Schenectady public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council is deciding on a $1.57 million water main replacement contract and a temporary suspension of residential waste fees. The body is also discussing zoning changes for Maxon Road and new regulations for battery energy storage facilities.

• Contract for Craig Street Water Main Replacement awarded to American Evergreen, Inc. for $1,572,175.00
• Proposed temporary 60-day suspension of fees for excess residential waste and bulky items
• Re-zoning of parcels on Maxon Road from C-3 (Commercial) to M-1 (Light Industrial)
• Proposed one-way street redirections for Front Street and Monroe Street
• Proposed addition of Battery Energy Storage Facilities to the zoning code for C-5, M-1, and M-2 districts

The council approved a consent agenda that adopted three ordinances: a temporary suspension of payment for excess residential waste and bulky items, a one‑way traffic pattern for Front Street from John Street to Mohawk Avenue, and a zoning map amendment for parcels on Maxon Road. All three ordinances were adopted unanimously. The council also adopted Resolutions 2025‑234 through 2025‑238 and Resolution 2025‑CS‑16 unanimously. No public speakers were heard during the four public hearings.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-18 to suspend payment for excess residential waste and bulky items (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-19 to make Front Street one‑way from John Street to Mohawk Avenue (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-20 to amend zoning map for parcels on Maxon Road (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolutions No. 2025-234 to 2025-238 and 2025‑CS‑16 (unanimous)

City Council

The council will vote on the proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, which include a $119,966,727 General Fund appropriation and a capital borrowing limit of $7,752,275. The ordinance also appropriates $10,625,956 for the Water Fund, $17,571,315 for the Sewer Fund, $1,716,503 for the Golf Fund, and raises the solid‑waste fee from $228 to $285. Council members will discuss and vote to appoint a qualified person to fill the council seat vacated by Joe Mancini.

• Adoption of the 2026 Operating Budget with $119,966,727 General Fund appropriation
• Capital Budget borrowing limit of $7,752,275
• Appropriations: Water Fund $10,625,956; Sewer Fund $17,571,315; Golf Fund $1,716,503
• Solid waste fee increase from $228 to $285
• Appointment to fill the City Council vacancy created by Council Member Joe Mancini’s resignation

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will consider an application for building repairs at 145 Barrett Street. The body will also discuss updates to City Ordinances regarding Historic District Resources and a Zoning Officer's Determination Request template.

• Application by Peter Montalto to replace windows and roof, paint, and restore façade at 145 Barrett Street
• Recommended corrections to City Ordinances Article X Historic District Resources
• Zoning Officer's Determination Request letter template
• SHPO FY2025 evaluation
• Staff approval for 1306 Union St.

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November meeting. It granted a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 145 Barrett Street, adopting staff‑recommended amendments. The commission also unanimously approved sending recommended corrections to City Ordinances Article X to the City Council. All motions were carried without dissent.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Granted Certificate of Appropriateness for 145 Barrett St with staff‑recommended amendments (unanimous)
• Approved corrections to City Ordinances Article X to send to City Council (unanimous)
• Added 206 Union St and 16 S Church St to agenda for discussion (miscellaneous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:30 PM (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review multiple site‑plan and subdivision applications. Items include signage for the Hyatt House Hotel, a retail business at 162 Jay Street, a food‑prep kitchen at 108 State Street, storage use at 1080 Catalyn Street, and a subdivision and townhouse project at 546 Schenectady Street. The commission will hold a public hearing and vote on these requests.

• Signage approval for Hyatt House Hotel at 110 Harborside Drive
• Site‑plan approval for a commercial retail business at 162 Jay Street
• Site‑plan approval for a food‑prep production kitchen at 108 State Street
• Site‑plan approval to use 1080 Catalyn Street for school district storage
• Subdivision and town‑house construction approval at 546 Schenectady Street

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda items for Hyatt House signage and Sweet Sprig retail. It also approved the site plan for 1080 Catalyn Street to be used as storage for the city school district, with a two‑year compliance period. The subdivision of 546 Schenectady Street was approved, while its town‑house site plan was tabled. A site plan for Simone’s Kitchen at 108 State Street was approved with conditions, and negative SEQR declarations were issued for several projects.

• Approved Hyatt House signage consent agenda item (unanimous)
• Approved Sweet Sprig site plan consent agenda item (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 1080 Catalyn Street storage facility (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision of 546 Schenectady Street into four parcels (unanimous)
• Tabled site plan for 546 Schenectady Street townhouses (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Simone’s Kitchen at 108 State Street (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 1080 Catalyn Street project (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declarations for 546 Schenectady Street and Simone’s Kitchen projects (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The council will consider awarding a $1,569,415 contract to American Evergreen Inc. for the Craig Street watermain replacement. It will also discuss assuming lead agency status for the Jay Street Connector SEQR review and approve a new mobile parking‑payment agreement with Metroplex and LAZ Parking. Additional items include proposed one‑way street changes and several ordinance amendments.

• Award the $1,569,415 contract to American Evergreen Inc. for Craig Street watermain replacement
• Assume City Council role as SEQR lead agency for the Jay Street Connector
• Approve Metroplex/LAZ Parking agreement to transition to LAZgo mobile payment technology for on‑street parking
• Reminder: Redirection of Front Street to one‑way from John Street to Mohawk Avenue and Monroe Street to one‑way from Front Street to Erie Boulevard (public hearing 12‑22‑25)
• Amend Chapter 264 to re‑zone parcels on Maxon Road from C‑3 (Commercial) to M‑1 (Light Industrial)

City Council Committees

The Schenectady City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct an interview for a vacant council seat. This action follows an identified administrative oversight in the review process.

• Interview for vacant council seat

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider four variance applications. Three separate area variances are requested by Schaffer Heights Housing Corp for 107 Nott Terrace to allow additional wall signage beyond the limits in Schedule I. A use variance is requested by Shari Aluc for 1525 Mervin Avenue to permit a two‑family dwelling in an R‑1 single‑family district. No other agenda items are listed.

• Area variance for 107 Nott Ter to allow a wall sign not facing the street address
• Area variance for 107 Nott Ter to permit a third wall sign exceeding the two‑sign limit
• Area variance for 107 Nott Ter to permit a third wall sign creating 222 sq ft, exceeding the 150 sq ft limit
• Use variance for 1525 Mervin Ave to allow a two‑family dwelling in an R‑1 district

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will consider approving the 2026 budgets for the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District and the Downtown Special Assessment District, as well as an ordinance to abandon Roger Hull Place to create the Jay Street Connector.

• Approve 2026 Upper Union Street BID budget
• Approve 2026 Downtown Special Assessment District budget
• Abandon Roger Hull Place for Jay Street Connector
• Accept $299,581.00 DOJ grant for police
• Accept $114,591.00 DOJ grant for police

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss the proposed 2026 operating and capital budgets. Other agenda items include property acquisitions for the Jay Street Connector project and proposed zoning changes for energy storage and industrial parcels.

• Proposed 2026 Operating Budget & Capital Budget for the City of Schenectady
• Property acquisitions from Union College and Stockade Self-Serve Car Wash ($1) for Jay Street Connector
• Proposed zoning for Battery Energy Storage Systems (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
• Rezoning of Maxon Road Ext. parcels (39.26-1-2, 39.26-1-10, 39.26-1-3, 39.26-1-9) from C-3 to M-1
• Request for Proposal for 2025 Emergency Vehicle Uplift

City Council

The Schenectady City Council meeting will consider several resolutions, including public hearings on a one‑way traffic change on Front and Monroe Streets, the 2026 Downtown Special Assessment District budget, and the 2026 Upper Union Street Business Improvement District budget. The council will also endorse the Capital Region Land Bank’s application for MOVE‑NY funding. A key item is authorizing the sale of 450 Eleanor Street for $60,000 with specific rehabilitation requirements for the buyer.

• Resolution to hold a public hearing on converting Front Street (John St to Mohawk Ave) and Monroe Street (Front St to Erie Blvd) to one‑way streets
• Resolution to hold a public hearing on the Downtown Schenectady Assessment District 2026 budget
• Resolution to hold a public hearing on the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District 2026 budget
• Resolution approving and endorsing the Capital Region Land Bank’s application for MOVE‑NY program funding
• Resolution authorizing the sale of 450 Eleanor Street for $60,000 with $500 closing fee and rehabilitation deadlines

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will hold a special meeting on Nov 21, 2025 to fill a vacant council seat for the unexpired term ending Dec 31, 2027. Council members will also consider an ordinance adopting the proposed operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2026. A local law will be considered that would allow the city to exceed the state‑mandated tax levy limit for FY 2026 if approved by at least 60% of the council. The ordinance also raises the solid‑waste administrative fee from $50 to $75.

• Appointment of a council member to fill a vacancy (term ending Dec 31, 2027)
• Adoption of the 2026 operating budget (amounts not specified in agenda)
• Adoption of the 2026 capital budget (borrowing limit not specified)
• Local Law 2025-2 to authorize overriding the tax levy limit for FY 2026, requiring 60% council vote
• Solid‑waste fee changes: administrative fee increased from $50 to $75; reduced fee rate changed from $137 to an unspecified amount

City Council Committees

The Schenectady City Council Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the Mayor's proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budget. This session is part of the city's budget review process.

• Review of 2026 Operating and Capital Budget

Historic Resource Commission

The Schenectady Historic Resource Commission will consider approvals for repairs to a front porch at 1186 Lowell Road, a gutter replacement at 1255 Lowell Road, and window replacement at 1027 Wendell Avenue. Staff approvals for the properties at 1027 Wendell Ave, 1103 Union St, and 1255 Lowell Rd will be reviewed. The meeting also includes discussion and possible approval of the Stockade Streetscape Plan.

• Approve repair of front porch at 1186 Lowell Road (G.E Realty Plot Historic District)
• Approve replacement of garage gutter at 1255 Lowell Road (G.E Realty Plot Historic District)
• Approve replacement of windows at 1027 Wendell Ave (Union Triangle Historic District)
• Staff approval for properties: 1027 Wendell Ave, 1103 Union St, 1255 Lowell Rd
• Discussion and/or approval of Stockade Streetscape Plan

The commission unanimously elected Commissioner Richard Unger as chair, Commissioner Patricia Yager as vice chair, and appointed City Planner Sergy Dossous as secretary. The commission also approved Certificates of Appropriateness for gutter replacement at 1255 Lowell Road and for window repairs/replacements at 1027 Wendell Avenue, both unanimously. Additionally, the commission approved revisions to the Stockade Historic District Comprehensive Streetscape Plan as recommended, unanimously.

• Elected Commissioner Richard Unger as chair (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Patricia Yager as vice chair (unanimous)
• Appointed City Planner Sergy Dossous as secretary (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for gutter replacement at 1255 Lowell Road (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for window repair/replacement at 1027 Wendell Ave (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to the Stockade Historic District Comprehensive Streetscape Plan (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Schenectady Planning Commission will consider several site‑plan approvals, including a rehab of 145 Barrett Street for three apartments and one commercial unit, a diesel repair shop at 1419 Broadway and 8 Grand Street, and a 24‑unit apartment with a parking deck at 224 State Street. It will also review a rezoning request to change four Maxon Road Extension parcels from the C‑3 Waterfront Mixed‑Use District to the M‑1 Light Manufacturing and Warehousing District. Additionally, the commission will recommend to City Council new regulations and zoning for a battery energy storage facility.

• Site‑plan approval for 145 Barrett Street (3 apartments, 1 commercial) in C‑4 Downtown Mixed‑Use District
• Site‑plan approval for a 60’ × 70’ diesel repair shop at 1419 Broadway and 8 Grand Street in M‑1 Light Manufacturing District
• Site‑plan approval for a new 24‑unit apartment with parking deck at 224 State Street in C‑4 Downtown Mixed‑Use District
• Rezoning of Maxon Road Extension parcels 39.26‑1‑2, 39.26‑1‑10, 39.26‑1‑3, 39.26‑1‑9 from C‑3 Waterfront to M‑1 Light Manufacturing
• Commission recommendation to City Council on new Battery Energy Storage Facility regulations and zoning

The commission issued negative SEQR declarations for the consent‑agenda projects and for the State Street site‑plan proposals. It approved the site‑plan applications for 224 and 264 State Street with conditions, each vote 7‑0 with one abstention. Finally, it rezoned four Maxon Road Extension parcels from C‑3 Waterfront Mixed‑Use to M‑1 Light Manufacturing and recommended rerouting the ALCO Heritage Bike Trail. All actions were taken without public opposition.

