Present: Ray Gillen, Brad Lewis, Bob Wall, Neil Golub, Bill Chapman, Ed Capovani, Janet Hutchison and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas
Absent: Sharon Jordan, John Mallozzi and Bob Mantello
Others: Jayme Lahut, Jim Callander and audience of 1
Call to Order: Mr. Gillen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Lewis noted that Bob Mantello should be added to the attendee list and moved adoption of the April 10, 2013 meeting minutes as amended. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas seconded and the minutes were approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Wall reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending April 30, 2013 which was distributed prior to the meeting. He noted that the sales tax revenue income was an estimate, but actual income results would be available soon. Operating expenses remained well below budget. Cash on hand was $1,947,062. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
3. 200-202 State Street Mixed-use Project: Resolution 827-13 — SEQRA
The project involved acquisition of land and buildings at 200 State Street and converting the former Spencer Business Institute into 11 loft-style one bedroom apartments with ground floor retail space; and, the purchase of the former WGY Stamp Building at 142 State Street, demolishing the structure to make way for tenant parking. Resolution 827-13 designated the project as an Unlisted Action pursuant to SEQRA with no significant effect on the environment. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 827-13; seconded by Mr. Golub and approved.
4. 200-202 State Street Mixed-use Project: Resolution 828-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 828-13 authorized a $135,000 grant for façade improvements to the former Spencer Business Institute building and a $50,000 grant for demolition of the blighted former WGY Stamp building and paving/landscaping costs for making it a parking lot suitable for the project. The resolution authorized an exemption from sales and use taxes, mortgage recording taxes and real property taxes with PILOT payments totaling $1,500 per unit rising to $2,000 per unit producing substantial new revenues for local tax jurisdictions over current property tax payments. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 828-13; seconded by Mr. Wall. Following discussion about the project design, condition of sidewalks and façade features, Resolution 828-13 was approved.
5. 2013 Parking Infrastructure Improvements (Broadway South Lot / Broadway Garage): Resolution 829-13 — Hold a Public Hearing
Resolution 829-13 authorized holding a public hearing on completing the reconstruction of the Broadway South parking lot, including altering the vehicular connection to Van Guysling Avenue as well as undertaking certain repairs within the Broadway Garage. The Broadway Lot work would include resurfacing, restriping, new lighting, fencing and landscaping. Garage repair work would consist of patching surfaces, replacing joints, grouting, painting, and installing a new concrete pad at the entry gate. Project costs are estimated at $800,000. Mr. Golub moved Resolution 829-13; seconded by Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas and, after brief discussion, approved.
6. Integra Development Façade Project: Resolution 830-13 — Adopt the General Project Plan
Resolution 830-13 authorized a $39,000 façade grant for exterior restoration and improvements at 318 Broadway, a two-story, 4,700 square foot building owned by Integra Development, LLC since 2003. The $83,700 façade project includes extensive masonry, repointing, repainting as well as minor demolition for new window and door installation and new signage. The project allows Integra to lease the ground floor space for retail or office uses. Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved Resolution 830-13; seconded by Mr. Chapman and approved.
7. 25 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia: Resolution 831-13 — Award Remediation Contract
Metroplex competitively bid the removal of contaminated soils and replacement with clean fill within the former McDonalds site at 25 Mohawk Avenue in Scotia. Five firms responded to the plans and specifications prepared by C.T. Male, which recommended awarding the contract to Land Remediation for $178,950 plus an allowance of $20,000 for unforeseen conditions. Resolution 832-13 authorized Metroplex to contract with Land Remediation to perform the work. Mr. Capovani moved Resolution 832-13, seconded by Mr. Lewis. Following discussion about the site and potential uses, the resolution was approved.
Public Comment: None
Board Comment: General discussion about downtown projects underway.
Adjournment: Mrs. Zalewski-Wildzunas moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lewis. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jayme Lahut
Executive Director