Planning Commission

City of Schenectady Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 18, 2017 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Because Commissioner Wallinger was delayed and had to recuse herself from the Union College application, City Planner Primiano suggested that Commissioner Wilson call the meeting to order and begin with consideration of that proposal. The Commissioners concurred. II. NEW BUSINESS A. UNION COLLEGE requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264- 90 I of a proposal to construct a 4,300 +/- square foot addition to Grant Hall at 807 Union Street, tax parcel # 39.66-1-1, located in a “I” Institutional District. Loren Rucinski, Union College Director of Facilities, Daria Mallin and Will Calhoun of Envision Architects, and Jim Connors of Chazen Engineering presented the proposal. Because Commissioners Wallinger and Lewis recused themselves, Commissioner Wilson led the discussion. Mr. Rucinski explained that the addition to the admissions building will be used both for the admissions office and for space for the Board of Trustees to meet and hold small functions. Mr. Connors next reviewed the site plan. He explained that the building is located near the middle of the campus and is not visible from the public right of way. He stated that the building will be built in to the existing grade of the land, so that there will be a walkout lower floor on one side and a second-floor entrance on the other. Mr. Connors pointed out the lower level patio space, which will be available for outside functions, and reviewed the landscape plan. He also noted that existing parking will be maintained, and that the project will disturb less than one acre, so a new Storm Water Management Plan is not required. Mr. Calhoun reviewed the elevation drawings and proposed materials. He explained that the main portion of the addition will be hardie board, in a color that will match the existing painted brick building. He noted that the entrance to the addition will be where a large window is now, so a minimum area of the existing building will be altered. Mr. Calhoun pointed out that there is one side of the addition that will have no windows, due to the technical equipment that will be inside the building in that location, but will have trellises and climbing plants along the wall for added interest.  City Planner Primiano noted that she is pleased that the addition will echo some elements of the existing building, but will clearly be a more contemporary structure. The Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Stone stated that she is very happy that the building was designed on the existing slope in such a creative manner, so that it would have the minimum disturbance possible of the existing landscape. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SEQR RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Healey, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to accept the Negative Declaration. Motion carried, with Commissioner Wallinger and Lewis abstaining. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. Any significant changes to the proposal will require further review by the Planning Commission. 2. Detailed elevation drawings will be submitted to the City Planner prior to the issuance of building permits. 3. Three (3) sets of stamped plans will be submitted to Code Enforcement for review and approval of building permits. Motion carried, with Commissioners Wallinger and Lewis abstaining. III. ATTENDANCE PRESENT: Mary Moore Wallinger, Chair; Bradley Lewis, Vice Chair; Ryan P. Bailey; Andrew Healey; Beau Melita; Julia Stone; Jason Bogdanowicz-Wilson; Christine Primiano, Principal Planner; Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel EXCUSED: Randall Beach IV. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CHECK Commissioners Wallinger and Lewis recused themselves from voting on New Business Item A, the Union College proposal. Commissioner Healey recused himself from voting on New Business (continued) Item A, the Angela Sabados proposal. Commissioner Wallinger recused herself from voting on New Business (continued) Item B, regarding the Schenectady Bike Infrastructure Master Plan. V. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Bailey, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to accept the Minutes of the September 20, 2017 meeting as submitted. 2  Motion carried unanimously. VI. CONSENT AGENDA - NEW BUSINESS A. 508 UNION STREET LLC requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 M of a proposal to operate an insurance office at 508 Union Street, tax parcel # 39.64-3-11, located in a “C-4” Downtown Commercial District with the Union Street Corridor Historic Overlay. Gordon Furlani appeared before the Commission on behalf of 508 Union Street LLC. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Union Street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. All wood window trim will be scraped and repainted prior to occupancy. 4. There is no green space on the property. An area in the rear yard adjacent to the back of the building could be created without interfering with the parking. A minimum of a 20-foot by 10-foot area of asphalt will be removed and grass or a combination of grass and shrubbery will be planted in this space. The green space will be installed by July 1, 2018. The applicant will submit a more detailed landscaping plan to staff by approval by November 15, 2017. 5. Any proposed signage and any other changes proposed to the exterior of the building and surrounding property that can be seen from the right of way on Union Street require approval by the Historic District Commission, prior to making the change. Motion carried unanimously. B. PATRICK V. MORELLI requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 M of a proposal to operate a retail glass installation and service company at 1384 Crane Street, tax parcel # 49.71-3-13, located in a “C-2” Mixed Use Commercial District. Patrick Morelli appeared before the Commission. 3  PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Crane Street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. All windows and doors will be restored back to glass as originally configured prior to operation of the business. 4. A large area of asphalt will be removed from the corner of the property to allow for green space. In addition to grass and shrubbery, one tree at least 2.5” diameter will be planted in the green space. A detailed landscaping plan will be submitted to the City Planner for final approval. The landscaping will be installed and completed by July 1, 2018. 5. One sign will be attached to the Crane Street side of the building, and the other to the 10th Avenue side. The applicant will submit the signs to the City Planner for approval prior to installing them. Motion carried unanimously. VII. NEW BUSINESS - CONTINUED A. ANGELA SABADOS requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 M of a proposal to operate a bar and restaurant at 1010 State Street, tax parcel # 49.42-3-7.11, located in a “C-2” Mixed Use Commercial District. Angela Sabados presented the proposal. Commissioner Wallinger explained that she had pulled this item off the consent agenda because she wanted to discuss the façade of the building with Ms. Sabado and see if she had any plans to improve it. Ms. Sabado stated that the building is currently for sale, but that she feels that she must keep a business running to pay her taxes and expenses. She stated that at this time she does not feel that she can afford to make any improvements to the façade. City Planner Primiano suggested that if Ms. Sabado continues to operate the business and own the building in one year, the Commissioners could require that she return at that time with a plan to improve the façade. The Commissioners agreed that this would be acceptable. Commissioner Wallinger suggested that for now she extend some of the colors in the sign out 4  across the façade for added interest. Ms. Sabado agreed that she would do so. It was decided that she would submit a plan to Ms. Primiano for approval. Ms. Sabado stated that for security reasons she does not want to enclose the dumpster. Ms. Primiano explained that it cannot be in public view, so if it is not enclosed it must be shielded from Albany Street. Ms. Sabado stated that she could move it so that it is not visible from any public right of way. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Stone, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from State Street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. A planter will be constructed at the front of the building and will include evergreen shrubs that will be continuously maintained. The planter will be installed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Use license. 4. Pursuant to Section 264-49 G, the dumpster must be screened from view from the public right of way. A plan for the dumpster location will be submitted to the City Planner for approval. The dumpster will be properly located prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Use license. 5. Asphalt repairs will be made to the parking lot and parking spaces will be delineated pursuant to Section 264-43 for onsite parking. The parking lot improvements will be completed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Use license. 6. A plan for painting a portion of the façade to match the sign for the business will be submitted to the City Planner for review and approval prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Use license. Motion carried, with Commissioner Healey abstaining. B. THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT request a recommendation to the City Council for the adoption of the City of Schenectady Bike Infrastructure Master Plan. Peter Knutson, of the City Engineering Department, presented the Bike Infrastructure Master Plan. Because Commissioner Wallinger recused herself from consideration of the proposal, Commissioner Lewis led the discussion. 5 Mr. Knutson made a brief presentation reviewing the plan, which is available on the city website. He explained that it is only a planning document, and that much more research and development will have to be undertaken before the plan is implemented. He also noted that the plan will be separated into three distinct phases. PUBLIC COMMENTS A letter from Lidia Pasamanick, Stockade resident, was entered into the record. Ms. Pasamanick stated that she is opposed to the bike path going through Riverside Park. A letter from Jessie Malecki, resident of North Street, was entered into the record. Ms. Malecki stated that she is opposed to the bike path going through Riverside Park, due to the increased traffic it may bring. David Giacalone, resident of Washington Avenue, submitted a written statement and spoke before the Commission. Mr. Giacalone stated that he is in support of the