City of Watervliet

The council received updates from the City Manager regarding the 2026 property tax roll, nuisance laws, infrastructure projects, and funding reports. The Tree Committee provided a report, and the council scheduled public hearings for proposed local laws regarding nuisance properties and zoning changes. Legislatively, the council approved ordinances concerning parking time limits and sign locations, authorized agreements for architectural and engineering services for the Pool House Renovations and ADA Upgrades project, established a date for Assessment Grievance Day, reappointed a member to the Tree Committee, and approved an animal sheltering services agreement. Additionally, the council discussed the purchase of new garbage trucks and a new annual service contract for the water department.

The Zoning Board of Appeals discussed a proposal for a multi-family redevelopment project at 2313 Second Avenue. Key aspects included the developer's request for two area variances related to rear setbacks and greenspace percentage. The presentation covered the project's site design, including parking configurations, site constraints, and alignment with the surrounding neighborhood character. Board members questioned the Applicant regarding side setbacks, building maintenance, infrastructure details such as water connections and sprinkler systems, lighting plans, landscaping, and exterior building materials.

The meeting focused on the application of Brittney Nealand for a subdivision to separate property into two lots for building a single-family home. Discussions included the removal of an existing garage, the addition of green space, and compliance with New York State standards regarding electric versus gas utilities. The board determined the action was unlisted with no significant adverse environmental impact and granted final subdivision approval, authorizing the Chairman to sign the final plat.

The council meeting included a presentation from the Police Chief Spain regarding the police department's 2018 activities, focusing on numbers rather than dollars. Discussions covered calls for service, uniform traffic tickets, and arrests. Training programs, including active shooter scenarios and certifications, were highlighted. Noteworthy arrests, such as those related to sexual activity, heroin, and burglaries, were detailed, along with vehicle pursuits and community engagement efforts.

The public hearing discussed the New York State Superfund program and the investigation taking place at the Alltech specialty steel site. It covered remedial options evaluated for parts of the site, focusing on soil and groundwater contamination. The discussion included the distribution of soil samples, PCBs, and petroleum plumes, as well as sediment samples along the Chroma Kill creek. The health department's role in helping with exposure concerns was also addressed, including ways a person can come into contact with a chemical.