Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Sharon Jordan, Ed Capovani, Bill Chapman, Neil Golub and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: John Mallozzi, Bob Mantello and Janet Hutchison
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. Jordan moved adoption of the April 2014 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved (Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas was absent).
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending April 30, 2014, which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that the final figure for the first quarter sales tax receipts was not available yet, and operating expenses continued to track under budget. Predevelopment expenses were tracking above budget year to date. Cash on hand was $12.9 million reflecting receipt of bond proceeds in January. Following brief discussion, Mr. Golub moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Capovani, and approved (Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas was absent).
3. Quirky Inc. Project: Resolution 896-14 — Hold a Public Hearing
Quirky Inc., a New York City based product development company, has leased 22,000 square feet of office space in Center City occupying the entire 4th and 5th floors for customer services and product testing / quality assurance operations. Quirky is investing over $1.4 million in fitting up the space to meet the needs of the fast growing company, which anticipates hiring up to 180 employees. Resolution 896-14 called for holding a public hearing on a proposed $450,000 grant for leasehold improvements plus discounted parking for employees. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 896-14; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution896-14 was approved.
4. Lower State Street Project: Resolution 897-14— Adopt Amended General Project Plan
In September 2013, the Metroplex Board allocated funding for streetscape work on lower State Street below Erie. Blvd. Metroplex staff recommended expanding the project further along State Street in the vicinity of the YMCA building and along South Church Street to the Schenectady Civic Players to create a unified and clean appearance along the corridor. The project has secured additional investment from the City of Schenectady for infrastructure and National Grid for upgraded gas service within the corridor. Mr. Chapman moved Resolution 897-14; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Following discussion, Resolution 897-14 was approved.
5. Lower State Street Project: Resolution 898-14— Award Paving Contract
Two firms bid the streetscape work on lower State Street. Callanan Industries submitted the low bid of $1,089,000. Metroplex previously awarded Callanan Industries the vault reconstruction contract for lower State. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas made a motion to approve Resolution 898-14; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
6. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 899-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The project rehabilitates the Franklin-Liberty parking lot and included a well-lighted, landscaped walkway connecting pedestrians to Jay Street pedestrian corridor, Center City and Proctors. A public hearing was held November 20th and no comments were received. Resolution 899-14 authorized using bond proceeds to design and develop the project. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 899-14; seconded by Mr. Capovani. After discussion, Resolution 899-14 was approved.
7. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 900-14 — Accept Property
Resolution 900-14 authorized a property exchange with Schenectady Light Opera Company that was agreed upon in October 2009. The land is necessary for pedestrian walkway and also improves SLOC’s plans for an outdoor stage and the reuse potential of the site. Mr. Lewis made a motion to accept property via Resolution 900-14; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
8. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 901-14 — Award Paving Contract
Three firms bid the work to reconstruct the Franklin-Liberty parking lot, bury overhead electrical lines and add a the pedestrian-only sidewalk. Luizzi Bros. of Albany submitted the low bid of $434,800. Mr. Chapman made a motion to approve Resolution 901-14; seconded by Mrs. Jordan and approved.
9. Franklin Plaza Project: Resolution 902-14 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The project involved the adaptive reuse of a 14,500 square foot vacant former tire dealership into a mixed-use building including new wellness and fitness amenities. Resolution 902-14 authorized a Metroplex grant in the amount of $75,000 for the exterior façade improvements using cash proceeds and $25,000 for sidewalk improvements along Lafayette Street from Chapel Street to Franklin using bond proceeds. Mrs. Jordan moved Resolution 902-14; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
Public Comment: None
Board Comment: None
Adjournment: Mr. Capovani moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut
Executive Director