• Negative SEQR declaration for consent‑agenda items (unanimous)
• Negative SEQR declaration for 224 and 264 State Street projects (7‑0, Beach abstaining)
• Approved site‑plan for 224 State Street with conditions (7‑0, Beach abstaining)
• Approved site‑plan for 264 State Street with conditions (7‑0, Beach abstaining)
• Rezoned Maxon Road Extension parcels to M‑1 district (unanimous)
• Recommended rerouting ALCO Heritage Bike Trail behind Maxon parcels (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The City Council Committees will discuss the 2026 Downtown Special Assessment District budget, the 2026 Upper Union Street Business Improvement District budget, and the city's overall 2026 operating and capital budgets. The committees will also consider a public hearing for converting Front Street and Monroe Street to one-way traffic and interview candidates for a vacant council seat.

• Public hearing for Front Street and Monroe Street one-way conversion
• 2026 Downtown Special Assessment District budget ($390,000)
• 2026 Upper Union Street Business Improvement District budget
• 2026 City operating and capital budgets
• Interviews for vacant City Council seat

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals will review four variance applications at its regular meeting on November 12, 2025. Two applications from Schaffer Heights Housing Corp request area variances for 107 Nott Ter to allow a wall sign that does not face the street and to permit a third wall sign beyond the two‑sign limit in Schedule I Sign Regulations. Kevin Ramnath seeks an area variance for a vacant lot on Lenox Rd to build a single‑family house on a 4,945‑sq‑ft lot that is below the required 5,000‑sq‑ft minimum. Armin Hrelja seeks a use variance for 60 Cheltingham Ave to construct a four‑unit multifamily dwelling, which is not a permitted use in the R‑1 Single‑Family Residential district.

• Area variance for 107 Nott Ter (tax parcel #39.73-2-3.111) to allow a wall sign not facing the street per Schedule I Sign Regulations
• Area variance for 107 Nott Ter (tax parcel #39.73-2-3.111) to permit a third wall sign beyond the two‑sign limit in Schedule I
• Area variance for Lenox Rd (tax parcel #39.36-5-1) to build a single‑family dwelling on a 4,945‑sq‑ft lot, below the 5,000‑sq‑ft minimum
• Use variance for 60 Cheltingham Ave (tax parcel #49.69-4-3) to construct a four‑unit multifamily dwelling in the R‑1 district

City Council

The City Council is meeting to reconsider the proposed 2026 operating budget after a mayoral veto on November 6, 2025. The body will also consider ordinances regarding business certificates of use and several city property sales.

• Reconsideration of the vetoed 2026 Proposed Operating Budget
• Ordinance to require Massage Parlors to obtain a Certificate of Use
• Sale of vacant lot at 605 Craig Street for $3,500.00
• Sale of 22 James Street to Byron Miller for past-due taxes, interest, and a $1,000 administrative charge
• Sale of 269 Altamont Avenue

City Council Committees

The council's committees will discuss a police complaint packet and a one‑way change to Front Street. They will review amendments to the city code on acceptable ID for business certificates. The Development & Planning committee will consider adding massage parlors to the zoning definition and requiring a certificate of use, as well as a bulk‑waste fee and two property sales. A claim case (Harris vs. City of Schenectady) will also be noted.

• Review proposed amendments to Section 183-4 and 264-2 adding massage parlors to the zoning code definition and requiring a Certificate of Use
• Discussion – Bulk Waste Fee
• Sale of 605 Craig Street, Vacant Lot
• Sale of 269 Altamont Avenue & 22 James Street
• Discussion – CPRB Updated Complaint Packet

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will adopt the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026. The ordinance authorizes $119,966,727 in the General Fund and a $34,110,939 real‑property tax levy. It also caps capital borrowing at $7,752,275 and updates solid‑waste collection fees to $282.66. The budget sets water, sewer and golf fund appropriations and establishes ministerial change procedures.

• Adoption of the 2026 operating budget (Ordinance No. 2025‑10)
• General Fund appropriation of $119,966,727 for city expenses
• Real‑property tax levy of $34,110,939 for fiscal year 2026
• Capital borrowing limit not to exceed $7,752,275
• Solid‑waste collection fee increase from $228.00 to $282.66

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will consider several ordinances and resolutions, including a public hearing on adding massage parlors to the certificate‑of‑use list and a hearing on revising application requirements. It will vote on a $1,472,075 contract to replace the Craig Street water main, install stop signs on Kings Road, settle a $10,000 mortgage on 39 Robinson Street, extend the redemption deadline for 1409 Fifth Avenue, and recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

• Awarding $1,472,075 contract to DeJong Brothers for Craig Street water main replacement
• Resolution to install stop signs at up to two locations on Kings Road
• Settlement of a $10,000 mortgage on 39 Robinson Street
• Amending Resolution 2025-165 to extend redemption deadline for 1409 Fifth Avenue to Nov 3 2025
• Public hearing on ordinance to add massage parlors to certificate‑of‑use requirements

The council approved the consent agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-202, 2025-203, 2025-204, 2025-205, and 2025-CS-14, all by unanimous vote. The council also approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved consent agenda containing five resolutions (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-202 recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-203 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-204 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-205 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-CS-14 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the October 14, 2025 council meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will review a consent agenda of repair and replacement projects for properties in several historic districts. New applications include window replacement, roof replacement, landscaping, and a material change for front steps. Staff approval will be sought for a list of addresses. The meeting also includes discussion of a Certificate of Approval application.

• Approve installation of two handrails at 31 Front Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Approve roof replacement at 20 North Church Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Approve front window replacement at 1022 Park Ave (Union Triangle Historic District)
• Approve material change to bluestone slabs for front steps at 113 North College Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Staff approval for properties at 4 Morris Ave, 15 Washington Ave, 1030 Park Ave, 1178 Lowell Rd, 1218-1220 Union Street

The Historic Resource Commission adopted the September 25 minutes and unanimously approved the consent agenda. It then granted Certificates of Appropriateness for eight historic‑district projects, including handrails at 31 Front St and roof work at 20 North Church St. All motions passed with unanimous votes.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for handrails at 31 Front Street (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for roof replacement at 20 North Church Street (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for front step replacement at 123 North Ferry Street (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for roof replacement at 29 North Street (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for front‑window replacement at 1022 Park Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for paint, landscape and roof work at 1445 Lowell Road (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for landscape redesign at 1132 Adams Road (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for porch repair and repaint at 20 Union Avenue (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The council will review a $1,472,075 contract with DeJong Brothers for the Craig Street water main replacement. It will also discuss trial stop‑sign installations at problematic locations and a proposal to make Front Street a one‑way thoroughfare. Additional items include a code amendment on business certificate identification and an exploration of a partnership with Union College.

• $1,472,075 contract to DeJong Brothers for Craig Street Water Main Replacement
• Discussion of installing trial stop signs at the corner of Kings Rd and Queen Philomena
• Discussion of converting Front Street to a one‑way street
• Reminder of amendments to Section 183‑6 of the City Code on business certificate ID requirements
• Exploring a partnership and possible PILOT agreement with Union College

Planning Commission

The Schenectady Planning Commission will consider multiple site‑plan approvals, including a law office at 1545 Union Street, a restaurant with apartments at 1010 State Street, and a 275‑unit apartment and daycare complex on McClellan Street. New‑business items also include renovation of 1 Broadway for county office use, construction of ten townhouses on Van Vranken Avenue, and a subdivision of those parcels into ten separate parcels. The commission will vote on each proposal during the meeting.

• Site‑plan approval for a 275‑unit apartment building and daycare at 600 McClellan Street (R‑3 Multi‑Family Residential District)
• Site‑plan approval for ten townhouses at 1713‑1733 Van Vranken Avenue (C‑2 Mixed‑Use Commercial District)
• Subdivision approval to split the Van Vranken Avenue parcels into ten separate parcels (C‑2 Mixed‑Use Commercial District)
• Site‑plan approval for a 12‑unit apartment building at 535 and 529 Schenectady Street (R‑2 Two‑Family Residential District)
• Site‑plan approval for a temple at 934 State Street (C‑2 Mixed‑Use Commercial District)

The commission approved site‑plan applications for three consent‑agenda projects—a law office at 1545 Union St, nine residential units at 192 Erie Blvd, and a restaurant with apartments at 1010 State St—while issuing a negative SEQR declaration for the restaurant. New‑business approvals included a county office renovation at 1 Broadway, a bar at 1631 Eastern Parkway, and a 215‑unit apartment and daycare project on McClellan Street, each with negative SEQR declarations and site‑plan approvals that included specific conditions. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved site plan for law office at 1545 Union St (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 9 residential units at 192 Erie Blvd (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for restaurant with apartments at 1010 State St (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 1010 State St restaurant (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for county office renovation at 1 Broadway (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 1 Broadway project (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for bar at 1631 Eastern Parkway (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 1631 Eastern Parkway project (unanimous)

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will consider a series of resolutions, including authorizing the mayor to accept a $341,142 grant from the National Grid New York EV Make‑Ready Program and a $45,928 traffic‑safety grant. It will also review a lease letter of intent for a battery energy storage facility at 300 Anthony Street, proposed amendments to City Code Chapter 264, and a re‑zoning of parcels on Maxon Road Extension from commercial to light‑industrial. A public hearing on business‑certificate identification changes is scheduled for October 27.

• Resolution authorizing the mayor to accept $341,142 from the National Grid New York EV Make‑Ready Program for four DCFC charging stations near 1731 Foster Avenue
• Resolution authorizing the mayor to accept $45,928 from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for the Schenectady Police Department
• Resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a Letter of Intent with New Leaf Energy Inc. to lease part of 300 Anthony Street for a Battery Energy Storage Facility
• Resolution transmitting proposed amendments to City Code Chapter 264 to define Battery Energy Storage Systems and set use regulations
• Resolution transmitting a proposed re‑zoning of parcels 39.26‑1‑2, 39.26‑1‑10, 39.26‑1‑3, and 39.26‑1‑9 on Maxon Road Extension from C‑3 (Commercial) to M‑1 (Light Industrial)

The October 14, 2025 Schenectady City Council meeting included public‑floor submissions on staffing, property taxes, and the Jay Street Connector shared‑use path. No votes, approvals, denials, or other formal actions were recorded in the minutes.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will review two variance applications. The first is a request by Gian Casale/Casale Investing LLC for a use variance to change 535 Schenectady St, located in the R‑2 Two‑Family District, to a 12‑unit apartment building, which is not a permitted use in that district. The second is a request by Anand Dhanraj for an area variance at 534 Mumford St, also in the R‑2 Two‑Family District, to reduce the required frontage from 40 feet to 33.33 feet for a single‑family dwelling. No other agenda items are listed.

• Use variance request for 535 Schenectady St (tax parcel # 49.40-1-18) to convert to a 12‑unit apartment building in the R‑2 Two‑Family District.
• Area variance request for 534 Mumford St (tax parcel # 49.31-3-21) to allow 33.33 ft frontage instead of 40 ft for a single‑family dwelling in the R‑2 Two‑Family District.

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to issue a negative SEQR declaration. It then approved a use variance allowing 535 Schenectady St to be converted into a 12‑unit apartment building. The board also approved an area variance permitting 33.3 ft of frontage at 535 Mumford St, less than the required 40 ft. All three motions passed unanimously.

• Approved negative SEQR declaration (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for 12‑unit apartment at 535 Schenectady St (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for 33.3 ft frontage at 535 Mumford St (unanimous)

City Council Committees

Schenectady City Council committees will discuss several grant awards, including funding for police traffic services and electric vehicle infrastructure. The body will also consider zoning amendments for battery energy storage and the sale of multiple vacant lots.

• Acceptance of $341,142 National Grid grant for 4 DCFC charging plugs at 1731 Foster Avenue
• Acceptance of $45,920 GTSC grant for Police Traffic Services Program
• Proposed zoning code amendment to allow Battery Energy Storage Facilities in C-5, M-1, and M-2 districts
• Sale of vacant lots at 506 Schenectady Street, 605 Craig Street, 1118 Fourth Avenue, 1306 Fifth Avenue, and 1520 Fifth Avenue
• Proposed removal of citizenship or immigration status documentation requirements for city certificates, permits, and licenses

Housing Stability Task Force

The Schenectady City Council will meet on October 3, 2025 for introductions, a discussion of Resolution 2025‑138 that proposes a City Housing Stability Task Force, and to set the task force’s meeting schedule. The agenda does not list any other decisions.

• Resolution 2025‑138 – establishes a nine‑member City Housing Stability Task Force
• Resolution 2025‑149 – sets membership criteria and reporting requirements for the task force
• Resolution 2025‑171 – appoints Councilmember Carmel Patrick as chair of the task force
• Task force to review local housing trends, eviction filings, rent burdens, and vacancy rates
• Task force to report findings and recommendations within 120 days of its first meeting

Housing Stability Task Force

The City Council is holding a special meeting to review resident applications for the Housing Stability Task Force. This body is charged with assessing housing conditions, rental trends, and the potential impact of the Good Cause Eviction Law in Schenectady.

• Review of resident applications for the Housing Stability Task Force
• Appointment of nine volunteer members, including one City Council member as Chair
• Task Force mandate to report findings and recommendations within 120 days of its first meeting

Historic Resource Commission

The Schenectady Historic Resource Commission will meet to consider approval for exterior maintenance and construction projects in several historic districts. The body will review applications for painting, gutter installation, porch replacement, and steps repair.

• Approval for painting at 1 South Church Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Approval for copper gutter installation at 1435 Lowell Road (GE Realty Plot Historic District)
• Approval for porch replacement at 68 Union Ave (Union Triangle Historic District)
• Approval for steps replacement at 237 Green Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Approval for patio installation at 1 North Church Street (Stockade Historic District)

The commission approved repainting at 1 South Church Street, a copper gutter at 1435 Lowell Road, a porch replacement at 68 Union Ave, and new front steps at 237 Green Street. All motions carried unanimously, with one abstention on the repainting item. Item C (2 Nott Terrace) was moved back to the regular agenda and was not decided.

• Approved repainting of 1 South Church Street (Item A) – motion carried unanimously, 1 abstention
• Approved copper gutter installation at 1435 Lowell Road (Item B) – motion carried unanimously
• Approved porch replacement at 68 Union Ave – motion carried unanimously
• Approved front steps replacement at 237 Green Street – motion carried unanimously
• Moved Item C (2 Nott Terrace) to regular agenda – no vote recorded

City Council

The council will adopt a resolution scheduling a public hearing on October 27 to consider amendments requiring a certificate of use for massage parlors and adding them to the zoning code definitions. It will also approve the 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, authorize a $50,000 cybersecurity grant, and appoint Councilmember Carmel Patrick as chair of the City Housing Stability Task Force. Additional actions include authorizing sales of two vacant lots and settling a $1,000 claim by Anthony Roland.

• Resolution calling for a public hearing on proposed massage parlor code amendments (certificate of use, zoning definition)
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a $50,000 cybersecurity grant
• Resolution appointing Councilmember Carmel Patrick as chair of the City Housing Stability Task Force
• Resolution authorizing sale of vacant lot at 848 State Street for $3,000
• Resolution authorizing sale of vacant lot at 1856 Foster Avenue for $5,000

The council approved the minutes from the September 8 meeting by unanimous consent. It then approved the Consent Agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-168 through 2025-CS-13, all unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-168 to 2025-CS-13 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Schenectady Planning Commission will vote on several site‑plan and subdivision requests, including a flower shop at 112 Jay Street and a mural permit at 515 State Street. New business items include a 2,200‑sqft Starbucks at 1100 Erie Boulevard, a restaurant with two second‑floor apartments at 1010 State Street, and a massage spa at 1702 Chrisler Avenue. The commission will also address subdivision splits for 338 Abbottsford Road and 7 Gebhardt Street.

• Site‑plan approval for a 2,200 sqft Starbucks at 1100 Erie Boulevard (tax parcel #39.64-1-7)
• Site‑plan approval for a restaurant with two second‑floor apartments at 1010 State Street (tax parcel #49.42-3-7.11)
• Site‑plan approval for a massage spa at 1702 Chrisler Avenue (tax parcel #49.81-1-1.111)
• Special Use Permit to paint a 650 sqft mural at 515 State Street (tax parcel #39.80-1-29)
• Subdivision approval to split 338 Abbottsford Road into two parcels (tax parcel #49.82-1-7)

The commission unanimously approved site‑plan approvals for a flower shop at 112 Jay St., a storage building at 451 Peek St., and a Starbucks at 1100 Erie Blvd. It also unanimously issued negative SEQR declarations for two subdivision requests and the mural permit, denied the mural special‑use permit (4‑2 vote), and unanimously tabled the mural application.

• Approved site‑plan for 112 Jay Street flower shop (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan for 451 Peek Street storage building (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan for 1100 Erie Blvd Starbucks (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 338 Abbottsford Rd subdivision (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 7 Gebhardt St subdivision (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 515 State St mural (unanimous)
• Special Use Permit for 515 State St mural denied (vote 4‑2)
• Mural application tabled (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The council committees will consider accepting a $50,000 FY2022 State Homeland Security Grant Program cybersecurity award and approve the 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. They will also review a petition to connect Watt Street homes to the city sewage line, develop the selection process for the newly created City Housing Stability Task Force, and consider the sale of several vacant city lots.

• Grant Award – FY2022 SHSP Cybersecurity Grant Program ($50,000)
• Review – 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
• Watt Street Sewage Pipeline petition for septic‑to‑sewage conversion
• Selection Process for the City Housing Stability Task Force
• Sale of 848 State Street, vacant lot

City Council

The City Council is considering ordinances to finance improvements to the Washington Avenue Pump Station, Water Resource Recovery Facility, and Rice Road Water Treatment Plant. The body will also discuss the 2026 budget and various property sales.

• Bond ordinance for Washington Avenue Pump Station and Water Resource Recovery Facility up to $29,117,825
• Bond ordinance for Rice Road Water Treatment Plant Phase 2 for an additional $2,493,424
• Public hearing for the proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budget
• Contract for Fire Station #3 & #4 Generators with SW Burke Electric LLC for $178,000.00
• Grant of $45,600.00 from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for the Police Department

The council approved the minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting. It adopted multiple ordinances and resolutions listed on the consent agenda, each unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

• Approved August 25, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-12..0..0.....0c ccc ccc cess eens unanimously
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-13 ........... cc cee cee ee eee eee ees unanimously
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-158........0. 2c. ccc cece eee unanimously
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-166 unanimously
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-167 unanimously
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-CS-12.......0.000.00002 ccc cee unanimously
• Adjourned meeting at 7:38 p.m.

City Council Committees

The City Council Committees will review proposed bond ordinances for water facility improvements and the call for a 2026 budget public hearing. The body will also consider a $45,600 highway safety grant and various land-use permits and moratoriums.

• Proposed bond ordinance for Washington Avenue Pump Station and Water Resource Recovery Facility totaling $29,117,825
• Proposed bond ordinance for Rice Road Treatment Plant totaling $8,560,536
• NYS Highway Safety Program grant for Schenectady City PD in the amount of $45,600
• Contract for Fire Station #3 & #4 Generators to SW Burke Electric LLC for $178,000.00
• Proposed moratorium for Health & Wellness Spas

Historic Resource Commission

The Schenectady Historic Resource Commission will meet to decide on nine property alteration requests, including roof replacements, siding changes, and structural modifications. The meeting will also include routine procedural items such as adopting prior meeting minutes and reviewing conflicts of interest.

• Extension of approval for 421 Union Street (Union Street Corridor Historic District)
• Extension of approval for 205 Union Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Approval to paint, replace roof, and redo siding at 1078 Wendell Ave (Union Triangle Historic District)
• Approval to install 4 skylights at 1113 Union Street (Union Street Corridor Historic District)
• Approval to replace roof and paint at 1 South Church Street (Stockade Historic District)

The Historic Resource Commission unanimously approved extensions for two historic district approvals and several building rehabilitation applications. It approved Ditoro's fire‑damaged carriage house roof, siding and paint work, and approved Palma's skylight installation (4‑1 vote). It also approved Du Four's siding and paint project, accepted Samatulski's roof replacement (painting tabled) and recorded the withdrawal of Samatulski's sign‑pole application.

• Consent agenda extensions for 421 Union St. (until Nov 2026) and 205 Union St. (until Sep 2026) approved unanimously
• Ditoro carriage house roof, siding and paint repairs approved unanimously
• Palma skylight installation approved 4‑1 (Berkovich opposed)
• Du Four siding replacement and paint approved unanimously
• Samatulski withdrew sign‑pole application (no vote)
• Samatulski roof replacement approved unanimously (Berkovich abstained); painting deferred
• Prior meeting minutes adopted unanimously

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed 2025-2026 HUD Annual Action Plan. The body is also considering several grant acceptances for police and electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as the sale of multiple city-owned properties.

• Public hearing on the 2025-2026 HUD Annual Action Plan with total available funding of $3,421,993.39
• Proposed $1,700,000.00 in HOME ARP Funds for YWCA of Schenectady NorthEastern NY Habor House Project
• Acceptance of $327,379.98 from National Grid New York Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Program
• Sale of 66 Wylie Street for $45,000.00 and 103 Weaver Street for $20,000.00
• Acceptance of $6,200.00 grant from Governor's Traffic Safety Committee for the Police Department

The Council approved the consent agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-145 through 2025-157, all unanimously. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2025 meeting was made and seconded and was approved. No other legislative actions were voted on.

• Approved Consent Agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-145‑2025-157 (unanimously)
• Approved minutes of the August 11, 2025 Council meeting (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The Schenectady Planning Commission will review two site plan requests and one special use permit at its August 20, 2025 meeting. Terry Aldrich seeks an extension for a tavern at 421 Union Street, while DePaul Group proposes a large mixed-use project on State Street and Brandywine Avenue. A mural request at the Amtrak parking lot and a convenience store proposal on Crane Street are also under consideration.

• Terry Aldrich requests extension for tavern at 421 Union Street
• DePaul Group seeks amended site plan for 100,906 sq ft mixed-use project at 1101 State Street and Brandywine Avenue
• Virginia Hart requests special use permit for 112'x12' mural at 332 Erie Boulevard Amtrak parking lot
• Leana Colon requests site plan approval for convenience store at 851 Crane Street

The Planning Commission unanimously approved an extension of the site‑plan approval for a tavern at 421 Union Street and an amended site‑plan for the DePaul Group development on State and Brandywine Streets. It also issued a negative SEQR declaration and approved a special use permit for a mural at 332 Erie Boulevard, and approved a site‑plan for a convenience store at 851 Crane Street, each with specific conditions.

• Approved extension of site‑plan approval for 421 Union Street tavern (unanimous)
• Approved amended site‑plan for DePaul Group development at State and Brandywine Streets (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for mural project at 332 Erie Blvd (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for mural at 332 Erie Blvd with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan for convenience store at 851 Crane Street with conditions (unanimous)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss several grant awards for public safety and electric vehicle infrastructure. The body will also consider the sale of multiple vacant lots and properties, and receive an update on the Civilian Police Review Board.

• Up to $327,379.98 from National Grid NY for four EV charging station plugs at 112 South College Street
• $75,000 DHS Tactical Team Grant and $32,000 Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant
• $6,200 GTSC Child Passenger Safety Program grant
• Proposed sales of properties at 66 Wylie Street, 103 Weaver Street, and various vacant lots
• Revocable permit for a sign at 9 Yates Street for Grand Salon Hair Studio

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider several area variance requests from Good Clean Money LLC regarding lot frontage and setbacks on Van Vranken. Other items include requests for apartment conversions and parking relief on Albany St, Schenectady St, and State St.

• Multiple area variances for Good Clean Money LLC at 1713, 1717, 1725, and 1733 Van Vranken regarding lot frontage and side yard setbacks
• Area variance request for 818 Albany St to permit a 5-unit apartment building and relief from 8 required parking spaces
• Use variance request for 535 Schenectady St to convert a property in the R-2 Two-Family District into a 12-unit apartment building
• Area variance request for 1326 State St for relief from 4 required off-street parking spaces

The Zoning Board adopted a Negative Declaration SEQR resolution by unanimous vote. It also unanimously approved an area variance to allow a 30‑foot minimum lot frontage where 40 feet is required. In addition, the board unanimously approved an area variance for a side‑yard setback of 0 feet where 5 feet is required.

• Negative Declaration SEQR resolution adopted (unanimous)
• Approved 30‑foot minimum lot frontage variance (unanimous)
• Approved side‑yard setback of 0‑foot variance (unanimous)

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will consider multiple resolutions, including authorizing a $2.5M upgrade to Central Park tennis courts in partnership with USTA Eastern, Inc., and redeeming two foreclosed properties. A public hearing will also be held on the proposed 2025-2026 HUD Annual Action Plan.

