Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair; Richard Martin; Robert West ABSENT: Staci Mannion; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Chair Steven Rowland called the meeting to order at 7:09 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steve Rowland, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded 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. 2013.004 GAFFNEY'S, 20-22 Caroline Street, Historic Review of 1 story construction to enclose existing patio area in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: John Baker, Owner Agent: Stephanie Bitter, Attorney-Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart and Rhodes, P.C.; Matthew Hurff, Frost/Hurff Architects; Ms. Bitter gave a brief overview of the project. Mr. Baker has owned this business for over 30 years. The applicant is looking to enclose the patio area. The addition will appear to be greater than one story but it is not two stories. The project will incorporate the black steel posts which exist there currently and open to a garden area. HVAC units will be placed on the roof and hidden from view by a parapet. Side stacking sliding doors will be used to open this area to the garden and the street on three sides. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there were a few concerns following the workshop. Exactly how do the sliding panels work and what do they look like when they are stacked. Any possibility of incorporating something to improve the section on Caroline Street between the main high building where the restaurant is and this new improved area. This piece seems to fall off when you put it between these two structures. Also, what materials would be used on this project. Matthew Hurff explained the working of the stack doors to the Board, noting each panel is 4 ½ to 5 feet wide, and will have an architectural bronze finish. Steven Rowland, Chairman discussed the step in the roof line and the plain and mundane nature of the storefront as compared to what happens elsewhere on the building. This piece in the middle just does not seem to fit. Is there something that may carry the roofline across and dress up the store front that exists in the center structure. There are two nice features on each side and it seems to fall apart in the middle. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she also agrees that that the area in the center does look odd and if there was possibly someway to tie the structures together it would be wonderful. Are there any other ways to keep the roof line equal until it gets to the other building. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the store front area which exists in the center structure. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of Gaffney's Corner Enclosure, 20-22 Caroline Street that the application be approved with the following conditions – that a valance cornice or cap be approved by the Chair administratively, be applied to the structure to the west of the proposed renovation, pending Code Officer or Zoning Board Approval. This cap will be a minimum of 12 inches in elevation over the brick veneer. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. 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; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 2. #2012.093 BELLA HOMEBUILDERS OFFICE, 228 Church Street, Architectural Review of rear garage demolition and review of windows/exterior changes to principal structure in the Office Medical Business District. Applicant: Dave DePaulo, owner. Mr. DePaulo, thanked Bradley Birge, Administrator of Planning and Economic Development for his professionalism and courtesy with this application. Mr. DePoalo gave a brief overview of the proposed project. The garage will be demolished, it is unsafe and an eyesore. The principal structure will receive new siding and new simulated divided light windows will be installed. The outdoor color of the windows will be putty. The applicant provided the Board with samples of the proposed materials for their review. Discussion ensued regarding the awkward staircase to the second level and the possibility of removal to provide a nicer aesthetic to the building. SEQRA: SEQRA Part I was provided by the applicant. The Board reviewed Part II of the SEQRA Short Environmental Assessment Form and noted there were no large or important areas of concern noted. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to issue a SEQRA Negative Declaration for adverse environmental impact on the demolition of the garage. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Thursday, January 16, 2013 – page 2 of 4 None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Bella Homebuilders Office, Garage Demo and Office Exterior Changes, 228 Church Street that the application be approved as submitted with the following conditions - the following be approved Administratively-potential ramp redesign, the gable end treatment, the gable window redesign, and the use of a smooth siding versus textured siding. The Design Review Commission has requested a site visit to address the staircase issue. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0. 3. 2012.076 HIDDEN FOUNTAIN COMMONS BUILDING, Northwest corner of Lawrence Street and Church Street, Architectural Review of final details on new mixed-use structure in the Transect-5 District. Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group; Tim Posecznick, Kevin Levitt, Crissy Architecture Group Mr. Ingersoll stated the last time the applicant appeared before this Board they received Mass and Scale approval. The applicant is scheduled to present before the Planning Board next week for site plan. We are here to present the newest rendition of the project. It has been re-worked and some and material samples have been provided for the Boards review. Mr. Posecznick provided the Board with materials, color choices stone height locations and application areas. We have lightened up some areas where stone was originally proposed and siding color choices have been altered in the porch areas returning to the original color pallet. All rooftop penetrations are to be along the north and back side of the building. All air conditioning units have been screened. Richard Martin suggested the use of a smooth siding versus a textured product. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, suggested regarding color perhaps they would consider shades of white for the building. 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 the Hidden Fountain Commons Mixed Use Building Final Details, corner of Lawrence and Church Streets be approved as submitted with the following conditions – to be reviewed administratively, a copy of final drawings, exterior lighting plan, smooth siding to be installed; stone base to continue on north and west elevations and all rooftop penetrations to be along the north and back side of the building. Richard Martin seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Thursday, January 16, 2013 – page 3 of 4 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0. 4. 2013.003 OMNI MIXED-USE BUILDING, Southeast corner of Church Street & West Avenue, Sketch Discussion: Architectural Review of mixed-use building including market-rate senior residential units the Transect-5 District. Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group; Randy Collins CS Architecture; Ron Bagoly, CS Architecture. Applicant: Duncan Barrett, Omni Development Mr. Ingersoll stated the applicant is here for a sketch discussion. A video presentation was provided for the Board's review. This is a new project for this location. A 5,000 square foot retail use is proposed for the lower level and commercial space within the building on the first floor. These senior residential units will be a primary residence for seniors, over 55. 90 units are being proposed from 750 square feet to 1300 square feet. There are four different unit types. 65 parking spaces proposed. 103 will be covered parking. Discussion ensued regarding possibly inclusion of a water wall feature, height elevations were discussed, window features, as well as screening of the mechanicals. Balconies and garages were also discussed. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated it is a very exciting project and this area is ripe for re-development. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the February 6, 2013 meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. The next scheduled Workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: S. Rowland, Chairman, in favor; T.Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; R. Martin, in favor; R. West, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Meeting adjourned at 9:37 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 2/6/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Thursday, January 16, 2013 – page 4 of 4