City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, May 20, 2024 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Public Safety 1 League of Women Voters CRPB Recommendation Gary McCarthy Finance 1 Annual Permit Fee Waivers for Exterior Building Repair Permits John Mootooveren 2 Swimming Pools Operating Agreement with Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. Paul Lafond Government Operations ABAC - Request the Authorization to Purchase "Hydrofluosilicic Acid 2024" for the Water Paul Lafond 1 Department City Development & Planning 1 Discussion - Possible Agreement Regarding Paddle Boats in Central Park Paul Lafond Award Bid and Contract for the "Schenectady Police Locker & Toilet Room Renovations Chris Wallin 2 Rebid - Mechanical Construction" to Eckert Mechanical, LLC in the Amount of $94,594.00 Authorize the Amendment of Revocable Permit No. 682 for Social on State for a Sign that Will Chris Wallin 3 Overhang the City's Right-of-Way at 447 State Street, Schenectady, New York Authorize the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 683 to MTX Group Inc. for a Sign That Will Chris Wallin 4 Overhang the City's Right-of-Way at 400 State Street, Schenectady, New York Authorize the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 684 to Maverick Quantum, Inc. for a Sign That Chris Wallin 5 Will Overhang the City's Right-of-Way at 400 State Street, Schenectady, New York Discussion - SEQR; Regarding the Addition of Section 264-113 of the Schenectady City Code Maxine Barasch 6 Regarding the Regulation and Location of Smoke Shops, Vape Shops, Hookah Lounges, and Vape Consumption Businesses (PH was held on 04-22-24) 7 Three-year HOME Consortium Agreement Renewal with City of Troy and Town of Colonie Alexandria Carver 8 Pro Housing Communities Pledge Resolution Alexandria Carver 9 CR - Recognizing Spero Zoulas & Steve Harris for their Years of Service at Woodlawn Park Marion Porterfield 10 CR – Recognizing National Caribbean-American Heritage Month John Mootooveren 11 Proposed Zoning Change - Schenectady 40 Project Gary McCarthy 12 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 302 Schenectady Street Alexandria Carver 13 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 310 Schenectady Street Alexandria Carver 14 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 1815 Albany Street Alexandria Carver 15 Sale of 1755 Avenue B Alexandria Carver 16 Sale of 1030 Park Avenue Alexandria Carver 17 Sale of 130 Front Street Maxine Barasch 1 2 3 4 5 6  P.O. Box 9135, Schenectady, New York 12309 www.lwvschenectady.org May 8, 2024 Mayor Gary McCarthy Mayor’s Office 105 Jay Street Room 111 Schenectady, NY 12305 Dear Mayor McCarthy, Several weeks ago we spoke by telephone concerning the League of Women Voters replacement nominee for the Civilian Police Review Board, Megan Haessig. At that time, you said that you would approve her for that position. Soon afterwards, I left a phone message for Michelle Davis, stating that your office already had Megan’s resume on file, and to advise me if there was anything further that the League needed to supply. I had already sent our official letter to your office with her name and resume ; she was listed as the alternate representative at that time. Since I have heard nothing further and much time has passed. The League respects the CPRB and wants to participate in this important community group. Without any direction from your office, I am submitting the names of our nominees once again: Primary nominee: Megan Haessig 930 Livingstone Avenue Schenectady, NY 12309 (Resume should already be on file in the Mayor’s Office) Alternative nominee (in case of absence of Megan Haessig): William Nechamen 1060 Parkwood Blvd. Schenectady, NY 12308 (Resume should already be on file in the Mayor’s Office) I hope that this lengthy nomination process can now be concluded. If there is anything further that I need to submit, please let me know. Thank you for your attention. 7 Sincerely, Ann Hatke President League of Women Voters of Schenectady County hatkeann@gmail.com 1513 Lenox Road Schenectady, NY 12308 CC: Deneen Palmateer, Chair, CPRB Michelle Carr, Office Director, Mayor’s Office Megan Haessig, Primary LWV Nominee William Nechamen, Alternate LWV Nominee Hard Copy to Follow 8  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: 05.17.2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Mootooveren SUBJECT: Annual Exterior Permit Fee Waivers Background Information: Annual Permit Fee Waivers for all exterior work during the period of June 1 to August 31, 2024. Evaluation/Analysis: See attached 2023 reports. Recommendation: The council continues this program to provide the needed incentives to our homeowners. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 9 Permit Fee Waiver: Waiver of (Application Fee) for projects that qualify from the following criteria: The scope of the work for the permit is for essential repairs and improvements, such as roof repair / replacement, siding repair/ replacement, porch repair/ replacement, windows replacement, garage, fencing or any exterior repairs / replacement to an existing owner occupied and rental property up to 4 units. If a building project has multiple permits, the maximum permits value of $35,000 will apply to the combined total of all permits and not to each individual permit. 2024 $56 Application Fee for Exterior Permits $100 for Roof Permit Permit Fee Waiver Period: Beginning June 1, 2024 until August 31, 2024  Residential Properties (1 to 4 Units)  For this program, building permits must be pulled within the pilot period of June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.  In order to close a building permit all works, required documents and inspections are to be completed within 12 months.  If after 12 months the permit remains incomplete, a building permit renewal is required with full permit fees.  Property taxes must be current, verification of tax payments must be done by code enforcement office. 