Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Neil Golub, Bob Mantello, Janet Hutchison, Bob Wall, Bill Chapman and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Ed Capovani, Sharon Jordan and John Mallozzi
Others: Jayme Lahut and Jim Callander
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 August 10, 2011 meeting minutes; seconded by Mr. Wall and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report ending August 31, 2011 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that the sales tax earned is $127,000 more than forecast and operating expenses are below budget, so there was a surplus to date. Cash on hand totaled $2,478,137. Mr. Lewis moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
3. 2011 Parking Infrastructure Improvements (Broadway South Lot): Resolution 725-11 Award Paving Contract
Metroplex opened bids for reconstructing and improving the Broadway South parking lot following National Grid’s soil remediation project. The scope of work involved paving, striping, storm water drainage, lighting and electronic gates. Six firms submitted proposals with the low base bid of $338,665 by Peter Luizzi & Brothers Construction of Albany. The Board previously budgeted $498,000. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 725-11; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Discussion followed regarding whether National Grid intended to start work this fall and whether the bidder’s price would keep until next year. Resolution 725-11 was approved.
4. Foster Building Stabilization Project (Façade Project): Resolution 726-11 — Amend the General Project Plan
Resolution 726-11 added $36,000 to the Foster Project budget for exterior painting, lighting and other modest improvements to make the properties more marketable. The exterior of 204 Lafayette Street remained unchanged as the work focuses on State Street. Mr. Mantello moved Resolution 726-11; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Discussion followed about prospective developers, the status of asbestos abatement and other issues about the facilities. Resolution 726-11 was unanimously approved.
5. 426 State Street Associates, LLC (Mazzone Project): Resolution 727-11 — Amend the General Project Plan
The resolution authorized subordinating the Metroplex loan mortgage and purchase money mortgage to HSBC, which committed $700,000 in permanent financing, and released a right-of-first refusal option and façade mortgage. The bank also may lend an additional $300,000 for tenant fit-up of the remaining unoccupied space at 426 State Street. The Angelo Mazzone and Paul Sciocchetti project now houses two retailers Aperitivo and Tara Global, 6 other businesses employing 60 people, and two luxury apartments. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 727-11; seconded by Mr. Golub. After brief discussion, Resolution 727-11 was approved (Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas abstained).
6. Presentations:
Patriot Square — Ray Gillen reported on plans to build an access road connecting Rudy Chase Drive and the Schenectady County Airport with Glenridge Road opening up the area behind Glenville Town Hall for mixed-use development at Patriot Square.
Jay Street / Franklin Street Plan — Jayme Lahut reviewed a recent report for various improvements along pedestrian Jay Street, converting one-way streets to two-way streets for better way-finding, new bike trail Vale Park and City Hall, and expanded on-street parking in and around City Hall.
7. Public Comment: None
8. Board Comment: There was a brief discussion about the paving program undertaken throughout the City during the summer.
9. Adjournment: Mr. Mantello moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director