City Council

OFFICE OF CITY CLERK SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK AGENDA FOR THE COUNCIL CAUCUS AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 24, 2025 Room 209 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 001 Amending the City of Schenectady Zoning Map to Re-Zone the Properties that Make Up the Former St. Clare’s Hospital from an Institutional District to a R—3 Multiple-Family Residential District ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 01 Council Member A RESOLUTION Calling for a Public Hearing to Amend Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code for Language Updates for City Council Procedures Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 02 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 818 Albany Street for $115,000. Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 03 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 824 Broadway for $95,000. Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 04 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 209 Elmer Avenue for $135,000. Votes Required 4 1 Friday, February 21, 2025 Page 1 of 2  Monday, February 24, 2025 Room 209 7:00 p.m. ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 05 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of a Vacant Lot at 1134 Albany Street for $5,000. Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 06 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Withdrawal of 20 Hawk Street from Foreclosure Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 07 Council Member A RESOLUTION Recognizing March as Women's History Month 2025 Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 08 Council Member A RESOLUTION Welcoming the NY Phoenix Basketball Team to Schenectady Votes Required 4 2 Friday, February 21, 2025 Page 2 of 2 3 4 5  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: RESOLVED, that the City Council will conduct a public hearing in relation to: An Ordinance to Amend Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code for Language Updates for City Council Procedures. Said Public hearing shall be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Council Chambers, Room 209, Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York – for the purpose of receiving public comment relative to the proposed amendments to Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City T Code to update certain language for City Council procedures. RESOLVED, that the City Clerk shall have the following notice published in the appropriate manner: AF NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING An Ordinance to Amend Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code for Language Updates for City Council Procedures. R On Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the Schenectady City Council shall conduct a public hearing in relation to the above-referenced matter. Said public hearing shall be held in Council Chambers, Room 209, Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York – for the purpose of receiving public comment relative to the above-referenced matter; and be it further D RESOLVED, that copies of the proposed amendments to Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code will be made available on the City website at www.cityofschenectady.com for public inspection beginning no later than February 27, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that all interested parties may also be heard by submitting written comments to the City Clerk www.cityofschenectady.com/158/City-Council, by email to: smykoo@schenectadyny.gov, or mail at City Clerk, 105 Jay St., Schenectady, NY 12305, by 12:00 p.m. on March 10, 2025. Approved as to form this ___ day of February 2025. ____________________ Maxine Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 6  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 818 Albany Street for $115,000. WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL No. 49.33-2-30; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, T RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL No. 49.33-2-30 to Pearl Ha and/or assign for the sum of ONE HUNDRED AF FIFTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($115,000); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall include a clause stating that the sale is subject to applicable approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or Planning Commission prior to the transfer of title; and be it further R RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale to an Investor Buyer shall contain a clause requiring that purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing D appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within 6 Months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. . Approved as to form this ____ day of February, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 7  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 824 Broadway for $95,000. WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL No. 49.38-1-1; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, T RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL No. 49.38-1-1 to Heomwattie Mahase and Maheshnarine Deonarine and/or AF assign for the sum of NINETY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($95,000); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall include a clause stating that the sale is subject to applicable approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or Planning Commission prior to the transfer of title; and be it further R RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale to an Investor Buyer shall contain a clause requiring that purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing D appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within 6 Months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. . Approved as to form this ____ day of February, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 8  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 209 Elmer Avenue for $135,000. WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL No. 49.35-2-20; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, T RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL No. 49.35-2-20 to A&J Legacy Properties LLC and/or assign for the sum AF of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND THIRTY FIVE AND 00/100 Dollars ($135,000); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale to an Investor Buyer shall contain a clause requiring that purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing R appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within 6 Months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this D ____ day of February, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 9  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of a Vacant Lot on 1134 Albany Street for $5,000 WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL No. 49.50-5-14; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, T RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL No. 49.50-5-14 to Lakram Rohit and/or assign for the sum of FIVE AF THOUSAND AND 00/100 Dollars ($5,000); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall include a clause stating that the sale is subject to applicable approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or Planning Commission prior to the transfer of title; and be it further R RESOLVED, that SBL No. 49.50-5-14 be merged with existing property belonging to Lakram Rohit located at 28 Kelton Avenue (SBL No. 49.50-5-16), at closing. and D RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for the construction of a new mixed use or commercial structure sale to shall contain a clause requiring that purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within two year of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this ____ day of February, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. 