Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Ed Capovani, Bill Chapman, Janet Hutchison, Bob Mantello and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Bob Wall, Neil Golub and John Mallozzi
Others: Jayme Lahut and Jim Callander
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Mantello moved adoption of the April 18, 2012 meeting minutes; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report — Jayme Lahut reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending April 30, 2012 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that income is ahead of budget while operating expenses are running below budget. Cash on hand was $1,952,662. Ms. Jordan moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
3. 308 Union Street Façade Project: Resolution 761-12 — SEQRA Negative Declaration
Resolution 761-12 classified the project as an Unlisted Action under SEQRA, and determined no significant effect on the environment. The project involved the purchase and redevelopment of the former Acme Press building on the southeast corner of Union Street and Broadway. A local investor formed Zachen Properties LLC to convert the 8,000 square foot structure as a restaurant and beer garden. Interior renovations have largely been completed as well as partial exterior repairs including the addition of a deck and pavilion, ADA accessible ramps, repointing brick, applying new stucco, new entrances and adding/replacing windows. The project adds 25 full-time and part-time jobs. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 761-12; seconded by Mr. Capovani. After brief discussion about the project, Resolution 761-12 was approved.
4. 308 Union Street Façade Project: Resolution 762-12 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Metroplex participation involved a façade grant of up to $60,000 on a dollar-for-dollar match with respect to the exterior improvements in the project. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 762-12; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Following discussion, Resolution 762-12 was approved.
5. Trailways Façade Project: Resolution 763-12 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Adirondack Trailways is prepared to redesign the bus station façade at 22 State Street by sharing the cost of architectural design and façade improvements on a dollar-for-dollar basis with Metroplex. SRG Architects will develop plans with Trailways with $10,000 budgeted for design plans and up to $100,000 for exterior improvements including new lighting, signage, awnings and landscaping. Trailways intends to upgrade the interior space. The Metroplex grant may not exceed $55,000. Mr. Chapman moved Resolution 763-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis. After discussion, Resolution 763-12 was unanimously approved.
6. Airport Technology Park: Resolution 764-12 — SEQRA Negative Declaration
The project involved extending sanitary sewer service and water main along Schenectady County rights-of-way opening up 30+ acres for economic development at the southwesterly side of the Schenectady County Airport. Schenectady County was awarded a $284,090 DOT grant for the infrastructure project which requires a 10 percent match or up to $31,565 from Metroplex. The total project cost is budgeted at $315,655. Several local businesses benefit from the project including Richmor Aviation, Tanski Hangar, the County-owned ice rink and other businesses on Airport Road. The infrastructure makes several adjoining sites shovel-ready. Resolution 764-12 classified the project as an Unlisted Action and determined having no significant effect on the environment. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 764-12; seconded by Mr. Mantello and approved.
7. Airport Technology Park: Resolution 765-12 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 765-12, which authorized a grant of up to $31,565 to Schenectady County; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion about the precise location of the installations, Resolution 765-12 was unanimously approved.
8. Program Management Services: Resolution 766-12 — Extend Contracts for Construction-Related Services
Resolution 766-12 extended the contracts with four firms (C.T. Male, UW Marx, Bovis Lend Lease and TW&A) for program management services, technical services and construction monitoring services. The resolution sets TW&A’s compensation through April 30, 2013 at $108,000 for regular project overview meetings, construction oversight on all Metroplex projects and assisting with Alco and Erie Blvd. reconstruction. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 766-12; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Discussion followed. Resolution 765-12 was approved with 7 in favor and one opposed (Mr. Chapman).
9. Public Comment — None
10. Board Comment — There was a general discussion about retail and housing development in the downtown.
11. Adjournment — Ms. Jordan moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Capovani. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director