Present: Ray Gillen, Bob Wall, Sharon Jordan, Brad Lewis, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello and Neil Golub
Absent: John Mallozzi, Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Ed Capovani and Janet Hutchison
Others: Jayme Lahut, David Hogenkamp and an audience of 3
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Golub moved adoption of the June 11, 2014 meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending June 30, 2014, which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that revenues and operating expenses continued to track within budget. Predevelopment expenses were higher than budget and has been discussed in committee. Cash on hand totaled $11.86 million. Following brief discussion, Mr. Lewis moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Chapman, and approved.
3. Foster Building Renovation Project: Resolution 906-14 — Hold a Public Hearing
Sequence Development, LLC has presented Metroplex with an application to purchase Metroplex-owned property located at 508, 510 and 512 State Street and 204 Lafayette Street with plans for renovating and adaptively reusing the properties for mixed-use residential, commercial, office and retail purposes in downtown Schenectady. The Foster Building at 508 State Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Metroplex’s participation includes selling the complex based on a fair market appraised value for $475,000, making a $200,000 façade grant to restore of the distinctive Foster Beaux Arts exterior and tax exemptions for the project. Metroplex will hold a mortgage of $475,000 over 15-years. Resolution 906-14 called for holding a public hearing. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 906-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 906-14 was approved.
4. Schenectady County Public Library Project: Resolution 907-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The streetscape project replaces the rundown and dated pedestrian infrastructure around the Schenectady County Library at 99 Clinton Street in downtown. The refurbishment will include sidewalk replacement, new landscaping and planters, and improving pedestrian plaza at the main entrance. Resolution 907-14 authorized a Metroplex grant of up $185,000 to be matched by funding by the County and the New York State Department of Education grant. Metroplex will manage the project, bid the work, pay project costs and secure reimbursement from the County. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 907-14; seconded by Mr. Chapman. After brief discussion, Resolution 907-14 was approved.
5. Upper Union Street Repairs Project: Resolution 908-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The upper Union Street sidewalks and intersections between Dean and Palmer Avenue are in need of repairs due to heavy use. Working with City Engineering, replacement with a thermoplastic paving product has worked well in other parts of Schenectady. Resolution 908-14 re-allocates 65,793 in unspent funding from the Draper School /DAV Housing project, which became available when the property was sold to a private entity. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 908-14; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved following discussion.
6. 37 Van Guysling Avenue Cleanup: Resolution 909-14 — SEQRA Negative Declaration
Metroplex and the City again have secured NYS DEC funding for the final clean-up phase at 37 Van Guysling Avenue. Resolution 909-14 categorizes the project as an unlisted action under SEQRA with no significant effect on the environment. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 909-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
7. 37 Van Guysling Avenue Cleanup: Resolution 910-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
NYS DEC estimated the clean-up cost $900,000 thereby making the City eligible for 90% reimbursement ($815,000). Resolution 910-14 authorized a Metroplex grant of $85,000 as the match to the DEC grant. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 910-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
Public Comment: Diane Hart of Niskayuna thanked the Board for their investment in pedestrian infrastructure on upper Union Street and would like to see similar improvements on Nott Street along the Co-Op Plaza. Elmer Bertsch of Niskayuna suggested listing Metroplex board members on its website and commented on statutory compliance requirements.
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen responded to Elmer Bertsch’s comments. Mr. Golub spoke about Ellis Hospital’s new emergency center opening and MiSci’s support for the Challenger Learning Center project. Mr. Chapman noted the recent relocation of YMCA residents to the new 845 Broadway facility.
Adjournment: Ms. Jordan moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director