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Amsterdam, NY

Amsterdam public meetings in 2022

49 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Wed Dec 28, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review two site plans: office conversion and towing business relocation

The Amsterdam Planning Commission is reviewing two site plan applications at its December 28, 2022 meeting. One application proposes converting a building at 240 Forest Avenue into professional office space and a laundry drop-off/pick-up facility. The other seeks a special use permit and site plan approval for Yellow Transportation LLC and Sampson Motor Car Towing and Sales LLC to relocate to 147 Church Street. Both applications include environmental assessment forms and are subject to public review.

site-plan-reviewspecial-use-permitcommercial-useoffice-spacetowing-businessrelocation
Tue Dec 20, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on no-parking zone, Riverlink Cafe RFP, and sale of 90 Wall St.

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on several resolutions and an ordinance at its December 20, 2022 meeting. Key items include a public hearing and vote on an ordinance to prohibit parking at all times on the north side of Guy Park Avenue between 195 Guy Park and Clinton Street, authorizing a request for proposals for the Riverlink Park Cafe, and approving the sale of city-owned property at 90 Wall Street for $1,000. The council will also consider budget amendments, fund transfers, a lease agreement with the NYS Senate, and adoption of a city travel policy.

parkingpublic-hearingreal-estatecontractsbudgettravel-policy
Wed Dec 14, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review accessory dwelling unit at 33 New Street

The Amsterdam Planning Commission is holding a special meeting on December 14, 2022, at 6 p.m. in City Hall. The main item is an application by Theadora Dingmon for a special use permit and site plan approval to add an accessory dwelling unit at 33 New Street. The agenda also includes public comment and board discussion of the application.

planning-commissionspecial-use-permitsite-planaccessory-dwelling-unithousing
Tue Dec 6, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on charter change for Controller vacancy, plus contracts and bids

The Amsterdam Common Council will consider a local law to modify the City Charter's procedure for filling a Controller vacancy, removing the 30-day and political affiliation requirements. The agenda also includes resolutions authorizing a leachate disposal agreement with Montgomery County, a school resource officer contract, and several bids and budget transfers.

charter-amendmentcontractsschool-resource-officerwastewaterbidsbudget
Thu Dec 1, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to weigh use variance for indoor storage at 10 Leonard St.

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on December 1, 2022, to consider a use variance application from 10 Leonard St. LLC. The applicant seeks to convert a vacant industrial building at 10 Leonard Street into an indoor storage facility, a use not permitted under current zoning. The board will review the application against the four statutory variance tests, including financial hardship and neighborhood character.

zoninguse-varianceindoor-storagepublic-hearingamsterdam
Wed Nov 30, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review accessory dwelling unit at 33 New Street

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will meet on November 30, 2022, to consider one application: a special use permit and site plan approval for an accessory dwelling unit at 33 New Street. The applicant, Theadora Dingmon, proposes adding an accessory dwelling unit to the existing property. The meeting will also include public comment and board discussion of the application.

planning-commissionspecial-use-permitsite-plan-reviewaccessory-dwelling-unithousing
Tue Nov 15, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on charter change easing Controller vacancy rules

The Common Council will consider Local Law B of 2022, which would modify the City Charter to allow the Controller vacancy to be filled after 30 days and remove the political party affiliation requirement. The council will also vote on several resolutions, including approving a union agreement, extending a sludge hauling contract, and multiple fund transfers.

charter-amendmentcontroller-vacancyunion-contractcontract-extensionbudget-transferwater-treatmentgolf-course
Thu Nov 3, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to weigh fence variance and indoor storage use variance

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on two variance requests. The first is an area variance for a 6-foot fence at 16 Clinton Street that doesn't meet required setbacks. The second is a use variance to convert the building at 10 Leonard Street into an indoor storage facility, a use not permitted in the current zoning district.

zoningvariancefencestoragepublic-hearing
Tue Nov 1, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on charter change for Controller vacancy rules

The Common Council will consider a local law to modify the City Charter's procedure for filling a Controller vacancy, removing the political party affiliation requirement and allowing appointments after 30 days. The law has been tabled three times and is up for a vote. The council will also vote on several resolutions, including the 2023 recreation fee schedule, a budget amendment for a fire prevention donation, a fund transfer for financial management services, and acceptance of state grants.

charter-amendmentbudgetrecreationgrantsfire-departmentwater-treatmentfinance
Wed Oct 26, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review site plans for café and retail store

