Present: Ray Gillen, Sharon Jordan, Robert Dieterich, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello, Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Brad Lewis, and Bob Wall.
Absent: John Mallozzi and Neil Golub
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander David Hogenkamp and audience of 2
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved adoption of the December 9, 2015 meeting minutes; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending December 31, 2016, which was distributed prior to the meeting. Final reconciliation of sales tax receipts were not completed, but preliminarily income fell slightly lower than budget, but substantially higher than 2014. Operating expenses were below budget for the year. The Predevelopment budget was higher due to increased development activities. Cash on hand totaled $5.85 million. Mr. Mantello moved to accept the Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. JMR Development Company Project: Resolution 1012-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
The $7 million project involved renovation of about 70,000 square feet of commercial space at One Liberty Square, the former Two Guys in Schenectady. The project would create 350 jobs. Resolution 1012-16 authorized exemptions on sales taxes for purchases associated with the project, mortgage recording tax exemption, and a façade grant in the amount of $50,000. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1012-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis. After discussion, Resolution 1012-16 was approved unanimously.
4. General Electric Company Project: Resolution 1013-16 — SEQRA Review
The project involved renovation and upgrades totaling about 170,000 square feet at Buildings 43, 40 and 5 along with new parking facilities within GE Power’s downtown campus. The $44.9 million project will start right away and be completed in late 2017. Metroplex conducted an environmental review of the project pursuant to SEQRA and Resolution 1013-16 concluded that the project was an Unlisted Action with no significant effect on the environment. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1013-16; seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
5. General Electric Company Project: Resolution 1014-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
Resolution 1014-16, authorizing an exemption from sales and use taxes for the project, was moved by Mr. Lewis; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 1014-16 was approved.
6. STS Steel, Inc.: Resolution 1015-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
As part of a reconfiguration of property lines, STS Steel and Maxon Alco Holdings, owner of the Mohawk Harbor site, facilitated a new site entrance and reduced the exposed laydown area for STS product. Keeping STS here retains 53 jobs. STS also will acquire a property on Peek Street for additional storage. Resolution 1015-16 authorized a Pilot a 4-acre leased parcel that STS uses. STS pays full taxes on its primary fabrication facility. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1015-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 1015-16 was approved unanimously.
7. Furlocity, Inc. Relocation Project: Resolution 1016-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The project involved Furlocity, an online marketplace enabling pet owners to search, identify, and book trusted pet boarding stays, services and hotels, relocating operations from San Diego to the NYBiz Lab at 251 State Street. Resolution 1016-15 approved a $45,000 grant toward permitted tenant improvements, relocation expenses and rental expenses. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1016-16; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
8. 13 State Street/YMCA Redevelopment Project: Resolution 1017-16— SEQRA Review
Norstar Development USA, a national housing developer, will purchase and adaptively reuse the former YMCA at 13 State Street for senior housing. Metroplex’s environmental review of the project characterized the project as an Unlisted Action with no significant effect on the environment. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1017-16; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved
9. 13 State Street/ YMCA Redevelopment Project: Resolution 1018-16 — Enter into Lease
The renovation of the former YMCA included 8,572 square feet of commercial space (the former gym). As part of the its financing Norstar has requested that Metroplex enter into a master lease for the space. The space can be sublet. Resolution 1018-16 authorized entering into a lease with Norstar Development USA for about $4 per square foot. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1018-16; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved after discussion.
10. Downtown Parking Budget: Resolution 1019-16 — Adopt Budget
The Fiscal Audit Committee recommended approving the parking operating budget at its November 12 meeting. Parking revenues have seen a steady increase and the budget proposed a slight decline in expenses. Monthly parking passes rose by more than 11 percent in 2015 and visitor parking spoked upwards too. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1019-16; seconded by Mr. Mantello and approved.
11. Public Comment — Elmer Bertsch of Niskayuna commented on the Metroplex reporting and other statute-related issues.
12. Board Comment: Mr. Gillen invited the Board to his annual report before the County Legislature on February 1.
13. Adjournment: Mr. Wall moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Jordan. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director