Present: Ray Gillen, Sharon Jordan, Neil Golub, Bob Mantello, Ed Capovani, Bob Wall, John Mallozzi, Bill Chapman and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Brad Lewis, John Mallozzi and Janet Hutchison
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander and Scott Cietek
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 15 meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report ending July 31, 2011 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He highlighted the rising sales tax receipts year to date, which made revenues slightly under budget for the period. Operating expenses were also under budget. Cash on hand totaled $2,930,500. Discussion followed about sales tax forecasts. Mr. Golub moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Capovani and approved.
3. Foster Building Stabilization Project: Resolution 719-11 — Award Asbestos Abatement Contract
Metroplex publicly bid work for asbestos and debris removal within the Foster Building complex. Abatement was completed in the Foster Hotel last fall. Four firms submitted qualified bids with Four Strong Builders, Inc. from Clifton, NJ submitting the low bid at $239,900. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 719-11; seconded by Mr. Wall. Discussion followed regarding prospective developers interest in acquiring and redeveloping the site. Resolution 719-11 was unanimously approved.
4. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 720-11— Amend State Assistance Contract for Broadway South Lot (NYS DEC Environmental Restoration Program)
The State’s Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) can provide up to 90 percent reimbursement for clean-up costs associated with remediation of two locations in the Broadway South Lot. Resolution 720-11 authorized funding remediation up to $135,000 and thereby recouping from DEC up to 90 percent of eligible costs. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 720-11; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas and unanimously approved.
5. 2011 Parking Infrastructure Improvements (Broadway South Lot): Resolution 721-11 Approve the General Project Plan
Since National Grid and DEC have proposed soil removal and clean-up in a broad area of the Broadway South lot, Metroplex can sequence lot reconstruction at considerable savings because Grid will replace much of the site infrastructure as part of its work plan. Metroplex work will include installing curbing, resurfacing and restriping the lot, new lighting, fencing, planting grass and some repair to the historic Weigh Station. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 721-11; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Discussion followed about the Grid’s contamination work and adaptive reuses for the Weigh Station. Resolution 721-11 was unanimously approved.
6. Lofts at Union Square Project: Resolution 722-11 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Project plans call for demolition of existing vacant structures and constructing rental housing at the northwest corner of Union and Barrett Streets. The two-phased project envisions 8 two-story row house units with attached single-car garages on Barrett Street and a 3-story, 14-unit apartment building on Union Street. Metroplex participation is limited to phase-one by making a $150,000 grant for demolition and site preparation and $200,000 construction / permanent loan as part of the $1,543,000 project. The phase-two budget is $1.6 million. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 722-11; seconded by Mr. Capovani. Discussion followed about the need for downtown housing and boosting the Union Street corridor. Resolution 722-111 was approved.
7. LaSartoria Clothing Store: Resolution 723-11 — Approve the General Project Plan
The project involved tenant fit-up of two storefronts on pedestrian Jay Street selling men’s and women’s apparel. The tenant, Grupo Lucano, LLC, plans to improve and upgrade the spaces and make significant investment in inventory. Metroplex participation involves a $15,000 grant and a $50,000 loan. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 723-11; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas. After brief discussion, Resolution 723-11 was approved.
8. Franklin Street Redesign Grant: Resolution 724-11 Make Application and Adopt the General Project Plan
The project involved making a grant application to the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and a matching grant in support of studying redesign of Franklin Street from Vale Park to City Hall. The study is estimated to cost $71,000. It is intended to assess transforming the excessively wide street to more landscaped green space, bike tail and linking Vale Park and Central Park to downtown. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 724-11; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas. After brief discussion, Resolution 724-11 was unanimously approved.
9. Public Comment: None
10. Board Comment: Mr. Gillen reported on the Governor’s recent formation of Regional Councils.
11. Adjournment: Ms. Jordan moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Wall. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director