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will meet to review two site plan applications: one to change the use at 283 East Main Street to a café (Angel's Cafeteria) and another for a retail sales establishment at 1 Northern Blvd (What-A-Bargain). The board will also take public comment and discuss the applications.

planning-commissionsite-plan-reviewzoningcommercial-usepublic-hearing
Tue Oct 18, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on removing no-parking restriction on Third Street

The Amsterdam Common Council will hold a public hearing and consider Ordinance F of 2022, which would remove the 'No Parking at All Times' restriction on the south side of Third Street, based on a police department recommendation. The council will also vote on routine resolutions to adopt meeting minutes, appoint a Commissioner of Deeds, and approve an audit.

parkingordinanceappointmentsauditcity-council
Thu Oct 6, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to hear shed setback variance request at 14 Law Place

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on October 6, 2022, to consider one area variance application. Edward McGaffin requests a variance to install a shed at 14 Law Place that does not meet required setbacks. The board will review the application and decide whether to grant the variance.

zoningvarianceshedsetbackamsterdam
Tue Oct 4, 2022

Common Council

Council to approve $200K budget amendment for demolitions and fire/EMS training contract

The Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including budget amendments for police vehicle repair and demolitions, a fund transfer for a snow plow truck, a stipend for a consulting controller, and a five-year fire/EMS training contract. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval and an audit.

budgetpublic-safetycontractsdemolitionfire-departmentpoliceroads
Wed Sep 28, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission reviews three site plans, including fence manufacturer and dog training expansion

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will review three site plan applications at its September 28, 2022 meeting: a change of use to fencing manufacturing/wholesale with outdoor storage at 1 Sam Stratton Road, a 15,000 sq. ft. pre-engineered building at 40 Verbraska Avenue for a dog training facility expansion, and an interior renovation for a commercial furniture dealer at 212-214 Forest Avenue. The board will also take public comment and discuss the applications.

planning-commissionsite-plan-reviewzoningmanufacturingcommercialdog-training
Tue Sep 20, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on $1.9M WWTP design contract, parking ban, charter change

The Common Council will consider resolutions including a $1.9M contract with ARCADIS for wastewater treatment plant design, a $10,000 fund transfer for a golf course consultant, and approval of minutes and audits. Public hearings are scheduled for a no-parking ordinance on Third Street and a local law to modify the City Charter's procedure for filling the Controller vacancy. The agenda also includes routine items like the controller's report and committee reports.

budgetchartercontractsparkingpublic-hearingwastewater
Tue Sep 6, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on $2M Restore NY grant application for 5 Corners demolition

The Amsterdam Common Council will consider several resolutions, including a $2 million Restore NY grant application for the 5 Corners demolition project, a $90,000 contract with Weston & Sampson for a brownfield study, and multiple fund transfers for repairs and studies. The meeting also includes public hearings on a CDBG grant application and the Restore NY grant, as well as ceremonial recognitions for Recovery Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

grantsbudgetpublic-hearingbrownfieldpoliceparksinfrastructure
Thu Sep 1, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to consider variance for two-story garage at 4 Oak Lane

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will review an area variance application from Dan Domkowski for a new two-car garage with living space above at 4 Oak Lane. The proposal requires variances for reduced side and rear setbacks (18 inches instead of the required 5 feet) and a building height exceeding 15 feet. The board will decide whether to grant the minimum variance necessary.

zoningvariancegaragesetbackheight
Wed Aug 24, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review site plans for Southside Bargains relocation and community garden

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will meet on August 24, 2022, to consider two site plan applications: one from Mohawk Properties, LLC to relocate Southside Bargains retail store to 1451 State Highway 5S, and another from Grand Street Seniors & Children Community Garden for a community garden at 230 Grand Street. The meeting includes public comment and board discussions of the applications.

planning-commissionsite-planretailcommunity-gardenpublic-hearing
Thu Aug 4, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to hear appeal of denied self-storage variance on Forest Avenue

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on August 4, 2022, to hear two variance applications. The first is an appeal by Christopher Kordyjak of a denied use variance for a self-storage facility on Forest Avenue. The second is a request by Dan Domkowski for area variances at 4 Oak Lane to build a two-story garage with living space that would violate setback, height, and accessory dwelling unit size requirements.

zoningvarianceself-storagegarageaccessory-dwelling-unit
Tue Aug 2, 2022

Common Council

Council to approve new ambulance purchase, fund transfers, and equipment sale

The Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including authorizing the purchase of a new ambulance for the Fire Department, transferring funds for DPW truck repairs, renewing a mailing system lease, and approving the sale or disposal of surplus fire equipment. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and an audit.

ambulancebudgetfire-departmentleasepublic-safetyrefundsurplus-equipment
Wed Jul 27, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review six applications including conversions and banquet halls

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will meet on July 27, 2022, to review six applications for special use permits and site plan approvals. These include converting commercial space to residential units, a parking and storefront project, a banquet hall, and a real estate office. The board will also hear a presentation on concept plans for a truck leasing facility.

planning-commissionspecial-use-permitsite-planresidential-conversionbanquet-hallparkingtruck-leasing
Tue Jul 26, 2022

Golf Commission

Golf commission discusses $10K cart path repairs, new equipment priorities

The Amsterdam Golf Commission met to approve minutes, elect officers, and discuss maintenance and operations. They reviewed quotes for cart path repairs, planned for fall aeration, and discussed equipment purchases, staffing, and tournament planning. The meeting ended with an executive session on employee matters.

golfmaintenancebudgetequipmentstaffing
✓ Decided: Golf Commission elects officers, discusses course repairs

The Golf Commission elected officers for the upcoming term, including Bo Karutis as Chairman, Tim Holloway as Vice-Chairman, Chris Sherlock as Secretary, and Bill Dzierson as Liaison to Maintenance. The commission discussed maintenance plans, including aeration on Aug. 23, a $10,000 quote for cart path repairs, and a $31,000 estimate for a new sand machine, but no formal votes were taken on these items. The meeting adjourned after an executive session on employee matters.

Tue Jul 19, 2022

Common Council

Council to award 2022 road program bid and approve related contracts

The Common Council will vote on resolutions awarding the 2022 road resurfacing and sidewalk reconstruction bid, authorizing an engineering agreement with LaBella Associates, and approving several other contracts and grants. A public hearing will be held on an ordinance to prohibit parking on Main Street near James T. Bergen Veterans Park.

roadscontractsgrantsproperty-saleparkingbudget
Thu Jul 7, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

No zoning meeting July 7, 2022; no applications before board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will not hold its scheduled July 7, 2022 meeting because there are no new applications before the Board. This notice is procedural only and contains no decisions, proposals, or discussion items.

zoningmeeting-cancellationprocedural
Wed Jun 22, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review supportive housing facility at 76 Guy Park Avenue

The Amsterdam Planning Commission is meeting to consider a special use permit and site plan approval for a supportive living facility at 76 Guy Park Avenue. The agenda includes public comment and board discussion on this application. No other substantive items are listed.

planninghousingspecial-use-permitsite-plan
Tue Jun 21, 2022

Common Council

Council to consider rezoning Vrooman Ave parcels, override mayor's budget objection

The Common Council will hold public hearings on four items: rezoning 19 and 21-23 Vrooman Avenue from medium density neighborhood to commercial corridor, modifying traffic control signals and stop intersections, and a local law changing the City Controller position (subject to mandatory referendum). The council will also vote on resolutions including transferring funds for DPW repairs, amending the budget for a WWTP SCADA upgrade, awarding water treatment chemical bids, and overriding the mayor's objection to the 2022-23 operating budget.

zoningbudgetpublic-hearingwater-treatmenttrafficcity-controllerordinance
Tue Jun 7, 2022

Golf Commission

Golf Commission approves dynamic pricing discount for slow periods

The Golf Commission discussed course maintenance, financial reconciliation, and marketing. They approved a motion to offer a 30% discount for online bookings during slow weekend periods (12-4 PM) when the course is less than 50% full. Other items included tree replacement planning and league updates.

golfparksfinancemarketingmaintenance
✓ Decided: Golf Commission approves dynamic pricing discount for slow periods

The Golf Commission approved a motion to implement dynamic pricing, offering a 30% discount for online bookings when the course is less than 50% full, from 12-4 on weekends. The motion was made by Skip, seconded by Bill, and passed unanimously. Other items discussed included tree replacement planning, signage, and marketing initiatives, but no other formal votes were taken.

Thu Jun 2, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

Amsterdam ZBA to consider fence variance and parcel subdivision

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on June 2, 2022, to review two applications. The board will consider a use variance for a fence at 120-122 Grand Street and a request to subdivide a parcel at 5 Sloane Avenue/38 1/2 Third Street.

zoninguse-variancesubdivisionamsterdam
Wed May 25, 2022

Planning Commission

No planning meeting May 25, 2022 — no new applications

The Amsterdam Planning Commission has cancelled its May 25, 2022 meeting because there are no new applications before the Board. The agenda is purely procedural notice of the cancellation.

planning-commissionmeeting-cancellationamsterdam-ny
Tue May 17, 2022

Common Council

Council to rezone Vrooman Ave parcels for Creative Connections expansion

The Common Council will consider a resolution to rezone 19 Vrooman Avenue and 21-23 Vrooman Avenue from Medium Density Neighborhood to Commercial Corridor, supporting a proposed expansion of the Creative Connections Clubhouse. The council will also vote on resolutions for SEQRA lead agency designation, referral to the Montgomery County Planning Board, a $300,000 Brownfield Opportunity Area grant application, fund transfers for equipment repairs, and disposal of golf course equipment. A public hearing on the rezoning is scheduled for June 7, 2022.

zoningrezoningeconomic-developmentbrownfieldbudgetpublic-hearinggolf-course
Thu May 5, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board to hear four variance requests, including self-storage and office uses

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on May 5, 2022, to consider four variance applications. These include requests for use variances for a self-storage facility, a small office, and a commercial storage lot, as well as an area variance for a fence exceeding height limits. The board will decide whether to grant these variances.

zoningvarianceself-storageofficefencecommercial-storage
Tue May 3, 2022

Common Council

Council to award $1.3M in water treatment plant contracts, hear budget

The Common Council will vote on awarding two contracts for the Corrosion Control Optimization/Chemical Feed System Improvements project at the water treatment plant, funded partly by an $898,000 CDBG grant. The council will also consider several fund transfers, a budget amendment for fire department equipment, and approve minutes and an audit. A public hearing on the mayor's proposed 2022-23 budget is scheduled before the meeting.

budgetwater-treatmentcontractspublic-hearingfire-departmentfund-transfers
Wed Apr 27, 2022

Planning Commission

Site plan approval for Mohawk CoWorks, LLC at 2 Guy Park Avenue

The Planning Commission will review an application from Mohawk CoWorks, LLC for a site plan approval to create a coworking office space. The meeting also includes a period for public comment and board discussions of applications.

zoningbusinesssite-planoffice-space
Tue Apr 26, 2022

Golf Commission

Golf commission discusses $115K driving range, equipment purchases, finances

The Amsterdam Golf Commission discussed old and new business, including a proposed $115,000 driving range, financial questions about insurance money and contractor payoffs, equipment purchases, and course maintenance. The meeting was largely discussion and updates, with no formal votes recorded beyond adjournment.

golfbudgetequipmentmaintenancefinance
✓ Decided: Golf commission discusses $115K driving range, equipment purchases

The Golf Commission discussed but did not vote on building a driving range, which requires $115K in funding. They also discussed purchasing equipment, including a water pump for sand traps and a new aerator, with the pump adaptation costing $600 versus $35,000 for new equipment. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

Tue Apr 19, 2022

Common Council

Amsterdam Common Council introduces law to make City Controller an appointed position

The Common Council is considering Local Law 'A' of 2022, which would change the City Controller from an elected official to an appointee under the Mayor's supervision. The council also reviewed several resolutions regarding property agreements, service contracts, and wastewater system improvements.

city-chartergovernment-structurezoningwastewatercontractsfinance
Fri Apr 8, 2022

Common Council

Amsterdam Common Council considers sale of city auction properties

The Common Council met for an emergency special meeting to consider Resolution 21/22-181. This resolution seeks to authorize the sale of various city-owned parcels acquired through tax foreclosures to specific bidders.

property salecity auctionreal estateamsterdamgovernment finance
Thu Apr 7, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to hear two use variance requests, including self-storage on Forest Avenue

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to consider two use variance applications. The board will hear a request for a self-storage facility on Forest Avenue and a request for a small office with parking at 11 Edward Street. These are public hearings where the board will decide whether to grant the variances.

zoninguse-varianceself-storageofficepublic-hearing
Tue Apr 5, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on $50K naming rights, $7,185 payment, and lease renewal

