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Cohoes Traffic Commission tables two handicap-parking requests, approves dead-end sign and carnival closures, denies school lot changes
Summary
At its Jan. 20 meeting the Cohoes Traffic Commission tabled two residential handicap‑parking requests pending additional documentation, approved a dead-end sign (minutes show an inconsistent lane reference), approved street closures for the Feb. 7 Winter Carnival, and denied a request to remove a one‑way/no‑right‑turn restriction at Van Schaick Island Elementary School.
The Cohoes Traffic Commission took a series of procedural and traffic-control actions during its Jan. 20 meeting.
Chairman Paul Johnston opened by asking for comments on the minutes of the Dec. 22, 2025 meeting; Chief Joseph Fahd moved to approve and Assistant Police Chief Timothy Keefe seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Two separate requests for residential handicap parking signs — one at 78 Breslin Avenue (submitted by Stephen Goyer) and one at 30 Imperial Avenue (submitted by Ronald Hartman) — were discussed. In both cases the Capital District Center for Independence had not submitted the required recommendation letter, and Mr. Hartman had not returned a call about his preferred sign location. The chairman recommended tabling both requests; motions to table were passed unanimously.
The commission considered a request to install a dead-end sign required under Section 125A of the New York General Municipal Law. Chairman Johnston said a recent inspection of the Lansing Street dead end showed vehicle turnaround scars and recommended approval. The commission voted unanimously to approve installation of the dead-end sign. Note: the minutes contain an internal inconsistency that also references 'Maiden Lane' in the same motion; the commission record does not clarify whether the sign will be posted on Lansing Street or Maiden Lane (see audit).
Chuck Marshall of Stewart’s Shops and Mark Nadolny of Creighton Manning presented traffic-related site plan materials for a proposed Stewart’s at 330 & 342 North Mohawk Street; that item is covered in a separate article.
Recreation Director Matt LaBombard requested multiple street closures and parking prohibitions for the Cohoes Winter Carnival to allow horse-and-carriage rides on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Assistant Police Chief Keefe moved to approve the closures and parking restrictions as shown on the meeting map; the motion passed unanimously.
Under old business the principal of Van Schaick Island Elementary School asked to remove the one-way and 'No Right Turn' restrictions from the school parking lot (Myrtle Avenue) to ease dismissal congestion. The commission reviewed a 2010 inter-municipal agreement that established the one-way and no-right-turn pattern, reported field observations that most motorists complied with existing signage and noted that the School District had not submitted a formal application or followed up with the superintendent. Director Stephen Napier suggested tabling and inviting the superintendent, but the chairman noted the district had not responded; Chief Fahd moved to deny the request and the motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Johnston said the next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at 2 p.m. in Room 3. He moved to adjourn and Director Napier seconded; the meeting adjourned at 2:31 p.m.
