Planning Commission

City of Schenectady NEW YORK CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes August 21 , 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 6:08 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Present: Mary Moore Wallinger; Chair, Bradley Lewis; Vice Chair, Randall Beach; Michael Tearno; Colin Evers; Susan Nadler; Dharam Hitlall; Hayden Engert; Maxine Barasch, Corporation Counsel; Jack Connelly, Planner I and Christine Primiano, Principal Planner Excused : Jason Bogdanowicz-Wilson III. Conflict of Interest Check Commissioners Wallinger and Beach had a conflict of interest with the DePaul Group application for 1101 State Street. The Commission decided to split the consent agenda to have agenda items A and C on one round of votes and agenda item B on a separate round, without Commissioners Wallinger and Beach. Commissioner Wallinger : informed everyone that the meeting will start with the consent agenda, and she started with the roll call of all the Commissioners that were present, as stated above. Commissioner Wallinger went on to list the projects that were going to be discussed for the evening, and if anyone was there to speak about a project that wasn’t on the list, the Commission wasn’t going to be able to speak on it this evening. If the Commissioners have questions, the projects will be introduced, and applicants can come forward to speak about the project to the commissioners. The public will also have an opportunity to speak to the projects. Commissioner Engert made a motion to approve the July 17 minutes with Commissioner Nadler seconding. The motion was carried unanimously. IV. CONSENT AGENDA A. Bill Venezio requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90(H) of a proposal to operate a flex warehousing business at 706 Kings Road, tax parcel # 60.30-3061, located in the C-5 Business District. Mr. Luigi Palleschi of ABD Engineering said that he had received the staff comments and was prepared to meet them. The Commission moved consent agenda item C to the second slot to account for Commissioner Wallinger and Beach’s recusal from the 1101 State application. B. Erik Johnsen requests a Special Use Permit pursuant to Section 264-61(H) of a proposal to paint a 30’x20’ mural on the side of the building at 1031 Barrett Street, tax parcel # 39.65-1-17, located in the C-4 Downtown Mixed-Use District. Mr. Erik Johnsen said that he had received the staff comments, and as there were no objections from staff he was prepared to paint the mural as proposed. Mr. Johnsen spoke briefly regarding the mural stating that it speaks to the mission and values of the Costumer without being a direct advertisement for the business. Mr. Johnsen said that he was inspired by the ‘Imagine’ mural also located Downtown. Commissioner Wallinger opened the public hearing for the first two consent agenda items, and promptly closed it as no comments were heard. SEQR RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Engert to give the projects at 706 Kings Road and 1031 Barrett Street a negative SEQR declaration. Seconded by Commissioner Tearno . Motion carried unanimously. SITE PLAN RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Engert to grant site plan approval for 706 Kings Road with the following conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Hitlall . 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is visible from Kings Road. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars will not be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. All stormwater plans must first be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer before construction begins. Motion carried unanimously. SPECIAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Beach to issue a Special Use Permit for 1031 Barrett Street with the following findings of fact. Seconded by Commissioner Nadler. 1. The impact of the proposed use would not substantially and negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed mural is found to positively effect and compliment the neighborhood. 2. The proposal would not have an undue or adverse effect on adjacent properties, the character of the neighborhood or traffic conditions. 3. Noise, fumes, vibrations or flashing lights produced on the site will be minimal and unobtrusive to other property owners. 4. The proposed building and use served adequately by existing public services such as highways, streets, police and fire departments. The proposal will have no impact on essential facilities. 5. The proposed use will not result in a loss of any natural, historic or scenic architectural features. 6. The proposed building and use complies with all zoning requirements and codes. 