Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin, Robert West, Staci Mannion; Karen Cavotta, Robert DeMarco STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Steven Rowland called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steven 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. A. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2011.056.1 'TEMPERED BY MEMORY' SCULPTURE, High Rock Park, Historic Review of sculpture placement in an Institutional Parkland/Recreation District. Applicant: Joel Reed; Elizabeth Dubbins, Saratoga Arts Council Agent: Tom Frost Mr. Frost stated the initial site for the sculpture was the City Center. I designed a base for that, which related to the very tight urban sidewalk space. Potential site was the Visitor's Center, we used the same footprint as for the previous site. Now, High Rock Park is the new proposed location. I got together with Mike Ingersoll and he had an idea to perhaps tie the two springs, the pavilion and the building located in the center and this sculpture together. The Public Works Department went out there and cleaned up the escarpment and the rock cliff behind there. It is an incredible piece much more so than when it was covered by bushes and trees. It is a fantastic background for this piece. This is an appropriate backdrop. We tied these pieces together with a free form walkway. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if the sculpture had been treated with any type of finish. Elizabeth Dubbins, Saratoga Arts Council stated the sculpture has a finish on it to preserve the natural state of the steel. It is a clear coat made from an automotive sealant. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the application of Tempered by Memory Sculpture, High Rock Park that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Tamie Ehinger. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. 2012.020.2 WHEATFIELD'S BUILDING WALL SIGN, 440 Broadway, Historic Review of wall sign in the Transect-6 District. Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs A new sign is requested. There is not a lot of space to deal with merely a 12 inch strip. Letters will be LED lit from inside lighting letters only. It is a softer light. The black and white matches the banding on the bottom of the windows. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to comment on this application. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the application of Wheatfield's Wall Sign, 440 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Robert West. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 3. 2012.029 DOWNSTREET MARKETPLACE, 454 Broadway, Historic Review of directory sign in the Transect-6 District. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 2 of 8 Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs. Applicant: Mark Strauss; Pat Donovan The applicant is looking to add a directory sign in the sidewalk. We have spoken to Mike Ingersoll who has a plan to add directory signs to the entire City. We came up with this design, which will mimic those Mike Ingersoll has proposed. Tenant panels are raised and easy to change. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Rob DeMarco made a motion in the application of Downstreet Marketplace Freestanding Sign, 454 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted on the attached plans. Any change in tenant copy on the sign to be approved by Administrative Action. Seconded by Tamie Ehinger. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 4. 2012.032 ROOHAN BUILDING WINDOWS & DOORS, 519 Broadway, Historic Review of new windows and doors in existing building in the Transect-6 District. new addition in the Agent: Vic Cinquino, architect Applicant: Tom Roohan Mr. Cinquino addressed the issues as related to the building. New windows and doors are proposed. New directory which will mimic the windows on the south side of the building. The door will be moved to the face of the building. Try to make that a visible as possible. On the side of the building add a new opening, closer to the sidewalk. Materials will mimic those currently on the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated at the workshop last week we were concerned regarding the opening of the archway in the front and making it as big and prominent as the others which obviously it was not intended to do. The proximity of the new opening on the south façade to the existing opening seemed very awkward to us. Two arched openings right on top of each other was quite awkward. Tom Roohan stated he spoke to his architect this afternoon regarding recommendations made by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and we do not have any problems with the changes being suggested.. The doors will be on Broadway, the brick arch will be glass and on the side we would just mimic the front windows of the building on the side and not do that additional opening and that is fine with us. Vic Cinquino stated just for the record there is a twin on the opposite side of the building to match this so this will be consistent. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 3 of 8 Steven Rowland, Chairman read the following letter into the record dated May 2, 2012 from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. May 2, 2012 Steven Rowland, Chairman, Design Review Commission City Hall 470 Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Re: 519 Broadway: Window and Door Alterations The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the application to alter the windows and doors at 519 Broadway. The building located at 519 Broadway was built in 1937 as a movie house the Community Theatre. The building is listed as a contributing building to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation understands the need for a more prominent entrance for the second floor tenant of the building and supports moving the door at the south end of the primary façade forward. However, the Foundation has concerns about moving the existing brick arch with keystones higher and infilling the arch with an EIFS finish. Historically movie posters were displayed within the existing two large arches with stucco finish (see enclosed photo). By moving the arch higher and infilling the arch with an EIFS finish it dramatically changes the historic design of the façade confusing the story that has been preserved. It makes the secondary entrance look as though historically it was more prominent. The Foundation recommends that the existing arch be retained and infilling existing arch form with a glass transom. The Foundation also understands the desire to have more natural light in this entrance space and supports the placement of a new window on the south façade of the building. The Foundation's preference would be to replace the window within the existing arch rather than creating a new bay. However, if that is not possible, the Foundation would recommend that there be no new arch with EIFS finish above, just the window matching the other first floor windows of the building. The Foundation believes that the historic arches with the stucco finish should not be duplicated and that they should be retain their historic prominence. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this application. Sincerely, Chris Armour, President and Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Discussion ensued regarding the recommendations of the Saratoga Springs Historic Foundation. Steven Rowland, 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 Roohan Building Windows and Doors Modification, 519 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Use the existing arch on the south façade for window replacement rather than adding and additional archway. Front façade area, use the existing archway, simply replacing the brick with glass. Materials shall be stucco on a solid backing. Submission of revised elevation for the record. Seconded by Richard Martin. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 4 of 8 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 5. 2012.030 SMILES FOR LIFE DENTAL CARE, 170 South Broadway, Architectural Review of directory sign and wall sign in the Transect-5 District. Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs. The applicant is looking to replace the wall sign to match those that are on the building. Also the replacement of a panel in the roadside directory sign. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this looks like a pretty straightforward application. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further comments. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the application of Smiles for Life Dental Care Signage, 170 South Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Staci Mannion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 6. 2012.031 STATE FARM AGENCY SIGN, 267 Broadway, Architectural Review of free standing sign in the Transect-5 District. Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs This is basically a simple aluminum sign, with raised letters. This will follow the State Farm Corporate guidelines. This sign will not be lit. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 5 of 8 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was an example of the proposed warm red color proposed for the signage. Rob DeMarco questioned if the colors could be reversed. Discussion ensued regarding the corporate color red and perhaps toning down the color, and potential landscaping around the signage. The agent for the applicant stated he could not answer for State Farm. He would need to speak to State Farm and see how receptive they are to potential changes. This application was tabled until the next DRC meeting, Wednesday, May 16, 2012. 7. 2012.033 D'ANDREA DEMO, 458 Church Street, Architectural Review of demo in the Urban Residential-1 District. RECUSAL: Richard Martin recused himself from this application. Application: Katherine D'Andrea The applicant is requesting approval to demolish the building at 458 Church Street on (Route 9N). The building is vacant. It is old and dilapidated and in disrepair. Bradley Birge, Administrator; Planning and Economic Development stated the building is not in the Historic district, just an Architectural Review District. With both the architectural review and historic district for demolitions you have a pathway. If there is no Architectural or historic significance to the structure, then you can simply approve the demolition. If you find however that there is Architectural or Historic Significance to the structure, the applicant must show good cause as to why it cannot be preserved and have a post demolition development plan. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone had any further comments. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger made a motion in the matter of the D'Andrea Building Demolition, 458 Church Street (Route 9N) that since there is not architectural or historical significance that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Robert West. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Richard Martin Board Member resumed his position on the Board. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 6 of 8 8. 2011.038.2 60 WEIBEL AVENUE APARTMENTS, 60 Weibel, Advisory Opinion to Zoning Board of Appeals on use and area variances for proposed signage. Agent: Shaun Corp; Brett Balzer, Balzer and Tuck Architects The applicants state they are here this evening for an Advisory Opinion on use and area variance for relief to permit wall signage above the first floor level on elevations without street frontage, and to permit 2 freestanding signs in the Transect-4 District. The applicant is looking for signage on the building. The signage is being proposed by creating an area above the stone base. Approximately 18 inch high tall signs that do exceed approximately 6 inches above the second story. This is very similar to what we did on East Avenue. Information was provided to the Board regarding what the signage will look like. All of the commercial space is located at the southern end of the building. The second portion of the application is in regard to signage on the building. There will be 6 signs on the Weibel Avenue façade and 4 on the PBA elevation side and 2 on the north elevation. Also, we are proposing two freestanding signs where one is permitted per parcel on the corner of Weibel and the PBA road, and one which is a freestanding directory sign located on "Road A" as you turn into the parking lot. Two wall (tenant) signs are to be place on a façade without street frontage. Both signs meet the zoning code for a road less than 40 mph. Shaun Corp, agent for the applicant stated over each storefront where there is a potential for a sign there is also a gooseneck type lamp provided. There is an area for signage provided. Individual tenants will have to appear before the DRC for individual signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated following discussion on this matter on May 2, 2012, the Commission issues the following favorable Advisory Opinion. The considerations are as follows: ▪The proposed sign band is architecturally appropriate and provides for future sign changes to occur more practically. Goose neck lighting shall be maintained to keep consistency across the building. ▪The additional site signs are appropriate considering the scale of the site and project. ▪Proposed materials to match building is appropriate as is up lighting of freestanding signs from the ground is appropriate. ▪If variances are attained DRC approval of signs as presented can be achieved administratively if not different from that presented. Seconded by Richard Martin. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 DRAFT REVIEW – HISTORIC REVIEW LEGISLATION – CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 7 of 8 Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation gave a brief video presentation of the Draft Revisions of the Historic Review Legislation for the City of Saratoga Springs. Draft documents were circulated to the Board for their review as well. Board Member Robert West exited the meeting at 9:20 P.M. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The approval of minutes was deferred until the May 16, 2012 meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The Design Review Commission Caravan and Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 5:00 P.M. The Design Review Commission Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Richard Martin. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 6/20/12 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – page 8 of 8