Village of Colonie EDWARD SIM DEPUTY MAYOR VILLAGE HALL 2 THUNDER ROAD PATTY SCHWARZ COLONIE, NY 12205 LOCKART (518) 869-7562 FAX (518) 464-0389 TRUSTEE ART WHITE THOMAS J. TOBIN TRUSTEE MAYOR JAMES M. RUBINO TRUSTEE villagehall@colonievillage.org JAMIE BLOT www.colonievillage.org CLERK MINUTES TUESDAY, March 1, 2022 6:30 P.M. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Village of Colonie Planning Commission was held at Village Hall, 2 Thunder Road Albany, NY 12205 on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. ROLL CALL: Chairman Chris Dennis Commissioners: John Martin Peter Chudzinski Kenny Hart Dan Judge Jim Splonskowski Mark Keegan Village Attorney: Victor Caponera Village Engineer: R.J. Laberge Liaison: Patty Schwarz Lockart Chairman Dennis opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Hart led the Pledge of Allegiance and requested all electronic devices to be turned off or muted. 1 20 Computer Drive West NYSCOBA SITE PLAN APPLICATION David Viddivo, Robert Olori, and Chris Summers present to represent NYSCOBA to the Planning Commission after going in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals to obtain a parking variance, which had been approved. Village Attorney Caponera summarized the Zoning Board of appeals decision. It was stated that the area variance was granted for parking. Robert Olori stated that 1,011 square feet would be added to the building for office space usage. Robert Olori stated that there are thirty-one existing parking spaces available. With the addition that will be added onto the building the available parking spaces available will be reduced to twenty-four. The existing building will be renovated and include office spaces and a conference room. The proposed addition will house an additional four office spaces. The building itself will be occupied by fifteen to nineteen full time employees. Robert Olori explained that the landscaping is being redone and the current layout meets the Village of Colonie requirement of 20 percent green space with ten percent green space in front of the building. A covered canopy will also be added to the front entrance of the building. Village Engineer Laberge asked a question as to where the curb cut details are on the plan. Robert Olori explained that there is a package of details that will be submitted for review. Commissioner Martin asked if the curbing will be around the entire site or the parking area. Robert Olori Stated that the curbing would be around just the building and parking. Commissioner Martin made a motion to approve NYSCOBA at 20 Computer Drive West with the condition that the variance that had been approved be attached to the plan as well as submittal of curbing detail sheet to be reviewed by the Village Engineer and submitted to the Village Building Department. Commissioner Hart seconded motion. 2 Chairman Dennis: Yes Commissioner Chudzinski: Yes Commissioner Hart: Yes Commissioner Martin: Yes Commissioner Judge: Yes Commissioner Keegan: Yes 1769 CENTRAL AVENUE OTTO CADILLAC – CHARGING STATIONS SITE PLAN APPLICATION Bill Mafrici, representing Hershberg & Hershberg along with Meghan Sorrell, General Manager from Otto Cadillac, Roger Prentiss from Otto Cadillac, and Jamie Russell with BBL were in attendance for the proposed charging stations at 1769 Central Avenue. Bill Mafrici stated that the site plan has been prepared with input from National Grid for the proposed location for transformer. The proposed charging station’s locations are three along the rear of the building, two along the east side of building, one located inside the building, and one on a pedestal mounted in the front of building. Four will be installed immediately and two exterior locations on rear of building will be wired for future use. Commissioner Martin expressed concern that when the two exterior units on the east side are in use it will block the passageway. He asked if there was any way that they can be relocated. The site plan shows there is only one-way arrows for traffic flow. Bill Mafrici stated that if the charging station becomes a problem, the charging station can be moved to the back of building however it would be a last resort. Chairman Dennis asked if there is a row for parking against the east side of the building where customers can use the charging stations. Is there any issue with 15 ft access for driving. Village Engineer Laberge confirmed the 15 ft access would be contingent on emergency vehicle access. Commissioner Chudzinski stated that 15 ft would be enough for an emergency vehicle to obtain access to building. 