Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair; Richard Martin; Staci Mannion; Robert West Mark Hogan ABSENT: Jason Tommell STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Chair Steven Rowland called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steve Rowland, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2012.002 THIRSTY OWL WINE COMPANY & BISTRO, 184 South Broadway, request from Planning Board for a SEQR Lead Agency for mixed use building in the Transect-5 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Richard Martin recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the Chairman for this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the Planning Board is requesting SEQRA Lead Agency status for this application. This is a procedural matter, and we will defer Lead Agency Status to them. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair asked if anyone on the Board had any questions or comments. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the applicant appeared before the Planning Board for a Special Use Permit and Site Plan. If you were defer Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board, the applicant would go through SEQRA determination and site plan and return to this Board for your full review of site plan. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of the Thirsty Owl Wine Company & Bistro, 184 South Broadway, that the Design Review Commission defers the Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board. Seconded by Robert West. VOTE: T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. West, in favor; M. Hogan, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the chair. Richard Martin resumed his position on the Board. 2. 2011.080 246 WEST AVENUE, 246 West Avenue, Architectural Review of a residential building in the Transect-4 District. Richard Martin recused himself from this application. Agent: Jay Hopeck, Pike Company; JT Pollard, Reform Architecture; Louie Sacchetti, Reform Architecture; Mike Raycraft, Pike Company Mr. Hopeck gave a brief overview of the project located at 246 West Avenue. A 16 unit residential project with two structures on it. This is a recreation of a previous project that had been presented by a different group. We have gone through the Planning Board process and have had two sketch review meetings. We received Special Use Permit from the Planning Board on December 7, 2011. We have scaled this project down from the previously presented project by others. This project is on approximately ½ an acre. First level is parking, 14 residential units above. Two residential units in a separate carriage house structure. The applicant is hoping to receive mass and scale this evening. JT Pollard, Reform Architecture gave a visual presentation of the project to the Board. The existing home on the property will be demolished. Stone base on the bottom of the structure, upper shakes, panels, etc. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any thoughts or comments from the Board. We have seen several iterations of a project here. This is a good scale back from some of the initial ones we saw. Earlier discussions from when we first saw this was the discussion of the secondary building and the residences behind it. This rendering softens the view for them a little and brings the project scale down somewhat. One thing I would request is to give us an idea of what we are looking at in terms of some of the major height elevations. JT Pollard stated we are 40 feet to the height of the silo and an average of 40 feet for the entire roof. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated this is a Transect-4 zone. Maximum height allowance is 40 feet. The height is measure as such, for a flat roof it is measured to the parapet, for a peaked roof it is to the median of the gable. Discussion ensued regarding mechanical equipment, drainage scuppers, gabled roofline on center sections to break the roofline, meter bank locations and the ventilation requirement in the garage. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Carol Frantz, 12 Gilman Avenue. I am very concerned about the garbage pickup. We have enough trouble with the YMCA and the noise. Also, how far off the back property line is the two unit building going to be in the back. I am not in favor of the two unit building. Our trees along the property line are not in very good condition. I wondered what type of planting will be placed along the fence line. JT Pollard stated the double unit will be approximately 6 feet from the property line. At the next meeting the landscape plan will be complete and submitted. We will then offer details on buffering. Regarding the trash, we anticipate all internal bins. No outside dumpsters. We will look at scheduling trash pickup. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – page 2 of 7 Mark Hogan stated he is concerned regarding the carriage house and how the applicant can make that more interesting. Perhaps there is the possibility of making it one unique unit that is a great unit might actually be more attractive to a buyer. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of 246 West Avenue Residential Building, 246 West Avenue, I would like to make a motion that the application be approved for mass and scale on the main building only with the following conditions: The applicant must return before the Commission for final approval on final design, materials, final rooflines, lighting, signage, etc. Seconded by Robert West. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. West, in favor; M. Hogan, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Richard Martin resumed his position on the Board. 3. 2011.063.1 MARTELL BROTHERS, 381 Broadway, Historic Review of new construction for a restaurant in the Transect-6 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of chair for this application. Applicant: Chris Martell, Martell Brothers Agent: Jessie Bouchey, Kodiak Construction Mr. Martell gave a brief overview of the project with changes recommended by the Commission implemented. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the roofline of the building still is not there yet. It still does not feel right. It looks somewhat like a movie set. Also, what is being done for the drainage. Jessie Bouchey, Kodiak Construction stated regarding the drainage, there is a return on the roof. The roof is slanted and a cricket is placed to force the water over to the cupola. Chris Martell stated in anticipation of the roof still being an issue, Curtis Lumber can engineer a truss that will remove the flat look and add some additional drainage. We have a rendering of what this will look like for the Board's review. Discussion ensued regarding the use of larger lights. Trim work needs to be added to the building. Signage was discussed and the fact that it cannot be above the first floor and no larger than 18 inches. Richard Martin stated he does not like the "Hollywood Set" look. The building has no finish or top to it. If you look at most of the flat buildings that perhaps the Historical Preservation Foundation wanted you to look at or compare to they all have some type of façade or fascia or cornice. There is something that finishes and carries some weight on the building. Certainly the jogs that you made in the two side panels help a lot. It creates a shadow line and gives some depth to the project. The way it sits right now I have a hard time voting for this structure as it is presented tonight thinking it is City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – page 3 of 7 appropriate for that particular site. I think that the direction of the setbacks and the façade that you added between the windows I think is appropriate it really needs some help on the top. It is on Broadway. It is too flush. Perhaps an overhang or corbels. Mark Hogan stated the building still does not work. The front is not symmetrical, and for me that is an issue. Robert West agreed with Mark Hogan regarding the building. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on this application. Sonny Bonacio, President Homeowners Association for the Lofts at 18 Division Street. One of the questions that always comes up is what are we going to be looking at. This building is located in the T-3, T-4 District. The west elevation does need some type of help as well as the back wall. Thank you. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the application of Martell Brothers Brewpub, 381 Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions: The foundation footprint is approved as submitted. The applicant will return for a complete review of the elevations, roof architectural details, signage and mechanicals as it applies to the exterior. Seconded by Staci Mannion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; M. Hogan, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the chair. 4. 2011.098 HOLIDAY INN, 232 Broadway, Historic Review of fitness center addition in the Transect-6 District. Agent: Mr. George Olsen, Olsen Associates Mr. Olsen gave a brief overview of the project as well as a visual presentation to the Board. This is a proposal for a single story structure toward the rear of the existing building to accommodate a business center and a fitness center addition. The structure will be built off the existing building, and materials will match what is there currently. There are no parking requirements in this district. The fitness center will be for use by guests only. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Staci Mannion made a motion in the matter of the application of the Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions: that EIFS over concrete board as opposed to foam and colors to match existing. Seconded by Richard Martin. Steven Rowland asked if there was any further discussion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – page 4 of 7 None heard. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; M. Hogan, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2007.116.2 MIXED-USE BUILDING, 420 Broadway, Historic Review of mixed-use building in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: George Olsen, Olsen Associates Mr. Olsen gave a brief background of this project. Originally this project began in 2006. The Planning Board performed a SEQRA determination and the DRC has approved this project. The location of this project is currently Lillian's and Cantina's parking lot. The building will house residential apartments on the upper floors, 8 per floor 16 total. Retail located on the main level. Brick and limestone panels will front the building. Walkways will flank either side of the building and will be 12 feet wide. Mechanicals will be rooftop units. The building will also have roof top terraces. A visual presentation was provided by the applicant to the Board. Historic Preservation foundation has reviewed the plans and their only recommendation was the columns on the front of the building be made larger as well as the front door. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the application of the Mixed Use Building, 420 Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions – All color selections, textures, lighting, signage, decorative metal and any additional penetrations through the exterior plane are subject to DRC approval. Seconded by Tamie Ehinger. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; M. Hogan, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 2010.047 WASHINGTON COMMONS, Washington and Central Avenue, Architectural Review of mixed use building in the Transect-4 District. Applicant: Steven Ethier Agent: Bob Flanders, Architect City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – page 5 of 7 Mr. Flanders presented the Board with new drawings of the project. A different approach to the sign panels are noted in the drawings as compared to those which were last presented. Mr. Flanders reviewed current revisions. Lighting will be recessed, color samples were provided. Mark Hogan exited the meeting at 9:50 P.M. Discussion ensued regarding the location of meter banks, gas locations, air conditioning locations and trash locations. Also the Board was concerned with vent stack coverage and finish options. Board and Batten color scheme and spacing was discussed as well as siding, trim and window colors. Color differentiation between buildings was offered as a suggestion. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there are several details that the applicant will need to return to this Board for approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the application of Washington Commons, Washington and Central Avenues, that the application be approved with the following conditions: the applicant will need to return to the Board for approval of the following: electric and gas meter bank locations, vent stack coverage, finish options, air conditioning unit locations, trash locations, down gutter spout locations, final colors of siding, trim and windows. Final board and batten spacing, detail of cap stone and foundation exposure and front elevation dormer eaves to align, rear elevation dormer eaves to align. Seconded by Staci Mannion. Steven Rowland asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 ELECTION OF OFFICERS: OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN Robert West made a motion for Steven Rowland for the Office of Chairman of the Design Review Commission. Seconded by Richard Martin. VOTE: T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 OFFICE OF VICE CHAIRMAN Robert West made a motion for Tamie Ehinger for the Office of Vice Chairman of the Design Review Commission. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – page 6 of 7 Seconded by Staci Mannion. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING The next scheduled Caravan will be held on January 10, 2012 at 4:00 P.M. The next scheduled Workshop will be held on January 10, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is January 18, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The approval of minutes was deferred to the January 18, 2012 meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Staci Mannion. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; S. Mannion, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Meeting adjourned at 10:38 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 2/15/12 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – page 7 of 7