City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, February 3, 2020 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. City Development & Planning 1 Adoption of the Craig-Main Connection Complete Streets Plan Kristin Diotte 2 Authorize the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 648 to Square One Cafe for a Sign that will Chris Wallin Overhang the City’s Right-of-Way at 185 Jay Street 3 CR – Recognizing Black History Month Marion Porterfield 4 Review - Zoning Change for Multiple Properties on Revere Avenue (PH 02/10/2020) Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas 5 An Ordinance Pursuant to Section 101 of the Second Class Cities Law Abandoning a Andrew Koldin Portion of Pine Street (PH was on 10/15/2019) 6 Sale of 238 Bradford Road Andrew Koldin 7 Sale of 820 Grant Avenue Andrew Koldin 8 Sale of 1279 Parkwood Boulevard Andrew Koldin Health & Recreation 1 Vale Urban Farm Use Agreement Gary R. McCarthy Public Safety 1 CR – Recognizing Lt. James Sanders’ Graduation from the FBI National Academy John Polimeni 2 Discussion – Alternate Side Parking from November 1st through April 1st for Snowplowing John Polimeni Finance 1 Amendment of Ordinance Creating a Special Assessment District on a Portion of Ardsley Andrew Koldin Road Claims 1 Scism v. City of Schenectady Andrew Koldin Friday, January 17, 2020  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 1/30/20 TO: Mayor McCarthy, City Council FROM: Kristin Diotte, Director of Development SUBJECT: Adoption of The Craig‐Main Connection Complete Streets Plan Background Information: The City of Schenectady was awarded funds from the Capital District Transportation Committee to work with the community in creating a safer, more inviting and efficient corridor that takes into consideration the needs of all travelers, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and motorists. The Craig‐Main Connection was envisioned as a physical and social bridge to strengthen bonds and empower access in the Mont Pleasant and Hamilton Hill community. The plan summary is attached and further information can be found at www.craig‐main‐connection.com Evaluation/Analysis: Staff from the Development and Engineering departments, along with the project sponser, and consultants from Place Alliance, Creighton Manning, LandArt Studio and Mutual Design worked closely with the residents and stakeholders of Hamilton Hill and Mont Pleasant. Several public workshops and meetings were held throughout the analysis and design phases of the plan. The social impact in the planning stage of this project through community engagement and participatory design has been instrumental toward the City's goals for neighborhood stabilization and community development. The document produced is a combination of the community’s vision for their neighborhoods and safe transit priniples that will serve as a helpful guide when implementing future improvements and investments to the Craig‐Main Corridor. Recommendation: Adoption of the Craig‐Main Connection Complete Streets Plan as a City priority for implementation in the coming years. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY ______Law Department_______  CRAIG - MAIN CONNECTION City of Schenectady Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy designed for the community, by the community “The purpose of the Craig-Main Complete Streets Study is to work with the Hamilton Hill and Mont Pleasant Neighborhoods to identify a Complete Streets design that will better serve the neighborhoods through creation of a safer, more efficient and more inviting corridor that takes into consideration the needs of all travelers, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and motorists.” Long-term proposed plan at Pleasant Valley Park Long-term proposed plan at the intersection of Main Ave, Crane St & Chrisler Ave The long-term success of these potentially implemented projects is improved through community involvement. Organizations, trades people, or certified contractors interested in involvement, or persons who are interested in training opportunities can contact the City of Schenectady Department of Planning and Development or refer to the project website. Visit www.craig-main-connection.com for project updates and information For more information contact Kristin Diotte at the City at 518-382-5147 or craigmainconnection@gmail.com  CRAIG - MAIN CONNECTION FOREST City of Schenectady Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy designed for the community, by the community Recommended Project :: Craig Street STREET TREES PROVIDING DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND IMPROVED STREET EXPERIENCE Separated two-way bicycle path - $4.37 Million (2022 Projections) The heavily favored concept incorporates separated bicycle and pedestrian paths. This concept includes narrowing drive aisle lanes to 10.5’ and providing an 8’ on- street parking lane on the west side of Craig Street. A 5’ minimum landscape buffer UTILITY STRIP FOR with street trees separates an 8’ two-way bike path from the roadway. A 2.5’ utility BOLLARDS, TRASH RECEPTACLES AND WEST strip housing bollards and trash receptacles separates the pedestrian from the bicy- BUFFER clist, with a 4’ minimum pedestrian sidewalk. Expanded sidewalk with street trees on the west side of the street would provide a wide, safe pedestrian experience. 