10 Corporation Counsel T AF R D 11  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Withdrawal of 20 Hawk Street from Foreclosure. WHEREAS, a Notice of Foreclosure was filed in New York State Supreme Court, Schenectady County, having index no. 2022-50; and T WHEREAS, 20 Hawk Street (S/B/L 49.34-3-23) was included on the list of delinquent properties in said foreclosure action; and AF WHEREAS, 20 Hawk Street is currently included in a pending Motion for Summary Judgement in said foreclosure action; and WHEREAS, on February 19, 2025, the City received $39,172.68 in settlement of the pending foreclosure action. Said amount represents the outstanding taxes, interest, legal and administrative fees owed to the City. The settlement also includes releases of any claims against R the City of Schenectady by all parties involved; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, D RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Office of Corporation Counsel to withdraw the property from the foreclosure action. Approved as to form this ____ day of February, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 12  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Recognizing March as Women's History Month 2025 WHEREAS, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the first week of March as National Women’s History Week, noting that “the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well”; and T WHEREAS, since 1987, Women’s History Month has been officially recognized by the AF United States Congress and celebrated throughout March; and WHEREAS, Women’s History Month is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments and contributions of women of every race, class, and ethnic background throughout United States history, many of whom have been overlooked; and R WHEREAS, the National Women’s History Alliance’s theme for 2025, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” recognizes how, throughout history—from classrooms to boardrooms and from grassroots movements to global initiatives— women educators and leaders have played a pivotal role in nurturing minds and inspiring D transformative action; and WHEREAS, this year’s theme celebrates the contributions women have made to the American educational system, the free marketplace of ideas, and the very fabric of our democracy; and WHEREAS, the collective strength, equality, and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership serve as an inspiration for all generations, past and present, leaving a lasting impact and fostering future leaders and change- makers; and WHEREAS, recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life—education, science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine, and law—has a profound impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women, inspiring them to pursue leadership roles. 13  NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Schenectady City Council and Mayor Gary R. McCarthy do hereby pause in their deliberations to recognize and celebrate Women’s History Month in March 2025 and to acknowledge and salute the critical role that women have played in the development, success, and achievements of Schenectady and the United States. Approved as to form this ____day of February, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel T AF R D 14  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Welcoming the NY Phoenix Basketball Team to Schenectady WHEREAS, on November 19, 2024, the Schenectady-based professional basketball team, New York Phoenix, was announced as a member of The Basketball League (TBL), and team owners Rebecca Clifford, Sam Clifford, and Paul Marquardt selected Trevis Wyche Jr. as T the head coach and general manager for the inaugural season to “bring a championship DNA to Schenectady”; and AF WHEREAS, the phoenix symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and immortality—this mythological bird, consumed by fire only to rise again from its own ashes, boldly captures Schenectady’s resurgence—overcoming adversity and emerging stronger than ever before; and WHEREAS, the New York Phoenix will play its home games at Armory Studios NY, which, under the vision of cousins Ray and Jeff Legere, was repurposed in 2012 as a R multipurpose event center with a shared mission of revitalizing the Mill Artisan District and attracting attention to Schenectady County; and WHEREAS, the New York Phoenix’s opening weekend—February 28, 2025, against the D Connecticut Crusaders and March 1, 2025, against the Halifax Hoopers—will restore the City of Schenectady’s prominence as a basketball city. We must also pay tribute to NBA players such as Barry Kramer, Pat Riley, and James D. Thomas Jr., professional player Rashaun Freeman, and past semi-professional teams, the Schenectady Legends and Schenectady Brewers; and WHEREAS, basketball’s intrinsic values of teamwork, respect, discipline, and commitment are well documented throughout history. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, is often quoted as saying, “The invention of basketball was not an accident. It was developed to meet a need.”; and WHEREAS, TBL President Dave Magley stated that the impact of having a professional basketball team playing in downtown Schenectady extends far beyond “family-fun, affordable entertainment.” “We’re going to be something that you are proud to have… For us to succeed, we have to be visible. For us to be visible, we have to use our [platform] to impact lives.”; and 15  WHEREAS, Discover Schenectady, Metroplex, and City and County leaders worked collectively to bring this new sports team to our community; and WHEREAS, team owners, the head coach, and state, local, and league officials eagerly accept the challenge of building a winning team and culture. Our true success will be measured by our collective ability to dominate our crosstown rival, the Albany Patroons. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Schenectady City Council and Mayor Gary R. McCarthy do hereby pause in their deliberations to proudly welcome the New York Phoenix to the City of Schenectady. As the team elevates sports and creates its own identity as Schenectady’s new professional franchise, we celebrate their commitment and sportsmanship and look forward to their positive impact on the youth of the Capital Region, both on and off the court. Approved as to form this ____day of February, 2025. T ____________________________ Maxine Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel AF R D 16