plan, but does not support the trail going through Riverside Park. He stated that the path will bring heavy traffic that will potentially be very fast, and that people will not have room to walk more slowly and share the path. Mary Ann Ruscitto, of East Front Street, spoke in favor of the proposal, and explained that she supports the idea of the path going through Riverside Park so that riders can enjoy the Mohawk River views. Carmella Ruscitto, of East Front Street, spoke in favor of the proposal and stated that she supports the idea of the path going through Riverside Park. Mr. Knutson reminded the members of the public and the Commissioners that once the plan is adopted there will still be a long way to go before there is an end result, and that this would essentially be the beginning of the finalization process. Commissioner Stone stated that she is disappointed that Stockade residents often make it apparent that they believe that Riverside Park belongs to them. She stated that it is a public park, intended for the public to enjoy, even if they are not residents of the Stockade. Commissioner Healey stated that he is very impressed with the plan and that it has his support. Commissioner Lewis stated that he believes that Riverside Park would be a great place to encourage bikers to use and enjoy the river views and historic atmosphere. He added that he believes that the plan is a very important step towards making the City more bike-friendly. The Commissioners concurred. RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL Motion by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to recommend to the City Council that they adopt the City of Schenectady Bike Infrastructure Master Plan. Motion carried, with Commissioner Wallinger abstaining. 6 C. JAMES T. POLLARD requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 F and I of a proposal to renovate 102, 104, 110, 122, 134, and 136 State Street, 105 and 111 South Church Street, and 2 Mill Lane for residential and retail uses, tax parcel #’s 39.71-1-3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11.1, 36, 39, 41, 42, and 65, located in a “C-4” Downtown Commercial District. JT Pollard of Re4orm Architecture, assisted by Luigi Scocchetti, presented the proposal. At the September meeting Mr. Pollard had presented a preliminary proposal for the conceptual master plan for the development. He again reviewed the plan for the phased development of the area, where some of the buildings will be rehabbed and others will be demolished and replaced. He explained that the Block House will house a brewery and tap room, and the other buildings will be a mixture of commercial and residential use. He noted that he had toured the buildings set to be razed with a representative from SHPO and it had been determined that the buildings had no historical significance. Mr. Pollard presented elevation drawings for the various buildings and explained their future uses. He stated that the Stockade View apartments, next to the old firehouse, will be renovated with an added top story for office space and a restaurant space with an outdoor patio on the first floor. He noted that the Block House building is being renovated to house a farm to table restaurant, with a distillery and tasting room using the other portions of the building. Mr. Pollard added that he is in talks with the City to take over Mill Lane and limit it to pedestrian traffic and deliveries. Mr. Pollard stated that he is working with Metroplex to formulate a parking plan for the development, and believes that it will be finalized shortly. City Planner Primiano noted that if he does not have adequate spaces he will have to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. She also suggested that prior to beginning work on the new buildings he decide if the lots need to be subdivided or consolidated and do that as soon as possible. The Commissioners expressed their support of the project and appreciation for the thoughtful, comprehensive design. Commissioner Stone stated that she is very pleased to see that many of the apartments will have outdoor space. Commissioner Wallinger stated that this will be a very exciting project for this area of the downtown district and that she appreciates the attention given to the concept and details of the project. PUBLIC COMMENTS Scott Cietek, of Metroplex Development Authority, spoke in favor of the project, stating that it will truly transform this section of the downtown district and have a positive effect on the entire City. 7  SEQR RESOLUTION The Metroplex Development Authority is acting as lead agency for this project. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The addresses will be prominently displayed on the buildings so that they are easily visible from the street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. If a parking plan with adequate spaces is not finalized the applicant must seek a variance from the BZA. Motion carried unanimously. D. ANDREW ASKEW requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264- 90 M of a proposal to operate an automobile sales and repair business at 1916 Broadway, tax parcel # 48.60-1-12, located in a “C-2” Mixed Use Commercial District. Ella Mae Ebert presented the proposal on behalf of Andrew Askew. Ms. Ebert explained that the previous auto sales business at the site had been allowed twelve cars for display on the site. She stated that when she measured the actual site she realized