5’ 4.5 Recommended Project :: Bridge Improvements MIN 8’ 10.5’ BUFFER ZONE SIDEWALK 10.5’ Separated two-way bicycle path - $1 Million (2022 Projections) PARKING 5’ DRIVE AISLE MIN 8’ DRIVE AISLE The streetscape improvements from Craig Street would extend across the bridge 2.5’ 4’ BUFFER ZONE TOTA MIN L SEC EAST BICYCLE PATH TION and connect to Pleasant Valley Park. Since street trees are not an option along the LENG TH: 58 UTILITY ZONE -64’ (N OT IN CLUD bridge, vertical elements such as bollards and improved pedestrian lighting with ING BLOC K 1 @ AL BANY ST.) SIDEWALK neighborhood banners are a great alternative for creating defensible space. More immediate and manageable improvements to the bridge could be to install com- munity artwork on the fence to both beautify the experience and to visually buffer route 890, thereby making the pedestrian experience more comfortable. Proposed streetscape improvements on Craig Street Recommended Project :: Pleasant Valley Park $1.2 Million (2022 Projections) The proposed Pleasant Valley Park improvements include connections to Pleasant Valley and MLK Schools as well as the new Boys and Girls Club. Also included are a 4-court basketball facility, a park structure for picnicking, workout stations, an art wall with rotating murals by local artists, open lawn for passive play, and an integrated skate and BMX park that functions as plaza space. Recommended Project :: Main Avenue $43,700 (2022 Projections) Traffic Analysis recommended Main Avenue presents a heavier challenge in accommodating bicycle infrastructure due to its narrow width, which also makes it difficult for pedestrians and motorists. A traffic study is therefore recommended to analyze the impacts of potentially converting street(s) to one-way, with the possibility of extending the Craig Street improvements to Main Ave. When asked, the majority of participants felt that it would be worth further study of the different impacts (with additional public input). Proposed bridge improvements connecting Craig Street to Pleasant Valley Park and Main Ave. Recommended Project :: Intersection of Crane St, Chrisler Ave & Main Ave $743,000 (2022 Projections) The proposed plan reduces the amount of excess pavement by extending the sidewalk connecting point between Chrisler and Crane, no longer allowing cars coming from Chrisler to U-turn onto Crane St and vice versa. This will reduce excess pavement and provide a crossing reprieve, which reduces crossing distances. Intersection bumpouts will also reduce pedestrian crossing distances while providing more space in the sidewalk zones. The concept proposes to table the intersection with a different material encouraging drivers to reduce speeds and increase alertness. Recommended Project :: Public Art The project proposes incorporation of public art throughout the corridor as a way to celebrate the community and inspire neighborhood pride. Opportunities include gateways, crosswalks, along the bridge, at Pleasant Valley Park, and as part of wayfinding. Groups from the community, including C.O.C.O.A. House, the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, Miracle on Craig Street, and local artists have started to Proposed intersection improvements at Crane St, Chrisler Ave & Main Ave collaborate on ideas for executing some ideas for implementing public art. Visit www.craig-main-connection.com for project updates and information For more information contact Kristin Diotte at the City at 518-382-5147 or craigmainconnection@gmail.com  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Marion Porterfield Subject CR - Recognizing Black History Month Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas Subject Review - PH 02/10/2020 Regarding a Zoning Change for Multiple Properties on Revere Avenue Background Info: Public Hearing on 2/10/2020 Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas Subject Review - An Ordinance Pusuant to Section 101 of the Second Class Cities Law Abandoning a Portion of Pine Street. PH was on 10/15/2019 Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK ORDINANCE NO. Councilmember offered the following: AN ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO SECTION 101 OF THE SECOND CLASS CITIES LAW ABANDONING A PORTION OF PINE STREET. BE IT ENACTED by the Council of the City of Schenectady, in regular meeting convened, as follows: That portion of the City Street as designated on the Official Map of the City and known as Pine Street, described as follow – Beginning at a point located along the south line of Green Street, said point being the intersection formed by said south line of Green Street with the division line between the lands now or formerly of Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency (Book 1982, Page 302) on the west and the westerly line of Pine Street on the east; thence from said point of beginning and along Green Street extended, South 87°25’00” East, 38.07 feet to a point; thence along the lands now or formerly of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, South 25°44’00” West, 158.84 feet to a point; thence along the lands now or formerly of Conrail, South 58°58’52” West, 63.84 feet to a point; thence along the first mentioned division line, North 25°44’00” East, 197.26 