Chairman provided some background information on this application. The Planning Board issued a renewable Special Use Permit on March 27, 2013 with an expiration of March 30, 2015. Since then, the generator is noted to no longer be in use. The applicants are proposing an increase in the parking waiver from existing 187 on site spaces to 217 spaces. Proposal to provide 71 off site parking spaces versus currently required 121. The applicant is request an increase in the length of the Special Use Permit from two years to five years. Applicant: Racing Restaurants of America, LLC Agent: Bob Sweeney, Whiteman, Osterman and Hanna Mr. Sweeney spoke regarding the reduction in the off site parking spaces. The applicant is requesting this reduction since there are approximately 50 spaces which are not being utilized. Also the applicant is requesting an increase in the Special Use Permit from two years to five years. Siro's has been in excellent compliance over the past two years. Monitoring would be continued with a report to the City at the end of the season as previously provided. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner noted if the noise monitoring requirements remain the same, she recommended the Board consider specific thresholds. Ms. Maynard stated for the Board there is a current contract with Novus for noise monitoring. This is provided by the applicant at $5,000 per year in escrow to the City to oversee the compliance with the 70dBA 3 hour Leq. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the length of the Special Use Permit. Howard Pinsley stated he feels five years is too long. Clifford Van Wagner, agreed with Howard Pinsley and made a suggestion for a 3 years Special Use Permit with monitoring in effect. Dan Gaba reiterated how hard the Board worked with the applicant and the neighbors. When this was first discussed we had a roomful of neighbors, tonight we don't have any neighbors. I would recommend a two year permit perhaps three years. I have no objections with the parking waiver. Tom L. Lewis stated there is no one in the audience to voice concern over this. That is a great sign. I do not have a problem extending the Special Use Permit. As for the parking if the owner feels the additional parking spaces are not necessary, then I do not have a problem reducing them. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the parking space reduction request. The Board requested some documentation regarding the parking plan, numbers and counts. A parking study would be helpful to determine the amount of parking needed. Also the Board discussed the conditions to be placed on the Special Use Permit. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated that the Board may wish to consider thresholds for the sound attenuation. Such as if the applicant has exceeded the current conditions on more than 6 occasions within a track year, the Planning Board will be notified and decide whether the applicant must appear before the Planning Board for additional consideration or modification of the special use permit. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 7:33 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 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 7:34 P.M. Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of Siro's Restaurant, 168 Lincoln Avenue for a 3 Year Special Use Permit to be approved with the following conditions: - Upon notification that the 70dBA 3 hour Leq threshold has been exceeded on more than 6 occasions within a track year, the Planning Board will be notified and decide whether the applicant must appear before the Planning Board for additional consideration or modification of the Special Use Permit. - No change in the parking requirements. - The applicant provide $5,000 in escrow to the City of Saratoga Springs for sound monitoring. Dan Gaba 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; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 3. 14.069 130 EXCELSIOR MIXED USE, 130 Excelsior Avenue, special use permit for mixed use development in the Transect-5 (T-5 District). SEQRA: Action appears to be an Unlisted action, with Involved agencies of the DRC and the Planning Board. The DRC deferred SEQRA Lead Agency status to the Planning Board on January 21, 2015 with request for additional time for their discussion and comments to be provided to the Planning Board potentially related to SEQRA and site proposal overall. The ZBA also deferred SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board. BACKGROUND: The site is located in the T-5 District. It is the last parcel of T-5, transitions to Urban Residential-1 to the east. Mix of uses and scale of use proximate that include existing commercial businesses, new mixed use Fresh Market site project and residential-homes east of the site. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner noted correspondence received by the Board. - Correspondence received from the DRC – deferring Lead Agency, asking additional time for discussion and comments to be provided. - Correspondence from Wally Allerdice, property owner in support of the project. - Letter from Mike Stella – property owner of 141 Excelsior Avenue. - Updated conceptual views and elevations of the site. Applicant: 130 Excelsior Avenue, LLC (Bonacio) Tony Bonacio City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 Agent: Matt Brobston, LA Group; Brett Balzer, Balzer & Tuck Architecture; Alana Moran, Creighton Manning Eng. Mr. Brobston stated a traffic report was submitted to staff. Alana Moran is here tonight to address some concerns noted. Correspondence from the DEC was submitted to the Board and staff concerning the potential wetland permits which would be required. We are awaiting correspondence from the Saratoga County Planning Board. We did appear before the DRC last week and they did defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board. Correspondence was submitted from the Saratoga County Sewer District regarding connection. Discussion with neighbors on Excelsior Avenue. The building has been modified since the last meeting. Ms. Moran, Creighton Manning Engineering summarized the traffic analysis. This includes 65 apartments and the 2,750 square feet of commercial space. We did a trip generation study 40 trips in the AM peak hour and 50 trips in the PM peak hour. All new development and sites were included in this analysis. The results show that this intersection operates at a Level of Service B. The site itself is treed at this time. In order to maintain good site lines it should be cleared 15 feet back from the site line intersection. A sensitivity analysis was completed as well. Level of service is not impacted. No additional site mitigation is necessary. A signal is not warranted at this time. There are nine criteria which must be met prior to a light installation. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner spoke regarding Mark Benaquista's comments. One item was the cueing analysis related to the timing of the light. The other item he was looking for was is there a left turn warranted from Excelsior to Marion. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned if the complete streets committee would have any input on this project. Mr. Balzer, reviewed conceptual elevations, and floor plans with a visual presentation to the Board, taking in some comments which were made by the DRC. Mr. Balzer reviewed the elevation changes on the 4th floor units along Excelsior Avenue. We have pushed back the 4th floor 6 feet. We have also removed the units on the 4th floor adjacent to the residential neighborhood. Mr. Balzer provided a street view concept of the plan. Building frontages were introduced as well with a more residential type figuration and showing a row house type of rhythm. Residential entrances will encompass residential breezeways. Streetscape comparison studies were provided. Parking spaces were configured using 2 cars per unit. Clifford Van Wagner made a motion in the matter of the application of 130 Excelsior Mixed Use, 130 Excelsior Avenue to accept Lead Agency Status for SEQRA. Tom L. Lewis, 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; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 8:29 P.M. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 Steve Shaw, Zoning Building Inspector. Concern was voiced regarding the vast side of the building being inaccessible. This property line is 8 feet from the building. I have many worries regarding fire safety, and access around the building. SEQRA: The Board reviewed Part I of SEQRA provided by the applicant. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. The Board reviewed SEQRA Part II. Items #3 and #8 were left open for reconsideration. The DRC requested additional time to comment on SEQRA issues and we will revisit this portion of SEQRA in two weeks. Mark Torpey, Chairman requested some input from the Complete Streets Committee. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding if input from the Complete Streets Committee is necessary. It was the consensus of the Board consulting the Complete Streets Committee is not necessary at this time. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the Board will see the applicant in two weeks. The Board recessed at 8:46 P.M. The Board reconvened at 8:51 P.M. 4. 14.056 DRUTHER'S BREWING ADDITION, 381 Broadway, site plan modification in a Transect-6 (T-6) District. SEQRA: Action appears to be a Type II action with no further environmental review required. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner provided background information on the project. Planning Board approved original Druther's Brew Pub on November 9, 2011. A site plan modification was issued approval on April 10, 2013 but did not move forward to construction. The current application proposes a 1062 square foot single story addition. Access was discussed at the workshop regarding egress, garbage pickup and through the rear of the site. Fire Department voiced concerns regarding occupancy thresholds. Applicant: Chris Martell Mr. Martell stated they are not looking to change occupancy. With the new addition of the bar and the kitchen area, and in recalculating occupancy it will be a wash. They are intending to widen the gate entrance by 6 inches on each side. The project will remain the same. We have a very small bar and this will provide more dining year round. We removed the fireplace, and bumped out the kitchen space. The new door will mimic that of the front entrance. Discussion ensued regarding egress from the site. The applicant stated they are open to anything for additional egress. They have spoken to adjacent landowners City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 offered financial incentives, without success. At this time there is no opportunity to purchase additional property. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Steve Shaw, Building Inspector voiced concern regarding emergency access. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Howard Pinsley made a motion in the matter of the application of the Druther's Brewing Addition, 381 Broadway, that the site plan modification be approved. Clifford Van Wagner 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; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 5. 