Design Review Board

DRAFT CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: Design Review Board DATE: October 6, 2022 LOCATION: City Hall Conference Room A MEMBERS PRESENT: Jon Ouellette (Vice-Chair), Ellen Flannery, Caroline Baird Mason, Rachel Poor STAFF PRESENT: Darlene Wynne; Director of Planning MEMBERS ABSENT: Sandy Cook; Pam Gougian; Victoria Healey, Associate Planner OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury Vice-Chair Ouellette calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Signs 1. Zodiac Tea Room, 5 Washington Street Sagittarius Rising, Inc. This is in the CC zoning district. The application includes one projecting sign and one wall sign. Both signs comply with the ordinance. Signs are not illuminated. No special permits required. Ken McKay of Concept Signs presents to the board on behalf of the applicant. Members discuss the busy sign and different fonts. Ouellette suggests the owner consider the complicated fonts juxtaposed together for the “ODIA”. Members suggest keeping it simple and choosing one font. Members also offer suggestions for cleaning up the imagery. McKay goes back and forth with the suggestions by members. McKay would like to know if any of these suggestions are required by the board or ordinance. McKay is defensive toward the design concept and hesitant regarding changes. He points out the design is for a business, not an established brand with an identifiable logo. McKay will return to the applicant with the board’s suggestions. Wynne advises to the board the applicant submit a revised rendering simplifying the fonts which can be approved administratively. There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter: Motion: Ouellette moves to recommend the owner review the mixed font use for the letters “ODIAC” in the logo which can be sent for administrative review and approval. Flannery seconds. Motion carries 3-1. Mason dissents. There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter: 2. Asurion, 150 Brimbal Ave Sign Design This is in the IR zoning district. The application includes one window sign. The sign complies with the ordinance and does not require special permits. Nicole from Sign Design returns for the vinyl approval on the door lettering. Members have no objections or additional comments. Page 1 of 3  Design Review Board October 6, 2022 Meeting Minutes There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter: Motion: Flannery moves to approve the sign as presented. Mason seconds. Motion carries 4-0. Site Plan 3. 119 Rantoul Street Wilso Ventures LLC & Tiny Ventures LLC c/o Alexander & Femino Tom Alexander presents on behalf of the applicant. Alexander provides a brief history of the auto industry on Rantoul Street. Chris Crowley, owner of Meineke is selling after 32 years. The is a by right property and by ordinance. 5 stories comprised of two underneath levels of parking and 3 residential units. In the Depot Overlay District it is required for 1 parking spot per resident. Alexander confirms the Parking & Traffic Commission voted unanimously to approve the project. Thad Siemasko presents the design concept. T. Siemasko discusses the mill concept on Rantoul Street, which influenced his design. This is a mixed-use building with small retail space. The existing building will be demolished. The retail space is about 1600 sq ft. There are 56 apartments and 56 provided parking spaces. The retail space can be divided into 2 lots. Ground level includes a trash room and access point to a common area for residents. There are 36 1-bedroom units; 4 1-bedroom units with a den; and 16 2- bedroom units. The roof will be made solar ready. The front façade of the building will have trellis, roof pots; wood components on the rail to break up the brick; dark green accent trim color; cementitious lap siding; warm brick terra cotta color; planters will be out front. Wood banner breaks up the building. Members confirm there are windows for the north elevation. T. Siemasko confirms per ordinance/code they cannot have window within 3 feet of a property line. Ouellette asks about the false windows. Wynne asks about the recessed windows on the north elevation. Members discuss the starkness of the brick. T. Siemasko agrees with some metal ironwork on the design to break it up. Members like the metal work suggestion. Mason asks about any possibility for real wood materials. T. Siemasko and Alexander note wood utilized in recent years for residences rots quickly. T. Siemasko provides light details on the anticipated landscaping species. Table and chairs under a pergola; break up the space with planters; tables; chairs; paver types; exterior lights. T. Siemasko discusses the sustainability aspects, gathered storm water off the roof; energy star rated. Mason asks if the Pleasant Street apartments remain, T. Siemasko confirms. Ouellette presents the landscaping comments and suggestions. There are Norway maples on the northwest corner. Please think about removing the wall of trees adjacent to neighbors. That is there only natural privacy screen. Can there be a possibility of replacing the green wall for neighbors to the north; suggests the arborist review the trees. Asks to keep the pear trees and if possible, recommends they are protected with fencing during the project. Ouellette reviews the front of the building, sites from the master plan and maintaining a quality of life, please add one additional pear tree centered. Appreciates the brick banding. Suggests a little more articulation. Include additional planting in front. It is better for the building and the street. Nestle the plantings closer to the columns. Ouellette addresses plantings in zone B, the north facing garden. The current landscaping plans require full sun. Provides other species that thrive better in shaded areas. Ouellette recommends retaining the vegetation in the southeast corner. The majority of that property would be considered damaged if removed. Members bring up access to Ahern Park. Ouellette and T. Siemasko discuss the property lines and grading slope in proximity to the pedestrian park. Ouellette and T. Siemasko move on discussing rooftop access. Page 2 of 3  Design Review Board October 6, 2022 Meeting Minutes Ouellette suggests maximizing the rooftop as an amenity and asks how likely the solar will be on the roof. T. Siemasko estimates the solar rooftop is 100% likely. There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter: Motion: Flannery moves to continue the site plan review to the next meeting November 3, 2022. Ouellette seconds. Motion carries 4-0. 4. New/Other Business a. June 2, 2022 Motion: Flannery moves to accept minutes as amended. Poor seconds. Motion carries 3-0-1. Mason abstains. b. September 1, 2022 Motion: Flannery moves to accept minutes as amended. Poor seconds. Motion carries 4-0. 5. Adjournment Motion: Ouellette moves to adjourn. Flannery seconds. The motion carries 4-0. Meeting adjourned 8:45 p.m. Next meeting Thursday, November 3, 2022. Page 3 of 3