Planning board tables Saratoga/Champlain/South Street site plan over light-pole and fencing details

The Cohoes Planning Board on June 8 tabled final site-plan review for the Saratoga/Champlain/South Street proposal, citing concerns about the proposed lighting posts and how they would be anchored to a six-foot fence.

"It is actually only 8 foot light in height," Sharon Butler, Commissioner of Building & Planning, said during the discussion, but several board members said the modular, screw-together post described in the submission looked "light duty" and might not withstand snow plowing and seasonal stresses. Member Carroll pressed for specifics on whether the pole is hollow and what material it is ("is it aluminum is it plastic"), arguing the board needed details about how the pole would be capped and secured to the fence.

Vice Chair Moloughney said the board did not object to brightness or the use of solar lighting but questioned the post's construction and long-term durability. Member Paradis characterized the proposed installation as "more pedestrian grade than traffic grade," adding the board should see a stronger mounting solution for a parking-lot setting.

Because those installation and fencing details were not provided, Member Carroll moved to table the application "for more details on the light pole materials, installation and fencing," with Member Paradis seconding. The motion carried.

The board applied the same request for additional information to a related application for 196 Saratoga Street and tabled that file as well. The board did not make a final determination on lighting brightness or design; it asked the applicant to return with documentation showing the pole design, anchorage and fence integration before it will reopen final site-plan consideration.

Next steps: the applicant is expected to submit the requested technical details to planning staff; the board will reconsider the matter once those materials are received.