Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES (FINAL) THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM CALL TO ORDER: Mark Torpey, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: PRESENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman; Janet Casey; Jamin Totino; Amy Durland; Todd Fabozzi; Ruth Horton, Alternate ABSENT: Clifford Van Wagner STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs Justin Grassi, Counsel for the Land Use Boards ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: 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: 1. 15.049 LANDS OF STONE, 68 Weibel Avenue, sketch plan review of office, retail, and multi-family residential in the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood (T-4) District. 2. 16.040 WEST AVENUE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT, 106-120 West Avenue, Special Use permit for mixed-use development within the T-5 Neighborhood Center (T-5) District. 3. 16.025 MENDENHALL SUBDIVISION, 101 Old Schuylerville Road, 4-lot preliminary conservation subdivision within the Rural Residential (RR) District. 4. 14.010 HARRISON, 135 Meadowbrook Road, final two lot conservation subdivision review in the Rural Residential (RR) District. 5. 17.017 SHELTERS OF SARATOGA (CODE BLUE), 14 Walworth Street, Special Use Permit for use as a neighborhood rooming house within the Urban Residential-4 (UR-4) District. 6. 17.031 SHELTERS OF SARATOGA (CODE BLUE), 14 Walworth Street, Site Plan for neighborhood rooming House within the Urban Residential (TRB) District. 7. 17.018 SAMES MIXED USE BUILDING, 20 Bowman Street, Site Plan review for mixed use building within The Tourist Related Business (TRB) District. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday, May 22, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, May 22, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: None heard. A. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 17.027.1 STATION LANE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, Station Lane, SEQRA Coordinated Review ZBA within the T-5 District. BACKGROUND: Joint Land Use Board Meeting held on January 26, 2017 primarily to discuss Top Capital and Vecino Group future submission. Two future applications have been discussed with applicants on north side of Station Lane, not yet submitted formally. The area is bounded by Church Street, West Avenue on the east, RR corridor to the west and Washington Street is identified by City for establishment of a large new neighborhood within the City. The area has a Community Mixed Use Comprehensive Plan Designation which includes areas of moderate density, residential and community supported commercial uses. There areas are characterized by mixed use neighborhoods that are walk able and connected to adjacent residential neighborhoods. Each are includes a variety of neighborhood scale businesses and services that meets the needs of the surrounding community. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated at the last Planning Board meeting the Planning Board assumed SEQRA Lead Agency Status. It was deferred from the DRC and ZBA to the Planning Board. Tonight we will have a short presentation. We will review Part I of the SEQRA form which has been provided by the applicant, as well as walk through Part II SEQRA form highlighting the key SEQRA issues and providing some guidance to the applicant on further information the Board would be requiring. We have received some information on the delineation of the wetlands. DISCLOSURE: Bob Bristol disclosed his long association with Saratoga Associates. It was a long time ago. There is no conflict or financial interest, no need for recusal simply disclosure. Agent: Don Minnery, Emily Gardner Saratoga Associates Applicant: Top Capital, Lou Giardino, Tim Foley and Devin Delpos Mr. Minnery provided a visual presentation of the project site for the Boards review. Mr. Minnery stated the applicant has a traffic engineer and traffic studies to present this evening along with engineering studies. An archeologist is under contract as well as geotechnical studies. The applicant is meeting with CDTA and discussion to be scheduled concerning the Green Belt Trail. There was concern about the entrance off of Route 29. Todd Fabozzi stated he has some questions concerning the assumptions which are noted. One of the assumptions is the configurations and size of the buildings are set. We haven’t done site plan review yet so I am not sure that is the case in terms of the configurations. Comment #1 states the review was completed with the understanding that certain elements of the plan are fixed, particularly building size, type and configuration. If this were a blank canvas there would be a recommendation for breakdown of the building masses and better block configuration. This is in fact a blank canvas and I am interested in exploring that concept. At the last meeting Jamin brought this up and I agree if you look at the configuration it looks like a series of blocks. In fact, the street is more like a parking area. I suggested perhaps a row of townhouses along the whole area to frame out the road. This allows further development of the site and it makes this a street. This is simply a recommendation for your consideration. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 2 of 14 Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the comments provided by Todd concerning the blank canvas are pretty important to share with the applicant. We will gather input or feedback from the public and then the Board can provide information to the applicant. We will now review the Part I which the applicant has provided. We are looking at all four parcels at once the best we can to reflect SEQRA in the broadest sense. Also traffic and storm water management as well. Justin Grassi, Attorney for the Land Use Boards stated this is under the purview of the Planning Board as Lead Agent. One of the things we want to identify is what our action is. EAF action can be anything from this project alone, traffic impacts from all four parcels. Identify exactly what our action is for these purposes. The Board reviewed Part 1 of the EAF. Mark Torpey, Chairman and the Board noted several areas for the applicant to clarify and return with more specific information to the Board. Some areas of concern noted were additional information on wetland delineation and DEC documentation and comments for this project and the entire project as a whole, electrical and geo-thermal needs, stormwater management as well as flora and fauna. Part II of the SEQRA Long EAF was provided for the Boards review. Amy Durland stated she has some requests for information from the applicant which would be relevant to reviewing Part II. Until this information is provided she would not be ready to begin to address and discuss Part II. Justin Grassi, Attorney for the Land Use Boards stated the Planning Board can operate in one of three ways. We can either wait until all information and studies have been submitted before reviewing Part II. Another option would be to begin to review Part II sections on the areas where we believe we have enough information on. The Board can begin to chip away at those. Kate mentioned at the last meeting that is a good way to break it down and remove them from the list. The third option which is not recommended is to answer all the questions before all the information is received. It is up to the Board which way they are inclined to proceed. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated there maybe triggers as we proceed through Part II as to what further information is needed or requested by the Board or to provide further guidance to the applicant as to what the Board is requiring in your capacity as Lead Agent. Amy Durland stated this applicant does appear to have the fewest wetlands of all the parcels. A lot of my questions do relate to the wetlands and are relevant to this parcel and do require information on the other three parcels. My feeling is until we assess the natural resources on the site and how they might affect the ability to develop in certain areas. It probably relates more to the other parcels. Mark Torpey, Chairman suggested going through the Part II it does not mean to go through and check items off, like a template and perhaps we can look through the major portions to get some ideas such as the ecosystem which relates somewhat to Amy’s issues. Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman stated he has some similar feelings to what Amy has said. We do not want to get into any segmentation issues while we are doing our review. We are getting close to it. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated perhaps we can review a few of the items such as impacts on the land. There is a question on depth to water table and we will need to address and focus on that. Amy Durland stated she believes the impacts on land issue does relate to the suggestions I had earlier with requests for more information. These are all items that I am hoping can be provided by the applicant. A downstream analysis of the wetlands. An assessment of flooding potential. This area because there is a significant amount of wetlands on the adjacent properties that could be potential or risk for flooding. I am requesting a downstream analysis including drainage patterns of adjacent off site areas. Wetlands provide a huge benefit in terms of mitigating flooding. The compromise of City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 3 of 14 wetlands and building around wetlands could have an impact on that. A downstream analysis that compares the situation wetlands in place undisturbed to the system that is to be put in place. The second item is actual soil tests as soon as possible to reflect the seasonal ground water. The third item is the effect of the removal of 14 acres of tree canopy. There was a suggestion the we received that this will raise the surface and ground water levels of wetlands and adjacent areas. What I am looking for is verification that flooding will not occur onsite or adjacent parcels. If it does whose responsibility is it. There have been circumstances in the past that neighbors have complained of flooding in their basements relating to nearby development. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated if we go down the list surface water concerns as well as impact on flooding have been articulated by Amy. Impact on ground water. Impact on plants and fauna recommendations for studies to be completed. Impact on air. Nothing proposed really triggers anything on that. Impact on agricultural resources. This is not really an area that has been used for that purpose nor will it be used for that now. Impact on aesthetic resources. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this was brought up by Jamin concerning the side of this project faces the train station. If you are entering Saratoga this is not the first focal point you want to see. It is not inviting to look at a parking lot. Archeological studies are being performed now. Impact on transportation, this is a key area. Discussion with CDTA, the Complete Streets Committee, and discussion of the Green Belt Trail is a key area. Impact on energy is an important one relative to the size of the load required for this project. Outdoor lighting concerns and the impact on the community and the neighborhood. Consistency with community plans and community character. Janet Casey stated she has an additional concern regarding the centrality of the train station. In all our conversations we spoke about vehicular access and pedestrian access. There aren’t a lot of trains that go through that station. Would a project of this sort attract more train access through this area. If it does it changes everything. Or, you are assuming this will attract more train traffic. Perhaps reaching out to AMTRAK and speak to them concerning their schedules and ridership. Discussion ensued concerning the positioning of the project and community. Todd Fabozzi questioned the possibility of cross streets with connectivity to the west. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, stated she has provided information to the Board concerning what could take place in the area, concerning the transportation network, utilities and open space as well as civic space. Spoke with all four applicants concerning the possibility of a passive park in this area. Lou Giardino, Top Capital stated he has just spoken to the traffic engineer and he has gathered all the data. I would like to suggest that perhaps our engineer can attend the next meeting to navigate the major points. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Chris LaPan, St. Charles Place. Mr. LaPan did send correspondence to staff and met with Kate Maynard and Tim Wales. We do have serious ground water issues on our street and shallow basements that is our concern. 2. 17.019 RACING CITY BREWING, 250 Excelsior Avenue, Special Use permit for beer and wine production And tasting room within the Transect-5 (T-5) District. SEQRA: Action appears to be a Type II action, no further action is required. BACKGROUND: Site formerly housed Fed Ex and has been vacant for some time. Site is within Excelsior Avenue corridor slated for considerable bike, pedestrian, and corridor level improvements in the next couple of years. Increasing number of City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 4 of 14 residences, commercial destinations within the corridor. Proposed use would occupy existing space largely as-is without exterior site or building changes. The applicant is proposing smaller scaled alcohol production with public tasting room, tours and ancillary uses have been growing in popularity across the county and locally. Applicant: Debreen Oliva & Anthony Oliva Agent: Alexander Finale, Finale and Company Architects Mrs. Oliva provided a visual presentation of the proposed site. This building has been vacant for 8 years. We are looking to revitalize the vacant warehouse and connect with the development in the corridor. We are proposing no exterior changes. We are proposing smaller scaled alcohol production with public tasting room, tours and ancillary uses such as holiday parties, bridal showers, and other events. Our hours of operations are 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, 7 days a week during the summer, scaling back hours and days in the winter. Initially we will provide food and we will be working with local caterers and food trucks to begin with. Also our customers would be welcome to order food and have it delivered. Once our commercial kitchen is completed we will begin small developing into a full brew pub menu. Mr. Finale, architect spoke in favor of the application. Very low impact to the infrastructure. Architecturally no additional parking impact as it currently laid out. There is potential. Todd Fabozzi stated given the future plans, music and events spoke regarding parking for the crowd. In general how will you accommodate the higher capacity of vehicles in the future. Mr. Oliva stated the music will be a guitarist. Approximately 40 people on a Friday night. Occupancy is 60 inside with 30 outside with the potential of 35 parking spaces. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 8:22 P.M. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated we will leave the public hearing open.. Mark Torpey, Chairman echoed Todd’s thoughts concerning the parking spaces. We need to have more information such as the hours of operation with events, how many events, types of events. Jamin Totino stated Special Use goes with the property. It is not just your intentions we have to think about the future and be diligent if this space is sold at some point. Janet Casey stated it would be helpful to know what type of constraints you would be willing to put on the Special Use Permit. I am in favor of reusing this building for a wonderful purpose here. It is rather closely located to what is becoming a more residential neighborhood. What is the potential for noise, for neighbors being upset. Those are the types of things I am concerned about to head off any potential problems. Ruth Horton, Alternate questioned if there is any outdoor seating planned. Mr. Finale stated outdoor seating is planned to fit in with the whole Saratoga Springs downtown experience. Jamin Totino stated this is a great project and a great use. I am curious about how the Board would feel about waiving site plan. There are a lot of questions to be answered especially concerning the outdoor use. I am not inclined City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 5 of 14 to waive site plan Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this is contemplating a lot of appropriate uses. There is a lot going on here. Mr. Finale stated the impact is less than the previous use. Janet Casey stated she agrees with Jamin and yes there is less impact than the Fed Ex facility. What has changed here is the context of that area. So, we now have a fairly large residential district at the end of Excelsior that is planned to expand further. Some of the uses here particularly the music is something that could set off neighborhood concern. Mrs. Oliva provided information concerning the area they are located in with no residential area nearby which is shown in the documentation of notification of nearby neighbors for the public hearing. Justin Grassi, Attorney for the Land Use Boards stated the Board could put reasonable limitations on Special Use Permits. As we have discussed the Board does have the ability to grant different Special Use Permits. One for regular use that isn’t renewable but if issues contain special events a Special Use Permit versus Permanent Special Use Permit could be issued. Amy Durland noted that we have in the past had very detailed Special Use Permits. There is overlap between Site Plan Review and Special Use Permit. I think we might be able to manage this under the Special Use Permit. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated he needs more information, this is a great project. He still has some issues regarding what conditions would be acceptable to the applicant, hours of operation, number of events, etc. Todd Fabozzi stated site plan is nothing to be afraid of just what the Board has to look at. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner spoke regarding the craft brewery definition as a newly proposed definition. What we found there is a rising trend in Craft Brewery, Winery and Distillery functions and we would like the Board’s input on it. We have spoken about this at the UDO level and possibly something the City would like to incorporate to better reflect the use. There is some flexibility in the Transect District. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning the amount of parking spaces provided and what is required. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated she did speak with Tim Wales, City Engineer and he is looking for more information concerning the water and sanitary aspects and the impact of the high organic matter of this particular application and how that would impact the septic as well as more information on how the waste can be recycled in a different manner. 3. 17.021 TEAKWOOD BUILDERS SHOWROOM, 75 Church Street, site plan review for construction of Commercial building within the T-5 District. BACKGROUND: Existing structure formerly used as a gas station, and office use. Proposed reuse of the structure and new addition. Transect 5 District. The Planning Board approved the Special Use Permit for the project on March 9, 2017. Applicant: Jim Sasko, Teakwood Builders Agent: Matt Brobston, LA Group; Brett Balzer, Balzer Tuck Architecture Mark Torpey, Chairman stated we have received a response from the County. The applicant will provide information concerning the design of the project for site plan review. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 6 of 14 Mr. Brobston stated this evening they are here for site plan review. Mr. Brobston reviewed the location of the project and provided a brief presentation of the site for the Board. Previously this was a site for a locksmith and before that a gas station. Mr. Brobston reviewed the curb cuts on this property and what they are doing to satisfy the City’s comments on vehicular safety entering and exiting the site. We are maintaining the 33 foot setback from the roadway on Church Street. It is a one way access off of Church Street, exiting onto Lawrence Street. There is a provision for 9 spaces on site which includes space along the building for deliveries adjacent to the delivery area. We are proposing 4 spaces which will be green spaces. Information was provided to the Board regarding the type of porous pavers the applicant is proposing which will allow turf over the top and will not really be recognized as parking spaces. These will be used for employees of the facility who know they are there. Accommodations were made for larger deliveries and larger trucks. There is an 1800 square foot addition proposed to the existing building to the rear of the site. We have included some vegetative screening to help screen the parking. There was concern regarding the height of the screening. It can be lowered. There is somewhat of a depressed area to handle stormwater infiltration on site. We are increasing the green space on the site by about 1800 square feet. The majority of the site is paved. Landscape plantings were reviewed and discussed. We are adding sidewalks. Curbing and street trees which are included as part of this project along with what already exists. A paver walkway will go along the front of the building and make it more interesting. Todd Fabozzi suggested a masonry wall on the corner. This would help define the edge of the property as well as frame it as opposed to vegetation since the building is set back. Something more urban than the shrubbery. