Historic Resource Commission

Schenectady Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2024 I. Call to Order Commissioner Yager called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Roll Call PRESENT: Patricia Yager, Chair; Richard Unger, Shaun Andriano, Michael Barron, Jack Connelly; Development Staff, Maxine Barasch; City Counsel EXCUSED: Zakhar Berkovich III.Conflicts of Interest None IV. Adoption of Prior Meeting's Minutes A. January 4th Some of the Commissioners mentioned they were unable to properly review the minutes prior to the meeting and requested that the minutes be set aside to be approved at the next meeting. V. Call for Members of Public to Speak on Agenda Items VI. Old Applications VII. New Business A. Consideration for approval submitted by the City of Schenectady to replace the windows, stucco and front stairs. The property is the North Ferry St. Pump Station located in the Stockade. Mr. Jack Connelly discussed the exterior changes happening to the Pump Station on behalf of the City’s Engineering Department. The changes included a full repair of the stucco, repair of the concrete steps and removal of the utilities protruding from the roof of the building. Additionally, the windows were to be taken out and repaired, rather than replaced, and new storm windows were proposed as well. Mr. Connelly noted that it was unlikely that the storm windows were to be used, but they were put in the application regardless in case the applicant decided to move forward with them. Commissioners Yager and Unger were highly favorable of the inclusion of the storm windows, as they may have benefits for the preservation of the windows. Especially given the fact that the building is directly adjacent to the Mohawk River, the Commissioners felt that extra protection for the windows was warranted. Commissioner Andriano mentioned that these storm windows could also easily be removed, so they were in no way a permanent addition to the structure, if they were put on. Mr. Connelly clarified for Commissioner Barron that the existing stucco would be removed in its entirety. Not doing so would make the repairs noticeable and patchy, as opposed to what was proposed which would give the entire exterior one cohesive look. Once completed, the stucco would be spray painted with Sherwin Williams SW 7564 “Polar Bear”. The doors would also be painted using a Sherwin Williams SW 7595 “Sommelier”. Both of these colors were decided by using a swatch to determine what colors were existing on the building as is. The windows would be painted to match the color of the windows at the new pump station adjacent to the site in question. Commissioner Unger stressed the importance of getting input from the Stockade Association for projects such as this. RESOLUTION Commissioner Andriano made a motion to approve the application. Commissioner Unger seconded the motion with the following conditions and findings of fact:  The Commission has no objection to the proposed storm windows being added to the property  The accepted storm windows are Mon-Ray 500 series  Stucco may be repaired and spray painted SW 7564 Polar Bear  Doors to be repainted SW 7595 Sommelier  Windows to be painted in coordination to windows of the adjacent building  All work to be completed within one year Motion carried unanimously. This is in coordination with standards 2, 5, 9 and 10. Type II SEQR VII. Miscellaneous Historic Code Changes Mr. Connelly discussed proposed Code changes pertaining to the City’s Historic Ordinance. The major changes were outlined. A consent agenda was among the proposals. Mr. Connelly and Mr. Chris Marney, who worked on writing the changes, noted that any Commissioner could ask for a consent agenda item to be removed at any time for further discussions. Additionally, Mr. Connelly said that driveway and sidewalk repairs would be subject to staff approval, as long as the applicant does not change the color, material or size of the paved area. Mr. Connelly mentioned a change that would reduce the number of Commissioners from 7 to 5 with an additional alternate member who would fill in in case a Commissioner was absent. Commissioner Unger voiced concern over the proposal of the alternate member, as he said that he has had bad experiences with similar setups in the past. Finally, Mr. Marney detailed protections for trees that were included which would make it necessary for property owners to appear before the Commission before removing a tree of 9 inches in diameter or more. Ms. Mary Werner of the GE Realty Plot Tree Association voiced support for the code changes, specifically detailing the importance of the protections that trees would receive. Ms. Beth Petta also supported the proposed code changes and stated interest in becoming the alternate member if that position should come about. RESOLUTION Commissioner Unger made a motion to recommend the Schenectady City Council adopt the code changes made to the Sections 264-10, 264 Schedule A, 264-20, 264 Off-Street Parking and Loading, 243 Trees and Shrubs, 264-73 through 264-82, 228-18, 228-24 and 264-8. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Andriano. Motion carried unanimously. HC Application Discussion It was determined that this item, although on the agenda, did not need to be discussed at the meeting. Properties for Discussion Mr. Connelly discussed the two properties to be brought forward for a vote to send to the Zoning Enforcement Officer for enforcement under Section 264-78(B). The properties in question were 21 Governors Lane and 2 Nott Terrace. The Commission noted that 21 Governors Lane was being cited for severe stucco damage, window damage, and the fact that visual records show it not being maintained for many years. 2 Nott Terrace was shown to have significant damage to the porch, roof of the porch, railings, an open/broken window that could lead to further damage on the interior and potential mold on the fascia. RESOLUTION Commissioner Barron made a motion that a letter of recommendation be written to the Zoning Enforcement officer for 21 Governors Lane and 2 Nott Terrace on the basis that they are found to be in violation of the City of Schenectady code Section 264-78(B). Seconded by Commissioner Unger. Motion carried unanimously. VIII. A d j o u r n Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Unger. Seconded by Commissioner Andriano. Meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM