MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON
AUGUST 19, 2014 AT 6:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
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 JULY 8, 2014 MEETING
Daniele moved to approve the minutes. Herb seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF A WINDOW SIGN AT 91 REMSEN STREET
John Jubert proposed a window sign for his accounting business. Daniele asked what material and how the
applicant would affix it to the window. He presented a vinyl sign with blue lettering and white background framed
with a blue border. He would install it inside the window as a temporary sign for his company. However, the
online company printing the sign can only print 2.5’ high signs and the applicant would like to use the whole
window area for the sign. Otherwise he thinks the small size makes it difficult for passersby to see the sign and
write down any contact information. He would like to add his phone number and e-mail address.
The Zoning Code limits opaque window signage to 20% coverage of the window’s area, while allowing 80%
coverage for transparent letter signage. The applicant agreed to meet the zoning code requirements. As a result,
Daniele moved to approve the sign within the code specifications. Dave seconded the motion which passed
unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF FACADE IMPROVEMENTS AT 65 REMSEN STREET
Sarah Stevens also proposed signage. She would like to install a 2’X3’ perpendicular sign of wood painted with a
needle and thread logo design. She also proposed awning materials and styles containing burgundy and gold colors
that would match the sign. She provided a photo of the proposed faux brass lighting she would install over the
front and back doors to replace the existing lighting. Finally, she would like to install video cameras in the
walkways between her building and the neighboring structures. However, she wasn’t sure how she would wire the
cameras – whether penetrating the brick or running wire through the wood on the door frame and surface mounting
conduit. Therefore she suggested she would return when her contractor could tell her the least intrusive method
possible.
As a result, Herb moved to approve the exterior improvements as described. Barb seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION
Barb asked the other board members to drive by Looby’s Funeral Home building because the sign looks out of
place to her with the grocery store advertising in the windows. The perpendicular sign for the convenience store
business has not yet been installed, but temporary banners are in the windows.
GUIDELINES
Daniele and Linda met during the month to begin formatting the historic district guidelines and finalizing places in
the document for photos or other illustrations. Both have been collecting illustrations and taking photographs, and
Dave will also photograph buildings for this purpose. Daniele will send the completed draft to the other members
once the illustrations have been added.
There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 7:10 pm.