Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Sharon Jordan, Neil Golub, Bill Chapman, Bob Mantello, and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Robert Dieterich and John Mallozzi
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: Ms. Jordan moved adoption of the September 9, 2015 meeting minutes; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending September 30, 2015, which was distributed prior to the meeting. Operating and predevelopment expenses were well below budget. Cash on hand totaled $5.4 million. Following brief discussion, Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
3. Rotterdam Corporate Park Warehouse Project: Resolution 988-15 — SEQRA Review
The project involved construction of a 100,000 square foot warehouse facility on a 5-acre parcel within the Rotterdam Corporate Park. Resolution 988-15 affirmed Metroplex as lead agency, characterized the project as an Unlisted Action and determined the project will not have a significant effect on the environment since it is a perfect fit within the park. Mr. Wall moved Resolution 988-15; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
4. Rotterdam Corporate Park Warehouse Project: Resolution 989-15 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 989-15; seconded by Ms. Zalewski-Wildzunas to adopt the General Project Plan by approving a partial exemption from sales, mortgage and real property taxes. The $4.2 million project adds jobs and boosts the tax base. Following brief discussion, Resolution 989-15 was approved.
5. 37 Van Guysling Avenue Cleanup/ NYS DEC Environmental Restoration Program: Resolution 990-15 — Amend the General Project Plan
Resolution 990-15 authorized securing additional NYS DEC funding for environmental remediation. Metroplex and the City of Schenectady have worked together to clean-up contamination along Van Guysling Avenue through the State’s Environmental Restoration Program, which calls for 90% State reimbursement. Resolution 990-15 expands the scope of the previously approved work to allow for further remediation at 37 Van Guysling Avenue, a City-owned site. Metroplex will administer the clean-up and invest the 10% match to allow for the State reimbursement. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 990-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 990-15 was approved.
6. 37 Van Guysling Avenue Cleanup/NYS DEC Environmental Restoration Program: Resolution 991-15 — Award Remediation Contract
Resolution 991-15 awarded the low-bid remediation contract for 37 Van Guysling Avenue to Land Remediation, Inc. (Averill Park) for $766,848.50. The contractor was the lowest bid of the three bids received. Work will start in late November and be completed by year-end. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 991-15; seconded by Ms. Jordan. Following discussion, Resolution 991-15 was approved.
7. Draper Lofts Project: Resolution 992-15 — Hold Public Hearing
The resolution authorized holding a public hearing regarding the renovation and adaptive reuse of the former Draper School in Rotterdam into 107 market-rate apartment units. Metroplex’s proposed participation may include a partial exemption from taxes and a $50,000 façade grant. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 992-15; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 992-15 was approved.
8. Saint Mary’s Church Adaptive Reuse (820 Eastern Avenue):Resolution 993-15 — Adopt the General Project Plan
The concentrated effort to revitalize Eastern Avenue continues with the reinvention of the former Saint Mary’s Church as an event and arts venue. Metroplex’s participation involved a matching grant in the amount of $20,000 to assist with the removal of the existing asphalt, replacing sidewalks, and other permitted expenses. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 993-15; seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion, Resolution 993-15 was approved.
9. Downtown Parking Project: Resolution 994-15 — Amend the Parking Lease
The resolution authorized pursuing a consolidated parking lease with the New York State Office of General Services to accommodate additional state workers that are being relocated to the Workers Compensation Building at the corner of State Street and Broadway. State employees comprise the largest single group for employee parking in downtown, but there are multiple leases and parking arrangements with different state entities. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 994-15; seconded by Mr. Golub. Following discussion, Resolution 994-15 was approved.
10. Courtyard by Marriott Project: Resolution 995-15— Hold Public Hearing
Resolution 995-15 authorized holding a public hearing regarding the construction of a 70,487 square foot Courtyard by Marriott hotel with 127-rooms at Mohawk Harbor. Mr. Lewis moved Resolution 995-15; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, Resolution 995-15 was approved.
11. Public Comment — None
12. Board Comment: Mr. Golub initiated a discussion on construction activities at Mohawk Harbor.
13. Adjournment: Ms. Jordan moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director