7. The mural complies with all rules and regulations for the City of Schenectady Motion carried unanimously. C. DePaul Group requests an amended site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90(I and F) of a proposal to construct a 33,606 square foot daycare and office building and a 67,300 square foot residential building at 1101 State Street, tax parcel # 49.51-1-1.11, 1113 State Street, tax parcel 49.51-1-32, 1115 State Street, tax parcel # 49.51-1-31, 14 Brandywine Avenue, tax parcel # 49.51-1-3, 18 Brandywine Avenue, tax parcel # 49.51-1-2, 22 Brandywine Avenue, tax parcel # 49.51-1-4, 26 Brandywine Avenue, tax parcel # 49.51-1-5, 30 Brandywine Avenue, tax parcel # 49.51-1-6 and 40 Brandywine Avenue, tax parcel # 49.51-1-7, all located in the PMD Planned Mixed-Use District. Commissioner Tearno took over as chair as Commissioners Wallinger and Beach recused themselves. The applicant stated that they had received the staff comments and were prepared to meet them all. Commissioner Tearno opened the public hearing, and subsequently closed it with no comments being heard. SITE PLAN RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Hitlall to issue site plan approval with the following conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Evers. 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 installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. Motion carried 6-0, with Commissioners Wallinger and Beach abstaining . V. NEW BUSINESS A. YWCA requests a Special Use Permit and site plan approval pursuant to Sections 264 Schedule A and 264-90(F) of a proposal to construct and operate a 54 unit apartment building and rehabilitate the existing 42 unit building at 38 and 40 Washington Avenue, tax parcel #s 39.61-1-10 and 11, both located in the RH-2 Stockade Historic Residential District. Commissioner Wallinger explained that no action could be taken at this meeting, as Metroplex had yet to make a SEQR determination as lead agency. The applicant would detail the project and work out any potential issues, then reappear on the agenda in September for the Commission to take action. Mr. Andy Brick came forward as the attorney representing the applicant. Mr. Brick mentioned that the project was previously approved in 2020 however the project never proceeded due to funding issues. The current application is quite similar to what was previously approved, with the main change being that an increase in funding has made it possible for the existing building to receive a complete internal rehabilitation. Mr. Brick introduced Ms. Kim Siciliano, CEO of the YWCA. Ms. Siciliano detailed the clientele for the YWCA and stated that this project would allow them to expand their services and help more people in need. Mr. John Montagne of GPI Engineers said that the biggest difference for the new construction that the current proposal has the building being smaller than originally approved, which gives more room for greenspace and buffering with the Mohawk River. The parking lots on the site are now more condensed and have more landscaping and islands in them to beautify the site. There will be a courtyard on site and an area in the rear of the property suitable for outdoor gatherings and events. Mr. Brian Loughlin mentioned that the main area of the new construction that will be visible from the street is the area in between and behind the existing buildings. Mr. Loughlin said that the Stockade Association was spoken with when designing the new building, and the existing architecture and aesthetics of the neighborhood were taken into consideration with the design. Mr. Loughlin said that the rehabilitation on the interior of the existing building will make the 42 units larger with their own bathrooms, and as a result the daycare facility in the building will be relocated to another site. The back addition from the1970’s will be demolished as it is out of character with the rest of the building, which will open up more space for windows and natural light for the living units. Mr. Brick said that the applicant is in the process of creating an application to the Historic Commission, and all improvements will need to be reviewed by State and Federal Historic agencies as well. Commissioner Nadler asked about the parking situation, as the site was effectively doubling the amount of people on the site which would add an increase of staffing. Mr. Montagne responded saying that there would be an upper parking lot and a lower parking lot. Staff would park on the lower lot, and there were more than enough spaces to accommodate all projected staffing needs. Two EV charging stations would also be added to the site. Mr. Connelly asked if 38 and 40 Washington Avenue were consolidated, as the site will go directly across the property line. Mr. Brick said that consolidating the lots would be no issue and could easily be completed. While there is no concrete plan for how construction will be phased, it is anticipated that the existing building will be rehabilitated prior to the construction of the new building. Commissioner Wallinger mentioned the stormwater issues present in the Stockade and asked if more trees could be added on the site to help alleviate that along with the other benefits trees would bring to the site. Ms. Siciliano said that it would be no issue to add trees to the site. Commissioner Wallinger stopped the discussion