Planning Commission

City of Schenectady Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Wallinger called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE PRESENT: Mary Moore Wallinger, Chair; Bradley Lewis, Vice Chair; Ryan P. Bailey; Randall Beach; Evan Euripides; Richard Ferro; Andrew Healey; Jason Bogdanowicz-Wilson; Christine Primiano, Principal Planner; Andrew Koldin, Assistant Corporation Counsel EXCUSED: Julia Stone III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CHECK Commissioners Wallinger, Lewis, and Beach recused themselves from the discussion and vote on New Business Item C, the Union College application. IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Healey, to accept the Minutes of the October 17, 2018 meeting as submitted. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioners Lewis and Euripides absent from the vote. V. NEW BUSINESS A. NICOLE PARDI requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 M of a proposal to operate a boutique selling personal care items and home décor at 172 Jay Street, tax parcel # 39.72-4-37, located in a "C-4" Downtown Commercial District. Nicole Pardi’s husband presented the proposal on her behalf. Mr. Pardi explained that they plan to open a boutique selling unique, handcrafted gift items. Commissioner Wallinger asked Mr. Pardi if they are planning on having an exterior sign in addition to the lettering in the windows. Mr. Pardi stated that at this time they are not. Commissioner Wallinger stated that if in the future they wish to install a sign it must be approved by City staff prior to purchase and installation. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SITE PLAN APPROVAL  Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Ferro, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Jay Street. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. If the applicant decides to install an exterior sign, they must submit a professionally prepared proposal for review and approval prior to purchase and fabrication of the sign. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioners Lewis and Euripides absent from the vote. B. VINCENT BOTTONE requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 K of a proposal to operate an automobile sales business at 1369 Lower Broadway, tax parcel # 49.37-2-14, located in an “M-1” Light Manufacturing and Warehousing District. Vincent Bottone presented the proposal. Mr. Bottone explained that he has operated his used car business for almost thirty years and would like to move his existing business to this location. Commissioner Wallinger asked about the condition of the asphalt on the lot, noting that it looked from the photos provided that it is not in good repair. Mr. Bottone stated that he did extensive patching in the rear lot and the building inspector had inspected it and stated that it was in satisfactory condition. Commissioner Wallinger explained that the concrete sidewalk had previously been paved over with asphalt and she would like to see at least the corner portion of the sidewalk restored. Using the photo, she showed Mr. Bottone the area to which she was referring. Mr. Bottone stated that he would be willing to restore the sidewalk. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SEQR RESOLUTION Motion by Commissioner Bailey, seconded by Commissioner Ferro, to accept the Negative Declaration. Motion carried unanimously. 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 Lower Broadway. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. If any interior construction is planned, building permits are required prior to doing any work. 4. All vehicles on display for sale and/or storage will be kept in parking places as shown on the site plan. In addition, vehicles will be parked with a setback of 4 feet from the property line. 5. Pursuant to Section 264-62 (D) Pennants, flags, streamers, tinsel, balloons, strings of lights, and fluttering devices are prohibited on commercial properties except as part of a grand opening and not to exceed 30 days. 6. The sidewalk corner closest to Broadway, which is currently paved with asphalt and in disrepair, will be replaced with concrete to City standards by July 1, 2019. Motion carried unanimously. C. UNION COLLEGE requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 M of a proposal to redevelop the property at 631-645 Nott Street to operate the Union College Campus Safety facility, tax parcel #’s 39.58-1-11 & 13, located in a “C-2” Mixed Use Commercial District. Loren Rucinski, Director of Facilities and Planning for Union College, Emily Kohout of Architecture+, and Dominick Arico of CT Male Associates presented the proposal. Because both Commissioner Wallinger and Commissioner Lewis recused themselves from consideration of the application, Commissioner Wilson led the discussion of the proposal. Mr. Rucinski explained that Union College had purchased the property over a year ago and plans a complete renovation of the building, which will house the Campus Safety Office. Ms. Kohout reviewed the building plans, explaining that the site will be used for the back-of-house function of the Campus Safety Office, while an on-campus office will remain for more direct service to the students and staff. She stated that the goal of the exterior design is to make the building identifiable as a part of the College, although it is not located on the campus proper. Ms. Kohout explained that as a result of feedback from City staff the exterior finish material on the first-floor level was changed from an EFIS product to a finish that will be more durable. She noted that the EFIS material will still be used on the second floor. Ms. Kohout reviewed the building design and pointed out the new windows, parapet, and entry that will be added. Mr. Arico reviewed the site plan and explained that all water, sewer, and utility service will remain the same. He noted that they will be adding a generator to the site for emergency power service. He also reviewed the landscaping plan, stating that they have added significant green space to the site and were granted a variance to allow for the deficit below 20% of the site being used as green space. Commissioner Wilson asked what the proposed fencing will look