Zoning Board of Appeals

Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes May 8, 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 and Mary Zawacki, Nora Wallace- Zoning Officer, Peter Lomtevas- Deputy Corporation Counsel EXCUSED: Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore; Brendan Keller III. CONFLICT OF INTEREST CHECK None. IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES V. Old Business VI. Applications: New Business A. Maxon ALCO Holdings, LLC requests an area variance for 110 Harborside Drive (tax parcel # 39.41-1-6.1) located in the C-3 Waterfront Mixed-Use District for 85 parking spaces where 100 are required pursuant to Section 264-44 Schedule F. Mr. Dan Hershberg of Hershberg and Hershberg came forward to discuss the variance. Mr. Hershberg detailed the site, showing how the proposed hotel and parking lot would be situated near the RPI nuclear facility. Mr. Hershberg stated that it is very rare that hotels would require one full space for each room, informing the Board that the IT Parking Generation Manual shows a hotel in a site like is proposed would require roughly 64-76 parking spaces for the 100 units. Due to these figures the applicants believed that the requested variance was not in fact substantial, although the 15% reduction seems so on paper. A 124 unit hotel in the C-3 District is has the full 124 spaces required, however those spaces are usually less than half full despite the success of the hotel itself. As many people Uber or come to the hotels in other manners there is less need for cars. Mr. Hershberg showed the Board the green space and fire truck routes around the site which may need to be altered if the full 100 spaces were deemed necessary. Mr. Hershberg told Commissioner Connelly that the site would still have all necessary handicapped spots. With new docks being put along the River, Mr. Hershberg anticipated some visitors arriving via boat to the hotel and Harborside area. Mr. Hershberg told Commissioner Gleason that construction was hoped to begin in the late summer to open in conjunction with the new Union hockey arena adjacent to the site. Mr. David Hogenkamp of Metroplex spoke in support of the variance. Commissioner Gleason closed the public comment period. SEQR RESOLUTION Commissioner Connelly made a motion to declare the project a Type II SEQR. Seconded by Commissioner Lester. Motion carried unanimously. AREA VARIANCE RESOLUTION Commissioner Connelly made a motion to grant the area variance as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Lester. 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. Motion carried unanimously. VII. Other Business VIII. Adjourn 6:40 p.m. motion made by Commissioner Connelly and seconded by Commissioner Lester. The motion was approved unanimously.