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, stated there have been some comments from the County and Traffic Safety concerning the exit onto Lawrence Street and its proximity to the intersection as well as traffic turning off Church Street. The number of access points is of concern. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning additional street parking in the area as well as the proposed handicap parking area. Amy Durland stated she is fine with the project however she is concerned with the comments from Traffic Safety concerning the exit onto Lawrence Street being too close to the corner. The other issue is comments from the engineering consultants concerning the permeability and impervious areas. Mr. Brobston stated he has been in conversation with the City Engineer and the engineering consultants concerning permeability of the site. Additional information has been provided to the engineering consultants addressing their concerns. Mr. Brobston provided several different iterations of the plan and provided them to the Board noting the reasoning for choosing the current iteration and why the alternate plans would not work for the applicant. Todd Fabozzi spoke regarding his earlier comments concerning the building and enhancing the corner with a masonry wall or some type of sculpture giving it a more urban feel. Perhaps something invocative of Teakwood Builders. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned possibly some type of civic element that you can see through without blocking visibility. Mr. Brobston reviewed the Board comments and suggestions. The applicant has agreed to a masonry landscape feature at the corner to compliment the building along with a landscaping element contingent upon DRC approval. The applicant will meet with the traffic engineer to help mitigate safety issues at the corner. The curb can possibly be moved back five feet. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 7 of 14 Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman, identified what was discussed and the plans. We have the tree belt, the sidewalks in the appropriate dimensions 5 ft. continuing through. We spoke about the corner with a masonry element that works with the applicant reflecting the architecture as well as maintaining traffic safety. Recommend to public safety signage noting visibility issues and requesting no parking to corner on Lawrence Street. Provide signage one way only in the entrance and exit areas on the site. Parking has been discussed and the applicants plan is acceptable. Jamin Totino made a motion in the matter of the application for the Teakwood Builders Showroom, 75 Church Street Site Plan Review be approved as noted by the Chairman. Ruth Horton, Alternate seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Jamin Totino, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Ruth Horton, Alternate, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 9:23 P.M. Board recessed. 9:32 P.M. Board reconvened. 4. 17.022 NELSON AVENUE SUBDIVISION, 33 Nelson Avenue, 2 lot final residential subdivision within the INST-HTR District. Applicant: Tom Roohan, 513 Broadway, LLC Agent: Doug Heller, PE, LA Group SEQRA Action appears to be Unlisted. Short EAF has been provided. BACKGROUND: The applicant will need to submit a lot line adjustment application that would result in the placement of the existing garage on the adjacent lot owned by Saratoga Casino Holdings, LLC. Should this possible adjustment to proposed lot 2 be considered with this application. Mr. Heller provided a visual overview of the proposed two lot subdivision location noting the site is located at 33 Nelson Avenue approximately 1.3 acres in size. There is an existing four bedroom home on the lot. It is serviced by municipal water on Nelson Avenue. It has an existing onsite septic which is original to the home and is long past its useful life. There is a large grass area behind the existing house along with a gazebo that is proposed to be demolished as part of the proposed two lot subdivision. The new lot sizes will be 0.7 acres on the lot where the existing house is and .58 acres for the proposed residence. Both lots meet all the green space requirements, lot sizes and frontage. The new lot will City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 8 of 14 also be serviced by municipal water. New septic systems will be installed for each home. We are considering flipping the driveway for the new lot adding buffering along the existing fence line which belongs to the Casino. There will be some tree removal possibly 3 or 4 trees which are targeted for removal due to age or disease on the new lot. One item discussed at the workshop was sidewalks, curbing and bike lanes. This current property is 2,000 feet away from the nearest sidewalk. This is true for curbing as well. Mr. Heller requested a waiver from site plan approval. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated this is in Institutional Horse Track Related District, and site plan review for a single family residence is required due to the unique nature of the district. Amy Durland questioned the applicant’s agent if there are unable to provide sidewalks and curbing in this area. Mr. Heller stated concerning sidewalks it would be a sidewalk to nowhere basically and you would have to travel and additional 1700 feet to meet up with another sidewalk. With the casino owning the property next to it, it is different from another residential property or commercial property. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning the sidewalk requirement in this unique circumstance and justification for waiver of such as well as waiver of site plan review. Justin Grassi, Attorney for the Land Use Boards stated in this particular district site plan review is required. Jamin Totino stated he is always in favor of sidewalks however they have been mostly in residential areas; this case seems different to me. It is a unique situation. Todd Fabozzi stated we have overlooked sidewalks in places and justified it because there is nothing to connect it to. We should take all opportunities to have sidewalks required especially in the core areas. Amy Durland noted the Complete Streets Plan that this is part of, that I feel even more concerned about ignoring and maybe this can be addressed further during site plan. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated anything connected to the gambling on that site, there are State provisions where they are exempt from review. The hotel and racino is under the state umbrella/provision. Tom Roohan applicant questioned stormwater management and curbing. Also, questioned the plowing of this area. Janet Casey stated she normally is in favor of sidewalks, however, this is a highly unusual circumstance and I would be in favor of waiving sidewalks in this location. I do not see what we would be accomplishing. Ruth Horton, Alternate stated she concurs with Janet. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning the Complete Streets Plans and the buffered bike lane. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 9:55 P.M. 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 9:56 P.M. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated a short EAF was provided by the applicant. The Board reviewed and accepted the City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 9 of 14 SEQRA Short EAF Part I. No further questions or concerns were noted. Amy Durland questioned in Part I it does note that this is in an Archeologically Sensitive Area. Mr. Heller explained where we are proposing the new home this site has been previously disturbed. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated the information the applicant has provided to the Board noting this is a previously disturbed area is sufficient information to address if there are any significant impacts. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated as the applicant has pointed out this area has been previously disturbed. Significant amount of areas in the City fall under this designation. I am going with the disturbed status as the rationale for why it is not necessary. The Board reviewed Part II of the SEQRA EAF form. SEQR DECISION: Jamin Totino 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. Janet Casey seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Jamin Totino, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Ruth Horton, Alternate, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Mr. Heller requested the Letter of Credit be provided to the Board for site plan review. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated in terms of the subdivision approval, including a waiver of sidewalks and curbing in this area due to the unique circumstances, and the Letter of Credit be provided to the Board upon site plan review. Janet Casey made a motion in the matter of the Nelson Avenue Subdivision, 33 Nelson Avenue that the 2 lot subdivision be approved with the conditions as noted by the Chair. Jamin Totino seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 10 of 14 VOTE: Jamin Totino, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Ruth Horton, Alternate, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 5.17.025 MUNTER SUBDIVISION, Geyser Road, 3-lot final commercial subdivision in the General Industrial (IND-G) District. 6. 17.026 SKS BOTTLE AND PACKAGING, Geyser Road, site plan review of 118,000 SF Warehouse Facility In the Industrial General (IND-G) District. Applicant: John Munter, Munter Enterprises; Ken and Steve Horan, owners SKS Bottle and Packaging Agent: Tom Nace, Engineer; Ken and Steve Haran, owners SKS Bottle; Dan Querry and Mark Sergeant, Creighton Manning Engineering SEQRA: Action for SEQRA includes potential 3 lot subdivision and SKS site plan application that follows. Part I needs to be revised to reflect this from current separate SEQRA Part 1’s. BACKGROUND: While outside Grande Industrial Park subject property is zoned IND-G. It is over 45 acres and has neighbors of former Serotta Bike now Artesinal Brewery and Upstate Distillery, Saratoga Water, Pitney Farm and railroad line to the west. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated the Board has received engineering comments from Chazen which have been provided to you. In conversation with Mike Valentine, this is a county road in terms of traffic, reports access and the potential of the access being public or retained as a private road. However we do not have a County referral for Site Plan. We do have comments concerning the subdivision and the Part I of the Short EAF which has been provided by the applicant. Amy Durland questioned if Tim Wales, City Engineer factored in on this application. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated she did have a short conversation today with Tim Wales. She did question him concerning the right of way, public versus private. He did note he has not reviewed this in detail as of yet, but it is something which is not contemplated without further review and discussion. Amy Durland stated she is uncomfortable making a decision on this project prior to receiving the City Engineer’s comments. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated he does echo Amy’s comments. Tonight it is important to understand the layout, what is proposed for this site, the initial build out, and potential build out. This would really help the Board understand the project in context and see the subdivision. There are a number of issues to be raised. Mr. Munter stated all the projects previously presented before this Board have had a similar number of comments from the City Engineer. This is very typical; especially the storm water issues, utilities and things of that nature are typical items addressed with Tim prior to final approval and signatures. The items on the list from Chazen are provided to you to review prior to sending on to Chazen. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 11 of 14 Mr. Munter provided a visual presentation of the proposed subdivision and site plan on a 45 acre parcel Located on Geyser Road east of the main D&H CP Rail main hub terminal. This site was originally zone industrial back in the 1950’s and this has been a part of major industrial growth as well as generating large economic growth for the City. The specifics of the project have been provided to the Board. Ken Horan, owner - SKS Bottle and Packaging. Mr. Horan stated SKS is a distributor of empty packaging. Glass metal and plastic. A few examples were provided for the Boards review. The majority of their business is on line packing kits for distribution in smaller quantities. We have about 6500 SKU’s in the facility. Mr. Horan provided a history of the business and their past locations. We decided Saratoga was the best spot for our business. We have a great deal with the Munter’s and we have space for growth. My brother and I both live in Saratoga and we want to have our business in Saratoga. We currently have 105 employees and our five year plan is to increase to 125 employees. Our traffic trucks are pretty limited. Our business hours are 8AM – 5PM; and we have truck traffic approximately 6-8 per day during the hours of 8AM – 4PM. We are looking to purchase 22 acres to accommodate our future growth. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned if there were any plans for the vacant space after construction. Is there any use for this area until the site has been built out. John Munter provided a visual for the Board noting where the fill from the construction would go and what is proposed for this area. The area which is impacted will be an additional 5-8 acres for future expansion. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning the total acreage of disturbance in this project. This information was requested from the applicant for SEQRA review and determination. Todd Fabozzi questioned stormwater issues and analysis. There were many questions which need to be resolved prior to the environmental review. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs stated Tim Wales, City Engineer has seen this project. It is up to the Boards comfort level on how to proceed. However, all projects are not complete and signed off until they have met the City Engineers satisfaction. Mark Torpey stated in the past anytime the Munter's have presented a project before the Board it is thorough and completed to the City Engineers satisfaction. I would like to have more time to meet with the City Engineer on the storm water issues. John Munter spoke concerning the storm water management and infiltration systems. Also we are looking for solar with this project. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated he would like to hear from transportation. Dan Querrie, Creighton Manning. I will be responding to the questions regarding traffic from Chazen. The first was questioning the site distance and if the driveway can be moved to meet the truck recommended distances. We went out in the field and determined where the driveway is proposed is the best location for it. We are a little bit short but not critically limited. We recommend it stays were it is. Regarding trip general and what variable to use we used the gross floor area. In recalculating it, it more than doubled the AM trips and added 34 PM trips. So we are being very conservative. This was recalculated per Chazen’s recommendations. Chazen was not able to locate the NYS DOT data which we found because Geyser Road is a county road. We will attach this information in our response to them. Mark Sargeant, Creighton Manning spoke concerning the traffic volume decreasing in this area. This is not unusual to see a decrease. We did review the history of this area and with the recession it normally takes about 10 years for the traffic volume to increase back to where it was. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 12 of 14 Mr. Munter spoke concerning the reduction in employees in the Industrial Park. Mr. Querrie continued with their traffic assessment of the level of service analyses and the current level of service at unsignalized intersections is an “E” which is not unusual for peak hours. Geyser and Route 50 operate at a level of service “C” in the AM and “D” in the PM. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any other questions or comments. Amy Durland stated she will be looking for some information I am interested in drainage patterns and watershed situations as well as the undisturbed areas and whether they need to be included as part of a conservation easement. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated they will meet with Tim Wales, City Engineer and have the applicant return before the Board in two weeks. 7. 17.030 S BROADWAY MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, 146 S. Broadway, sketch plan review for eating and drinking medical office and multi-family residences within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center (T-5) District. SEQRA: Action appears to be unlisted. No formal action required with sketch plan review. BACKGROUND: Project proposed at the site of the former Ice Cream Man, Papa John’s on South Broadway. Proposal to demolish the existing structure and construct a two story building with site improvements as illustrated with submission. Applicant: Faden Enterprises, Ross Faden Agent: Scott Lansing, Lansing Engineering This is something we have been working on for some time. Both businesses are vacant. It was a former gas station, most recently the Ice Cream Man and Papa John’s. A visual rendering of the proposed site was provided to the Board. The current site is .3 acres. The applicant is proposing a demolition of the current structure on the property. The new construction will be in compliance. We are requesting a 2 lot subdivision for financing purposes. This will be a two story building 7,480 square feet. The first floor is approximately 1,870 square feet. One half of the area is proposed for an eating and drinking establishment. Subway restaurant is proposed. The northern half of the building on the first floor will be a professional medical office. Four apartments are proposed on the second floor. There is currently two access points on Broadway and one on Ensor. We have formalized the curb cuts on S. Broadway and the one on Ensor Which has been moved as far away as possible from the intersection. Parking has been repositioned to the rear of the structure. 28 parking spaces overall which does meet the requirements. We do have 3 parking spaces on the street. We have a dumpster on the rear portion of the site. Cross access easement for potential future cross access. In the rear 8’ high stockade fence is proposed. Pedestrian access, sidewalks across the front and around the building and heading back to the residential area in the rear. One street light does exist and we are proposing the street scape around the corner to Ensor and down. We are proposing a small area for civic space and dining space for Subway. Water and sewer are municipal. No full SWPPP is required. Stormwater management will be handled on site. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any comments on from the Board. Jamin Totino stated this is a great project. It’s a great re-use of the property. Thrilled about the upstairs portion of the building, particularly as residences. We are sensitive to the walk ability of this area noting the primary entrances on the street. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 13 of 14 Discussion ensued among the Board concerning the building subdivision for financial purposes. Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman stated this is not an uncommon practice in the City. Mr. Lansing stated there will be an easement with the Midas property to the south. Parking will be shared. Property meets all zoning requirements for the T-5 zone. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated if the neighbors have an issue with the fencing perhaps enhancing with a landscape buffer. Todd Fabozzi questioned the civic space for this property. Perhaps the front civic space can be enhanced. Mr. Lansing stated street trees will be planted and we will speak more at site plan. We will obtain the TOPO and return before the Board. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the May 25, 2017 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Mark Torpey, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 7/13/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board – May 11, 2017 - Page 14 of 14