by Bea Peterson
The regular meeting of the Hoosick Falls Village Board on Tuesday evening, August 11, began with two public hearings. Planning Board members Gale Leva, Vivian Smith, Rich Dickinson and Nancy Martelle were on hand to hear the discussion regarding Bill Ingwersen’s plans for the former VFW building on School St. His intention is to convert the building into one l-bedroom and four studio apartments, three on the first floor and two on the second floor. Several neighbors were on hand for the hearing and voiced their concerns.
Ingwersen showed an artist’s rendition of the tree fence he plans to put around the parking lot of the property, which neighbors had requested. He has found some old pillars that he will put up to add to the historical appearance of the former school house. He is checking into getting the property on the historic register and plans to put a plaque on the building extolling its past and its importance to the community. He intends to put park benches in the front that the public will be welcome to use. He and the neighbors would like to see the handicap ramp removed, though Leva mentioned that Rensselaer County, which is reviewing the property as a Planned Urban Development, has suggested the ramp remain since there are few handicap accessible apartments available in the County. Ingwersen said he is looking for professional people as tenants. He mentioned that he expects construction of the four units to cost $240,000, about $60,000 apiece. The one bedroom apartment is finished and the cost was $35,000. Outside improvements have already cost $25,000.
“I’m running about $1,000 a month short at the moment,” he said.
He has been working for two years to have the project approved. There will be parking spaces for two cars for each apartment. No pets will be allowed.
Village Trustee Ann Bornt said, “If you put money into it, people will come. I hope it will draw more people here. I love my Village.” Bornt also noted the building was sold to Ingwersen under false advertising. Were it not for the Village’s new Planned Urban Development law, it would be impossible for the building to be converted into apartments. Hoosick Falls has had a law for many years that does not permit more apartments to be built in the Village.
Mayor Matt Monahan made note of the neighbors’ concerns, and he will see they are addressed. He asked if they were for or against the project. The vote was divided, two for, two against. A vote to approve or disapprove the project was tabled until the September meeting, giving the Board time to address neighbors’ concerns.
Dog Park
The other public hearing was an informational discussion on a Village dog park. Mayor Monahan said the spot selected for the park turned out to be unacceptable because it was too near the Village’s wells. The next choice is the former impound and National Guard area, which, the Mayor said, doesn’t have any grass. Any other site in the area would have to be requested of the Town since they control the athletic fields, he said.
Melvin Dessler, who proposed the park, said the one he used in Florida did not have grass, it had wood chips and perhaps that could be considered here. The Village is already maintaining the property since the National Guard relinquished its 100 year lease back to the Village. “It’s a good sized area,” said the Mayor. “We could allow you half of it. It already has a chain link fence around it, with barbed wire at the top. The fence could be cut down to six feet and only one wall of fence would need to be added. There is also ample parking. Dessler said they would need a double gate entrance so dogs don’t escape. Dessler said he will be contacting pet stores for contributions. He already has a bulletin board lined up for the park. He said Nickelback has agreed to add the dog park to their list of charitable organizations that they accept cans and bottles for. Donation cans will be placed in area businesses as well. Dessler will be contacting people he hopes will contribute to the park in the near future.
The Mayor said that by next month the Board will have all the necessary information and should be able to make a decision on the Park.
Griffin Street
Griffin St. neighbors and the tenant of the troublesome building were at the Board meeting. The tenant said he had been visited by Social Services. He said he has seen a letter that he be requested to move. “I don’t mind moving,” he said. “I just need some time.” He pointed out that it is very difficult to find three-bedroom apartments in Hoosick Falls. Trustee Bornt and Mayor Monahan said they have visited the property and noticed several code violations. They have talked with the landlord and requested he present the Board with a plan for improvements he intends to make to the building. “We have met with him, and he has not met any of our obligations,” the Mayor said. Bornt, the Building Inspector and the Mayor will continue to pursue improvements to the property.
Bornt also has photos of the basement of a rental property on Mechanic St. “There are issues everywhere,” she said. Mold and mildew are primary concerns with this property.
Brush
Trustee Bob Downing expressed concern about the large brush pile accumulating at the Village site. He has found that some towns burn their brush, others chip and one town buries its brush. It was suggested he check with area fire companies about burning the brush.
Gazebo Repairs
According to a letter from Band Director Bill Gaillard the floor of the gazebo in Wood Park is in need of repairs. Curtis Lumber has agreed to donate one third of the materials needed. The materials for repairs will cost $1,259.40. Mayor Monahan said if the Band raises half toward the repairs, the Village will match the other half.
Smoke Testing
Smoke testing in sewer lines will be done in Ward 4 from August 24 to 28.
Open House At The Water Works
Ribbon cutting and an Open House are scheduled for the new Water Treatment Plant on Thursday, August 20, at noon.
In other business the Board approved:
• the application to the NYS Liquor Authority for the renewal of the liquor license for the Society of St. Stanislaw.
• a memorandum of agreement between CSEA and the Village for Met Life Dental Options.
• long overdue payment to Scott and Stackrow for $2,950 for the Main Street project from Economic Development funds.
• release of the artifacts found at the Water Plant site to the Hoosick Historical Society.
• signing a contract with Safe Haven for dog control at $10 a day per dog.
• Holli Snyder attending Court Clerk training in October. Approval was also given for her to apply for grant funds through NYS Unified Services Court System.
The Mayor noted that the Village had been refused a 2009 Home Housing grant for $400,000. “It’s too bad because several homes could have used the help,” he said. He has been assured the Village is a prime candidate for funding next year.