14.076 19/23 WASHINGTON STREET DEVELOPMENT, 19 AND 23 Washington Street, (Adelphi Hotel Redevelopment), sketch plan review and consideration of SEQRA lead agency and SEQRA review for Hotel and Group Entertainment Facilities. SEQRA: Action appears to be a Type I action due to its location within a National Historic District. ZBA (Variances), DRC Architectural review and planning board site plan review are involved agencies. DRC pro-actively deferred lead agency status, ZBA considering SEQRA status at their meeting January 26 (day of the Planning Board workshop). Kate Maynard, Principal Planner provided some background information. This is a nonbinding sketch plan review. The Board will also consider accepting SEQRA Lead Agency. Deferral has been made by the DRC and ZBA. The project site consists of 2 separate parcels that are directly proximate to Universal Preservation Hall to north, the Rip Van Dam expansion site to the south, and Druther's to the east, Bethesda Church across the street on the south side of Washington Street. Site is within the Broadway National Registry District. Washington Street site is transitional between approved 6 story Rip Van Dam hotel expansion, and a 2 story stone mansion. Proposed project consists of a 6 story 14,000 square feet hotel, 4,500 square feet banquet facility, refurbishment of existing stone mansion for use as a hotel facility or rental. This is to provide guidance to the applicant. Applicant: Adelphi Hotel Partners, LLC Agent: Tony Stellato, CHA: Jeff Ward, RBC Construction; Dominick Ranieri, Architect Mr. Stellato provided a brief overview of the project. This project site encompasses all of the 19 and 23 sites and a small portion of the 365 site. This is under ½ an acre project site. The applicant is looking to expand the courtyard and the green space of the hotel. We are proposing to preserve the stone mansion as part of the hotel amenities. We are looking to remove the wooden porch and garage from this site. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 Mr. Ranieri provided the Board with an overview of the project. A visual presentation was also provided. The applicant is looking to create a ballroom facility and expand hotel functions. A roof top garden is proposed on the stone mansion. A review of height elevations as provided as well. Mr. Ranieri explained the ideas and design which the applicant has for this area as well as the proposed new banquet facility showing height and mass of the proposed building. We will refurbish the gate and the landscaping. Egress and ingress was reviewed off of each property. Board member Clifford Van Wagner voiced concerned regarding traffic and the fact that this is the east west corridor for truck traffic. During the winter with the snow, this becomes a street with one lane traffic. He also questioned parking and entry to the hotel. I think this is a great project bad location. Mr. Stellato reviewed the parking demands. Our calculations show the demand for 71 parking spaces for the project. Our plan is to provide valet service for the banquet facility. A valet parking plans was provided for the Boards review. We are looking at some green roof features on the banquet facilities, opportunities for porous pavement in the courtyard area, possibly rain gardens. Utilities are in the street. The transformer has been approved by National Grid. We will sharpen up the project, revise figures, trip generations and return with our full application. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the applicant may return for another sketch discussion. 7. 14.075 WJ MORRIS STORAGE FACILITY, public hearing and special use permit for warehouse and self storage uses in a Transect-5 (T-5) District. SEQRA: Action appears to be a Type II action with no further environmental review required. BACKGROUND: Existing site conditions include 10.2 acre parcel with existing building and outdoor storage use. Applicant: Bill Morris, John Tarrant, property owner Agent: Dave Carr We are here this evening to seek a permanent special use permit for 225 Excelsior Avenue, which is the Tarrant Manufacturing site. This is a historic business in Saratoga. It was incorporated in 1910 and they manufacture highway equipment. They moved to this site in 1960. The parcel is bounded by Route 50, Veterans Way and Excelsior Avenue Extension. There is an existing 45,000 square foot building on the site. What Mr. Morris is looking to do is utilize the existing site as a warehouse and storage facility. Basically to store vehicles, perhaps boats inside the building. Mr. Morris looks at this as a bridge to something in the near future. There is a lot of activity on Excelsior Avenue. Mr. Morris has a successful storage facility on Old Gick Road in Wilton, so this would act as an extension of that. No improvements are being made to the site. The existing fence along Route 50 will be replaced with a 6 foot stockade fence. Old vegetation will be removed and the site will be cleaned up. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014 Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated this application is unique. There are no physical changes to the site. No other uses are permitted. Everything requires a Special Use Permit in the T-6 District. Site plan is not being triggered in this application. Mr. Carr stated there will be no outdoor storage. All vehicles will be stored inside. There are approximately 50 parking spaces on the site. The hours of operation will be Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM. Saturday hours in the Spring and Fall only from 8AM – 5PM. Public access will be available during the business hours or by appointment. This site is a gated site. Existing lighting consists of 2 highway gooseneck lights which are interior to the site and down facing floodlights at four points on the building. We will not be adding additional lighting. There will be 1 employee. We are looking to clean up the site and keep it safe for the future. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 10:18 P.M. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Mark Torpey, Chairman closed the public hearing at 10:19 P.M. Tom L. Lewis made a motion in the matter of the application of the WJ Morris Storage Facility Permanent Special Use Permit be approved as submitted. Clifford Van Wagner 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; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the February 11, 2015 Planning Board Meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Mark Torpey, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:19 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 2/11/15 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 28, 2014