10  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: May 20, 2024 TO: City Council FROM: Paul LaFond, Commissioner of General Services SUBJECT: Swimming Pools Operating Agreement with Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. Background Information: The City of Schenectady has contracted with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. for a number of years for the operation of City-owned swimming pools, which includes the provision of lifeguard staffing. The Central Park, Front Street, and Quackenbush pools will be open as per the attached Operating Agreement. Evaluation/Analysis: The Boys and Girls Clubs has the requisite experience and familiarity with the City’s pools to operate them. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Committee approve the legislative request authorizing an agreement with Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. to operate the City’s pools for the 2024 season for the sum of $197,582.00. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY__WATER DEPARTMENT__ 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: May 20, 2024 TO: City Council FROM: Paul LaFond, Commissioner of General Services SUBJECT: Paddle Boats Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY__Water Department__ 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39  City of Schenectady Legislative Request Form COMMITTEE ASSIGMENT: CITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DATE: May 16, 2024 TO: City Council FROM: Office of Corporation Counsel, Maxine Barasch SUBJECT: SEQR TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: May 20, 2024 Background Information: The City of Schenectady is considering adoption of an Ordinance Creating Section 264-113 of the Code of Ordinances entitled “The Regulation of Vape Shops, Smoke Shops, Vape Lounges, Hookah Lounges and Vape Consumption Business.” Evaluation/Analysis: This proposed legislation is in accordance with Part 617.5(c)(26), State Environmental Quality Review and is classified a Type II Action and is not subject to environmental review under SEQR, as it qualifies as “routine or continuing agency administration and management, not including new programs or major reordering of priorities that may affect the environment.” Recommendation: We respectfully recommend that the City Council may consider the Ordinance Creating Section 264-113 of the Schenectady City Code without the necessity of an environmental review under SEQR. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_Law Department 40  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Declaring that the Adoption of the Ordinance Creating Section 264-113 of the Code of Ordinances is a Type II Action and Is Not Subject to Environmental Review of the State Quality Review Act (SEQR). WHEREAS, New York State Law mandates that a municipality perform a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) prior to initiating certain projects within the boundaries of a municipality; and RA WHEREAS, the Adoption of the Ordinance Creating Section 264-113 of the Code of Ordinances entitled “The Regulation of Vape Shops, Smoke Shops, Vape Lounges, Hookah Lounges and Vape Consumption Business.” is in accordance with Part 617.5(c)(26), State Environmental Quality Review and is classified a Type II Action and is not subject to environmental review under SEQR, and; D NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R. McCarthy, and City Council may consider the Ordinance Creating Section 264-113 of the Schenectady City Code without the necessity of an environmental review under SEQR. FT Approved as to form this ____ day of May 2024. ____________________________ Maxine Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 41  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK ORDINANCE NO. Councilmember offered the following: An Ordinance to add Section 264-113 of the Code of Ordinances entitled “The Regulation of Vape Shops, Smoke Shops, Vape Lounges, Hookah Lounges and Vape Consumption Businesses. RA The Council of the City of Schenectady in regular meeting convened, ordains as follows: Section 1. Section 264-113 shall hereinafter read as follows: D Purpose and Intent: The unregulated establishment and operation of vape shops, smoke shops, vape lounges, hookah lounges and vape consumption businesses would lead to the widespread imposition of adverse secondary impacts upon the residents, businesses, property values and quality of life of the City and would, therefore, be detrimental to the general health safety and economic viability of the community. The negative community impacts of cannabis, tobacco and similar uses are well-documented, including the FT accessibility and advertising of these products to youth. It is the intent of the City of Schenectady by enacting this section to ameliorate, mitigate, reduce, or prevent the widespread and unregulated imposition of vape shops, smoke shops, vape lounges, hookah lounges and vape consumption businesses upon the residents, businesses, and property values of the City. This ordinance is enacted to regulate land use and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community pursuant to the City Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Council on March 25, 2008. Section 2. A. Definitions and word usage. Whenever used in this section and in Chapter 264 of the Schenectady City Code, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CANNABIS All parts of the plant of genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, its seed or resin. CANNABIS PRODUCT Otherwise known adult-use cannabis product means cannabis, concentrated cannabis, and cannabis infused products for use by a cannabis consumer. 42 HOOKAH PIPE A single or multi stemmed instrument used by one or more persons to smoke tobacco or another substance, which hookah pipe is also commonly referred to as a "hookah," "water pipe," "shisha" or "narghile." HOOKAH LOUNGE AND VAPE LOUNGE Any facility or location whose business operation, and its principal use, include the on-site indoor smoking of electronic cigarettes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances. Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke/liquid nicotine/vapors/water pipe tobacco and other substances encased in electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and pipes commonly known as "hookah," "water pipe," "shisha," and "narghile" or any similar device. A facility where smoking and tobacco products are sold for consumption on premises. INSTITUTIONAL DISPENSER A facility approved and certified by the State of New York Department of Health as authorized to obtain controlled substances by distribution and to dispense and administer such substances pursuant to the order of a practitioner. MEDICAL MARIHUANA Shall have the same definition as ascribed to medical marihuana in Section 3360 of the New York RA Public Health Law and which is intended for a certified medical use, as determined by the Commissioner of Health of the State of New York ("Commissioner") in his or her sole discretion. Any form of medical marihuana not approved by the Commissioner is expressly prohibited. SMOKE SHOP AND VAPE SHOP D Any establishment which offers for sale or consideration cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances, or cannabis paraphernalia, or components reasonably assumed to be use for smoking and/or inhalation or injection of any or products or other substances as a substantial or significant portion of its business, merchandise and/or stock-in-trade. Such establishments include tobacco shops, head shops, nicotine shops, vapor shops and the like. FT SUBSTANTIAL OR SIGNIFICANT PORTION (1) Substantial or significant portion shall be determined using the following considerations: (a) Amount of floor area and basement space accessible to customers and allotted to the sale or consideration of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances of any type, generally, or as compared to the total floor area and basement space accessible to customers; and/or (b) Number of cigarettes electronic cigarettes pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, derivatives, or other like substances stock-in-trade or of any type accessible to customers generally, or as compared to total stock accessible to customers; and/or (c) Revenues derived from cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances of any type, generally, or as compared to total revenues; and/or (d) Advertising devoted to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances of any type, generally, or as compared to total advertising; and/or (e) Use of the establishment for cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances of any type, generally, or as compared to total use thereof. (2) However, notwithstanding the above considerations, the following shall be conclusive in determining 43  substantial or significant portion: (a) Forty percent or more of floor area and basement space accessible to customers allotted to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances of any type; and/or (b) Forty percent or more of its stock-in-trade in cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances of any type; and/or (c) Forty percent or more of its gross income derived from cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances; and/or (d) Forty percent or more of its advertising is devoted to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, vapors, e-liquids, or other like substances. TOBACCO OR CANNABIS PARAPHERNALIA Any equipment, device or instrument that is primarily designed or manufactured for the smoking, chewing, absorbing, dissolving, inhaling, snorting, sniffing, or ingesting by any other means into the body of smoking and tobacco products or cannabinoid products. Items or devices classified as tobacco or cannabis paraphernalia include, but are not limited to, the following: pipes, punctured metal bowls, bongs, water bongs, electric pipes, e-cigarettes, e-cigarette juice, buzz bombs, vaporizers, hookahs, and RA devices for holding burning material. Lighters and matches are excluded from the definition of tobacco or cannabis paraphernalia. B. Location: D In the R-1, RH-1, RH-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, C-3 and I Districts, no building or premises shall be used and no building shall be hereafter erected or altered unless otherwise provided in this chapter for use as a vape shop, smoke shop, hookah lounge and/or vape lounge or a vape consumption business whether as its primary use or as an accessory or ancillary use. This prohibition shall include but not be limited to facilities or establishments commonly known by such various terms as "hookah bars," "hookah lounges," or "hookah cafes." All such facilities or establishments lawfully and operating, and open to the FT public or a segment thereof as of the date of adoption of this Section 264-113, shall be terminate within one year from the effective date of this amendment, except that such establishment may be continued for a limited period of time by the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to 264-113D. All others are hereby declared unlawful and prohibited, effective immediately in accordance with law. C. Restriction on location of hookah lounges, vape lounges, smoke, and/or vape shops. Vape shops, smoke shops, hookah lounges, vape lounges or a vape consumption business as defined in above are to be restricted to the M-1 and M-2 zoned districts and the C-4, and C-5 zoned districts only by Special Use Permit per ARTICLE XIV and Site Plan Approval per ARTICLE XIII of Chapter 264 and further subject to the regulations set forth in this section. 1. The lot line of any property whereupon exists a hookah lounge, vape lounge, smoke shop, or vape shop shall not be located within a 1,000-foot radius of the lot line of any lot zoned for or used as residential use. For purposes of this subsection, cemetery property shall be deemed not zoned residential. For purposes of this subsection, the measuring point is from the property line of the subject property to the property line of the other property. 