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: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas indicated that through July 31, 2016 sales tax revenue was tracking close to last year’s results. Both operating and predevelopment expenses were within budget. Cash on hand stood at $5.17 million. Mr. Golub moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. Convey Property to Amtrak: Resolution 1053-16 — Amend the General Project Plan
Resolution 1053-16 authorized conveying a 4,875 square foot piece of land that allows for expanding the Amtrak Station footprint at the State-Erie parking lot. The land, appraised at $39,000, would be sold for nominal consideration. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1053-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following an update and discussion on project status, Resolution 1053-16 was approved.
4. Mohawk Harbor Infrastructure: Resolution 1062-16 — Amend General Project Plan
With approximately $52 million investment in infrastructure improvements throughout the Mohawk Harbor site, the developer requested a mortgage tax exemption on its $20 million financing through M&T Bank. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1062-16; seconded by Mr. Golub. Following and update on the various construction projects underway and fees and taxes paid this year to the City and County in excess of $6.5 million, Resolution 1062-16 was approved.
5. 3 State Street Apartment Project: Resolution 1063-16 — Designate SEQRA Lead Agency
Resolution 1063-16 authorized Metroplex seeking designation as lead agency for the project. The project was classified as Type I, requiring a coordinated review under SEQRA, because of the project’s proximity to historic structures. The developers are also seeking to designate the project on the register of historic places. Built in 1903, the Alexandra Apartments is targeted for a significant renovation in the long vacant 5-story building. Total investment is estimated at $2.1 million. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 1063-16; seconded by Mr. Golub. Following discussion, the resolution was unanimously approved.
6. 508 Union Street Project: Resolution 1064-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Vacant for the past five years, the former Wemple and Daly law firm building at 508 Union Street is considered a contributing historic structure within the Union Street Historic District and eligible for historic 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 will invest $540,000 to renovate and restore the building. Metroplex financial assistance included a $60,000 renovation grant. Mrs. 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 authorized a parking agreement to accommodate the addition of more State employees in downtown Schenectady. 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
Metroplex served as SEQRA lead agency when it was determined that the project was classified as Type I action due to the proximity to historic structures on lower State Street. The City formulated a master plan for redesigning and expanding Liberty Park in 2012. SEQR and the plan addressed the propensity for flooding. Resolution 1066-16 was moved by Mrs. 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 designing and constructing Phase I of the Gateway Park project. The resolution also approved the sale of Authority-owned properties located at 10 State Street and 112 Railroad Street for $138,000. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1067-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
Public Comment: None
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen briefed the board on various projects.
Adjournment: Mr. Golub moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Edwards. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut