Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Todd Edwards, Nancy Casso, Robert Dieterich, Neil Golub and Paul Webster
Absent: Sharon Jordan, Bob Mantello and John Mallozzi
Others: Jayme Lahut, and David Hogenkamp
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Dieterich moved adoption of the June 22, 2016 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved unanimously.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas indicated that through July 31, 2016 sales tax revenue was tracking to last year’s results but slightly under budget. Operating expenses were on budget and the predevelopment expenses were $319,475. Cash on hand was $5.17 million. Mr. Golub moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. Convey Property to Amtrak at 320 Liberty Street: Resolution 1053-16 — Amend General Project Plan
Resolution 1053-16 authorized Metroplex to sell a small portion of land surrounding the Amtrak Station at the State and Erie Parking Lot to allow for the development of the new station. The land is being sold for nominal consideration and is slightly larger than the parcel the board considered in 2015. Mr. Gillen indicated that the NYS Department of Transportation has split the construction project into two contracts, one focused on viaduct improvements and the other on the building project. Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1053-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 1053-16 was approved.
4. Mohawk Harbor Infrastructure: Resolution 1062-16 — Amend General Project Plan
The Galesi Group has invested over $52 million dollars in infrastructure improvements on te Mohawk Harbor site including new public sewer and water, roads and sidewalks, and extensive National Grid improvements to the electrical grid and the gas infrastructure. The amendment to the project provided the mortgage tax benefit which assists the developer with the closing costs on the financing for the project. Mr. Gillen stated that the site has already paid over $6.5 million to the City and County year to date despite no revenue being generated yet for the developers. Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1062-16; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved following brief discussion.
5. 3 State Street Apartment Project: Resolution 1063-16 — Designation of SEQRA Lead Agency
The project will be a historic renovation of the long vacant 5-story building as 9 apartments. The developer CK2 Properties, LLC is an experienced team and the total investment is estimated at $2.1 million. This renovation adds to the list of over 30 historic properties that Metroplex has worked on to preserve the historic fabric of the community. Resolution 1063-16 authorized Metroplex to serve as lead agency for the purposes of the SEQRA review. Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1063-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
6. 508 Union Street Renovation Project: Resolution 1064-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The former Wemple and Daly Law Firm building at 508 Union Street has stood vacant for over five years. The building is considered a contributing historic building in the Lower Union Street Historic District and is eligible for preservation tax credits. The development team of John and Paul Bonacquisti and Tony Ward purchased the building from the City of Schenectady following a tax foreclosure and are prepared to make an investment of $540,000 to renovate the building as either office or mixed-use space. Resolution 1064-16 awarded a $60,000 renovation grant. Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1064-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
7. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 1065-16 — Amend Parking Lease
The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has approached Metroplex to increase available parking spaces for 35 additional employees in downtown from the Office of Children and Family Services. Resolution 1065-16 allows the Authority to negotiate with OGS and the owner of the One Broadway Center to expand the number of parking spaces available for the new employees. Resolution 1065-16 was moved by Mr. Golub; seconded by Mr. Dieterich and approved.
8. Gateway Park Project: Resolution 1066-16 —No Significant Effect on the Environment
The City of Schenectady and the Authority began working on a redesign and expansion of the.1-acre Liberty Park in 2012. The City has since been awarded a $400,000 construction grant from NYS Park and $974,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to acquire flood damaged buildings, including the Authority-owned 10 State Street and 112 Railroad Street, and demolish the buildings for use of the land as greenspace. The Authority served as Lead Agency for the purposes of the SEQRA review and it was determined that the project was a Type I action due to the proximity to multiple historic resources but that the project has no significant effect on the environment. Resolution 1066-16 was moved by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
9. Gateway Park Project: Resolution 1067-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 1067-16 authorized a $237,000 grant to the City of Schenectady for the purposes of designing and constructing Phase I of the Gateway Park Project; and the sale of Authority owned properties located at 10 State Street and 112 Railroad Street in the City of Schenectady for $138,000. The purchase price was determined by will be reimbursed to the City by FEMA. Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1067-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
Public Comment: None
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen briefed the board on applications submitted to the New York State through the Consolidated Funding Application. Mr. Golub updated the board on the Live in Schenectady housing project, to be named the Villages on Barrett.
Adjournment: Mr. Golub moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Edwards. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut
Executive Director