Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 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 & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERA 1. 2012.004 THIRSTY OWL WINE CO. & BISTRO, 184 South Broadway, Architectural Review of mixed-use building in the Transect-5 District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman. Richard Martin, Board Member. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the Chair. Agent: Lisa Hayes, Butler, Rowland & Mays Architects. Ms. Hayes stated the applicant is returning before the Board with the following details, columns, handrails, brackets and metal roofing. The sconce has been changed slightly since the last appearance before the Board. It is very similar and will remain in the same location. Handrail bracket example was provided for the Board. The handrails will be taller at 42 inches with simple top and bottom rail due to a grade change. We will paint this off white as well. The columns will now be square and an example was provided to the Board. No brackets will be installed at this time. Examples of the siding color, as well as the pre finished roofing color was provided for the Board's review. All metal roofing will be the same color. Signage will be proposed at a later date. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone on the Board had any questions or comments. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the application of the Thirsty Owl Wine Company & Bistro at 184 South Broadway Building Final Approval be approved as submitted on the attached plans with the new sconce submittal at the same location and the revised column detail without brackets. Robert West seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed his position on the Board. Richard Martin resumed his position on the Board. 2. 2012.063 OLD SARATOGA SQUARE, 443 Broadway, Historic Review of elevator, entryway and atrium in the Transect-6 District. Agent: Matthew Hurff, Partner, Frost Hurff Architects. Mr. Hurff stated this is the back of the old YMCA building. This area of the building has a mall coming off the alley. In addition to making some changes to the circulation of the building inside we will be installing an elevator and internal staircases. In trying to make the alley a little more interesting, we are proposing a structure that is the same size that is there, with a standing seam metal roof and skylights. A little pavilion or entryway located at the end is the primary entrance from the alley. It will be a store front with opaque glass with tube steel metal columns and arches. It will be a new and distinct piece in the history of this building. Colors were provided to the Board and will match what currently exists. Roofing color will be a darker green, Hartford Green. Example provided to the Board. Clear glass will be used for the skylights. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. 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 Old Saratoga Square Atrium Entry, 443 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted on the attached plans, with the standing seam roof to be Hartford Green. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 2 of 10  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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0. 3. 2012.064 MAXWELL SIDING, 191 Circular Street, Historic Review of siding in the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Carol Maxwell Mrs. Maxwell stated the home was purchased in 2008, and they returned it to a one family home. Internal renovations to the carriage house in the rear of the home were also completed. The exterior has several problems. We are looking at pre finished fiber cement siding over the entire exterior of the house. All trim repairs will be of wood material. Front and rear gables will have concrete shingles. Examples were provided for the Boards review. Richard Martin stated the exposure of the siding should be as it exists currently on the home. Also, possibly the west side elevation gable could be treated with the shingles as the other gable, possibly in another color. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this location. None heard. Staci Mannion made a motion in the matter of the application of the Maxwell Siding, 191 Circular Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions; that the west side elevation gable to be treated in a similar fashion as the other gables. Also, duplicate the exposure of the siding as it exists. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0. 4. 2012.066 FECTEAU BUILDING, 53 Church Street. Consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for mixed use building in the Transect-6 District. Agent: Matthew Hurff, Partner, Frost Hurff Architects. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is a procedural issue. Typically we defer to the Planning Board for Lead Agency Status under SEQRA they are better equipped to handle this. We will be referring to the Planning Board should they choose to accept it. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 3 of 10 Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development stated this is an expansion to the rear of the building which is currently a parking lot. The addition to the rear with the residential units which kicks this to the DRC for your jurisdiction for external changes and the Planning Board for site plan review. It is an unlisted action within an Historic District, then becomes a Type I action which requires coordinated review between the two Boards and in the past Lead Agency has been deferred to the Planning Board if they should choose to accept. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion that the Design Review Commission will defer Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek that for this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 4. 2012.068 PIZZA WORKS SIGN, 88 Henry Street, Architectural Review of sign in the Transect-5 District. Agent: John Natale, Adirondack Sign This is a pretty straightforward application. The logo is backed with ¼ inch black PVC. The dimensional lettering will mount to the backing. Simple carved letter made out of sign foam, similar to other locations in Saratoga. We will mount to the façade with an industrial silicone. No holes drilled. The lighting will go into a knee wall coming off the roof. The hole will be large enough to accommodate the lights only. No exposed conduits will be visible. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone on the Board had any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there are any questions or comments from the audience. None heard. Staci Mannion made a motion in the matter of the application of the Pizza Works, 88 Henry Street that the application be approved as submitted. Richard Martin seconded the motion. 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 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 4 of 10  favor; Robert West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 6. 2012.067 FOX PORCH, 143 Washington Street, Architectural Review of porch addition in the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Mr. & Mrs. Fox Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America; Andy Frasier, Frasier Construction. The Foxes are requesting the addition of a screen porch addition to their home. Approximately a 14 x 14 addition. This porch will mimic the front porch in details. Colors will also be the same as the remainder of the home. Grey architectural shingles on the roof. The porch will be consistent with the other homes in the area. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Fox Porch, 143 Washington Street that the application be approved as submitted. Robert West seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 7. 2012.065 BARONE RESIDENCE, 116 Church Street, Architectural Review of new single family residence in the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Ed Barone Mr. Barone is requesting to build a single family residence. Copy of proposed design was provided to the Board for their review. Several samples of materials such as siding, trim, windows, and paint colors to be used were provided to the Board by the applicant. Discussion ensued regarding the fascia, soffit overhangs, gable ends, parabolic arches, lattice work and setbacks. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the application of the Barone Residence, 116 Church Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions-the gable ends are to receive a shingle material versus clapboards. Lattice panels City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 5 of 10 in the front to be wood picture framed with vertical pickets. Details of the arches to match the thickness of the adjacent columns. Fascia trim is to receive a two step treatment at least 8 inches. Window trim to match the Brick mold 600 cut sheet. Staci Mannion seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 8. 2012.059 19 RAILROAD PLACE, MIXED USE BUILDING, 19 Railroad Place, Architectural Review of mixed use building with theater in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: RR Depot, LLC – Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction. Agent: George Olsen, Olsen Architects. Mr. Bonacio stated we have gone through the Planning Board and gone through the IDA to lure an operator. This is an adaptive reuse of an old building. We are attempting to move forward for approval of mass and scale of the project. We would like input on mass and scale at this time. Mr. Olsen provided the Board with a brief overview of the project. Visual presentation followed. Sonny Bonacio reviewed the rooftop patio which will fulfill stormwater management requirement, and offers green space amenity for private office users. There is also the possibility for additional planters at the front entrance and possibly bench type seating. Usage of glass to mimic that of Market Center. Applicant is still uncertain of colors. Discussion ensued regarding elevations, materials to be used, colors to be used and entrances, windows and the use of glass. The applicant stated they will review the information provided by the Board and return with recommendations. We will review the information you have provided and return to the Board with those recommendations. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he has two areas of concern, one of which is the area which jogs in out above the circular area and the section of flat roof, possibly adding some height to that area. Also the northwest end it is going to be pretty visible and busy and odd shapes and sizes coming together. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is comfortable with Mass and Scale. The heights are appropriate. The footprint will not change. Steven Rowland, asked if there is any further 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. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 6 of 10 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the application of 19 Railroad Place Mixed Use Building, 19 Railroad Place that the application be approved for Mass and Scale. Robert West seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 9. 2012.013 STEWART'S SHOPS CORP., 243 Union Avenue, Architectural Review of demolition in the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Stewart's Shops Corp. Agent: Jennifer Howard, Chuck Marshall, Stewart's Shops Ms. Howard stated they are requesting to demolish the block building at 243 Union Avenue, a 1258 square foot building in the UR-3 zoning. This area really needs to be rezoned, the uses are very limited. The building looks abandoned it looks horrible in the gateway to the City. We are struggling to find an appropriate use. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we have some input from other interested entities in the City. We have reached out to SHPO to get their input. Steven Rowland, Chairman reported the following correspondence was received by the Design Review Commission: 09-04-12 Correspondence from Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director and Chris Armour, President Saratoga Preservation Foundation opposing demolition. 09-04-12 email from Jim Martinez opposing demolition. 06-11-12 SHPO indicated there are basic criteria for inclusion historic register might be eligible for inclusion. SEQRA: Steven Rowland, Chairman procedurally since this is a Type I action we must review SEQRA. We have Reviewed PART I which is provided by the applicant and is reasonable and accurate. The Board reviewed SEQRA Part II. No large or important areas of concern were noted. SEQRA DECISION: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion that based upon the information provided by the applicant in Part I of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, and analysis of the information provided and presented in Part II of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, the project will not result in any large and important impacts and, therefore, is one that will City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 7 of 10 not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. Based on this, I move to make a SEQR negative declaration for this action. Richard Martin seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the only portion of SHPO's recommendation with all due respects to be considered for inclusion as a historic property is the era of time in which it was built. This is an intrusion on the area. It does not have any historic significance, and does need a development plan. This is a significant corner in Saratoga and any development will need to appear before this Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone on the Board have any further questions or comments. Karen Cavotta agreed with the Chairman. Robert West agrees with the Boards consensus and does need a short term plan for the lot. A landscape plan is needed. Jennifer Howard presented the landscape plans Stewart's is proposing. Perennials and shrubbery and arborvitae, along with benches. Discussion ensued regarding landscaping plan and future use. It must be aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the Comp Plan. It was the consensus of the Board that one type of texture, i.e., gravel vs. partial blacktop. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development state the Comp Plan is to be reviewed this fall. It is ripe for review. All gravel in the area would be better, and more appropriate for one texture. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Rod Sutton, agrees with the chairman. It is an important gateway to the City. This building has no significance now and concern regarding the zoning and encourages the Board to accept and approve this application. We have many thousands of people who visit this City and the corner looks unsightly. I believe the demolition and the addition of gravel to this area would be a great improvement. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested in the motion it be noted that the Board does not see any historic significance to this piece of architecture City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 8 of 10 Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the application of Stewart's Shops Corporation 243 Union Avenue, and since it is a Type I action we have reviewed Part II of the SEQR form and determined it is accurate. A SEQRA negative declaration was issued since there is no large or important impact and is one that will not have any significant impact on the environment. Also because this property is not in the historic district and, the plan that is in place the Board feels comfortable approving the application with the following conditions – that the black top be completely removed from the site and the entire blacktop area be gravel. Vegetation proposed will be maintained by the Stewart's Shops. Staci Mannion seconded the motion. 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; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco,in favor Robert West opposed. MOTION PASSES: 6-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approved the July 18, 2012 with the following correction: Page 5 of 6, third paragraph down, second to the last sentence should read as follows: The public comment period must extend at least 10 days past the public hearing should we decide to hold a public hearing. Richard Martin seconded the motion. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEXT MEETING – CARAVAN – WORKSHOPS: Design Review Commission Caravan will be held on September 25, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Workshop will be held on September 25 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 9 of 10 Tamie Ehinger made a motion to adjourn. Staci Mannion seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Rob West, in favor; Staci Mannion, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 10/17/12 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 5, 2012 – page 10 of 10