that the lot measurements that the City has are incorrect, and that the lot is six feet wider. Ms. Ebert showed on her site plan how 16 cars could be easily parked on the lot. Commissioner Wilson expressed concern that the City had the wrong dimensions for the lot. City Planner Primiano noted that this is not unusual, explaining that some of the City’s information is very old and if the lot is angled might use an average of the front and rear measurements. The Commissioners and Ms. Ebert discussed the landscaping on the site and it was determined that two trees would be added. Ms. Primiano noted that there must be designated employee and customer parking on the site, and that if the applicants wish to use all the parking on the lot for display cars they must provide a shared parking agreement showing that they have an agreement to park cars elsewhere. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SITE PLAN APPROVAL 8  Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Lewis, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will remain prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Broadway. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. One street tree will be planted on the Broadway side of the property, as shown on the proposed site plan, prior to November 1, 2017. The tree will have a minimum diameter of 2.5”. A curb stop will be placed behind the tree planting area to prevent the tree from being damaged by a car. 4. One small, flowering tree will be planted on the Genesee Street side of the property by November 1, 2017. The tree will have a minimum diameter of 2.5”. 5. There must be designated parking on the lot for customers and employees. If a shared parking agreement is reached with a neighbor and employees and/or customers can park on their property, the parking agreement must be reviewed and approved by the City Planner. Motion carried unanimously. E. MOHAMMAD H. ELKHOLY requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 K of a proposal to establish an automobile sales business at 1800 State Street, tax parcel # 60.38-3-12, located in a “C-5” Business District. Mohammad Elkholy and property owner Robert Barrera appeared before the Commission. City Planner Primiano explained that there have been problems at the site with the illegal storage of cars and the removal of a garage without a permit. She informed Mr. Barerra that he will be issued a violation for the garage infraction. Mr. Elkholy stated that when he visited the Department of Development he was told that he only needed a hand drawn site plan to present to the Commission. Ms. Primiano stated that he had been given erroneous information, and apologized for the misunderstanding. She explained to the applicants and the Commissioners that since this is a new use for the property it requires full site plan review. She stated that the Commissioners could table the proposal and require Mr. Elkholy to return with a revised site plan drawing if they felt the plan was necessary to review to properly consider the proposal. Mr. Elkholy asked that the proposal be considered, stating that he and Mr. Barerra are willing to address the Commissioners’ concerns. He explained 9 that he is a used car wholesaler and plans to use the lot to store 2-4 cars at a time. The Commissioners discussed the landscaping and layout of the site and communicated what they felt would be required to bring the property into compliance and to allow them to grant conditional site plan approval. Because the property is adjacent to a residential property at the rear of the lot, Ms. Primiano explained that a fifteen-foot grass buffer and a fence or hedge must be installed at the property line. The Commissioners also discussed a buffer at the front and side of the property and the addition of landscaping in these areas. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SEQR RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to accept the Negative Declaration. Motion carried unanimously. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from State Street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars will not be placed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. The areas of the sidewalk at the front of the property that are in disrepair will be replaced according to city standards by September 30, 2018. 4. The applicant will submit a signage proposal to the City Planner for review and approval prior to fabrication or installation of the sign. 5. The applicant will submit a landscaping plan to the City Planner for approval, showing the changes discussed at the meeting, including the 15-foot grass buffer with a fence or shrubbery (according to the residential neighbor’s wishes) at the rear property line, the grass buffer area along the side and front of the lot, and the installation of landscaped beds and a street tree, prior to the installation of the landscaping. 6. A revised site plan showing the proposed landscaping and the striped parking will be submitted to the City Planner for final review and approval by November 15, 2017. 7. Pursuant to Section 264-49G, all garbage and waste barrels must be stored within a proper enclosure and kept closed and locked at all times. 10  8. The applicant will obtain all necessary permits and licenses prior to opening the business. Motion carried unanimously. VIII. MISCELLANEOUS None. IX. MOTION TO ADJOURN Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. 11