Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Robert DeMarco ABSENT: Staci Mannion LATE ARRIVAL: Karen Cavotta arrived at 8:05 P.M. Mark Schachner, Counsel, arrived at 8:45 P.M. 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 CONSIDERATION 1. 2012.091 VISITORS CENTER, 297 Broadway, Advisory Opinion on free-standing sign in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: City of Saratoga Springs Agent: Wayne Wheeler, AJ Signs Mr. Wheeler stated, Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor requested two options of a sign be available for the Commission's to review. The approximate height of the sign is 8'8" high. Mr. Wheeler explained the pros and cons of each sign. Event banners will be attached to the sign for easy placement and removal. No lighting is proposed at this time. Discussion ensued regarding the height of the proposed signage and which sign is the Commission's preference. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion for a favorable advisory opinion to the Mayor's Office on a free standing sign in the Visitors Center with the following considerations: ▪ The total height of the sign is to be 6'6" maximum. ▪ Posts are approximately 5" square. ▪Option #1 with separate "Office of Historian" sign. 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; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0. 2. 2012.079 STRAUGHTER DECK, 161 Circular Street, Historic Review of deck expansion and window-door conversion in the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Brian Straughter, property owner. Mr. Straughter stated they would like to extend the deck 3 feet in length. There is approximately 100 feet from the back of the home to the end of the property. Also, proposed conversion of a current window to a door to access the deck. Letters from the neighbors provided in support of the application. Existing structure is wood and proposed decking will be of a composite material. Photographs submitted for the Commission's review. Discussion ensued regarding the railing detail. 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 Straughter Deck expansion and window door conversion, 161 Circular Street, that the application be approved as submitted. Detail "F" for handrails, also diagonal bracing for the deck structure, if necessary. 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; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2012.080 DANDOLPH HOUSE, North Broadway, Historic Review of new single family residence in the Urban Residential-1 District. Applicant: John Dandolph Agent: Sue Davis SD Atelier Architecture Ms. Davis stated the applicant is before the Board for Mass and Scale approval so the project can move forward in obtaining permits. Ms. Davis provided the Board with a small scale of the project and gave a visual presentation to the Board regarding the new single family home. The two-story home will have a traditional and classic look that will fit in with the stately homes along North Broadway. The home will have a wrap around porch on the first floor. The outside will be covered with a combination of natural stone and cedar shakes siding in earth tones such as gray and green. An arborist has been hired to assess the trees on the lot and a letter was provided to the Board with his findings. Updated site plans were also provided to the Board regarding the project being realigned so the front porches to the adjacent properties align. Drainage issued were discussed. No connection will be made to the alleyway. A meeting was held with the Saratoga Preservation Foundation and they gave a very favorable response to the project. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 2 of 8 Discussion ensued regarding the size of the windows and the height of the stone on the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Preservation Foundation, stated the Foundation is very pleased that the applicant was willing to meet with the Foundation and present the building design. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of the Dandolph Residence, North Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions: ▪ Approval for Mass and Scale only to allow applicant to move forward in the permit process. ▪The applicant will return for final review of materials and landscaping design. Robert DeMarco 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; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0. 4. 2012.087 LOPATKA RESIDENCE, 15 Lafayette Street, Historic Review of addition to residence in the Urban Residential-4 District. Board Member Karen Cavotta arrived during this application. Agent: Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture Ms. Davis gave a brief overview of the project. Applicant was recently before the Zoning Board of Appeals for an area variance for setback requirements. The applicant is looking for additional space to allow for a master suite on the upper level, and a mudroom type entrance with a small upgrade of the kitchen area. Shingle style home. Looking for Mass and Scale approval this evening. 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 the Lopatka Residence Rear Addition, 15 Lafayette Street, be approved with the following condition – that the final cut sheets to be submitted for Administrative Approval. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 3 of 8 5. 2012.086 ALGONQUIN APARTMENTS, 510 Broadway, Historic Review of roof, façade and railings in the Transect-6 District. Agent: Michael Tuck, Brendan Drake; Balzer-Tuck Architects Mr. Tuck reviewed the project for the Board. Bonacio Construction will perform the renovation work. Fire escapes will be removed and there will be alterations on the roof as well as roof repairs.. There will be 26 existing windows replaced. Removal and replacement of louver wooden panels with windows will be completed as well. Penthouse units on the north and south of the building will have alterations to the existing roof to make these areas habitable. These changes will not be visible from the streetscape or other buildings. At the ground level, wood plywood panels will be removed and doors will be installed in their place. Representatives from the State Preservation Foundation are assisting the applicants in this endeavor in the hopes of receiving some grant funding. Once completed this project will meet the standards of the Department of the Interior. 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 Algonquin Apartments, 510 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted with the following condition that wherever the fire escapes have been removed the masonry is to be repaired sensitively and the bricks replaced with existing bricks from non prominent areas of the structure. Applicant agreed to address the removal of blue ceramic tiles at the Turkish Bazaar. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 6. 2012.081 CERTIFIED ALLERGY, 92 East Avenue, Architectural Review of free-standing sign in the Transect-5 District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Mr. Roicki gave a brief explanation of the proposed signage. 6' high posts. No lighting proposed. Digital graphic lettering with raised depth. Discussion ensued regarding the colors on the caps of the sign. Requested the pressure treated lumber be replaced with cedar and copper caps which will look more appropriate against the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Rob DeMarco made a motion in the matter of Certified Allergy 92 East Avenue be approved with the following conditions: No painted or pressure treated wood or PVC for posts. Instead posts shall be cedar. Cedar can be painted white. Post caps shall be copper material and color. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 4 of 8 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 7. 2012.088 COUCH WHITE LLP, 38 High Rock, Architectural Review of wall sign in the Transect-6 District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Mr. Roicki stated this sign is comprised of individual letters adhered to the building. No lighting is proposed at this time. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Rob DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the application of Couch White LLP, 38 High Rock Avenue, wall sign 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 8. 2012.090 THE CHOCOLATE MILL, 382 Broadway Historic Review of wall sign, awning and painting in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Frank Vollkommer, Vollkommer Pastry, Inc. Mr. Vollkommer is looking to replace the awning with a new one in a chocolate brown color with the Chocolate Mill name on the awning. The hardware which is in place is functioning well. The applicant is also proposing a few window decals, of translucent vinyl. The façade windows and door will be painted a brown chocolate color. Sign will be have a mahogany frame and letters will be raised, smaller than the one in Glens Falls but identical. Windows and doors under the awning will also be painted in the Chocolate Mill color scheme. Discussion ensued regarding the paint color of the columns. It was decided that black would be appropriate. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 5 of 8 Robert West made a motion in the matter of the application of the Chocolate Mill, Façade and Awning, 382 Broadway be approved with the following condition – that the columns be painted black. Rob DeMarco 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 9. 2012.089 THIRSTY OWL, 189 South Broadway, Architectural Review of wall sign in the Transect-5 District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman, recused himself from this application. Richard Martin, board member recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the chair for this application. Agent: Dan Roicki, Adirondack Sign Mr. Roicki stated the Lincoln Avenue side of the building will house the signage. Dimensional lettering adhered to the support post above the walkway. Mounted with industrial adhesive. This is the only proposed signage on the building. No lighting is proposed, since the street lamps provide enough lighting. 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 Wall Sign, 189 South Broadway be approved as submitted. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0. Mark Schachner, Advisory Counsel arrived at 8:45 P.M. Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the chair. Richard Martin resumed his duties on the Board. 10. 2009.005 BOFF RESIDENCE, 66 Franklin Street, Deliberation of FEIS for Historic Review of demolition in the Urban Residential-4 District. RECUSAL: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 6 of 8 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman recused herself from this application. Robert West board member recused himself from this application. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission has proceeded through the Draft Environmental Impact Study process. Public comment period was held during the month of August. Those comments were received by the Commission. The Final Environmental Impact Statement was received and the Board members have reviewed that. Minor edits, typographical in nature and misspelling of names were submitted to the applicant for correction. Those corrections have been made, and that is the document currently in front of us at this time. There might be some people who would like to speak tonight. Comments will be received. There will be another comment period following the filing of this document. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak regarding this application. Please keep your comments under two minutes and relevant to the Final Environmental Impact Statement. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further comment from the board members. None heard. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning, and Economic Development asked if it would be helpful for Mark Schachner to review this document. Mark Schachner reviewed how the Final Environmental Impact Statement is comprised and organized. There is a mandatory 10 day comment period following the formal filing of the document. There is no obligation for the lead agency to respond to those comments. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated following the approval of the document and comment period the Commission will be charged with developing the findings in conjunction with making a decision. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion that the Final Environmental Impact Statement is complete and accepted and the Commission may now move forward to the next step in the process. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development noted the next meeting of the DRC will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman deferred the approval of meeting minutes until the next meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEXT MEETING – CARAVAN – WORKSHOPS: Design Review Commission Caravan will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. Design Review Commission Workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 5:30 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 7 of 8 MOTION TO ADJOURN: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to adjourn. Richard Martin seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 12/10/12 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – page 8 of 8