3 Meghan Sorrell stated that Cadillac is requiring that the dealership have one charging station in view of the showroom. Chairman Dennis asked if the three proposed charging stations can be installed on the rear of the building. Roger Prentiss stated that relocating the charging stations is possible, the idea was to have the two stations on the east side of the building to tie into the internal charging station. Village Engineer Laberge asked for clarification if these units are simplex or duplex units? Roger Prentis confirmed that they are simplex units which allow the charging of one vehicle. Commissioner Martin asked if all the charging ports on vehicles will be located on the driver’s side. Meghan Sorrell and Roger Prentiss did not have an answer because they have not seen an electric prototype. Roger Prentiss stated that they do not have a problem moving the charging stations, but locations have been dictated by Cadillac. Chairman Dennis stated that to have the transformer in the specific location on site plan that there needs to be an easement for 1767 and 1769 Central Avenue. Chairman Dennis stated the Planning Commission would like to see the percentage of green space on 1767 Central Avenue as well as to speak to Otto Cadillac to see if the chargers can be moved from the east side of building to the rear of building. New site plans must be submitted for both 1767 and 1769 Central Avenue due to the changes in green space because of the transformer location and the need for easements. 1671 CENTRAL AVENUE GOLDSTEIN – CHARGING STATIONS 4 SITE PLAN APPLICATION Chris Carmody and Chris Marcotte were in attendance from Plug-In Stations for the proposed charging stations at 1671 Central Avenue. Chris Carmody explained that one of the DC fast chargers will be installed in one of the parking spots. These units are connected underground. A proposal to relocate handicap spot and place a charging station with better access to the ramp into the building. An additional charging station will be located inside. Plug-In Stations will maintain the 36” of sidewalk. Commissioner Martin asked if the level two charger is handicapped accessible. Chris Carmody stated that handicap spots are accommodated by making sure that there is a striped aisle next to one of the stations with a sign that states “for handicap access please use last.” Chairman Dennis asked where the new pole will be located. Chris Carmody stated that it will be in line with the existing poles. There will be the new pole, with power underground to a metal enclosure. The metal enclosure is an alternative to the pole if that is requested. Chris Carmody stated that there is an existing service in the building. Adding an additional interior service could possibly create an issue with the Fire Department if there is an emergency it could create doubt if all power is not turned off. This is the reason as to why the services are outside. Having the service outside also makes it more efficient if there is an emergency, so Plug-In Stations can easily access the service. Chris Carmody stated that they can tuck the new box unit on the back side of the planted area towards the building. Commissioner Martin made a motion to approve the charging stations at 1671 Central Avenue with conditions of no new pole and the new box will be located behind in the green space behind the landscaped island. Commissioner Hart seconded motion. Chairman Dennis: Yes Commissioner Chudzinski: Yes Commissioner Hart: Yes Commissioner Martin: Yes 5 Commissioner Judge: Yes Commissioner Keegan: Yes PRIME STORAGE DISCUSSION: It was determined that the newly submitted site plan is inadequate. The Planning Commission is recommending that applicant come up with a similar plan to what was listed on previously approved site plan. Village Engineer Laberge will contact the applicant to have them resubmit a new landscape plan similar to site plan that was previously approved. The regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday March 15, 2022, will be cancelled due to Village elections. The next meeting will be the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday April 5, 2022. The Commission reviewed the regular meeting minutes from February 15, 2022. Commissioner Hart made a motion to approve the minutes, as amended. Commissioner Judge seconded the motion. VOTE: Unanimous to approve the February 15, 2022, meeting minutes as amended. Commissioner Hart made a motion to adjourn meeting at 8:15pm. Commissioner Martin seconded motion. Respectfully Submitted, Courtney Sim Planning Coordinator 6