Zoning Board of Appeals

Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes March 13, 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Gleason called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. After calling the meeting to order, Commissioner Gleason explained to the members of the public how the consideration of the applications would proceed. He stated that the applicants would have an opportunity to make their presentation to the Board, followed by any members of the public who would like to speak in favor of the application. Next, any members of the public in opposition to the application would be invited to speak, followed by any further discussion or questions the Board Members wished to put forth prior to the vote. He added that after the initial presentation of the proposal the applicant would not be given another opportunity to comment unless directly questioned by a Board Member. The meeting is being recorded. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Jim Gleason, Chair; Dave Connelly, Vice Chair; Helene Lester, Mary Zawacki and Brendan Keller, Jack Connelly- Department of Development staff, Peter Lomtevas, Deputy Corporation Counsel EXCUSED: Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CHECK None. IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES The minutes were approved for the February 13th, 2024 meeting. The motion was made by Commissioner Connelly and seconded by Commissioner Keller. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Zawacki abstaining. V. Old Business VI. Applications: New Business A. David Kellogg requests a use variance for 1507 Carrie Street (tax parcel # 39.50- 3-35) located in the R-2 Two-Family Residential District to have four living units in an existing house, pursuant to Section 264 Schedule A. Mr. Connelly was told by City staff that Mr. Kellogg would not be attending the meeting as he forgot that it was tonight. Mr. Kellogg would try again for the April meeting. The Board decided that they would not vote or hear on the project until Mr. Kellogg was present to discuss. B. Broadway Industrial, LLC requests an area variance for 1351 Lower Broadway (tax parcel # 49.37-2-9.1), 1343 Lower Broadway (tax parcel # 49.37-2-9.7) and 1335 Lower Broadway (tax parcel # 49.37-2-9.6) all located in the M-1 Light Manufacturing and Warehousing District to ask for 18 parking spaces where 1 is the maximum, pursuant to Section 264-45 (B) C. Broadway Industrial, LLC requests an area variance for 1351 Lower Broadway (tax parcel # 49.37-2-9.1), 1343 Lower Broadway (tax parcel # 49.37-2-9.7) and 1335 Lower Broadway (tax parcel # 49.37-2-9.6) all located in the M-1 Light Manufacturing and Warehousing District to ask for a 5 foot side setback where 10 is the minimum, pursuant to Section 264 Schedule C. Mr. Luigi Palleschi of ABD Engineers came forward to discuss agenda items B and C. Mr. Palleschi stated that he requested 18 parking spaces for the site due to the fact that there would likely be upwards of 3 tenants at the site, which would leave 6 parking spaces per tenant. Mr. Connelly confirmed for Commissioner Keller that if this site were to be used for another non-storage use then there would be 25 required parking spaces, leading to the fact that the 18 requested was substantially less than most other commercial uses of similar sizes. Mr. Palleschi told the Commission that the business needed the side setback because he wanted each tenant to have an equal space, which would be much easier to accomplish with the building sized as proposed. As the building is located in the M-1 District the Commission did not have an issue with the setback as it would not be encroaching on any residential areas. Commissioner Gleason noted that the site would be a marked improvement to the current conditions on Lower Broadway. Commissioner Gleason did not hear any comment from the public regarding this and subsequently closed the public hearing. SEQR RESOLUTION Commissioner Connelly made a motion to declare agenda items B and C a Type II SEQR. Commissioner Keller seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously. AREA VARIANCE APPROVAL Commissioner Keller made a motion to grant the area variance for the 18 parking spaces as requested. Seconded by Commissioner Connelly. 1. An undesirable change will not be produced in the neighborhood. 2. The benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by another method but will not be a burden on the area. 3. The variance is not substantial. 4. The hardship is self-created. 5. There will be no adverse effect on the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood. The motion was approved unanimously. AREA VARIANCE APPROVAL Commissioner Keller made a motion to approve the application as is. Commissioner Connelly 1. An undesirable change will not be produced in the neighborhood. 2. The benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by another method but will not be a burden on the area. 3. The variance is not substantial. 4. The hardship is self-created. 5. There will be no adverse effect on the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood. The motion was approved unanimously. VII. Other Business VIII. Adjourn 6:50 p.m. motion made by Commissioner Connelly and seconded by Commissioner Keller. The motion was approved unanimously.