Council Member· 2026-2027
Justin Chaires
Schenectady
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 12
- Total speaking time
- 54:39
- Avg per meeting
- 4:33
- Segments
- 1155
Want every word Chaires has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Chaires said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
City Budget Deficit and Financial Planning
Could allow property taxes above the state cap in 2027; the roof and sidewalk contracts total roughly $755,000 combined.
Commercial and Residential Proposals on Union Street & Lower Broadway
Private capital investment in neighborhood commercial corridors.
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.
Housing Stability Task Force Recommendations and Good Cause Eviction
Task force operations will utilize existing municipal administrative resources.
Downtown Bar and Commercial Regulations at 108 Jay Street
$115 million investment that will generate new property tax revenue and fund neighborhood improvements.
MLK Drive Traffic Safety and Micro-Mobility Regulations
Traffic calming devices involve ongoing maintenance and signage management by the city.
Lack of Quorum Delays City Business
None directly, though delayed administrative organization can stall municipal operations.
E-Bike and Motorized Scooter Safety Standards
Minor administrative costs for code enforcement and signage.
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.
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.
Neighborhood Commercial Operations and Compatibility
Small business growth contributes to commercial vitality and job creation.
Stanley Street Traffic Safety and One-Way Designation
Potential future budget allocations for physical traffic-calming infrastructure such as speed tables.
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.
Central Park Playground Improvements and Forestry Projects
Projects are funded via state grants and county applications with no direct local capital outlay reported.
Multi-Family Residential Expansion on Front Street
Adds 60 rental units to the housing stock; rents planned as market rate.
Property Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Police Officers
Expected to have a minimal fiscal impact on the city tax levy due to the extremely limited pool of eligible applicants.
Tobacco Retail Licensing and Store Density
Licensing fees would be cost-neutral and designed to cover administrative and enforcement expenses.
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.