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on several resolutions, including a $50,000 donation from Sticker Mule for naming rights to a pool concession stand, a $7,185 payment to Dominique Davidson related to 8 Glen Ave, and renewal of a 50-year lease with the school district for a playground at Barkley Elementary. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, budget transfers, and an audit approval.

budgetparksschoolswaterfinanceleases
Wed Mar 23, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission reviews site plans for wireless facility and several restaurants

The Amsterdam Planning Commission will review applications for new site plans and special use permits. The agenda includes proposals for a telecommunications facility, a tavern, and two restaurant locations.

zoningtelecommunicationsrestaurantsbusiness-developmentamsterdam
Thu Mar 3, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

No zoning meeting March 3; no new applications

The Zoning Board of Appeals will not hold its March 3, 2022 meeting because there are no new applications before the Board. The agenda is purely a cancellation notice with no items to decide or discuss.

zoningmeeting-cancellation
Tue Mar 1, 2022

Common Council

Amsterdam Common Council introduces new zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units

The Common Council is considering Ordinance 1 of 2022, which would allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in specific residential neighborhoods. The council also reviewed a budget amendment for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and a contract renewal for financial services.

zoninghousingbudgetwastewaterordinanceamsterdam
Wed Feb 23, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to review new golf course clubhouse at 150 Van Dyke Avenue

The Amsterdam Planning Commission is meeting via Zoom on February 23, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. The main item is a site plan approval and special use permit application for a new clubhouse at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course. The agenda also includes public comment and board discussions.

planningzoninggolf-coursesite-planspecial-use-permit
Tue Feb 15, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on selling two city-owned vacant lots

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on ten resolutions, including selling two city-owned vacant lots, transferring funds for police flooring and golf operations, approving a $10,000 settlement for a property damage claim, and authorizing a request for qualifications for wastewater treatment plant savings measures. The meeting also includes routine items like adopting minutes and approving an audit.

budgetproperty-salesettlementpolicewastewatergolfroof-repair
Thu Feb 3, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

No zoning meeting Feb 3; no new applications

The Zoning Board of Appeals will not hold its February 3, 2022 meeting because there are no new applications before the Board. This notice was sent to board members and city officials.

zoningmeeting-cancellation
Tue Feb 1, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on $141,300 marketing contract with Paperkite

The Amsterdam Common Council will vote on five resolutions, including a $141,300 marketing services agreement with Paperkite, funded by Downtown Revitalization Initiative and National Grid awards. Other items include appointing three Commissioners of Deeds, transferring $495,396.64 for the 2021 Road Program, approving minutes, and approving an audit.

contractsbudgetroadsappointmentsmarketing
Wed Jan 26, 2022

Planning Commission

Planning board reviews new clubhouse and banquet hall for Amsterdam golf course

The Amsterdam Planning Commission is reviewing a conceptual site plan for a new clubhouse and banquet hall at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course, located at 150 Upper Van Dyke Avenue. The proposed building includes a banquet room, restaurant, bar, kitchen, and pro shop, with a total gross area of 20,137 square feet. The plan is presented by Environmental Design Partnership, LLP, and is not yet approved for construction.

planninggolf-courseclubhousebanquet-hallsite-plan
Tue Jan 18, 2022

Common Council

Council to approve $898,400 CDBG contract for water plant corrosion control

The Common Council will vote on 11 resolutions, including approving a contract with Orion Management Company for administration of a $898,400 federal grant to install a corrosion control system at the city's Water Treatment Plant. Several budget amendments are proposed, including $404,000 for demolition of city-owned buildings and $25,000 for a wastewater treatment plant study. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and an audit.

budgetcontractsgrantswater-treatmentdemolitionappointments
Thu Jan 6, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning board to hear area variance for 3-inch accessory structure at 90 Clizbe Avenue

The Amsterdam Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting via Zoom on January 6, 2022, to consider one item of old business. Christine Harrington is requesting an area variance for a 3-inch accessory structure at 90 Clizbe Avenue. The meeting is open to public participation by audio or video connection.

zoningarea-variancepublic-hearingremote-meeting
Sat Jan 1, 2022

Common Council

Council to vote on two culvert replacement consultant contracts totaling $799,300

The Amsterdam Common Council is meeting on January 1, 2022, to consider resolutions including two previously tabled consultant agreements for culvert replacement projects, as well as annual appointments and administrative items. The council will also vote on fund transfers and a contract renewal for golf course maintenance.

contractsinfrastructurebudgetappointmentspublic-works