feet to the point or place of beginning, containing in all 6,232 Sq. Ft of land being more or less – is hereby closed, abandoned and discontinued, effective immediately. Approved as to form this ___ day of _____________ 2020. ________________________________ ANDREW KOLDIN, ESQ. CORPORATION COUNSEL  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Sale of 238 Bradford Road Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Sale of 238 Bradford Road Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Sale of 820 Grant Avenue Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Sale of 1279 Parkwood Boulevard Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Health & Recreation Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Gary McCarthy Subject Vale Urban Farm Use Agreement Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Public Safety Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas Subject CR - Recognizing Lt. James Sanders' Graduation from the FBI National Academy Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Public Safety Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: John Polimeni Subject Discussion - Alternate Side Parking from November 1st through April 1st for Snowplowing Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: February 3, 2020 TO: City Council FROM: Andrew Koldin, Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Amendment of Ordinance Creating a Special Assessment District on a Portion of Ardsley Road Background Information: On September 23, 2019, the City Council, after a public hearing, passed an ordinance creating a special assessment district on a portion of Ardsley Road. The rate at which affected property owners were to be charged was $81.71 per linear foot of frontage. The original ordinance is attached hereto. On January 27, 2020, the City Council held a public hearing with respect to amending an ordinance creating a special assessment district on a portion of Ardsley Road. The proposed amendment to the ordinance would change the rate at which affected property owners are to be charged to $55.44 per linear foot of frontage. The documentation provided in consideration of the public hearing is attached hereto. Evaluation/Analysis: Please see the attached documentation detailing cost changes to the affected property owners. Recommendation: Approval of the legislative request to amend the September 23, 2019 ordinance, identified as “Resolution No. 2019-11” – An Ordinance pursuant to Section C-3 of the City Charter Creating a Special Assessment District on a Portion of Ardsley Road by reducing the cost to affected property owners from $81.71 per linear foot of frontage to $55.44 per linear foot of frontage. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________ ARDSLEY ROAD: Poject Costs ARDSLEY ROAD: Assesment Cost by Address ASSESSED COST TO ASSESSED COST ACTUAL PRICE PER TOTAL ITEM SET PRICE PROPERTY ITEM DESRIPTION UNIT ADDRESS STREET FRONTAGE (ft)* * DIVIDED BY TEN QUANTITY UNIT COST PER LF OWNER**** (10) YEARS**** (frontage x price) #001 MOBILIZATION EA 1.00 $ 6,500.00 $ 6,500.00 1031 Ardsley 223 ** $ 55.44 $ 12,363.12 $ 1,236.31 #115.3 REMOVAL OF TREES AND STUMPS 24‐36" EA 10.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 45,000.00 1034 Ardsley 55 $ 55.44 $ 3,049.20 $ 304.92 #350.11 CONSTRUCTION OF 6" SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY SY 1000.95 $ 112.00 $ 112,106.40 1037 Ardsley 100 $ 55.44 $ 5,544.00 $ 554.40 #380 BAR/MESH REINFORCEMENT SY 218.92 $ 5.00 $ 1,094.60 1040 Ardsley 45 $ 55.44 $ 2,494.80 $ 249.48 #700.01 WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL LS 1.00 $ 27,000.00 $ 27,000.00 1043 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 #851 TOPSOIL SY 411.45 $ 75.00 $ 30,858.75 1046 Ardsley 45 $ 55.44 $ 2,494.80 $ 249.48 #852 SEED SY 411.45 $ 38.00 $ 15,635.10 1049 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 TOTAL COST $ 238,194.85 1052 Ardsley 0 $ 55.44 $ ‐ $ ‐ 1055 Ardsley 0 $ 55.44 $ ‐ $ ‐ 1058 Ardsley 45 $ 55.44 $ 2,494.80 $ 249.48 COST TO PROPERTY OWNERS 1061 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 ‐ CONCRETE SIDEWALK LF 1,425 $ 55.44 $ 79,002.00 1064 Ardsley 0 $ 55.44 $ ‐ $ ‐ TAXPAYER SHARE $ 79,002.00 1069 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 1070 Ardsley 45 $ 55.44 $ 2,494.80 $ 249.48 1076 Ardsley 37 $ 55.44 $ 2,051.28 $ 205.13 CITY SHARE 1077 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 ‐ TOTAL COST $ 238,194.85 1082 Ardsley 0 $ 55.44 $ ‐ $ ‐ ‐ LESS COST TO PROPERTY OWNERS $ (79,002.00) 1085 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 CITY SHARE $ 159,192.85 1089 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 1092 Ardsley 120 $ 55.44 $ 6,652.80 $ 665.28 1095 Ardsley 50 $ 55.44 $ 2,772.00 $ 277.20 1345 Union 310 *** $ 55.44 $ 17,186.40 $ 1,718.64 TOTAL FRONTAGE 1425 * Frontage determined from Tax Maps. ** Additional frontage is for 20 ft on side street to connect to ADA ramps. *** Additional frontage is for 20 ft on side street to connect to ADA ramps as well as 100 ft along Unoin Street. **** These costs do NOT include interest.  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Monday, February 03, 2020 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Scism v. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Monday, February 03, 2020