Village of Colonie VILLAGE HALL PLANNING COMMISSION 2 THUNDER ROAD COLONIE, NY 12205 ALBANY COUNTY (518) 869-7562 NEW YORK FAX (518) 464-0389 email: ahart@colonievillage.org MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 6:30 P.M. VIA ZOOM VIDEO CONFERENCE The regularly scheduled meeting of the Village of Colonie Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. ROLL CALL: Chairman Chris Dennis Commissioners: John Martin Ann Krause (Absent) Peter Chudzinski Kenny Hart Dan Judge Jim Splonskowski (Absent) Mark Keegan, alternate Village Attorney: Victor Caponera Village Engineer: R.J. Laberge Code Enforcement: Mike Cerone (Absent) Chairman Dennis opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Hart led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Dennis stated that Chairman Keegan will have full voting powers for this meeting. Chairman Dennis closed the regular meeting at 6:35 pm and opened the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m. Public hearing minutes are attached hereto. Chairman Dennis re-opened the regular meeting at 7:24 p.m. The Commission reviewed the minutes from the May 5, 2020 meeting. Commissioner Martin made a motion to approve the May 5, 2020 meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Hart seconded the motion. VOTE: Unanimous to approve the May 5, 2020 meeting minutes as amended. APPLICANT: 16A WOLF ROAD CHENEGA RESTAURANT PROPERTIES LLC (CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP) Mr. Bruce Steves, attorney, Chris Gray, regional director for the applicant and Mr. Mike Vesely, director of architecture and design were present on the zoom call to present a change of ownership for 16A Wolf Road, International House of Pancakes (IHOP). 1 VILLAGE OF COLONIE PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2020 Mr. Steves stated that based upon a review of the records, IHOP has been operating at 16A Wolf Rd since the early 1970’s. Chenega IH LLC is a major interest partner and has been operating at this site since 2018. Chenega IH currently operates as the tenant and has similar operations at 38 locations with 8 currently operating in New York State. The new ownership would be under Chenega Restaurant Properties LLC and they do not propose any site or building changes at this time. Mr. Steves stated that the applicant is seeking to take title and ownership within the next month. Chairman Dennis asked if the restaurant will be ran as it is currently. Mr. Steves stated yes. Commissioner Judge made a motion to approve Chenega Restaurant Properties LLC for a change of ownership at 16A Wolf Road. Commissioner Hart seconded the motion. VOTE: Chairman Dennis – Yes Commissioner Martin – Yes Commissioner Chudzinski – Yes Commissioner Hart – Yes Commissioner Judge – Yes Commissioner Keegan – Yes Motion passes, application approved. DISCUSSION: The Commission discussed a site plan application at 1701 Central Ave, Smith’s Liquor. Chairman Dennis asked Engineer Laberge to show and discuss the proposed site plan updates to the Commission. Based on Engineer Laberge’s comments, the Commission discussed green space and the correct number of handicap parking spaces. The Commission agreed that more detail on landscaping was needed before the applicant returned in front of the Commission. Commissioner Chudzinski noted that the owner seems to be doing some work on the front façade or changing out doors which was part of the site plan application. Engineer Laberge stated that he would contact the applicant about the Commissions notes. The Commission discussed the Goldstein site at 1653 Central Ave. Chairman Dennis stated that the entire lot seems to be Subaru cars as what was originally approved. Chairman Dennis stated that he has an issue with the landscaping plan which included low profile and low vegetation options and stated that he would like to require more landscaping on the site especially on the Locust Park side of the site. Chairman Dennis stated that the profile of the landscaping needs to be increased for more protection. Chairman Dennis also stated that he and Commissioner Martin were working to provide suggestions for upgrading the proposed landscaping. Chairman Dennis also suggested that the applicant be informed that it would be advantageous that they hire a landscape architect to help with the site design. Chairman Dennis asked the Commission to visit the site and get their comments together before the next meeting. Commissioner Hart stated that he observed cars parked on the green space at Otto Cadillac at 1769 Central Ave. Coordinator Hart stated she would review Otto’s approval and forward onto to code enforcement. Page 2 of 3 VILLAGE OF COLONIE PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2020 Commissioner Hart made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Martin seconded the motion. VOTE: Unanimous to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Alexandra M. Hart Planning Coordinator Village of Colonie Page 3 of 3