to open the public hearing. Ms. Debra Volks came forward to express concerns about the traffic that this project would bring as the streets in the Stockade are already narrow. Ms. Volks also thought that the increase in people would increase the amount of incidences in that area and wondered what security measures would be present. Ms. Colangelo, another Stockade resident mentioned that she also opposed the project because of how crowded the Stockade already is, and she did not believe the Stockade could not handle any more development. Mr. Brick confirmed for Ms. Colangelo that the two buildings to the right of the main YWCA building would not be demolished. Ms. Susan Dufour was okay with the increased density of the buildings, but mentioned she was concerned with the traffic in regards to the amount of Ubers that clog the streets and will not go into the private driveways. Ms. Dufour said that area is a major cycling lane and drop-off services such as Uber make cycling in the Stockade much more difficult. Commissioner Wallinger closed the public hearing as no further comments were heard. Mr. Brick said the majority of people who utilize the YWCA’s services do not have cars, and hoped that would be sufficient for the concerns about traffic. He di recognize that Ubers could increase which could cause issues, and said the applicant would look into changes to the site plan to designate a specific area on site for Uber and Lyft pickups/drop-offs. Ms. Siciliano reminded the Commission that there is already a 15 minute parking spot in front of the building, which is typically used for dropping off and picking up children but is also utilized by Ubers. B. 1332 Lower Broadway, LLC requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90(M) of a proposal to operate a bar and retail space at 1332 Lower Broadway, tax parcel numbers 49.29-2- 7, 49.37-2-19.1, 49.37-2-17 and 49.29-2-6 all located in the M-1 Light Manufacturing and Warehousing District. Mr. Luigi Palleschi of ABD Engineers came forward to present the application on behalf of the property owner. Mr. Palleschi said that the plans were to renovate the existing building to have the Moose Lodge Tavern in the front half of the building with a retail space in the back. The parking lot would be improved, sealed and striped. The sidewalk would be continued along the entire frontage of Lower Broadway and curb cuts would be added to City standards for the parking lots. In response to the staff comments, Mr. Palleschi said that the applicant was willing to turn the striped asphalt areas into green space throughout the parking lot. Mr. Palleschi originally wanted the handicap spaces to remain as previously proposed, but Commissioner Wallinger said they needed to be as close as possible to the entrance. They were eventually moved to reflect this request. No signage plan had been decided on yet, and the applicant would get approvals from the City Planner prior to putting any signage up. Mr. Palleschi was planning on crabapple trees being the choice for the new plantings, which Commissioner Wallinger was greatly in favor of. The existing arborvitaes would remain but no more should be added to the site. Commissioner Wallinger said that a taller shade tree should be added to the rear of the site. Mr. Palleschi said that the three separate lots would be consolidated to have the entire site consist of only one parcel. Commissioner opened the public hearing, and closed it with no comments being heard. SITE PLAN RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner E vers to issue site plan approval with the following conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Lewis. 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Lower Broadway. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars will not be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. All signage plans be reviewed and approved by City Planner prior to being put up. 4. Revised landscaping plan that includes additional 2 trees along Lower Broadway and the one larger shade tree in the hatched area along Delaware be submitted to City Planner. 5. Hatched parking areas be converted to green space. 6. All frontage along Lower Broadway to have sidewalk constructed to City standard. 7. Handicap parking spaces moved to spaces closest to accessible ramp entrances. 