Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES (FINAL) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 6:00 P.M. SARATOGA ARTS CENTER CALL TO ORDER: Mark Torpey, Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:06 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: PRESENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman; Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman; Clifford Van Wagner; Ruth Horton; Bob Bristol, Janet Casey; Todd Fabozzi STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs Vince DeLeonardis, City Attorney, City of Saratoga Springs 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. A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Mark Torpey, Chairman thanked Board Member and former Chair of the Planning Board, Clifford Van Wagner for his service to the City over the last 25 years. Matthew J. Jones, Michael Toohey, Mark Schachner and Sonny Bonacio also provided comments to the former Chair and Board Members. A plaque was presented to Clifford Van Wagner on behalf of a thankful City. Mark Torpey, Chairman also presented Clifford Van Wagner with a framed print of Broadway in Saratoga Springs on behalf of the members of the Board for his service and friendship. UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: None heard. B. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Bob Bristol made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2018 Planning Board Meeting as submitted. Ruth Horton seconded the motion. VOTE: Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman, abstained; Janet Casey, abstained; Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, abstained; Ruth Horton, in favor; Bob Bristol, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0-3 C. POSSIBLE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: NOTE: The intent of a consent agenda is to identify any application that appear to be “approvable” without need for further evaluation of discussion. If anyone wished to further discuss any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the “consent agenda” and dealt with individually. None at this time. D. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 18.053 SARATOGA EAGLE EXPANSION, 45 Duplainville Road, final Site Plan Review for a 29,000 square foot office expansion within the Industrial-General District. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the application was before the Board previously. We have received the Saratoga County Planning Board approval on this project. We have received the comments from Chazen as a reference. We have no received information from the City Engineer, Tim Wales that there are no outstanding issues from his standpoint. SEQRA: Appears to be an unlisted action. Applicant: Jeff Uklick, Saratoga Eagle Agent: Matt Brobston, Doug Heller, LA Group; Jim Gannon, Schied Architects Mr. Brobston stated this is an expansion of an existing use in an Industrial Complex. The proposal is for a 29,900 square foot warehouse expansion and 5,000 square foot office expansion with conference room capabilities. Since our last appearance before the Board we have received comments from the city designated engineer on December 3rd and we have responded to all the comments on December 4th. The City Engineer stated the comments are nothing to hold up the project. The project was waiting on the County Planning Board MOU regarding the site plan application. Mr. Brobston provided an aerial view of the Industrial park and the proposed 25 acre parcel which exists on the site today. Survey images were also provided for the Boards review as well as a review of the Company’s existence on the site with this being the third expansion. The existing tree line area will remain to keep good green space within the industrial park. There is one forested area which will be removed for the expansion area and parking as well as bringing in the driveway. A new traffic circulation is proposed as well as additional office space and more parking. A waiver for parking will be requested. Information concerning the requirements for parking have been submitted. The total number of parking spaces proposed are 193 which is within the 20% range allowable over required parking at 165. Five additional workers are to be employed as well as five additional company trucks. A site layout plan was also submitted to the Board. We are adding 56 spaces on the site which includes 15 additional spaces for trucks. Grading will remain the same. The stormwater management was designed to accommodate expansion. We will modify the current stormwater management basin to adhere to current standards. The applicant is also adding a water service for a fire hydrant only for additional fire protection. The applicant will landscape the remainder of the site. Saratoga Eagle takes great pride in their building and landscaping and will this will continue. Duplainville Road vegetation will remain, one new curb cut is proposed. Fencing to be extended along the side of the site. Regarding lighting plan 7 new parking lights are proposed as well the reuse of some of the current lights on the side of the building. We will maintain the same level of lighting which currently exists on the site. Façade renderings were providing noting the same height, same materials. No additional truck bays are proposed. As noted the stormwater was originally designed to accommodate an impervious surface which has not yet been exceeded. This will be reviewed to assure it is sufficient for this project. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 2 of 8 Mr. Jeff Uklick, President & CEO of Saratoga Eagle. There are two things which are driving this project. We have new partners and we need more space. We are in negotiations with another company in the County which will bring in significant growth. We have been in the business for 90 years, and looking forward to a 4th generation in the business. Ruth Horton questioned the truck access and egress as well as the traffic flow. Mr. Uklick provided information concerning the traffic flow following the expansion and additional trucks. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned ADA compliance. Mr. Brobston stated there are no additional ADA spaces required and no new ADA entrances required. We still meet compliance in this regard so this will remain the same. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned if there was any discussion regarding further expansion. Mr. Brobston stated not at this time. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman, stated we are in receipt of the full completed SWPPP as well as the completed traffic study. The Chair questioned the addition of solar to this project. Mr. Uklick stated perhaps in the future. SEQRA: Mark Torpey, Chairman and the Board reviewed the SEQRA Short Form Part I provided by the applicant. It is accurate and complete. No large or important areas of concern were noted. The Board then reviewed SEQRA Short Form Part II. SEQR DECISION: Clifford Van Wagner, stated that based upon the information provided by the applicant in Part I of the SEQR Short Environmental Assessment Form, and analysis of the information provided and presented in Part II of the SEQR Short Environmental Assessment Form, I make a motion for a SEQR negative declaration since 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. Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Bob Bristol, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, in favor; Ruth Horton, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Mark Torpey, Chairman stated moving on to Site Plan Approval noted the appropriate time frame for tree cleaning between November 1st and April 1st with the caveat that this will be expressly stated on the plans. Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Eagle Expansion, 45 Duplainville Road, for Final Site Plan Approval that the application be approved with the condition as noted by the Chair. Ruth Horton seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 3 of 8 Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Bob Bristol, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, in favor; Ruth Horton, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. 18.053 EXCELSIOR RETAIL/EATING & DRINKING, 62-64 Excelsior Avenue Final Site Plan Review for an adaptive re-use of an existing structure for eating and drinking, office and retail activities within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated at a previous appearance before this Board it was noted there were several items regarding environmental remediation that occurred on the site. The Board is looking to assure proper remediation efforts are being implemented. SEQRA: This appears to be a Type II action and requires no further review. BACKGROUND: The structure was most recently home to Stark’s Auto Repair/Mufflers and Auto Value Auto Parts. The retail auto parts will remain, the former auto repair portion to is to be rehabilitated into a market/eating and drinking establishment with a small outdoor patio. Applicant: RR Depot LLC Agent: Kaitlyn Koury, LA Group Ms. Koury stated the applicant is seeking a Special Use Permit for this ½ acre site. A visual presentation of the proposed 6700 square foot site was provided to the Board, noting this was a former auto repair shop. The auto parts portion of the business will remain and footprint will not change. We will be renovating the east side of the site of the former repair shop. We are reconfiguring the parking for ease in access and egress and to improve the traffic flow. Pavement resurfacing will be completed along the front entrance. A small patio out front will be created with outdoor seating, planters and a green screen along with 6ft tall fencing. Additional evergreen trees will be added on the site for further screening from the residential neighbors. Additional pervious pavement will assist in stormwater management on the site. Landscaping plan was provided to the Board as well as discussion of snow removal. Todd Fabozzi stated he does not like the buffering proposed facing the street. Ms. Koury stated this will be a green screen at a height of 6 feet. Janet Casey stated she does not like height of the screening proposed, she agrees with Todd. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated what the Board seems to be alluding to is this is located in a T-5 zone, pedestrian connectivity is important. This seems to be counterintuitive with this proposed fencing. Sonny Bonacio, owner stated this screening was requested by the tenant. Sitting out in front of this property is different than on Broadway. The cars tend to travel faster in this area, this helps to provide a better dining experience. Mr. Bonacio stated we can drop that down to 48inches. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 4 of 8 Ruth Horton questioned the environmental issues regarding this property. Mr. Bonacio stated they contacted DEC, they came in, and we closed the spill. It was some hydraulic fluid that came out of the lifts. This was about 5 feet below grade. We will not get down to that level. The new grease trap will only go down about 36”. Mr. Bonacio stated he has been working with these DEC regulation for a long time. We will be well above the disturbance. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated oversight from the Building Department, Including the interior renovation of that including the grease trap. The City Engineer was involved. Dave Carr, LA Group spoke regarding the use of porous pavement on the site. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Mark Torpey, Chairman summarized some of the items that have been spoken about. The applicant is utilizing porous pavement with the new parking design, and signage to indicate one way or two way traffic. Additional trees added to the site, in compliance with the Urban Forest Master Plan. Additional evergreens for screening from the neighbors and on the site. Modification of the screening along the front of the property to 4 feet in height. Bike racks will be added. New striping along the front of the site. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Susan Cooley, Martin Avenue. We see the back of the Starks Building from our property. We are set up high and see this well. We are aware this corridor is being redeveloped. We are looking for the applicant to create a green barrier for the neighbors. We are concerned about the exhaust fans and the decibel level, basically the noise is a concern. I have requested some conifer trees or a mix of some kind would be great. Also there is a concern regarding the mechanicals and any sound proofing mitigation. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned the mechanicals and if there is any soundproofing mitigation planned. Mr. Bonacio stated they have not yet located the placement of the kitchen and exhaust fan location, however, this will still be an improvement over the muffler shop. Regarding signage we will return before the DRC at a later date. Clifford Van Wagner made a motion in the matter of the 62-64 Excelsior Retail/Eating &Drinking, 62-64 Excelsior Avenue Final Site Plan Review that the application be approved with the conditions as noted by the Chair. Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Bob Bristol, in favor; Todd Fabozzi, in favor; Ruth Horton, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 7-0 The Board recessed at 7:27 P.M. The Board reconvened at 7:33 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 5 of 8  3. 18.050 THE FIVE THREE MIXED-USE BUILDING, 53 Putnam Street Sketch Plan review (Site Plan) for a mixed-use building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the purpose of the applicant’s appearance before the Board tonight is to review the project which is proposed and to receive some feedback and guidance from the Board. BACKGROUND: -Structure was originally builts as an indoor ice rink; used for many decades as refuse hauling depot. -A recent, approved application called for adaptive reuse of an existing building ads music venue/eating & drinking establishment. -Significant subsurface remediation is required due to previous uses and subsurface contamination. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE BOARD: -Alison Dockum, email correspondence received December 5, 2018. -Debra Fernandez, email correspondence received December 5, 2018. -John Kaufman, correspondence received December 5, 2018. -Alexandra Morgan, email correspondence received December 4, 2018. -Russ Pittenger, email correspondence received December 4, 2018. Applicant: Putnam Resources, LLC Agent: Clark Wilkinson, Environmental Design Partnership; Jim Reeks, Sano Rubin, Inc.; David D’Amour, AND Architecture Mr. Wilkinson provided a visual of the proposed project site which is located across from the library. Also provided was a history of the project noting the applicant’s involvement began in 2013 with the possibility of an adaptive re-use of the building structure as a restaurant and performance venue. It was discovered that the site had soil contamination from a prior dry cleaning business as well as oil contamination in the rear of the site. The project became enrolled into the Brownfield program in 2016. This provides the applicant an opportunity to clean the site and to achieve some tax benefit. It has since been discovered the area has very poor soils. Project costs have escalated and the original program was not going to be adequate to handle the costs. The project has been revised to a six story structure with five floors, 40 mid market owner occupied condominiums, and an eating establishment. There are challenges such as advanced site deterioration, site contamination, Brownfield program, unsavory soils, utility services knot, on-site parking, neighborhood disruption, unlimited third party liability, ineffective street wall, and project financing. The applicants objectives are to create 40 mid market dwelling units, rehabilitate derelict property, clean up the environmental contamination, improve the pedestrian experience, activate street life, create a destination, honor the historic context, provide for modern living, honor the city’s comprehensive plan, calm traffic, and increase home ownership in downtown. Mr. Wilkinson stated the project is located in a Historical Overlay District. The site is just under 1/3 of an acre with approximately 75 feet of frontage on Putnam Street. It is in a Transect-6 zone with a two story minimum height and 70 foot maximum height. Frontage build out is 80% minimum or about 60 feet. Setbacks are 0 foot minimum on all sides. It is a Brownfield Site which is currently going through the DEC permit process. A visual of the proposed site was provided for the Boards