Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Sharon Jordan, Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, Todd Edwards, Nancy Casso,
Neil Golub, John Mallozzi, and Paul Webster
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 August 10, 2016 meeting minutes; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and approved unanimously.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas indicated that through August 31, 2016 operating expenses were within budget while income was slightly lower than forecast. Predevelopment expenses remained within budget while cash on hand was reported at $3.78 million. Mr. Lewis moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved.
3. 3 State Street Apartment Project: Resolution 1068-16 — SEQRA No Significant Impact
Metroplex acted as lead agency and undertook a coordinated environmental review of the project. The project will have no negative effects on the environment and the renovation of a long-vacant structure and placement on the federal Historic Register is very positive. Resolution 1068-16 was moved by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas; seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
4. 3 State Street Apartment Project: Resolution 1069-16 — Adopt General Project Plan
The former Alexandra Apartments will be renovated following years of vacancy with total investment at $2.1 million. Metroplex’s participation involved a $100,000 grant and related financial assistance. Ms. Jordan moved Resolution 1069-16, seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas. Following discussion, the resolution was unanimously approved.
5. 219 Nott Terrace Project: Resolution 1070-16 — Amend the General Project Plan
Resolution 1070-16 allocated an additional $36,000 for asbestos abatement, demolition and site preparation. Metroplex purchased the property in June. With the allocation of funds, Metroplex can proceed with demolition, grading, seeding and securing the site. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 1070-16, seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
6. 219 Nott Terrace Project: Resolution 1071-16 — Award Demolition Contract
Resolution 1071-16 awarded Dan’s Hauling & Demo, Inc. as the lowest qualified bidder to remove asbestos and demolish 219 Nott Terrace. The low bid was $34,800 among three bidders. Resolution 1071-16 was moved by Ms. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
7. Rotterdam Corporate Park Project: Resolution 1072-16 —Amend General Project Plan
Resolution 1072-16 modified the payment-in-lieu-of-tax agreement that was authorized last year. The change accommodated a new tenant, American Medical Depot, a large diversified healthcare products distributor. To support the company’s expansion to the northeast US market, the first two years of the Pilot was reduced to land-only payments and exempted special district charges, then back to the original payment structure. Resolution 1072-16 was moved by Mr. Mallozzi, seconded by Mrs. Casso and approved.
8. Mohawk Harbor Arboretum: Resolution 1073-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
MiSci was awarded a New York State grant of $100,000 for design, installation and operation of the New York Arboretum at Mohawk Harbor, an outdoor showcasing of trees and plants native to New York State. Resolution 1073-16 approved making progress payments to MiSci, which will be repaid to Metroplex by the state grant. An additional $20,000 was allotted for plantings in the new Erie Boulevard roundabout. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas made a motion to move Resolution 1073-16, seconded by Ms. Jordan and approved with Mr. Lewis recusing from the vote given his position on the City’s Planning Commission.
9. Beekman 1802 Project: Resolution 1074-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Beekman 1802 selected the Electric City Innovation Center at 433 State Street as the new headquarters for the company that is internationally recognized with its own TV show, bestselling cookbook, retail website and tourism destination in Sharon Springs. Resolution 1074-16 approved a grant of $72,000 for tenant improvements, rent subsidy and/or relocation expenses. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 1074-16, seconded by Mr. Lewis and approved.
10. Proctors Theatre Refinancing: Resolution 1075-16 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 1075-16 approved mortgage recording tax exemption related to Proctors refinanced debt with Pioneer Bank. Resolution 1075-16 was moved by Ms. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
11. Mohawk Harbor Townhouse Project: Resolution 1076-16 — Hold a Public Hearing
Resolution 1076-15 authorized holding a public hearing for the construction of a $9.2 million, 3-story, 15-unit townhouse located at Lot #4 at Mohawk Harbor. Prestige Parkway Properties, LLC, an affiliated entity of the Galesi Group, has applied for Metroplex financial assistance. Resolution 1076-15 was moved by Ms. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Golub. Following discussion, Resolution 1076-16 was approved.
Public Comment: None
Board Comment: Mr. Gillen briefed the board on various projects. Mr. Golub commented on traffic flow and speed near the new Erie Blvd roundabout. Mr. Webster discussed the on-going efforts with respect Section 3 participation at the JLA Apartments construction project.
Adjournment: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme B. Lahut
Executive Director
Jayme Lahut