• Amended finance agreement with USTA Eastern, Inc. for $2.5M tennis court rehabilitation in Central Park (8 to 18 courts)
• Use agreement with USTA Eastern, Inc. for city tennis facility use
• Public hearing on proposed 2025-2026 HUD Annual Action Plan (Aug 25, 7:00 p.m.)
• Redemption of 246 Chiswell Road and 1123 Sixth Avenue from foreclosure
• Awarding $500K contract to Gallo Construction Corp. for Central Park tennis court improvements

The council moved and seconded a motion to approve the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes; the outcome was not recorded. The consent agenda, containing Resolutions 2025‑139 through 2025‑CS‑11, was approved unanimously. The council then moved and seconded a motion to adjourn, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

• Motion to approve July 28, 2025 minutes made and seconded (outcome not recorded)
• Consent agenda resolutions 2025‑139 to 2025‑CS‑11 adopted unanimously
• Motion to adjourn made and seconded; meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

City Council Committees

Committees will discuss an amendment to a finance agreement with USTA to rehabilitate a total of 18 tennis courts in Central Park. The proposal involves $500,000 in ARPA funding and $2,000,000 in capital funding from the City, with USTA providing $500,000 plus the balance of costs over $3,000,000.

• Amendment to USTA Finance Agreement for Central Park tennis courts
• Revocable Permit No. 689 for a sign at 515 State Street (Solstice Kitchen, LLC)
• Central Park Tennis Court Improvements contract with Gallo Construction Corp.
• Redemption of 246 Chiswell Avenue
• Redemption of 1123 Sixth Avenue

Historic Resource Commission

The commission is considering several applications for exterior changes to properties within city historic districts. The body will decide on requests ranging from roof replacements to shutter painting. There is also a scheduled discussion regarding maintenance at 1284 Lowell Rd.

• Porch replacement at 68 Union Ave
• Shutter replacement at 1030 Nott Street
• Extension and material change at 1201 Union Street
• Roof replacements at 1135 Avon Road and 1128 Rugby Road
• Chimney cap addition at 122 N College Street

The commission approved eight applications for work on historic properties, including porch stabilization, shutter replacement, material changes, HVAC installations, repainting, chimney caps, roof replacements, and a renovation with several conditions. All motions were carried unanimously. Several approvals included specific material or design conditions, and one application (skylights at 1113 Union Street) was tabled for future design submission.

• Approved stabilization of front porch at 68 Union Ave with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of shutters at 1030 Nott Street (unanimous)
• Approved extension and aluminum material change for 1201 Union Street (unanimous)
• Approved mini‑split unit and duct line at 1386 Lowell Road with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved repainting of shutters at 1189 Lowel Road with specified colors (unanimous)
• Approved chimney cap addition at 122 N College Street with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved roof replacement at 1135 Avon Road with specified shingles (unanimous)
• Approved renovation at 1113 Union Street with multiple conditions and tabled skylight installation (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is considering a local law to protect tenants from eviction without good cause and exorbitant rent increases. The body is also voting on several federal and state grants for housing and public safety.

• Local law to prohibit eviction without good cause
• Acceptance of $3,967,061.00 HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant
• Acceptance of $452,133.00 GIVE Grant for the Police Department
• Agreement with Capital District YMCA for $201,722.00
• Establishment of a City Housing Stability Task Force

Councilmember John Mootooveren moved to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2025 meeting and Councilmember Damonni Farley seconded the motion. The minutes do not record the vote tally or whether the motion passed. No other legislative actions were taken during the meeting.

• Motion to approve July 14 minutes made and seconded (outcome not recorded)

Ethics Board

The Schenectady Ethics Board will meet to conduct routine business. The primary focus of the meeting is the review of financial disclosure forms submitted by city officials.

• Review of financial disclosure forms submitted by City Officials

The board accepted the minutes from the July 23, 2024 meeting. It approved the 2025 financial disclosure forms submitted by city officials. It adopted an amendment to the 2026 disclosure form to require reporting of business entities owned by officials. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted July 23, 2024 meeting minutes (approved)
• Entered executive session to review disclosure forms (approved)
• Ended executive session (approved)
• Accepted 2025 financial disclosure forms (approved)
• Amended 2026 financial disclosure form to include business entities (approved)
• Adjourned the meeting (approved)

Planning Commission

The City of Schenectady Planning Commission will review several site plan and subdivision requests. The agenda includes proposals for new residential units and various commercial businesses.

• Proposal for 10 townhouses and subdivision of parcels at 1713-1733 Van Vranken Avenue
• Proposal for a 5-unit apartment building at 818 Albany Street
• Proposal for a 2,200sqft Starbuck’s at 1100 Erie Boulevard
• Proposal for a motel and parking lot at 919 State Street and 12 Moyston Street
• Proposal for an auto repair shop at 824 Broadway

The Planning Commission denied Shannan Pabla's site plan for a convenience store and auto‑repair shop at 1401 Erie Boulevard by a unanimous vote. It issued a negative SEQR declaration for State Inn, LLC’s motel and parking lot project, also unanimously. The commission then approved State Inn’s site plan with six specific conditions, again unanimously. The June 18 minutes were approved unanimously as well.

• Denied Shannan Pabla site plan (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for State Inn (unanimous)
• Approved State Inn site plan with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved June 18 minutes (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The City Council committees will discuss the acceptance of several federal HUD allocations and grants for housing and lead hazard control. The body is also reviewing the 2023 performance report for community development programs and a contract for permanent housing services.

• Acceptance of FY 2025-2026 HUD allocations: CDBG ($2,050,241.00), HOME ($1,187,096.39), and ESG ($184,656.00)
• Acceptance of HUD Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant for $3,967,061.00
• Contract with Development of Broadway LLC d/b/a Capital District YMCA for $201,722.00 for 20 bed units
• Proposed public comment period (July 22–Aug 5) and hearing (Aug 11) for the 2023 CAPER report
• Creation of a City Housing Stability Task Force

City Council

The City Council is discussing a new local law to protect tenants from eviction without good cause and a public hearing for this law is proposed for July 28, 2025. The body is also deciding on truck exclusions for Kings Road and several budget reallocations.

• Proposed local law to prohibit eviction without good cause
• Ordinance to exclude trucks over eight tons on Kings Road from Albany Street to the City Line
• Sale of 652 Sunset Street for $1,500.00 and 714 Broadway for $31,000.00
• Budget amendment of $36,000.00 for golf course repairs including a sprinkler system ($23,143.00)
• Supplemental agreement with NYSDOT for the Crane Street Bridge Rehabilitation

Councilmember John Mootooveren made a motion to approve the June 23, 2025 City Council minutes, and Councilmember Carmel Patrick seconded the motion. The minutes do not record the vote tally or whether the motion carried. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Motion to approve June 23, 2025 minutes made and seconded (no recorded outcome)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider six area variance requests. These include requests for additional signage at 107 Nott Ter and residential setbacks or lot size adjustments at 6 School St and Elm St.

• Request for a wall sign not facing the street address at 107 Nott Ter
• Request for a third wall sign at 107 Nott Ter
• Request for a 2 feet side yard setback at 6 School St
• Request for a 4,719 square foot lot area at Elm St (5,000 required)
• Request for 33 feet of lot frontage at Elm St (40 required)

The board voted against a motion to rehear the Starbucks drive‑thru application, so the case will be considered by the Planning Commission on July 23. The board unanimously approved a SEQR Negative Declaration. The board unanimously voted to table the area variance requests for signage at 107 Nott Terrace. The board unanimously approved the area variance for 6 School Street allowing a 2‑foot side‑yard setback.

• Rehearing motion for Starbucks drive‑thru denied (vote not unanimous)
• SEQR Negative Declaration approved (unanimous)
• Tabled area variance for signage at 107 Nott Terrace (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for 6 School St side‑yard setback (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The Health & Recreation Committee will meet to receive an update on summer park programs and discuss funding for youth recreation. The meeting includes a request for $20,000 from the Schenectady Youth Hockey Association.

• Update on Summer Park Programs
• Funding request of $20,000 from the Schenectady Youth Hockey Association

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss budget reappropriations to cover compensation increases for CSEA and Operating Engineers employees. The meeting also includes reviews of property sales, a parking lot license, and bridge rehabilitation agreements.

• Budget reappropriation of $295,121.74 for CSEA labor agreement
• Budget reappropriation of $49,239.95 for Operating Engineers labor agreement
• License agreement for City Hall Parking Lot at 27 Broadway with Metroplex
• Supplemental Agreement with NYSDOT for Crane Street Bridge Rehabilitation
• Proposed sale of vacant lot at 652 Sunset Street and property at 714 Broadway

Historic Resource Commission

The commission is meeting to consider approval for various exterior renovations and repairs within city historic districts. These requests include changes to roofs, windows, and porches.

• Porch replacement at 68 Union Ave
• Addition of three windows at 414 Union Street
• Window replacement at 1218 Union Street
• Roof material change from slate to shingles at 1050 Gillespie Street
• Chimney repair at 1203 Wendell Ave

The Historic Resource Commission adopted three prior meeting minutes unanimously and moved agenda item H to the start. It tabled two incomplete applications (porch replacement at 68 Union Ave and rail addition at 1412 Lowell Rd) until future meetings. It approved four new applications—chimney repair at 1203 Wendell Ave, three new windows at 414 Union St, handrails at 115 North Ferry St, and window replacement at 1218 Union St—with the latter passing 5‑1. The roof‑replacement application at 1050 Gillespie St was presented but the vote outcome is not recorded in the minutes.

• Adopted April 24 minutes unanimously
• Adopted May 6 special meeting minutes unanimously
• Adopted May 22 minutes unanimously
• Moved agenda item H to the beginning of the agenda
• Tabled porch replacement application at 68 Union Ave until July (unanimous)
• Approved chimney repair application at 1203 Wendell Ave (unanimous)
• Approved three‑window addition at 414 Union St (unanimous)
• Approved handrail addition at 115 North Ferry St (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider a contract for a cycle track and vote on several city property sales. The meeting includes a public hearing on truck exclusions for Kings Road and a proposal to make part of Chrisler Avenue one-way.

• Contract for Franklin Street Cycle Track awarded to Carver Construction, Inc. for $2,089,174.00
• Proposed truck exclusion (over 8 tons) on Kings Road from Albany Street to the City Line
• Proposed one-way designation for Chrisler Avenue from Crane and Main Streets to Ostrander Place
• Sale of 535 Schenectady Street for $40,000.00 and vacant lots at 529 Schenectady Street ($2,500.00) and 317 State Street ($1,500.00)
• Withdrawal from foreclosure for properties at 30 Cromer Avenue, 246 Chiswell Road, and 2110 Lenox Road

The council approved the consent agenda, adopting Ordinance No. 2025-10 and Resolutions 2025-106 through 2025-112 and 2025-CS- unanimously. All items on the consent agenda were adopted without dissent. The public hearing on the Kings Road weight‑limit ordinance closed with no speakers.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-10 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-106 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-107 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-108 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-109 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-110 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-111 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The City of Schenectady Planning Commission will consider site plan approvals for several new businesses and residential developments. The meeting includes requests for new apartment buildings, retail spaces, and a property subdivision.

• Proposal for a 16-unit residential building at 1052-1062 Barrett Street and 608 South Avenue
• Proposal for a 9-unit residential building at 1101-1107 Barrett Street and 519 South Avenue
• Proposal to demolish 115 Clinton Street for a new 3-story, 5-unit apartment
• Request to split 2637 Campbell Avenue into 3 total parcels
• Request for 14 additional parking spaces at 1742 and 1748 Union Street

The commission voted 7‑0 (with one abstention) to approve all consent agenda site‑plan applications after issuing negative SEQR declarations for two items. Separate negative SEQR declarations were adopted unanimously for the 801 State Street façade project, the Campbell Avenue subdivision, and the Eastern Avenue bar. The commission then approved the site‑plan for the State Street façade, the subdivision of 2637 Campbell Avenue, and the bar at 846 Eastern Avenue, each with unanimous support.

• Negative SEQR declaration for consent agenda items B and H (7-0, Roselan abstaining)
• Site‑plan approval for all consent agenda items (7-0, Roselan abstaining)
• Negative SEQR declaration for 801 State Street façade project (unanimously)
• Site‑plan approval for 801 State Street façade replacement (unanimously)
• Negative SEQR declaration for subdivision of 2637 Campbell Avenue (unanimously)
• Subdivision approval for 2637 Campbell Avenue (unanimously)
• Negative SEQR declaration for bar at 846 Eastern Avenue (unanimously)
• Site‑plan approval for bar at 846 Eastern Avenue with 12 am closing recommendation (unanimously)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss a variety of infrastructure, housing, and public health items. Key agenda points include a multi-million dollar cycle track contract and a formal discussion on the potential adoption of Good Cause Eviction protections.

• Contract for 'Franklin Street Cycle Track NYSDOT PIN 1760.61' to Carver Construction, Inc. for $2,089,174.00
• Discussion on the potential adoption of Good Cause Eviction tenant protections
• Review of redirecting a portion of Chrisler Avenue from a two-way to a one-way street
• Proposed sales of vacant lots at 317 State Street, 529 Schenectady Street, and 535 Schenectady Street
• Presentation on the Summer 2025 Summer Meals Block Parties

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to review a request for a use variance. The applicant seeks to add two apartments to the third floor of an existing multifamily dwelling.

• Use variance request for 1044 University Pl to add two apartments to a 6-unit dwelling

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied the use variance request for 1044 University Place, voting unanimously to reject the proposal. The board also adopted a SEQR Negative Declaration unanimously and approved the meeting minutes without dissent. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:45 p.m.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted SEQR Negative Declaration (unanimous)
• Denied use variance for 1044 University Place (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The Schenectady City Council Finance Committee will reconvene to discuss funding support for the Belmont Pop Warner Program. The meeting includes a review of public safety foundation accounts for police and fire services.

• Funding support for Belmont Pop Warner Program
• Police public safety foundation account (A3120-402B): $19,007.27 available
• Fire public safety foundation account (A3410-402A): $19,575 available

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding changing a portion of Chrisler Avenue to a one-way street. The body will also consider resolutions related to permit fee waivers, weight limits, and community recognitions.

• Public hearing for redirecting Chrisler Avenue to be one-way from Crane & Main Streets to Ostrander Place
• Resolution calling for a public hearing on weight limit posting for Kings Road
• Resolution authorizing fee waivers for exterior building repair permits
• Resolution supporting funding for Belmont Pop Warner Program
• Resolution recognizing Juneteenth 2025 and Caribbean American Heritage Month

The City Council approved the consent agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-101 through 2025-104 unanimously. Resolution 2025-105, authorizing fee waivers for exterior building repair permits, passed with a vote of 4 ayes, 2 nays, and 1 abstention.

• Resolution 2025-101 adopted unanimously
• Resolution 2025-102 adopted unanimously
• Resolution 2025-103 adopted unanimously
• Resolution 2025-104 adopted unanimously
• Resolution 2025-105 adopted 4-2-1

City Council Committees

The Schenectady City Council Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting. The body will discuss updates to the Schenectady Police Department’s complaint packet to improve transparency, fairness, and ease of use.

• Discussion of Schenectady Police Department’s complaint packet

City Council Committees

The Finance and City Development & Planning committees will discuss funding for youth athletics and infrastructure projects. Key items include a contract for park repairs and a proposal to waive exterior permit fees for homeowners.

• Contract for Woodlawn Park Roof Replacement to S & L Roofing and Sheetmetal, Inc. for $194,900.00
• Proposed $40,000.00 in funding for the Belmont Pop Warner program
• Waiver of $75 application fees for exterior permits from June 16 to September 14, 2025
• Proposed 8-ton weight limit posting for Kings Road between Albany Street and the City line
• Review of year-round alternate side-of-the-street parking policy

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will vote on two major items: a public hearing for redirecting a portion of Chrisler Avenue from two-way to one-way between Crane/Main Streets and Ostrander Place, and a resolution to authorize a license and access easement with Maxon Alco Holdings, LLC for a new scenic overlook at Mohawk Harbor. The council will also consider authorizing the sale of multiple vacant lots, awarding a crack-sealing contract, and allocating HOME ARP funds.

• Public hearing scheduled for June 9, 2025, on Chrisler Avenue redirection (Crane & Main Streets to Ostrander Place)
• License and access easement with Maxon Alco Holdings, LLC for Mohawk Harbor scenic overlook construction
• Awarding $175,040.00 contract for crack sealing of select city streets to Citymark Striping, LLC
• Allocation of $577,856.00 in HOME ARP funds to Altamont Program, Inc. via HOME Consortium
• Sale of vacant lots at 71 Lorraine Avenue ($3,000), 458 Fourth Street ($1,500), 538 Schenectady Street ($5,000), 729 State Street ($7,000), and 2425 Consaul Road ($81,600)

The council approved the Consent Agenda, adopting twelve resolutions unanimously. A resolution to authorize a custodial account was rejected, with a 2-4-1 vote (AYE: Ditoro, Patrick; NAY: Farley, Mancini, Williams, Porterfield; absent Mootooveren). The meeting was then adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

• Approved Consent Agenda, adopting Resolutions 2025-090 through 2025-100 and 2025-CS-09 unanimously
• Rejected custodial account authorization (2-4-1 vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Historic Resource Commission

The Commission is considering approvals for material changes, roof replacements, and landscaping in several historic districts. The meeting includes reviews for properties in the Union Corridor, GE Plot, Union Triangle, and Stockade districts.

• Material change request at 609 Union Street
• Roof replacement request at 1386 Lowell Road
• Walkway and chimney cap requests at 1248 and 1227 Wendell Ave
• Landscaping redo at 13 N College Street
• Porch replacement at 68 Union Ave and restoration at 1053 Gillespie Street

The Historic Resource Commission tabled the minutes from the April 24 and May 6 meetings. It also tabled a material‑change request for a wrought‑iron railing at 609 Union Street. The commission approved a tree‑removal application at 1198 Stratford Road with conditions (vote 4‑2) and approved restoration and roof replacement projects at 1053 Gillespie Street and 1386 Lowell Road, respectively. Additional approvals included a tree remediation plan, chimney caps, and a tree‑removal plan with a future remediation plan.

• Tabled April 24 and May 6 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Chris LaFlamme railing material change application (unanimous)
• Approved Forsyth tree removal with planting condition (4‑2)
• Approved Mardochee Besson porch restoration with detailed conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Alexander Trikalinos slate roof replacement (unanimous)
• Approved Samuel DeSorbo tree remediation with arborist consultation (unanimous)
• Approved Unitarian Universalist Church chimney caps with specifications (unanimous)
• Approved Robert & Diane Bartynski tree removal pending remediation plan (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The City Planning Commission will consider site plan extensions for two apartment projects and an amendment for a mixed-use renovation. The body will also review new proposals for a restaurant, a grocery store, and a property subdivision.

• One-year extension for 12-unit apartment building on Sir Benjamin Way
• One-year extension for 14-unit apartment building at Lot 7 of Angela Court
• Amended site plan for 40 apartments and 2 retail spaces at 308 State Street
• Site plan approval for a restaurant at 201 South Brandywine Avenue
• Subdivision of 2637 Campbell Avenue into 3 parcels

The commission unanimously approved extensions for two Larapa Serafini apartment projects and an amended site plan for 308 State Street. It tabled a subdivision request for 2637 Campbell Avenue. It also unanimously approved site plan approvals for the Mangoes restaurant at 201 South Brandywine Avenue and a grocery store at 814 Eastern Avenue, each with detailed conditions.

• Approved one‑year extensions for two Larapa Serafini apartment projects (unanimous)
• Approved amended site plan for 308 State Street renovation (unanimous)
• Tabled subdivision request for 2637 Campbell Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Mangoes restaurant at 201 South Brandywine Avenue with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for grocery store at 814 Eastern Avenue with conditions (unanimous)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will review several funding requests, including $4.9 million for road improvements and $40,000 for youth athletics. The body will also discuss public safety signage, a new waterfront overlook easement, and the sale of five vacant lots.

• Deposit of $4,948,462.08 for road funding (CHIPS, EWR, PaveNY, STR, and POP)
• Proposed $40,000 allocation for the Belmont Pop Warner program
• Contract for 'Crack Sealing of Select City Streets 2025' with Citymark Striping, LLC for $175,040.00
• Proposed license and easement with Maxon Alco Holdings, LLC for the Mohawk Harbor Lookout Project
• Sale of vacant lots at 71 Lorraine Ave, 458 Fourth St, 538 Schenectady St, 729 State St, and 2425 Consaul Rd

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a regular meeting to consider four applications: an appeal of an administrative interpretation for a property at 1100 Erie Blvd, two area variances for a residential addition at 300 Michigan Ave, and an area variance for a second freestanding sign at 2105 Technology Dr. No decisions have been made; the board will hear arguments and may vote on each request.

• Electric Erie Development, LLC appeals interpretation of zoning rules for 1100 Erie Blvd (C-4 Downtown district)
• Dovindra Singh seeks area variance for 384 sq ft addition at 300 Michigan Ave, exceeding 10% limit for legal nonconforming structure
• Dovindra Singh seeks second area variance for same addition, exceeding 30% lot coverage maximum
• Foritech Holding Corp requests variance to allow second freestanding sign at 2105 Technology Dr (M-1 Light Industrial district)

The Zoning Board of Appeals called the meeting to order and unanimously approved the meeting minutes. The board then voted 6‑1 to approve the zoning challenge, determining the 1100 Erie Blvd property is a fast‑food restaurant and that a drive‑in establishment is merely an accessory. No other applications received a recorded decision.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved zoning challenge: use classified as fast‑food restaurant; drive‑in establishment deemed accessory (6‑1)

City Council

The Council will consider seven resolutions, including three grants for electric vehicle infrastructure totaling over $206,000, a request to increase birth/death record fees to $30, creation of an unpaid Poet Laureate designation, a $60,000 settlement of a claim, and a church anniversary recognition. The largest grant ($126,000) from the U.S. Department of Energy will fund a DC fast charger and an electric vehicle for the police department.

• Accept $126,000 U.S. DOE grant for police department DC fast charging station and electric vehicle
• Accept $54,800 NYS DEC grant for two charging stations – one at Municipal Golf Course, one at Police Department
• Accept $25,200 National Grid EV Make-Ready grant for four Level 2 charging plugs at Municipal Golf Course
• Authorize $60,000 settlement of a claim by Brian Boudreau
• Request state legislation to raise birth/death record fees from $10 to up to $30

The City Council was presented with a written proposal to award the honorary title of Poet Laureate Emeritus to Yu Chang, a longtime resident and haiku poet. The proposal outlined Chang’s background and contributions to poetry. No vote or formal decision on the proposal was recorded at this meeting.

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will consider an application by Tim Foley to renovate properties at 308, 306, and 302 State Street in the Overlay Historic District. The agenda also includes procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and adjournment.

• New application: Tim Foley renovation at 308, 306, 302 State Street (Overlay Historic District) for approval

The commission unanimously approved the renovation of the Masonic Temple at 302 State Street. It also unanimously approved the designs for facades 1, 2, and 4 of the adjacent 306‑308 State Street buildings. Facade 3 was approved after an amendment (5‑1) requiring a lintel and a precast base, and the amended motion passed unanimously. All approvals are subject to Type I/II SEQR conditions and historic preservation standards.

• Approved renovation of Masonic Temple (302 State St) – motion carried unanimously
• Approved facades 1, 2, and 4 (306‑308 State St) – motion carried unanimously
• Amended motion for facade 3 to require lintel and precast base – carried 5‑1
• Approved facade 3 (306‑308 State St) as amended – motion carried unanimously

City Council Committees

The City Council committees will discuss and consider accepting several grants: $54,800 from NYSDEC for two EV charging projects (Schenectady Municipal Golf Course and Lafayette Street), up to $25,200 from National Grid for four Level 2 chargers at the golf course, and $126,660 from the Department of Energy for a DC fast charger and a fully electric vehicle. Also on the agenda are a request for home rule legislation to increase birth and death certificate fees from $10 to up to $30, discussions on new trash collection rules, traffic and weight limit issues on Kings Road, and the creation of an honorary Schenectady Poet Laureate position.

• Acceptance of $54,800 NYSDEC Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for two charging projects (Golf Course and Lafayette Street)
• Acceptance of up to $25,200 National Grid EV Make-Ready Program incentive for four Level 2 chargers at 610 Oregon Ave
• Acceptance of $126,660 Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant for a DC fast charger and partial purchase of an electric vehicle
• Request for home rule legislation to increase birth and death certificate fees from $10 to up to $30
• Discussion on traffic, parking, and 8-ton weight limit signage on Kings Road

City Council

The City Council will discuss a collective bargaining agreement for CSEA employees spanning 2025-2028. The body is also considering a new procurement policy and several legal claim settlements. Additionally, a contract for a multi-use path project is up for approval.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement (2025-2028) for CSEA Unit Number 8501-00
• Contract for 'Mohawk Harbor Overlook and Multi-Use Path' to Carver Construction, Inc. for $298,174.00
• Amendment and adoption of the City of Schenectady's Procurement Policy
• Settlement of claims by Vivian Akhelumele, Robet P. Fopeano, Felix Cardona, and David Ping
• CSEA contract terms including a $750 base salary increase and 3% to 3.25% annual salary schedule increases

The City Council approved the consent agenda after a motion moved by Councilmember Patrick and seconded by Councilmember Mootooveren. Resolutions No. 2025-077 and No. 2025-078 were each adopted unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion moved by Councilmember Patrick and seconded by Councilmember Mootooveren.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-077 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-078 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will review and vote on several applications for property alterations in Schenectady's historic districts, including roof and window replacements, tree removal, porch restoration, and signage. The meeting includes old business items from March and new applications. Commissioners will also discuss adopting a formal tree removal application and guideline.

• Consideration for roof repair at 19 Ingersoll Ave (Stockade Historic District)
• Consideration for window replacement at 122 North College St (Stockade)
• Consideration for tree removal at 1198 Stratford Rd (GE Plot Historic District)
• Consideration for roof replacement at 1178 Lowell Rd and 1350 Wendell Ave (GE Plot)
• Discussion on adopting tree removal application and guideline

The commission approved several applications for roof repairs, window replacements, and painting in historic districts, most with unanimous votes. Two applications were tabled: a tree removal at 1198 Stratford Road and a porch replacement at 68 Union Avenue. The YWCA renovation at 28 North Ferry Street, including a handicap entrance and a dumpster screen fence, was approved by a 5-0 vote with Commissioner Unger recused.

• Approved roof repair/replacement at 19 Ingersoll Ave (unanimous)
• Approved window replacement at 122 North College St (unanimous)
• Tabled tree removal application at 1198 Stratford Rd (unanimous)
• Approved garage roof replacement and house paint at 1178 Lowell Rd (unanimous)
• Tabled porch replacement application at 68 Union Ave (unanimous)
• Approved roof replacement and paint at 1350 Wendell Ave (unanimous)
• Approved YWCA handicap entrance at 28 North Ferry St (5-0, Unger recused)
• Approved dumpster screen fence for YWCA (5-0, Unger recused)

City Council Committees

The Finance Committee will discuss awarding a $298,174 contract for a scenic overlook and multi-use path at Mohawk Harbor, and will review a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with CSEA Local 1000 that includes salary increases totaling 12.75% over 2025-2028. The Government Operations Committee will discuss the selection of a Schenectady Poet Laureate. The City Development & Planning Committee will discuss renaming part of Schenectady Street to Walter Simpkins Way and ways to prevent trash dumping on the hillside above I-890. Four claims against the city will also be reviewed.

• Award $298,174 contract to Carver Construction for Mohawk Harbor Overlook and Multi-Use Path (low bid)
• New CSEA Local 1000 union agreement for 2025-2028 with retroactive $750 base salary adjustment and annual raises of 3% to 3.25%
• Discussion on renaming part of Schenectady Street to Walter Simpkins Way
• Discussion on preventing trash dumping on hillside above I-890 and surveillance/fencing on Wyllie & Strong Streets
• Update to the city's purchasing policy (expired Dec 2024) for 2025-2026

Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency (SURA)

The Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency will consider seven resolutions accepting annual investment, procurement, and measurement reports for 2023 and 2024, plus procurement plans for 2025 and 2026. These are routine compliance and oversight items with no specific project actions or public hearings.

• Resolution 2025-02: 2023 Investment Report
• Resolution 2025-03: 2023 Procurement Report
• Resolution 2025-04: 2023 Measurement Report
• Resolution 2025-05: 2024 Investment Report
• Resolutions 2025-06 and 2025-07: 2025 and 2026 Procurement Reports

Planning Commission

The Schenectady Planning Commission will consider ten site plan approvals and special use permits. The consent agenda includes a restaurant at 907 Crane Street, a stone fabrication business at 1359 Lower Broadway, a take-out restaurant at 21 State Street, and a barbershop with two residential units at 1115 McClyman Street. New business items include a YWCA daycare renovation at the St. George's Church annex (28 North Ferry Street), 55 relocatable drive-up storage units at 450 Duane Avenue, a banquet hall with mural at 1343 Albany Street, a 391-unit self-storage facility at 1675 Watt Street, a bakery at 1130 Crane Street, and a restaurant at 2234 Broadway.

• YWCA Northeastern NY daycare renovation at 28 North Ferry Street
• 55 relocatable drive-up storage units at 450 Duane Avenue
• 391-unit self-storage facility at 1675 Watt Street
• Banquet hall and mural at 1343 Albany Street
• Bakery at 1130 Crane Street in R-2 district

The commission unanimously approved the March 19 minutes. It issued negative SEQR declarations for the 1115 McClyman Street barbershop project, the YWCA daycare renovation, and the 450 Duane Avenue storage project. It also unanimously approved site‑plan approvals for the YWCA daycare and the 450 Duane Avenue storage units, and granted a special‑use permit for the storage units with conditions.

• Approved March 19 minutes (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 1115 McClyman Street project (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan for YWCA daycare at 28 North Ferry Street with conditions (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for YWCA daycare project (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan for 450 Duane Avenue storage units with conditions (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 450 Duane Avenue project (unanimous)
• Approved special‑use permit for 450 Duane Avenue storage units with conditions (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider final adoption of a zoning change for the former St. Clare's Hospital properties to Multiple-Family Residential (R-3), along with original consideration of a new sound permit ordinance, acceptance of $305,718 in state police funding for intimate partner violence reduction, and several property sales. The agenda also includes a resolution to increase municipal golf course rates and adoption of a Central Park Pool residency policy. Multiple home rule requests seek state authorization for school speed zone and red-light camera demonstration programs.

• Final consideration to rezone former St. Clare's Hospital parcels to Multiple-Family Residential (R-3)
• Original consideration of an ordinance creating a Sound Permit Application process
• Resolution to accept $305,718 from the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) program for the Schenectady Police Department
• Resolution to increase Schenectady Municipal Golf Course rates
• Home rule requests to implement school speed zone cameras (S.5677/A.7669) and red-light cameras (S.5676/A.7690)

The Council approved the consent agenda, adopting dozens of ordinances and resolutions without opposition (5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 abstentions). Health and Recreation Committee members reported that the summer 2025 pool rules and policy were forwarded for implementation. No other legislative items were debated or voted on during the meeting.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-08 (unanimous, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-09 (unanimous, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-058 supporting a school speed‑zone camera demonstration (unanimous, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-059 supporting a red‑light camera demonstration (unanimous, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2025-060 requesting amendments to state rental‑registration law (unanimous, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 abstentions)
• Health and Recreation Committee approved forwarding the summer 2025 pool rules and policy
• Council motion to approve the consent agenda passed (motion by Mootooveren, seconded by Williams)
• Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m. after motion by Williams, seconded by Mancini

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a regular meeting on April 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Room 110. They will consider four variance requests: a use variance for 720 Congress St to allow a three-family dwelling in an R-2 district, and three area variances including two for signage at 101 Harborside Drive and one for an accessory structure height at 1 River Rd. All items are applications for variances from zoning regulations.

• West Yard Properties LLC requests area variance for 1,063.78 sq ft of signage at 101 Harborside Dr (C-3 Waterfront Mixed Use) where 0 sq ft is permitted.
• West Yard Properties LLC requests area variance to install 4 signs at 101 Harborside Dr where 0 are permitted.
• GE Vernova requests area variance at 1 River Rd (M-2 Manufacturing district) for an accessory structure 115 ft tall where 70 ft is permitted.
• Alex Real Properties LLC requests use variance at 720 Congress St (R-2 Two-Family district) to permit a three-family dwelling where only two-family dwellings are allowed.

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved three area variance requests and one use variance request, all by unanimous vote. West Yard Properties LLC received variances to allow 1,063.78 square feet of signage and four signs at 101 Harborside Drive. GE Vernova was granted an area variance to construct a 115‑foot accessory structure at 1 River Rd. Alex Real Properties LLC was granted a use variance to operate a three‑family dwelling at 720 Congress St.

• Approved area variance for 101 Harborside Drive to permit 1,063.78 sq ft of signage (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for 101 Harborside Drive to permit four signs (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for 1 River Rd to allow a 115‑ft accessory structure (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for 720 Congress St to permit a three‑family dwelling (unanimous)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss the economic impact of Schenectady's parks and the rezoning of the former St. Clare's Hospital campus. The meeting includes reviews of municipal golf course rates, budget re-appropriations, and several vacant lot sales.

• Rezoning of former St. Clare's Hospital Campus from Institutional to R-3 Multiple-Family Residential
• Proposed increase of Schenectady Municipal Golf Course rates
• Rice Road WTP Well House and Infrastructure Improvements contracts 3G & 3E
• Sales of vacant lots at 1656 Carrie Street, 12 Moyston Street, 27 Robinson Street, 448 Clarendon Street, 935 Davis Terrace, and 1736 Avenue B
• 2025 Budget Re-Appropriation

City Council Committees

The Health & Recreation Committee will hold a special meeting to finalize recommendations on pool rules and fees for the upcoming season. The discussion includes a draft list of proposed pool regulations covering age requirements, swimwear, prohibited items, and safety protocols. No specific fee amounts are stated in the agenda.

• Finalize recommendations on pool admission fees (amounts not specified in agenda)
• Age-based supervision rules: adults required for children up to 5 in the pool and ages 5–10 on deck
• Residency ID requirements: Schenectady residents over 10 need school district photo ID; non-residents need other photo ID
• Prohibited items include glass containers, hard coolers, weapons, alcohol, and non‑Coast‑Guard‑approved flotation devices
• Safety rules: 30‑minute wait after storms, 60‑minute wait after biological hazard cleanup

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will consider 10 applications for certificates of appropriateness, including paint, repairs, tree removal, signage, and a renovation extension. Items range from door restoration at 1176 Stratford Road to window replacements at 38-40 Washington Avenue.

• Extension request by Christopher Marney at 145 Barrett Street (Overlay Historic District)
• Paint and restore front door by Clarke and Cathy Darlington at 1176 Stratford Road (GE Plot)
• Tree removal by Ben and Sharon Wiles at 1302 Stratford Road (GE Plot)
• Window and door replacement by YWCA Northeastern NY at 38-40 Washington Avenue (Stockade District)
• Renovation by Tim Foley at 308 State Street (Overlay Historic District)

The commission approved extensions, door and window restorations, tree work, stair replacements, and signage for properties in several historic districts. All motions were carried unanimously except two 5‑0 votes where Commissioner Berkovich recused himself. No further discussion was recorded for any item.

• Approved extension for 145 Barrett St until Sep 30 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved paint/restore front door at 1176 Stratford Rd (unanimous)
• Approved removal of white pine tree at 1302 Stratford Rd and replacement with blue spruce (unanimous)
• Approved repair and repaint of window shutters at 1380 Wendell Ave (unanimous)
• Approved signage package at 1 North Church St (5‑0, Berkovich recused)
• Tabled 40 sq ft sign application at 1 North Church St pending complete design (5‑0, Berkovich recused)
• Approved replacement of front stairs with concrete at 113 North College St (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of front stairs with pressure‑treated wood at 5 Ingersoll Ave (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a special meeting to consider two variance requests from Mamdouh Ebrahim. The first is a use variance to operate a restaurant at 1687 Foster Ave, a use not permitted in the R-2 Two-Family District. The second is an area variance for an ancillary parking area at 1671 Foster Ave, which is not contiguous to the restaurant lot as required by code.

• Use variance for restaurant at 1687 Foster Ave (tax parcel 39.42-1-9) in R-2 district
• Area variance for ancillary parking at 1671 Foster Ave (tax parcel 39.42-1-12) for same restaurant
• Parking lot not contiguous to restaurant lot, violating §264-102 B(4)

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved a use variance allowing a restaurant to operate at 1687 Foster Ave. An area variance for ancillary parking at 1671 Foster Ave was likewise approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for 1687 Foster Ave restaurant (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for ancillary parking at 1671 Foster Ave (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Council will hold a public hearing on a new sound permit application process and consider final adoption of minor language updates to council rules. They will vote on resolutions authorizing the sale of multiple city-owned properties, a $3.4 million paving contract, a $15.7 million bond for capital improvements, and a bikesharing agreement with CDTA.

• Public hearing on creating a Sound Permit Application with fee (Chapter 182)
• Resolution authorizing $15,700,129 in serial bonds for 2025 Capital Plan
• Awarding $3,387,781.14 paving contract to Peter Luizzi & Bros. for CHIPs paving
• Sale of seven vacant lots and properties (e.g., 1491 Broadway for $44,575, 853 Davis Terrace for $35,000)
• Memorandum of Understanding with CDTA for Bikesharing Program CYCLE!

The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-07 authorizing up to $15,700,129 in serial bonds and adopted Resolution No. 2025-056 classifying the issuance as an unlisted action, both by a 7‑0‑0 vote. A resolution honoring Walter Simpkins (2025-057) was also adopted unanimously. The minutes of the March 10, 2025 meeting were approved and the meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

• Ordinance No. 2025-07 authorizing up to $15,700,129 bonds adopted (7-0-0)
• Resolution No. 2025-056 classifying bond issuance as unlisted action adopted (7-0-0)
• Resolution No. 2025-057 honoring Walter Simpkins adopted (7-0-0)
• Ordinance No. 2025-06 adopted unanimously
• Multiple ordinances/resolutions (2025-042 to 2025-054) adopted unanimously
• Minutes of March 10, 2025 meeting approved
• Public hearing on sound‑permit code amendment closed with no decision
• Council adjourned meeting at 7:28 p.m.

Planning Commission

The Schenectady Planning Commission will hear a 1-year extension request for a previously approved 5-story, 88-unit residential building at 104-112 Erie Boulevard, along with several site plan approvals, special use permits, and a rezoning proposal. Items include a cannabis dispensary with drive-thru at 1610 Eastern Parkway, a Union College classroom/lab building, and a discussion on the city council's amendment regarding the sale of 1419 Broadway and 8 Grand Street.

• 104-112 Erie, LLC requests 1-year extension on site plan approval for demolition and construction of 88-unit residential building and renovations at 104-112 Erie Boulevard
• Thomas Owens requests special use permit for electronic message board at Mohawk Harbor Event Center, 101 Harborside Drive
• Brian Webber requests site plan approval for 30,000 sqft classroom/lab building on Union College campus at 807 Union Street
• Chris Spraragen requests rezoning of multiple parcels on McClellan, Bradley, and McLellan Streets to R-3 Multi-Family Residential
• Cloud 9 Evolution requests site plan approval and special use permit for cannabis dispensary with drive-thru at 1610 Eastern Parkway

The commission granted a one‑year extension on the 104‑112 Erie site plan, approved a special use permit for an electronic message board at 101 Harborside Drive, and approved site‑plan applications for 519 State Street and 807 Union Street. Negative SEQR declarations were adopted for each project. No rezoning action was taken.

• Approved one‑year extension of 104‑112 Erie site plan (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 101 Harborside sign (7‑0, Engert abstaining)
• Approved special use permit for 101 Harborside sign (7‑0, Engert abstaining)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 519 State Street site plan (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 519 State Street with conditions (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQR declaration for 807 Union Street site plan (7‑0, Beach abstaining)
• Approved site plan for 807 Union Street with conditions (7‑0, Beach abstaining)
• No rezoning action taken; recommendation to City Council only

City Council Committees

The Schenectady City Council Health & Recreation Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss and review pool rules and fees, and receive an update on the 2025 summer recreation program for city parks.

• Discuss and review pool rules and fees for the 2025 season
• Update on the 2025 summer recreation program for City of Schenectady Parks

City Council Committees

The City Council committees meet to discuss and advance several items, including a proposed speed hump request procedure for residents, a civilian police review board representation change, and a bike-share program MOU. Key actions include a $3.39 million paving contract award, sales of city-owned vacant lots, and an update on the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

• Discussion of city speed hump request procedures for residents
• Award of 2025 CHIPs Paving contract to Peter Luizzi & Bros. Contracting for $3,387,781.14
• Sale of multiple city-owned vacant lots including 203 Front Street, 804 Arch Street, etc.
• Presentation of DRI update including Jay Street Connector and wayfinding
• Memorandum of Understanding with CDTA for bike-share program Cycle!

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Schenectady Zoning Board of Appeals will hear 12 variance requests at its March 12, 2025 meeting, including one use variance to operate a restaurant in a residential zone and 11 area variances for setbacks, parking, signs, and lot coverage. The board will decide on each application after public comment.

• Use variance for restaurant at 1687 Foster Ave in R-2 Two-Family District
• Area variance for Hamilton Hill arts center at 413/415 Paige St for side yard setbacks and noncontiguous parking
• Area variance for 1444 State St to reduce required parking from 12 to 10 spaces
• Five area variances for signs at 1 N Church St in the RH-2 Stockade Historic Residential district
• Area variance for 300 Michigan Ave to exceed lot coverage limits with a 480 sq ft addition

The Schenectady Zoning Board of Appeals approved area variances for a new arts center at 413/415 Paige Street, a halal market at 1444 State St, and signage for the Stockade Inn at 1 N Church St. It denied a parking variance for a barbershop at 1115 McClyman St and a building addition for a bar at 300 Michigan Ave. A use variance for a restaurant at 1687 Foster Ave was tabled.

• Approved area variances for arts center at 413/415 Paige St (unanimous)
• Approved parking variance for halal market at 1444 State St (unanimous)
• Approved sign variances for Stockade Inn at 1 N Church St (unanimous)
• Denied parking variance for barbershop at 1115 McClyman St (3-2)
• Denied building addition variances for bar at 300 Michigan Ave (3-2)
• Tabled use variance for restaurant at 1687 Foster Ave (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to create a sound permit application process. The council will also consider authorizing a lease of greenspace in the Liberty and North Broadway parking lot to Chengdu Impression, Inc. for restaurant outdoor service, selling a vacant lot at 14 Backus Street for $2,500, and approving a $20,000 change order for electrical work. Additional items include updating council rules with gender-neutral language and reappointing two members to the Board of Assessment Review.

• Public hearing on ordinance to add Section 182-8 to create a sound permit application process
• Lease of 512 sq ft greenspace in Liberty and North Broadway parking lot to Chengdu Impression, Inc.
• Sale of vacant lot at 14 Backus Street for $2,500 to Deodat and Zarifa Chintomby
• Change order up to $20,000 for electrical work by BW Electrical Services, LLC
• Amendment to Chapter 28 of city code to update council rules with gender-neutral language

The City Council received a letter from the GE Realty Plot neighborhood requesting reconsideration of pedestrian crosswalk and stop sign changes at Rugby Road and Wendell Avenue. The letter asks to restore the southbound stop sign, add a northbound stop sign, and reinstall the crosswalk at that intersection, citing safety concerns. No formal action was taken by the council during this meeting.

• Received letter from GE Realty Plot requesting restoration of crosswalk and stop signs at Rugby Road and Wendell Avenue (no vote taken)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss noise permit applications and traffic calming measures on Duane Avenue. The body is also reviewing updates to City Code language and several property sales.

• Proposed $26,174 bid from Carver Construction, Inc. for Duane Avenue traffic calming speed tables
• Review of proposed amendments to Chapter 28 of the City Code to update outdated language
• Discussion of a new Sound Permit Application process under Chapter 182 of the City Code
• Proposed sale of vacant lots at 14 Backus Street and 1419 Broadway
• Lease agreement for 13 North Broadway

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will vote on an extension request for a property in the Union Corridor Historic District and consider several applications for tree removals, roof repairs, and window replacements in the GE Plot and Stockade Historic Districts. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes from January 23rd.

• Extension request by Napolitano Development LLC at 713 Union Street (Union Corridor Historic District)
• Tree removal request by John and Jamie Forsyth at 1198 Stratford Road (GE Plot Historic District)
• Tree removal and fence installation request by Lawrence Pivareh at 122 North College Street (Stockade Historic District)
• Roof repair request by Natalie Lenehan at 19 Ingersoll Avenue (Stockade Historic District)
• Dead tree removal request by Marjorie Hyland at 1204 Rugby Road (GE Realty Plot Historic District)

The Schenectady Historic Resource Commission approved several applications for work in historic districts, including an extension for Napolitano Development, repairs at 1184 Rugby Road, tree removal and fence installation at 122 North College Street, dead tree removal at 1204 Rugby Road, pine tree removal at 1156 Stratford Street, and dead tree removal at 1255 Lowell Street. The commission tabled applications for tree removal at 1198 Stratford Road, window replacement at 122 North College Street, and a roof repair at 19 Ingersoll Road due to the applicant's absence. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

• Approved extension for Napolitano Development at 713 Union St until May 2026 (unanimous)
• Tabled tree removal application for 1198 Stratford Rd for more information (unanimous)
• Approved repairs at 1184 Rugby Rd with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved tree removal and fence installation at 122 North College St with conditions (unanimous)
• Tabled window replacement at 122 North College St for more information (unanimous)
• Approved dead tree removal at 1204 Rugby Rd with no remediation plan (4-1, Barron opposing)
• Tabled roof repair at 19 Ingersoll Rd due to applicant absence (4-1, Berkovich abstaining)
• Approved pine tree removal at 1156 Stratton St with replacement trees (3-1, Berkovich abstaining, Unger no)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on rezoning the former St. Clare's Hospital from Institutional to R-3 Multiple-Family Residential. The agenda also includes multiple property sales: 818 Albany Street ($115,000), 824 Broadway ($95,000), 209 Elmer Avenue ($135,000), and a vacant lot at 1134 Albany Street ($5,000). Additionally, the council will consider withdrawing 20 Hawk Street from foreclosure and hold a public hearing on amendments to city council procedures. Two ceremonial resolutions recognize Women's History Month and welcome the NY Phoenix basketball team.

• Public hearing on rezoning former St. Clare's Hospital to R-3 Multiple-Family Residential
• Sale of 818 Albany Street for $115,000
• Sale of 824 Broadway for $95,000
• Sale of 209 Elmer Avenue for $135,000
• Withdrawal of 20 Hawk Street from foreclosure

The Schenectady City Council held a public hearing on rezoning the former St. Clare's Hospital property from Institutional to R-3 Multiple-Family Residential, hearing both support and opposition. The council then adopted the consent agenda, which included resolutions recognizing Women's History Month, welcoming the NY Phoenix basketball team, and other items, all unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-028 recognizing March as Women's History Month (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-029 welcoming NY Phoenix Basketball Team (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda resolutions 2025-030 through 2025-035 (unanimous)
• Held public hearing on rezoning former St. Clare's Hospital to R-3 residential; no vote taken

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing multiple site plan approvals and special use permits for residential and commercial projects. These include requests for a new arts center, a diesel repair shop, and several mixed-use developments.

• Arts center proposal (9,723 sqft) at 413/415 Paige Street
• Diesel repair shop proposal (60'x70') at 1419 Broadway and 8 Grand Street
• 14-unit apartment building extension request at Lot 7 of Angela Court
• Afghan halal meat market and bakery addition (2,300 sqft) at 1444 State Street
• Motel operation proposal at 919 State Street

The Schenectady Planning Commission approved a site plan and special use permit for a 9,723 sqft arts center at 413/415 Paige Street, along with several consent agenda items including a 4-month extension for a 14-unit apartment building, a restaurant at 1483 State Street, a parking lot at 714 Rankin Avenue, a cell phone store at 1333 State Street, and a special use permit for an electronic message board at 1601 State Street. The commission also approved a site plan for an Afghan halal meat market and bakery at 1444 State Street with conditions, and tabled several other applications due to outstanding issues such as parking or grading plans.

• Approved site plan and special use permit for 9,723 sqft arts center at 413/415 Paige Street (unanimous)
• Approved 4-month extension for 14-unit apartment building at Angela Court (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for restaurant at 1483 State Street (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for parking lot at 714 Rankin Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for cell phone store at 1333 State Street (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for electronic message board at 1601 State Street (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for halal meat market and bakery at 1444 State Street with conditions (unanimous)
• Tabled site plans for 1800 and 1806 State Street, 1419 Broadway, 1115 McClyman Street, and 919 State Street (unanimous)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss amendments to Chapter 28 of the City Code (updating outdated language), review noise permit applications, and consider multiple property sales and leases. A public hearing on the St. Clare's redevelopment rezoning is scheduled for February 24. Committees will also take up an appointment to the Citizen Police Review Board and several ceremonial resolutions.

• St. Clare's redevelopment rezoning public hearing set for 02-24-25
• Amendments to Chapter 28 City Code to update pronouns and remove obsolete language
• Discussion of noise permit applications and review of application process
• Lease agreement for 13 North Broadway
• Sale of properties: 824 Broadway, 818 Albany Street, 209 Elmer Ave, vacant lot at 1134 Albany Street, and vacant lot at 14 Backus Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals will consider several variance requests at its February 12 meeting. Items include use variances for a two-family dwelling in a manufacturing zone and a bakery in a single-family residential district, plus multiple area variances for properties on Foster Avenue, Congress Street, Swan Street, and Albany Street. No decisions have been made; these are applications for discussion and possible vote.

• Charles J. & Shelley L. Dodson seek a use variance for a two-family dwelling at 1145 Catalyn St in the M-1 Light Manufacturing district (not permitted).
• Latyonia Lee requests a use variance to operate a bakery at 1702 Eastern Parkway in the R-1 Single-Family Residential district (not permitted).
• Capital Region Land Bank requests three area variances for 821 Congress St: front yard setback, lot coverage, and lot area deviations.
• Christ Church seeks area variances for front and rear setbacks at 4 Swan St in the C-2 district.
• Bishop Broderick Apartments requests an area variance for a larger sign at 2660 Albany St in the R-3 district.

The Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance for a two-family dwelling at 1145 Catalyn St, despite the property being in an M-1 Light Manufacturing district where residential use is not typically permitted. The board also approved area variances for a property at 1513 Broadway, a bakery operation at 1702 Eastern Parkway, four variances for a Capital Region Land Bank project at 821 Congress St, and variances for Christ Church and Bishop Broderick Apartments. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved use variance for two-family dwelling at 1145 Catalyn St (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for 1513 Broadway to allow 3-foot setback (unanimous)
• Overturned city determination, no use variance needed for bakery at 1702 Eastern Parkway (unanimous)
• Approved four area variances for Capital Region Land Bank at 821 Congress St (unanimous)
• Approved area variances for Christ Church at 4 Swan St (unanimous)
• Approved area variance for sign at Bishop Broderick Apartments, 2660 Albany St (unanimous)

Historic Resource Commission

The Historic Resource Commission will hold a special meeting to consider an application by Tim Foley to demolish and reconstruct a property at 308 State Street, located in the Overlay Historic District. The commission will also adopt minutes from the January 23rd meeting and hold a discussion under miscellaneous business.

• Consideration of Tim Foley's application to demolish and reconstruct 308 State Street in the Overlay Historic District
• Adoption of prior meeting minutes from January 23rd
• Discussion under miscellaneous business

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on rezoning the former St. Clare's Hospital from Institutional to R-3 Multiple-Family Residential. They will also vote on ordinances increasing noise violation points, regulating cannabis business locations, and updating code enforcement fees, as well as several resolutions including a $187,000 tree removal contract and property sales.

• Ordinance increasing noise violation points from 3 to 6 under Chapter 182
• Ordinance to regulate location of cannabis establishments and uses (Section 264-113)
• Resolution calling for public hearing to rezone former St. Clare's Hospital to R-3 Multiple-Family Residential
• Resolution awarding $187,000 contract to Kevin Downes Tree Service Co., Inc. for golf course tree removal
• Resolution authorizing sale of 25 Moyston Street for $31,000.00

The Schenectady City Council unanimously adopted the consent agenda, which included multiple ordinances and resolutions, and separately approved Resolution 2025-027 honoring US Army Veteran Leonard F. Porcaro by a 7-0 vote. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included public comments on food security and winter safety.

• Adopted consent agenda unanimously (all items)
• Approved Resolution 2025-027 honoring US Army Veteran Leonard F. Porcaro (7-0)

City Council Committees

City Council committees will discuss updating the noise ordinance to increase point values and fines. The body is also reviewing a $187,000 contract for golf course tree removal and the sale of property on Moyston Street.

• Proposed increase of noise ordinance violations from 3 to 6 points and fines up to $500
• Contract for 'Golf Course Tree Removal' to Kevin Downes Tree Service Co., Inc. for $187,000.00
• Sale of 25 Moyston Street and spelling correction for 28 Moyston Street
• Proposal to contract Auto Solutions of New York, Inc. for 2025 emergency vehicle upfits
• Discussion on transitioning seven Watt Street residents from septic tanks to city sewer lines

Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency (SURA)

The Schenectady Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to discuss an authorization to execute an access agreement with National Grid. This agreement relates to the environmental remediation of a SURA-owned parcel located at 305 Broadway.

• Authorization for access agreement with National Grid for remediation at 305 Broadway (SBL# 39.79-2-13)

City Council

The Schenectady City Council will hold public hearings on ordinances to regulate where cannabis establishments can locate, increase noise violation points from 3 to 6, and update council meeting rules. They will also give final consideration to a city-wide 25 mph speed limit and consider several property sales and appointments.

• Public hearing: Ordinance to add Section 264-113 to zoning code regulating cannabis establishment locations (M-1, M-2, C-4, C-5 districts; special use permit in C-2, C-3; 200-ft from religious properties, 500-ft from schools, parks, child-care centers)
• Public hearing: Ordinance to increase noise violation points from 3 to 6 (Chapter 182)
• Public hearing: Ordinance to allow email notifications for special council meetings
• Final consideration: Ordinance to set city-wide speed limit at 25 mph
• Resolutions to sell properties: 25 Moyston St ($31,000), 66 Wyllie St ($35,100), 720 Congress St ($62,500), vacant lot at 821 Congress St ($2,000), vacant lot at 2623 Broadway ($1,625)

The Schenectady City Council unanimously adopted the consent agenda, including Ordinance 2025-01 and resolutions 2025-008 through 2025-015. A resolution authorizing the sale of 25 Moyston Street for $31,000 failed with a 0-5 vote (two abstentions). Public hearings were held on zoning for cannabis establishments, noise ordinance point values, and council rules, with no action taken on those items.

• Adopted Ordinance 2025-01 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-008 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-009 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-010 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-011 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-012 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-013 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-014 (unanimous)

Historic Resource Commission

The Commission will consider several applications for repairs, renovations, and signage within city historic districts. Members will decide on proposals for roof replacements, siding repairs, and exterior changes.

• Roof repair and replacement at 1001 Union Street
• Sign installation at 703 Union Street
• Siding paint and repair at 27 North Ferry St
• Roof repair and replacement at 1176 Wendel Ave and 1131 Adams Road
• Property renovation at 308 State Street

The Schenectady Historic Resource Commission approved all eight applications on the agenda, each with specific conditions. The most consequential was the approval for renovating 302 State Street and demolishing 306 and 308 State Street, contingent on a structural report proving the facades cannot be saved and a future design review. The commission also endorsed the nomination of the Masonic Temple to historic registers.

• Approved sign at 703 Union St, wood with gold lettering (unanimous)
• Approved paint/siding at 27 N Ferry St, 6-inch cedar, Cottage Red (unanimous)
• Approved roof replacement at 1176 Wendel Ave, slate and copper (unanimous)
• Approved renovation at 308 State St with demolition conditions (unanimous)
• Approved roof replacement at 1131 Adams Rd, grey shingles (unanimous)
• Approved shutter removal at 1134 Rugby Rd (unanimous)
• Approved roof replacement at 1001 Union St, Davinci tile (unanimous)
• Endorsed Masonic Temple nomination to historic registers (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The Finance, Government Operations, Public Safety, and City Development & Planning committees are reviewing or reminding about several ordinances. Key items include a proposed city-wide speed limit of 25 mph, adjustments to code enforcement fees, and the sale of multiple city-owned properties.

• Review of ordinance to set city-wide speed limit at 25 mph (public hearing held Jan. 13)
• Reminder of ordinance to increase point values for noise ordinance violations (public hearing Jan. 27)
• Review of ordinance amending building code fee schedule (public hearing Oct. 28, 2024)
• Reminder of zoning amendment to regulate cannabis establishments (public hearing Jan. 27)
• Sale of city-owned properties at 25 Moyston Street, 66 Wyllie Street, 720 Congress Street, 821 Congress Street (vacant lot), and 2623 Broadway (vacant lot)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a consent agenda with five site plan requests (wine bar, hobby/card shop, self storage, senior center, apartment building extension) and four new business items including a coffee shop, convenience store, cannabis dispensary with drive-thru, and a banquet hall. Public comments can be emailed before the meeting.

• Toni Riggi: wine bar and one residential unit at 156 Barrett Street (site plan approval, C-4 District)
• Brew Team NY: 510 sqft coffee shop on Watt Street (site plan approval and special use permit, C-5 District)
• Cloud 9 Evolution: cannabis dispensary with drive-thru at 1610 Eastern Parkway (site plan approval and special use permit, C-2 District)
• Abdulrahman Alkubadi: convenience store at 800 Albany Street (site plan approval, C-2 District)
• Dre Property Holding: banquet hall at 1343 Albany Street (site plan approval, C-2 District)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to set a city-wide speed limit of 25 mph on all streets, effective March 1, 2025. The council will also vote on scheduling public hearings for zoning rules on cannabis establishment locations, amending the noise ordinance point values, and updating council rules. Additionally, resolutions to settle tax certiorari cases at 1201 Nott Street and 2001 Broadway, settle a lawsuit by Omattie Chintoman, and award a portable toilet contract are up for consideration.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 248 to set a city-wide speed limit of 25 mph
• Resolution to hold public hearing on adding Section 264-113 to regulate cannabis establishment locations
• Resolution to hold public hearing on increasing point values for noise ordinance violations (Chapter 182)
• Settlement of tax certiorari actions for property at 1201 Nott Street, Suite 105 and 2001 Broadway
• Settlement of lawsuit brought by Omattie Chintoman against the city

The minutes record a public hearing on amending Schenectady City Code Chapter 248 to set a city-wide speed limit of 25 mph. One written comment from Kathy Fitzmaurice expressed support for the lower limit, but no vote or decision was recorded.

• No formal decisions recorded; public hearing held on proposed 25 mph speed limit

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider three area variance requests at its special meeting. Two requests from JTT Restaurant at 102 State St seek to exceed sign limits in the C-4 Downtown District, and one request from Dovindra Singh at 300 Michigan Ave seeks greater lot coverage than allowed in an R-1 residential district. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings.

• JTT Restaurant requests a third wall sign at 102 State St (two permitted) in the C-4 Downtown District.
• JTT Restaurant requests 88 sq ft of signage at 102 State St where 62 sq ft is permitted.
• Dovindra Singh requests 35% maximum lot coverage at 300 Michigan Ave in the R-1 zone (30% permitted).
• Board will review and approve minutes from November 13 and December 4, 2024 meetings.

The Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals tabled two area variance requests. The first was for JTT Restaurant at 102 State St to allow a third wall sign and 88 square feet of signage, where two signs and 62 square feet are permitted. The second was for Dovindra Singh at 300 Michigan Ave to allow 35% maximum lot coverage for a principal structure where 30% is permitted. Both motions to table were carried unanimously.

• Tabled area variance for JTT Restaurant at 102 State St (unanimous)
• Tabled area variance for Dovindra Singh at 300 Michigan Ave (unanimous)

City Council Committees

The Schenectady City Council committees will discuss a proposed contract for a portable bathroom trailer for police station renovations at $5,200 per month for 8 months, amendments to noise nuisance penalties increasing points from 3 to 6 and fines up to $500, a reminder of a public hearing on a city-wide 25 mph speed limit, and a Planning Commission recommendation to zone cannabis dispensaries as-of-right and on-site consumption with a special use permit. The Council will also review Chapter 28 to consider allowing email notice for special meetings.

• Contract with Mike's Portables Inc. for police station bathroom trailer: $5,200/month, 8-month term with possible 4-month extension
• Discussion on amending City Code Chapter 183 to increase noise nuisance points from 3 to 6 and raise fines in Chapter 182
• Reminder: Public hearing on January 13, 2025, for ordinance setting city-wide speed limit at 25 mph
• Planning Commission recommends cannabis dispensaries be allowed as-of-right, on-site consumption only via Special Use Permit in commercial districts
• Review of Chapter 28 to amend special meeting notice requirements to include email delivery