MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON
April 15, 2014 AT 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Linda Tremblay, Chairwoman
Ms. Daniele Cherniak
Mr. David Koschnick
Mr. Herbert Hyde
Ms. Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chairperson
ALSO PRESENT:
Melissa Ashline-Heil, Dir. of Building and Planning
Chairperson Tremblay called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 18, 2014 MEETING
Daniele moved to approve the minutes. Dave seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF A PERPENDICULAR SIGN FOR 241 REMSEN STREET
Don Russell proposes a 6 sq ft perpendicular sign hung on a wrought iron bracket with a scroll and gold leaf design.
The bracket will be installed over the right side picture window. The sign will be made of pressure treated plywood
with a laminate. An exterior spotlight will illuminate the sign from the side.
As a result, Dave moved to approve the application. Daniele seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF SAFETY MEASURES AT 107 CANVASS STREET
Jean Brunel and his wife Martha Rhodes purchased the former St. Bernards church three years ago. Since that time
the property has been invaded, the couple’s car was totaled while parked outside, and children climb on the gutters
and roof causing damage and creating potential liability. Twice when the couple contacted police with a complaint
the police caught the perpetrators. They have since installed a security system and small cameras. However, the
applicant would like to install four large video cameras which would work better in winter or rainy weather
conditions. Also, larger cameras would be visible and would act as a deterrent. Jean would mount the cameras
high on the porch pillars. In addition the applicant proposes glass blocking on the southwest corner window which
faces west. It would obscure visibility to the interior.
Daniele pointed out that glass block is not compatible with the age of the church building. Dave recommended
exterior windows over the glass blocking, but the brick on the rectory isn’t thick enough. Dave suggested that Jean
extend the porch enclosure which was previously approved. Then the glass blocking wouldn’t be visible. Daniele
added that the reconstruction of 71 Canvass Street into apartments would improve safety along this street.
Dave moved to approve the glass block contingent on the extension of the porch enclosure. Daniele seconded the
motion which passed unanimously.
Daniele moved to approve the video cameras as described. Dave seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
GUIDELINES
Board members will share photos for the guidelines at the May 20th meeting.
There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 7:00pm.