MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON
January 21, 2013 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 DECEMBER 23, 2013 MEETING
Dave moved to approve the minutes. Daniele seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF FACADE ALTERATIONS FOR 65-71 CANVASS STREET
Architect Dan Sanders and Developer Paul Bonacquisti presented façade improvements approved by State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service (NPS). Dan explained the process. SHPO expressed
concerns informally which the developer incorporated into a resubmission. The developer incorporated those
amendments in a narrative added to new drawings and a resubmittal of part II. Dan further explained that part I
approval determined that the structure is a significant, contributing structure in the historic district. Part II entails
submission of interior and exterior alterations. Once approved, SHPO forwards the application to NPS. In this
case, SHPO approved both parts and forwarded to NPS which approved part I and conditionally approved part II.
NPS’ main concerns include the windows, doors, awning and roof fence.
First, the original proposal included six over one grid windows, which NPS determined were not original to the
building. As a result, NPS requires one over one double hung windows. Second, NPS rejected the arched
composite wood panel and wood glaze doors proposed in favor of repairing the existing doors. Third, NPS requires
panelized lower sections on the arched windows, which raises the sills. Fourth, NPS determined that the bubble
canopy awning cannot cover the arched window above the door. Therefore, the developer proposes a 3’ arched
awning. Fifth, the developer proposes a 3’6” guard rail 5’ from the building edge. This would provide more patio
space for tenants. Observers would need to stand 200’ from the building to see even the top of the fence. Finally,
sixth, the new windows installed in the brick should be in the same dimension as the existing brick. Consequently,
new windows will be installed one brick layer in while tombstone windows will be installed all three layers in.
Furthermore, new windows will be installed on the north and south walls which will be insulated, whereas the east
and west sides of the building will not be insulated.
Ed Tremblay, Community and Economic Development Director, reminded the Board that the approval is for the
Assessor’s Office so the developer can apply for tax credit.
As a result, Daniele moved to approve the application. Herb seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
GUIDELINES
Board members discussed the “Lead Paint and Historic Windows” through the “Storefronts” sections of the
Guidelines to determine opportunities for illustrations. Linda found the following items could use illustrations:
shutters, awnings, roofs functional and decorative features such as cupolas and finials, porches ornamentation such
as railings and roof overhangs, and commercial buildings defining features. Daniele agreed with Linda’s list. For
the next meeting Linda proposed checking for areas that would benefit from illustrations between the section on
“Upper Facade” to the section on “Streetscapes.”
There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 7:00pm.