Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Ed Capovani, Neil Golub, Bill Chapman, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: John Mallozzi, Bob Mantello, Sharon Jordan, and Janet Hutchison
Others: Jayme Lahut, David Hogenkamp and an audience of 2
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 July 9, 2014 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending July 31, 2014, which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that the sales tax revenue was higher year-to-date leading to an increase in overall income. Operating expenses tracked below budget, while predevelopment expenses exceeded budget due to increased development activities. Cash on hand totaled $12.7 million. Following brief discussion, Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Capovani, and approved.
3. Mohawk Harbor Development Project: Resolution 911-14 — Accept Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement as Complete and Hold a Public Hearing
Resolution 911-14 resumed the Authority’s environmental review of the Alco site by determining the Supplemental Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SDGEIS) as complete and calling for a public hearing. The document updates and revises the May 2010 Environmental Impact Statement adopted by Metroplex. The developer, Maxon Alco Holdings, LLC, has proposed a larger scale, mixed-use development project. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 911-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Discussion followed.
Mr. Capovani had a series of questions about the project’s effect on the neighboring tenants within the site. Mr. Gillen asked to convene in executive session since the matter involved a potential real estate transaction. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to convene in executive session to discuss the matter which involved the prospective acquisition, sale or lease of real property; seconded by Mr. Lewis. The Board entered into executive session at 6:15pm. At 6:30pm Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved and Mr. Wall seconded closing executive session. Mr. Gillen indicated that no votes or other authorizations were undertaken during the session. Following discussion, Resolution 911-14 was approved with six ayes and one no (Mr. Capovani).
4. 140 Erie Boulevard Façade Project: Resolution 912-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The project involved façade improvements to the two-story 16,699 square foot commercial building, which dates back to the 1880’s, located at 140 Erie Blvd. Resolution 912-14 authorized a Metroplex grant in the amount of $50,000 for exterior façade improvements on a dollar-for-dollar match. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 912-14; seconded by Mr. Wall and approved following discussion.
5. Foster Building Renovation Project: Resolution 913-14 — SEQRA/Negative Declaration
Resolution 913-14 characterized the project as an Unlisted Action pursuant to SEQRA with no significant effect on the environment. The action involved the sale of the former Hotel Foster complex and the adaptive reuse and renovation of the facility for mixed-use residential, commercial, office and retail purposes. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 913-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
6. Foster Building Renovation Project: Resolution 914-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
A public hearing on the proposed project was held on July 30 and no comments have been received. The developer, Sequence Development of Troy, will renovate the four-building complex and reuse for residential, commercial, office and retail purposes. Resolution 914-14 authorized Metroplex to sell the property for $475,000, hold a mortgage at 4% interest, and make a $200,000 grant in support of the adaptive reuse of the historic building. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 914-14; seconded by Mr. Golub. Following brief discussion, Resolution 914-14 was approved unanimously.
7. Proctors Theatre EPF Project: Resolution 915-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Proctors Theatre was awarded a $455,000 State grant for final restoration work in the historic vaudeville theater. The total project cost is $600,000. Resolution 915-14 authorized Metroplex to distribute $350,000 in progress payments to Proctors, which will be reimbursed by the State grant. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 915-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved following discussion.
8. Former Rotterdam Grand Union Renovation: Resolution 916-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 916-14 authorized Metroplex to make a grant of $95,000 for exterior façade improvements as part of the renovation of the long vacant 32,600 square foot Grand Union at 2696 Hamburg Street in Rotterdam. Highbridge Development plans to retrofit the building into two commercial units with the larger 25,000 square foot space to be fit-up as the expanded home of Superior Business Office Products. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 916-14; seconded by Mr. Wall and approved.
9. Robinson Block Project: Resolution 917-14 — Commence Real Property Disposition
Resolution 917-14 initiated the state-mandated process for disposition of real property for fair market value. Before the Metroplex Board can formally convey property, §2896(1) of New York Public Authorities Law requires disclosure of the transaction and allows for a 90-day notice period. Consideration of Metroplex’s participation in the transaction will occur at a subsequent Metroplex Board meeting. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 917-14; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved.
Public Comment: None
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen thanked Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for his office’s support for the Eastern Avenue Revitalization Project and for traveling to Schenectady to announce the new Land Bank funding round.
Adjournment: Mr. Golub moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director