2. The lot line of any property whereupon exists any of the above uses shall not be located within a 1,000- foot radius of the lot line of another such legal hookah lounge and vape lounge use. 3. The lot line of any property whereupon exists any of the above uses shall not be located within a 2,000- 44  foot radius of any day care, school, library, church or other place of religious worship, park, playground or playing field. 4. Signage: a. There shall be no public display of advertisements for electronic cigarettes, vapor products, smoking paraphernalia, or tobacco products, within 1,500 feet of a school, or place of worship, in accordance with Public Health Law Article 13-F Section 1399-DD-1. b. Windows shall be unobstructed by advertisements and/or other materials or smoking paraphernalia. c. The total area of window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total area of the window and blinking, flashing, fluttering, and strobe-light effects are prohibited. D. Amortization of Smoke Shops, Vapes Shops and Vape Consumption Businesses. The Board of Zoning Appeals per Article 5 A of the General City Law and Chapter 264 of the City Code may permit Smoke Shops and Vape Consumption businesses, or any non-conforming accessory business use to continue for a period beyond is that provided for in 264-113B of the Code, provided that: RA 1. An application is made by the owner of such establishment to the Board of Zoning Appeals at least 120 days prior to the date on which such establishment must terminate. 2. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall find, in connection with such establishment, that: D (a) The applicant had made, prior to the nonconformity, a substantial financial expenditure related to the nonconformity; and (b) The applicant has not recovered substantially all the financial expenditures related to the nonconformity; and FT (c) The period for which such establishment may be permitted to continue is the minimum period sufficient for the applicant to recover substantially all the financial expenditures incurred related to the nonconformity. (d). For the purposes of this section, "financial expenditures" shall mean the capital outlay made by the applicant to establish the adult establishment exclusive of the fair market value of the building in which such use is located and exclusive of any improvements unrelated to the nonconforming adult entertainment establishment. Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. New language underlined. 45  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Community Development and Planning DATE: May 16, 2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Alexandria Carver, Director of Development SUBJECT: Three-year HOME Consortium Agreement Renewal with City of Troy and Town of Colonie Background Information: The Schenectady-Troy-Colonie HOME Consortium has been in existence since 1991 and receives a direct allocation of approximately $1 Million dollars in Federal HOME funds annually to create affordable housing opportunities in the Cities of Schenectady, the City of Troy and the Town of Colonie. The HOME Consortium Agreement requires renewal every three years. Evaluation/Analysis: As a part of the renewal process, HUD requires a resolution to be passed by the Lead Entity of the Consortium (City of Schenectady) approving the renewal of the HOME Consortium Agreement for another three years. Recommendation: Pass a resolution approving the three-year renewal of the HOME Consortium Agreement with the City of Troy and the Town of Colonie. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Law Dept. 46 47  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Development and Planning DATE: May 16, 2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Alexandria Carver, Director of Development SUBJECT: Pro Housing Communities Pledge Resolution Background Information: Governor Hochul’s 2023 Executive Order directs State Agencies, Authorities, and Entities to prioritize the allocation of certain discretionary funds to those localities that promote the construction of housing and comply with a new “Pro Housing Community” certification process; a new requirement that all State entities identify the potential for their state-owned lands to support housing; recent and forthcoming regulatory initiatives to identify opportunities for greater efficiencies to promote housing growth; and the launch of the beta version of a new, interactive portal to collect and share community level housing and zoning data and information on an ongoing basis. Evaluation/Analysis: To apply for key discretionary funding programs the City of Schenectady must obtain NYS Pro Housing Communities certification. Part of this process is to adopt the Pro- Housing Communities pledge. This pledge is acknowledgement that the City of Schenectady is taking part in addressing the housing crisis in New York State. We will agree to 1. Streamlining permitting for multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing and supportive housing. 2. Adopt policies that affirmatively further fair housing 3. Incorporate regional housing needs into planning decisions 4. Increase development capacity for residential uses Recommendation: 48 The City Council passes a resolution adopting the Pro-Housing Communities pledge. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Law Dept. 49  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: CR – Recognizing Spero Zoulas & Steve Harris for their Years of Service at Woodlawn Park Background Information: Spero Zoulas & Steve Harris have dedicated 13 years to revitalizing Woodlawn Park. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: City Council pass a resolution recognizing the above-named individuals for their service to the city. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 50  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: 05.17.2024 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Mootooveren SUBJECT: CR Caribbean-American Heritage Month Background Information: June is National Caribbean-American Heritage Month Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: The council passes a CR to recognize the Caribbean community. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 51  City of Schenectady, New York A Resolution Recognizing National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2024. WHEREAS, Americans have been united with our Caribbean neighbors not just by friendship and economic cooperation, but also by our common values. From a region of extraordinary beauty, generations of immigrants have brought their enormous talents and vibrant culture to the United States; and WHEREAS, their contributions have enriched our City and strengthened the deep bonds between our peoples. This year, we celebrate the Caribbean American Heritage whose legacies are woven into the fabric of our City and Nation, and we reaffirm our belief that throughout the Caribbean region, we all RA share a stake in one another's success; and WHEREAS, throughout the Caribbean, courageous peoples have thrown off the yoke of colonial rule, seizing the right to chart their own destinies, and they have overcome the stains of slavery to widen the circle of opportunity for all; and D WHEREAS, today, more than four million Caribbean Americans live in the United States and continue to contribute to a vibrant culture that enriches our City and Nation. WHEREAS, Caribbean-American Heritage is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and essential role of Caribbean Americans in Schenectady and across the country; and FT WHEREAS, during Caribbean-American Heritage celebration, we honor the courage and perseverance of the Caribbean-American community, and we rededicate ourselves to building opportunity and protecting human rights for all our citizens; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R McCarthy, and City Council, do hereby pause in their deliberation to recognize June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month and call on all Caribbean-Americans to celebrate the history and culture with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 52  Legislative Request Form COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: May 15, 2024 TO: City Council FROM: Mayor Gary McCarthy SUBJECT: Proposed Zoning Change ‐ Schenectady 40 Project TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: May 20 & 27, 2024 Background Information: We are asking the City Council to make a referral to the Planning Commission for a proposed zone change. Due to efforts by the City codes office and City attorneys, with strong support of the Mayor and City Council, Schenectady experienced success in gaining a judgement against the owner of the so-called “Schenectady 40” properties. A fine of $760,000 and the appointment of a receiver to sell the parcels so that the judgement can be satisfied will result in a major windfall for the City both in terms of the revenue and the opportunity to clean up blighted properties. Metroplex has been working closely with the Mayor, City staff, and the receiver appointed by the court to get these properties sold and cleaned up. The bulk of the Schenectady 40 properties are located along Albany Street between the new Hillside Crossings building and the Joseph Allen Apartments. Our goal is to replace these blighted boarded-up buildings – some with extensive fire damage – with quality, affordable housing for neighborhood residents. This development work will be conducted in tandem with ongoing efforts to redevelop the adjacent, vacant former Mohawk Honda site that the County has purchased. The goal is to demolish the former car dealership and build a grocery store and housing at this site connected by new sidewalks to a revitalized Albany Street corridor. Evaluation/Analysis: A zone change is needed for this project to succeed. All adjoining properties are currently zoned C-4. To complete this project, we are seeking to rezone three parcels on Albany Street (783, 785 and 787) and four parcels on Schenectady Street (302, 306, 308 and 310). All parcels would be rezoned as C-4. Two of the properties on Schenectady Street (302 and 310) are vacant lots owned by SURA and the City Council has already approved transfer of these properties to the Land Bank. The remaining properties are vacant, blighted buildings part of the Schenectady 40 assemblage. All parcels are currently adjacent to C-4 zoned lots. We are requesting that the City Council refer this project to the Planning Commission. This State Street/Albany Street Redevelopment provides an opportunity for a transformational project that builds on the momentum already created by the Hillside Crossings and Hillside View developments, Joseph Allen Apartments, Chas Burch retail expansion and the successful redevelopment of the former Horace Mann and St. Columba school buildings. 1 53 In addition, substantial development efforts are getting underway on Germania Avenue and Summit Avenue. This next phase of development pending the zone change will exceed $80 million in new investment. 54 2 Recommendation: • City Council declares intent to act as Lead Agency • City Council refers the proposed zone change to the Planning Commission • City Council calls for a public hearing LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Law Department 55 3  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 302 Schenectady Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 56  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 310 Schenectady Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 57  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 1815 Albany Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 58  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 1755 Avenue B Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 59  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/24 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 1030 Park Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 60  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/20/24 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Office of Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 130 Front Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY________LAW_____________ 61