Planning Commission

City of Schenectady Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 17, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wallinger called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE PRESENT: Mary Moore Wallinger, Chair; Ryan P. Bailey; Randall Beach; Richard Ferro; Andrew Healey; Jason Bogdanowicz-Wilson; Christine Primiano, Principal Planner; EXCUSED: Bradley Lewis, Vice Chair; Beau Melita; Julia Stone; Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CHECK Commissioner Ferro recused himself from New Business Item B, the Sequence Development proposal. IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to accept the Minutes of the December 20, 2017 meeting as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. V. NEW BUSINESS A. RALF TORKEL requests a Special Use Permit pursuant to Section 264- 61 I of a proposal to install an electronic message board sign at 1753 State Street, tax parcel # 60.30-2-38, located in a "C-5" Business District. Ralf Torkel presented the proposal. Mr. Torkel explained that he has had his existing sign for thirty years, and now that he has decided to update his logo and install a new sign he decided that he would like to use an electronic message board sign. He noted that many of the nearby businesses on State Street also have this type of sign. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SEQR RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Ferro, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to accept the Negative Declaration. Motion carried unanimously.  SPECIAL USE PERMIT Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to approve the Special Use Permit with the following findings: 1. Proposed use shall not substantially impact upon the nature and character of the neighborhood. This property is located in a commercial district, surrounded by commercial properties. 2. Proposed use will not have a substantial or undue adverse effect upon adjacent property, the character of the neighborhood, traffic conditions, and utility facilities. Adjacent properties are commercial uses. This proposal will not have an impact on the character of the neighborhood or change traffic volume or utilities. 3. Nuisance will not be more objectionable than use not requiring special use permit. There will be no anticipated nuisance as a result of this sign. 4. Use shall be served adequately by infrastructure. This will not have an impact on the infrastructure. 5. Proposed use will not result in loss or destruction of significant features. No loss or destruction of significant features have been identified. 6. The proposed building or use does comply with all additional requirements imposed on it by the provisions of this zoning chapter. No variances are necessary as a result of this proposal. and condition of approval: 1. The applicant will obtain all necessary permits prior to installation of the new sign. Motion carried unanimously. B. SEQUENCE DEVELOPMENT requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 B and F of a proposal to redevelop the building into 10 residential units and one commercial unit at 144 Clinton Street, tax parcel # 39.72-4-26, located in a "C-4" Downtown Commercial District. Jeff Buell, President and CEO of Sequence Development, and Elizabeth Young Jojo, COO, presented the proposal. Mr. Buell explained that as his company’s development of the Foster Building project comes to a close they are seeking to expand their projects on the side streets of the downtown area, with the end goal of contributing positively to the walkability and connectivity of the neighborhoods. He stated that they have been working closely with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to get this building on the National Historic Registry, and that after much effort they have recently been granted verbal permission by SHPO to begin the application process. He noted that the building has quite an interesting 2 history, including having served as City Hall while the current location was being built. Mr. Buell noted that the building currently houses an accounting office on the first floor, with large, open spaces on the second and third floors, which have most recently been used by a church for an assembly space and for band practice space. He explained that they are seeking to convert the upper two floors to a total of ten residential units, with a single tenant in the 3000-square foot ground floor retail space. He noted that they are currently in the process of lease negotiations with the retail tenant. Mr. Buell stated that they have removed some of the green metal siding and it is evident that the original block remains underneath. He explained that they also plan to repair and retain the original windows, cornice, and sign band. Commissioner Wilson stated that he would like the applicant to return to the Commission with elevation drawings and material and color samples as the project progresses. The Commissioners concurred. City Planner Primiano noted that there is not adequate on-site parking, and thus they must obtain a shared parking agreement or a variance. Mr. Buell stated that he is confident that they will be able to work out a shared parking agreement for a nearby lot. Ms. Primiano stated that the agreement must be approved by the City Corporation Counsel and filed in the County Clerk’s office prior to the issuance of any Building Permits. PUBLIC COMMENTS Scott Cietek of Metroplex Development Authority spoke in favor of the proposal, stating that Mr. Buell and Sequence Development are reputable developers who have done much positive work in the City. He stated that he believes that Mr. Buell is committed to developing the property for its highest and best use. SEQR RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to accept the Negative Declaration. Motion carried, with Commissioner Ferro abstaining. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will remain prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Clinton Street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be placed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3  3. The applicant will return to the Planning Commission with details of the façade work prior to completing the work. Information submitted will include elevation drawings and details about the materials and colors to be used, as well as any lighting and signage plans. 4. All garbage must be properly stored and out of public view. 5. Pursuant to Section 264-44 Schedule F, a total of 15 onsite parking spaces are required for this proposal. The applicant must obtain an area variance to allow for no onsite parking or provide a parking agreement with a neighboring property, pursuant to Section 264-46 B (2), approved by the City Corporation Council and filed in the County Clerk’s office prior to the issuance of any Building Permits. 6. Any proposed signage must be submitted to the City Planner for final approval prior to purchase and fabrication of the sign. Motion carried, with Commissioner Ferro abstaining. C. AMANDA THOMPSON requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 M of a proposal to operate a restaurant at 135 Broadway, tax parcel # 39.80-2-51.12, located in a "C-4" Downtown Commercial District. Amanda Thompson presented the proposal. Ms. Thompson explained that until she lost her lease in February 2017 she had been operating her restaurant at 170 Lafayette Street. She explained that she would like to reopen at this location, with a target opening time of February 1, 2018. Commissioner Wallinger asked if Ms. Thompson plans to provide seasonal outdoor seating. Ms. Thompson replied that as this venue seats fewer customers than their previous restaurant, they are strongly considering it. Commissioner Wallinger reminded her that a permit is required for outdoor seating. Ms. Thompson stated that the sign will be the same as at her previous location and will be placed where the previous business’s sign was, on the front of the building. Commissioner Wallinger stated that she noticed that there are currently many signs in the windows and no more than 20% of the windowpanes may be covered. Ms. Thompson stated that the excessive signs would be removed immediately. City Planner Primiano noted that, at the Police Department’s request, Ms. Thompson has been provided with a copy of the Stratton Plaza regulations regarding parking and business operations, which she also included in the information disseminated to the Commissioners. Ms. Thompson stated that she had reviewed the materials and will comply. 4 PUBLIC COMMENTS Scott Cietek of Metroplex Development spoke in favor of the project, stating that Ms. Thompson had previously run a very successful business and that Metroplex is happy to see her relocating to this downtown location. He stated that he believes that the restaurant will have a positive impact on the area. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address is currently displayed at the entrance of Utech Products, and it is difficult to read from Broadway. The address shall also be prominently displayed at the corner of the building so that it is easily visible from Broadway. If this tenant is to have a different address number, it must be posted on the storefront and be clearly visible from the right of way. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars may not be placed on any doors or windows at any time. 3. The applicant must provide a professionally prepared proposal for a permanent sign to the City Planner for final approval prior to purchase and fabrication of the sign. 4. Well maintained potted plants in front of the building are encouraged when weather permits. 5. Outdoor seating requires a Sidewalk Café Permit issued by the Code Enforcement Office in Room 17 of City Hall. 6. A Certificate of Use License and Public Assembly Inspection are required to open the business and must be renewed annually. 7. The applicant has been given a copy of the regulations for Lamp Lane (alley next to the building) and Stratton Plaza (included below). The business must operate in compliance with these regulations or it will be subject to a site plan approval violation. Motion carried unanimously. 248-39 Regulations for specific locations; skateboards. [Amended 3-25-1985 by Ord. No. 85-26; amended 5-26-1992 by Ord. No. 92-22; 7-31-1995 by Ord. No. 95-23; 8-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-11] The prohibition of parking, standing, or stopping of vehicles on streets within the City of any parking time limitation is hereby delegated to the City Engineer pursuant to Article II of this chapter. All existing regulations, including ordinances and City Engineer rulings, pertaining to the above, are hereby continued in authority, and the signs presently in use or their replacements are hereby authorized as enforceable signs. For purposes of this § 248-39, a "special event" shall be any function, event, happening, meeting of people or planned occasion which could increase the level of pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic over those consistent levels characteristic of normal business hours (Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. 