Justin Chaires
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 13
- Total speaking time
- 58:20
- Avg per meeting
- 4:29
- Segments
- 1199
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Top issues during term (20)
City Budget Deficit and Financial Planning
A projected $15 million shortfall drove talk of a 42.6% tax hike; the compromise budget passed, and the city's self-insured health plan alone costs $18.8 million a year.
Commercial and Residential Proposals on Union Street & Lower Broadway
No public cost identified.
Housing Stability Task Force Recommendations and Good Cause Eviction
Restoring the Carver Community Center would require significant money and community investment; no figure was given.
Neighborhood Commercial Operations and Compatibility
No public cost; private commercial venture.
Seward Place residential intensity — Chabad House addition
No public cost identified.
Multi-Family Residential Expansion on Front Street
Expanded housing supply and tax base along the waterfront with no direct municipal cost.
Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors, Veterans, and Surviving Spouses
Reduces municipal tax revenues by exempting qualifying veteran-owned properties from city taxes starting with the 2028 assessment roll.
Fire Station Roof Replacement
The contract is $385,622.
State Aid and Casino Revenue Advocacy
Could mean meaningful additional revenue for city services and property tax relief.
Downtown Bar and Commercial Regulations at 108 Jay Street
$115 million investment that will generate new property tax revenue and fund neighborhood improvements.
Lack of Quorum Delays City Business
None directly, though delayed administrative organization can stall municipal operations.
Stockade Historic District Expansion and Streetscape Implementation Plan
Property owners cover the costs of compliant materials and installation.
School Speed Zone Camera Demonstration Program
Judges warn the new adjudicative process could create unnecessary expense; the camera program was also expected to generate revenue.
MLK Drive Traffic Safety and Micro-Mobility Regulations
Traffic calming devices involve ongoing maintenance and signage management by the city.
E-Bike and Motorized Scooter Safety Standards
Minor administrative costs for code enforcement and signage.
Union Street Mixed-Use Parking and Density
None directly on city budget.
Downtown Zoning and Drive-Thru Restrictions
Potential long-term impacts on commercial development patterns along Erie Boulevard.
Kings Road Traffic Safety and Stop Signs
None reported.
Proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway
Potential boost to tourism spending and grant opportunities for local heritage preservation.
Municipal Leadership and Organization
The mayor's lawsuit against the council reportedly cost the city well over $100,000.
Decisions during term (361)
Recorded while Chaires was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Public Safety Grants Acceptance
National Grid EV Make-Ready Program Funding
American Rescue Plan Act Funds for Harbor House
A RESOLUTION Declaring that the Improvements for the Playground Facilities at Central Park Funded by the New York State PLAYS Fund are Not Subject to a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR)
A RESOLUTION of Support Endorsing Schenectady County's Urban and Community Forestry Project Application for Central Park
Consent agenda site plan approvals (5 applications)
SEQR negative declarations — 778 Eastern Avenue and 1598 Union Street
Special use permit — 1598 Union Street insurance office
Front Street 60-unit apartment expansion — conditional approval
Cloud 9 Evolution drive-thru special use permit confirmation
Boodhan banquet hall, 2525 Broadway — site plan approval
Powell outdoor barbecue restaurant, 96 Jay Street — site plan approval
Rubin religious center addition, 225 Seward Place — tabled
Horn office space, 1721 Union Street — site plan approval
Bollers daycare, 853 Davis Terrace — site plan approval
Jeonarine pawn shop, 925 State Street — site plan approval
Approval of September 9, 2026 meeting minutes
Area variance for 1656 Carrie St
Area variance for 1654 Carrie St
Consent agenda — legislative items 1, 2, 4-12
Voting record (5)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.