MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON
JULY 8, 2014 AT 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Linda Tremblay, Chairwoman
Ms. Daniele Cherniak
Ms. Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chairperson
Mr. Herbert Hyde
Mr. David Koschnick
ALSO PRESENT:
Melissa Cherubino, Dir. of Building and Planning
Chairperson Tremblay called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 17, 2014 MEETING
Barb moved to approve the minutes. Herb seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF FACADE IMPROVEMENTS AT 65 REMSEN STREET
Sarah Stevens purchased the property to conduct her business of restoring historic fabrics. She also intends to rent
out the apartments on the second and third floors. She submitted plans to SHPO in order to obtain eligibility for an
historic tax credit on all rehabilitation of the building. She provided the same paperwork to the City Historic
Preservation and Architectural Review Board. Sarah intends to preserve the building’s historic appearance by
leaving the façade as is, installing an historically accurate door, replacing the canvas of an awning, painting all
exposed wood or duct work in brown and restoring the rear of the building. Specifically, Sarah will remove an
addition constructed at the rear of the building which covers an original door opening. She would broaden the door
in order to accommodate large pieces of furniture she would refurbish through her business. Access to the newly
widened door would include either a deck or ramp built on the existing concrete pad.
Linda asked if the front would remain untouched. Sarah would lower an interior counter, which is at present visible
through the storefront window. In addition, she would adhere a film of UV blocking on the storefront windows to
protect the historic items she restores, but this coating will not affect the appearance of the storefront window. The
awning armature operates perfectly, but the canvas tore in the last storm. As a result Sarah would like to replace it
with a canvas awning similar in color and appearance to the existing awning. Daniele asked about signage. Sarah
intends to install a wood perpendicular sign showing a needle and thread. However she will need to return to the
Board for approval of the sign once she has a schematic.
As a result, Daniele moved to approve the exterior improvements as described. Herb seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AT 10 VLIET STREET
Imtiaz Halepota, P.E. represented the property owner, Ed Haddad. Imtiaz conducted a visual inspection of the rear
wall, which lost two layers of brick. Imtiaz provided photo evidence showing an overhang that used to protect that
section of wall from water runoff from the roof, but which had fallen off. He suggested that water seeped between
brick layers and pushed bricks out with the freeze and thaw cycle.
Imtiaz explained that since the building contains a mix of painted brick and stucco the owner is open to restoring
this section with either method. Imtiaz proposes replacing the missing brick layers and painting which would
provide extra protection against the weather. He argued that it’s difficult to match historic stucco, but a paint chip
could be matched at any Home Depot or similar store. In addition other sections of the wall have a 4” gap between
the stucco and brick.
Barb asked if the applicant would also install a new overhang to resolve the problem. Imtiaz cannot make that
determination, but recommends either gutters, overhang or a wood drip edge. Daniele asked if the existing porch
would remain. Imtiaz confirmed the existing porch would remain, but the owner could improve it with historical
elements if necessary. He finds it protects the brick on that section of wall. Daniele did not think embellishment of
the side porch and balcony would suit the historic commercial structure.
Daniele moved to approve the painted brick repair as described, adding that any overhang installed should match
the existing porch in design. Barb seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
GUIDELINES
Daniele and Linda will meet during the month to begin formatting the document, and selecting suitable
illustrations.
There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 7:15 pm.