5 to 5:00 p.m.). Such standard shall be interpreted at the reasonable discretion of the City. A. Operating and parking of motorized vehicles on Jay Street and Stratton Plaza are prohibited. (1) No person shall operate or park any car, motorized vehicle or bicycle on the Jay Street pedestrian walkway which is between State Street and Franklin Street, the Stratton Plaza pedestrian walkway between Clinton Street and Broadway or Lamp Lane existing between Stratton Plaza and the properties bordering State Street. This subsection shall not apply, however, in the following instances: (a) Vehicles making delivery to Jay Street daily between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., except Thursdays. (b) Vehicles in excess of 10,000 pounds making deliveries to Stratton Plaza and/or Lamp Lane daily between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. (c) Emergency vehicles, including but not limited to police, fire, ambulance, and public utility vehicles. (d) Such other vehicles as are authorized on Jay Street, upon application, by the Police Department. (e) Such other vehicles less than 10,000 pounds which are required for pickups and deliveries on Stratton Plaza and Lamp Lane shall be permitted for only those properties abutting these public rights-of-way for a maximum of 15 minutes (standing only; no parking shall be allowed). (f) For any parking or standing on Lamp Lane, the operator shall be in attendance at all times to allow for immediate removal/coordination with all users of the alley, including emergency vehicles. (g) There will be no parking or standing in Stratton Plaza and/or Lamp Lane when a snowfall exceeds three inches. The costs of snow removal for special events shall be borne by the originator of the special event as determined by the Commissioner of General Services. (h) Special events shall be coordinated with the Police Department and shall have a preapproved traffic control plan in place before each special event. The proposed plan shall be submitted to the City at least 30 days prior to any such event on forms provided by the Police Department of the City of Schenectady. The approved plan shall be provided by hand delivery to each property within the 400 block of State Street. All reimbursable costs incurred by the City for any activity related to a special event shall be the responsibility of the event holder and paid to the City. (2) Vehicles entering Jay Street pursuant to one of the above exceptions shall enter from Franklin Street. 6  (3) Vehicles entering Stratton Plaza and/or Lamp Lane pursuant to the above exceptions shall enter from Broadway only. Vehicles leaving Stratton Plaza and/or Lamp Lane shall exit to Broadway. An exception to this traffic pattern may be allowed upon preapproval of a traffic plan. (4) Unless otherwise authorized by the Commissioner of General Services, trash will be collected daily between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, except for City holidays. Trash shall be set out on Lamp Lane only. No trash will be allowed to be set out or collected on Stratton Plaza. No storage or use of any kind, except permitted herein, shall be allowed on Stratton Plaza and/or Lamp Lane unless specifically approved in writing by the Commissioner of General Services. Trash collection during weekends, holidays or special events shall be by the respective property owner/generator. All solid waste and recyclable material must be set out in containers approved by the Commissioner of General Services. No waste, waste receptacles or personal property of any kind will be permitted to be stored on Stratton Plaza or Lamp Lane between collection periods. Empty trash receptacles must be removed and stored within the property until within one hour of collection. Trash shall be set out no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the preceding day. VI. MISCELLANEOUS City Planner Primiano informed the Commissioners that she had inquired about funding for training and was informed that there was not funding available in the budget this year. She encouraged the Commissioners to investigate if there are continuing education courses available for their respective professions which might be relevant to planning and development. Ms. Primiano also noted that the City Engineer had asked that the Commissioners give some thought to whether there should be a change in policy regarding electronic message board signs, specifically if they should be restricted to certain zoning districts, have different size restrictions etc. Ms. Primiano explained that city staff believes that the demand for permission to use these signs is increasing. Commissioner Wallinger asked if staff could investigate what regulations other similar small cities have. Ms. Primiano stated that she will follow up with further information. Commissioner Wallinger briefly reviewed the progress to date regarding modifying the residential parking requirement in the downtown area. She and Ms. Primiano stated that they will be continuing to move forward toward meeting with the neighborhood groups who could potentially be affected by the changes, and will keep the Commissioners informed of any developments as they occur. VII. MOTION TO ADJOURN Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to adjourn the meeting. 7 Motion carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m. 8