8. Both businesses require a Certificate of Use. Motion carried unanimously. C. Electric City Cannabis Co. LLC requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90(M) of a proposal to operate a cannabis dispensary at 1354 Lower Broadway, tax parcel #s 49.37-2-16, 49.37- 2-15.1 and 49.37-2-15.2, all located in the M-1 Light Manufacturing and Warehousing District. Mr. Luigi Palleschi remained in front of the Commission as ABD was also the engineering firm for this application. Commissioner Wallinger emphasized the importance of adding street trees along the frontage on Broadway as that was effectively the entrance into the Bellevue neighborhood. Not only do trees need to be added along Broadway but selecting the most appropriate species was also important. Commissioner Wallinger stated that the pole sign currently at the front corner of the property was illegal and would need to be removed. Ms. Primiano stated that the new sign could only advertise for the dispensary, and not other businesses on different properties. Mr. Palleschi said that the new sign would go in the triangular shaped section in the parking lot, and Commissioner Wallinger recommended some low-lying landscaping to compliment it. Mr. Palleschi had no issue with this request. Landscaping was also to be added in the area between the handicap parking space and the sidewalk. Commissioner Engert asked about the possibility of adding landscaping in the parking lot as well. Commissioner Wallinger said that as there were no extra parking spaces according to Code the Commission would not be able to add landscaping as the need for a variance would then arise. Commissioner Tearno noted that the one diagonal parking space at the northeast corner of the lot did not have sufficient room and should be removed. Replacing that spot with a tree would be preferable. Commissioner Wallinger opened the public hearing, and subsequently closed it as no comments were heard. Commissioner Hitlall noted that there were no utility lines going across the grass portion of the property along Broadway and tall shade trees could be added there instead of flowering trees. Commissioner Hitlall preferred having taller shade trees along Broadway, and the flowering trees along Lower Broadway, which the rest of the Commission agreed with. The arborvitae that exist on the site should remain, but no more should be added. 5 shade trees were needed along Broadway. The concrete pad was determined to be used for an old bus stop and was asked to be removed. The applicant was relieved when told he had permission to remove it. The applicant said that 30 days was more than enough time to submit a revised site plan with the changes detailed at the meeting. The lots would also be consolidated into one parcel. SITE PLAN RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Evers to grant site plan approval with the following conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Beach. 1. The address will be prominently displayed so that it is easily visible from Lower Broadway. 2. Metal roll gates and iron bars will not be installed on any doors or windows at any time in the future. 3. Greenspace with a flowering tree be added between the sidewalk on Lower Broadway and the accessible parking spot. 4. Diagonal parking space on northeastern corner of lot be converted to greenspace with a tall shade tree. 5. Tall shade tree to be added in hatched area in southern portion of the lot.  6. Concrete pad to be removed from landscape buffer on Broadway. 7. 4 tall shade trees to be added along Broadway with 4 flowering trees along Lower Broadway. 8. Existing pole sign will come down within 30 days of this approval. New signage plans must be reviewed and approved by City Planner prior to issuance of permits. Low lying landscaping to be placed around the new sign. 9. The business needs a Certificate of Use. 10. Lots to be consolidated prior to issuance of the Certificate of Use. Motion to be carried unanimously. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Shannan Pabla requests site plan approval pursuant to Section 264-90(J) of a proposal to operate a convenience store and auto repair shop at 1401 Erie Boulevard, tax parcel # 39.56-3- 43.11, located in the C-4 Downtown Mixed-Use District. Ms. Shannan Pabla gave a brief recap of the proposal as well as the changes made since her last time in front of the Commission. Greenspace was added along the front corner of the property and the parking spaces out front were removed. Ms. Pabla asked about the possibility of thinning the landscaping to have access to Erie Boulevard from the parking spaces, as Jefferson is a one-way street. Ms. Pabla proposed having barriers separating the parking lot from the street so they could travel in the direction of Erie. Commissioner Tearno did not think there was enough room to accommodate that. Commissioner Wallinger shared the note from the Zoning Officer stating that 30 parking spaces would be needed while only 9 were approved. It was decided the most appropriate way forward would be to send the applicant to the BZA to receive the parking variance, then they could come back for site plan approval and the Special Use Permit for the auto shop. Ms. Pabla asked why the Special Use Permit would be needed for the auto shop. Mr. Connelly said that because the site had never received approvals and given that the location is in the C-4 Downtown District the Special Use Permit is needed. BZA REFERRAL RESOLUTION Motion made by Commissioner Engert to refer the project to the Board of Zoning Appeals for an area variance in regards to parking. Seconded by Commissioner Hitlall. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Beach, seconded by Commissioner Engert . The meeting adjourned at 8:02pm.