like. Ms. Kohout stated that the fence at the rear of the lot bordering the neighbor’s property will be solid vinyl, at the neighbor’s request. She explained that the chain link fence along the side neighbor’s driveway will remain, and that they would like to use a black iron fence, like that used along the perimeter of the Union campus, along Nott Street. City Planner Primiano noted that the maximum height for that fence is four feet, or a variance will be required. Commissioner Bailey asked what species of trees are being proposed. Mr. Arico stated that they are willing to plant whatever type the Commission prefers. Ms. Primiano stated that she will send the City list of appropriate tree species to the applicants. Commissioner Wilson asked how many vehicles will be accessing the site. Mr. Rucinski stated that there are approximately 6 security vehicles in the fleet, along with the security employees’ cars, noting that they plan to allow for enough parking to accommodate the shift change times. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ilyas Amin, owner of the neighboring Sicilian Pizzeria, explained that he has been in ongoing talks with Union College regarding a parking agreement. Commissioner Bailey explained that the Commission cannot be involved in civil disputes between neighbors. Mr. Rucinski stated that negotiations have been ongoing with Mr. Amin, and he is confident that some sort of parking agreement can be reached prior to the end of construction. David Hogenkamp, of Metroplex Development Authority and the Community Land Bank, spoke in favor of the project, stating that it will be an excellent reuse of a difficult site and that it will have a positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Healey, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Nott Street.  2. The applicant will submit final revised site plans, showing the changes in exterior materials discussed at the meeting, to the City Planner for final approval. 3. Street trees will be added to the driveway entrance and exit. The species of the trees will be submitted to the City Planner for final approval. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioners Wallinger, Lewis, and Beach recusing themselves from the discussion and vote. D. BONNIE GOODWIN requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90 A of a proposal to redevelop the property at 764.5 Eastern Avenue into an Italian restaurant, tax parcel # 39.74-3-18, located in an “R-2” Two Family Residential District. Bonnie Goodwin presented the proposal. Ms. Goodwin reviewed the site plan and the work already completed on the building. She explained that due to a problem with her contractor the deck had been constructed improperly and will be reconstructed as shown on the site plan. Commissioner Wallinger reviewed the staff report and explained that any items that are in the City right of way need to be covered by a revocable permit. Ms. Goodwin stated that she has been considering adding a temporary vestibule to the front of the building for the winter months. City Planner Primiano explained that this is allowed but if it extends into the City right of way it must be covered by a revocable permit. Ms. Goodwin stated that she had also been considering adding an awning over the deck to divert water away from the back of the building. Commissioner Wallinger stated that this is allowed as long as she does not divert any water on to a neighbor’s property. She advised Ms. Goodwin to submit any changes to the site plan to Ms. Primiano for review prior to making the changes or additions. PUBLIC COMMENTS David Hogenkamp, of Metroplex Development Authority and the Community Land Bank, spoke in favor of the proposal, stating that it is a great reuse of this building and is in keeping with the stated goals of the Eastern Avenue neighborhood. SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Beach, to accept the proposal with the following conditions: 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Eastern Avenue.  2. Metal roll gates and iron bars cannot be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. A Certificate of Use is required to operate the restaurant. 4. The concrete poured in the right of way will be removed and new concrete will be installed to City standard and with a proper permit. This will be complete prior to the opening of the business. 5. Revocable permits must be issued for all items in the right of way prior to the opening of the business. 6. The rear deck will be constructed as shown on the revised site plan and will be painted or stained by June 1, 2019. 7. All exterior painting will be completed by June 1, 2019. 8. A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued, or it will be revoked, if the property is not in compliance with all conditions of this site plan approval. Motion carried unanimously. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT requests consideration to amend the regulations for Section 264-61 I. Electronic message boards. City Planner Primiano distributed the revised draft incorporating the Commissioners’ suggested edits discussed at the October meeting. The Commissioners reviewed the document and indicated their support for recommending to the City Council that they adopt the changes to the City Code. RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to recommend that the City Council adopt the draft amendments to the City Code. Motion carried unanimously. VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to enter Executive Session. Motion carried unanimously. 132 & 136 Broadway  Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Lewis, to approve the City’s sale of a purchase option for 132 & 136 Broadway to Metroplex Development Authority. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Beach recusing himself from the vote. 1419 Erie Boulevard Motion by Commissioner Ferro, seconded by Commissioner Lewis, to approve the settlement offer for 1419 Erie Boulevard as presented by Corporation Counsel Falatico. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Healey recusing himself from the vote. VIII. MOTION TO ADJOURN Motion by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Bailey, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.