review. What the applicant is proposing is a front build out at 83%. Setbacks are 0 at the front, the south is 5-6 feet, and rear is less than 1 foot and the north is 13 feet. The applicant is proposing a six story building approximately 9,600 square feet with overhangs, the first floor is approximately 7,000 square foot eating establishment is proposed. Floors 2-6 house 8 dwelling units per floor, 40 in total with a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroom units. We are proposing a rooftop deck for the residents with green roofs and a pergola for resident use and low planting beds. Gas fire pits and gas grills as well. Utilities exist on Putnam Street. Electric poles will be relocated to the rear of the site. There are no parking requirements in the T-6 zone however we do have leased spaces nearby. Civic space is proposed in the front of the building along with benches and trees. A visual of the proposed building was provided City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 6 of 8 to the Board. Mr. Wilkinson provided a view of the ingress and egress to the site as well as traffic flow. Views of public parking availability in proximity to the site were also reviewed for the Boards information. Mr. Wilkinson stated they will submit a formal application in the near future. Janet Casey questioned the height of the building and the fact that it seems out of character for this area. Mr. Riggs from Sano Rubin spoke regarding the applicant’s appearance before the DRC noting their dislike of the height of the building. Mr. Riggs stated the building will be stepped back and the height decreased somewhat. The applicant will reappear before the DRC in January. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the DRC made it very clear that they would be more comfortable with a 4 story building. They stated they would respond to proposals that may have included a 5th floor, but in no way were they simply stating that 5 were okay. They are willing to engage proposals generally with the 4- 5 floor stories. Mr. D’Amour, AND Architecture and Design stated they had a good conversation with the DRC. The applicant knew they might have issues with the 70 foot height. We did present the 6 floor design. We are looking to put together some other prototypes and ideas regarding the number of stories, perhaps a step back design. We are also developing some additional architectural details and decreasing the mass and scale of the building. More homework to be done. We are looking to include brick for the lower portion of the building. We are looking at the historic details around this district and perhaps incorporate some of these in our project along with a strong street frontage. We have work to do. Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman reiterated what Bradley Birge stated and that the applicant work on trying to reduce the mass of the building to be more in conformance with the neighborhood. The other piece which is important is the civic space. Mr. Riggs stated the sidewalk in front of the building is very narrow and we are trying to create more pedestrian friendliness and more pedestrian connectivity. Clifford Van Wagner spoke regarding the civic space in the Industrial Park and this project in the city with minimal civic space. Also, the cost of these units and the fact that there is no parking allocated specifically for these units. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning parking for the project. Mark Torpey, Chairman reviewed several of the evaluation criteria’s for Site Plan Review for the applicant’s information. -To ensure that the development of a proposed site will not adversely impact surrounding properties, community character or the general health, safety and welfare of the community, the Planning Board’s evaluation of Site Plan Review applications shall include the following: -Location, arrangement, size, design and general site compatibility of buildings and sign structures. The applicant should focus on assuring that this design comports with the spirit of that especially in relation to the historic neighborhood context. -Location, arrangement, appearance and sufficiency of off-street parking and loading. These are two primary objectives that we need to evaluate without question along with the other 8 criteria. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated to the Board regarding this project being the first of its kind to offer housing without parking on this site. Jamin Totino, Vice Chairman stated this is an exciting project for this area of the City. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the parking, the mass and scale of the building and the proximity to the historic district. City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 7 of 8 Mark Torpey, Chairman spoke to the applicants regarding what the Board is looking for and what to return before the Board with. A second sketch plan review is suggested along with what to include and take into consideration. Mr. Riggs stated the applicant will review, redesign and return before the Board. DISCLOSURE: Bob Bristol disclosed that he and Jim Riggs have been on several boards together. They still serve on the St. Peters Healthcare Partners Board and he has no financial interest in this project. This is simply a disclosure. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Mark Torpey, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:27 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 4-18-19 City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board December 6, 2018 - Page 8 of 8