Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Robert West; Robert DeMarco; Karen Cavotta; ABSENT: Richard Martin; Staci Mannion STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Chair Steven Rowland called the meeting to order at 7:02 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. 2013.023 BRESLIN RESIDENCE ADDITION, 221 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of new rear addition and deck to existing building within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Mr. and Mrs. Breslin. Agent: Michael Perry, Architect. Mr. Perry stated the applicants are looking to add a family room in the rear of their home. They will be demolishing an existing deck and adding a 12 x 18 family room and a small deck 10 x 16. We will be using the same materials that currently exist on the home. The same type of siding will be used and Marvin windows. There is a 6 foot high fence surrounding their yard. This addition will not be visible from the road. Steven Rowland, Chairman voiced his concern regarding the matching of the roof pitches and material. Discussion ensued and the agent for the applicant felt that perhaps the entire roof may need to be replaced. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone on the Board had any questions or comments. 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 Breslin Residence Addition, 221 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, that the application be approved as submitted. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2013.026 BROOK TAVERN SIGN, 139 Union Avenue, Historic Review of Freestanding Sign in the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Wayne Wheeler, AJ Signs. Mr. Wheeler stated they will be using the 4 x 4 frame and simply replacing the sign face. Smaller graphics will be used in relationship to the chip. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any comments from the Board. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Discussion ensued regarding the gooseneck lamps being painted black. Mr. Wheeler stated the applicant would be agreeable to painting the gooseneck lamps black. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Brook Tavern Freestanding Sign, 139 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, that the application be approved as submitted on the newly submitted plans dated 03/20/2013, with the following condition that the gooseneck lamps are to be painted black. 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2013.027 THE CROWN GRILL, 390 Broadway, Historic Review of awning within the Transect-6 District. Applicants: Colin and Crystal MacLean, owners. The applicants stated that the Circus Cafe side of the awning is approximately 9 years old. The applicants are looking to retrofit the awning and have it mirror the one next door. We are using the blue awning on the Crown Grill and a Tuscan Orange for the Circus Café. The addresses will be on the awnings themselves. They will remain 7 feet per code. Font will be copperplate. 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 wished to comment on this application. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the The Crown Grill Awning, 390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, to approve as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. 2013.025 PANARESE SHED, 7 Brookview Terrace, Architectural Review of new shed within the Transect-6 District. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – page 2 of 6 Applicant: Chris Panarese, owner. Mr. Panarese stated they are looking to place a 12 x 16 shed on the property. Colors to compliment the house. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any 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. Rob DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Panarese Shed, 7 Brookview Terrace, Saratoga Springs, 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 5. 2013.021 and 2013.022 REJUVENATION HOMES, 24 and 30 Lafayette Street, determination of SEQRA Lead Agent and establishment of Public Hearing for Historic Review of demolition, addition and new construction within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: Todd Levinson. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated this application is before you for a SEQRA Lead Agency determination. The ZBA has deferred Lead Agency to this Board should you wish to assume Lead Agency. These properties are contributing properties to the National Register. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will assume lead agency for SEQRA and coordinated review with the ZBA. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion to accept Lead Agency Status for SEQRA and coordinated review with the ZBA. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated that consistent with the recently revised Historic Review Zoning legislation, this project will require the setting of a public hearing prior to DRC action. The applicant will be required to send notification letter to nearby property owners and the public hearing will be noticed. Steven Rowland indicated that it would be helpful to have an assessment report on the structural integrity of the buildings, proposed to be demolished, for the Commission’s SEQRA review process. These buildings are listed as contributing properties on the National Register and we need compelling evidence stating these buildings are beyond repair. We will schedule the public hearing after we received the report from the applicant. Mr. Rowland asked the applicant to briefly describe the project for the benefit of the Commission and audience. Mr. Levinson stated he is saving the original portion of one of the homes and removing everything which was added on to this building. The site consists of three substandard lots. They will do away with one lot completely and add the property to City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – page 3 of 6 each of these two homes. We will add onto one home and newly construct another single family home on the other property. Steven Rowland stated we will table this application until we hear from the applicant regarding the structural assessment. We will then notice the public hearing and place the application back on the agenda. 6. 2012.059.2 BOW TIE/CRITERION CINEMAS SIGNAGE, 19 Railroad Place, ZBA request for DRC advisory opinion on signage within the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Bowtie Cinemas. Agent: Joe Masher, COO Bowtie Cinemas; Chris Gianna, Architect, CPA Architecture; George Olson, Architect; Sonny Bonacio, Tony Bonacio and Keith Ferraro, Bonacio Construction. George Olsen provided a visual presentation to the Board. Some comments which were previously made stated that the windows on the second floor were small. There will be brick on a portion of the building not carrying over to the north façade. Some samples of colors were provided as well as updates/changes to the plans. All glass will be going up to the terrace, using spandrel glass. The bump out vestibule will be ire engine red which is the Bowtie Cinemas signature color. A review of all sides of the building and elevations was provided. No vertical mullions will be used. Steven Rowland, Chairman reviewed the type of glass being used on this project. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she also shares concern regarding the glass. There seems to be too many colors being used and something is off. Karen Cavotta stated she agrees that there are too many colors for this building. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated she has concerns with the fire engine red color red and that the DRC will have to think about this bright red addition to the building. Discussion ensued regarding the colors and how they work on the building. Mr. Sonny Bonacio requested that we table the discussion on the colors and the applicant will return in two weeks with color samples and a model for the Board. Mr. Masher, COO, stated the Bowtie Cinemas are the oldest cinemas in the country, with 19 locations. This will be a great thing for Saratoga and a beacon for downtown. Saratoga is a great city. A theatre such as this needs to attract people off of Broadway and our signage package will do just that. Chris Gianna gave a visual presentation of the proposed signage and placement on each side and elevation. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the applicant has gone to the ZBA for relief for their sign package. This is a unique activity that does not fit well into the City’s normal legislation for signage. The applicant is looking for relief number of signs allowed, the projecting signs, the total size of the signage, the types of signage and several items which are expressly forbidden in the sign ordinance. Steven Rowland, Chairman, voice his concerns over the size of the Criterion letter sign. He believes this whole entire building screams Movie Theatre. He has no problems with the poster signs or with the marquee. The chasing lights concern me. There are a few things the ordinance prohibits and I do not think we need to have all the lights, the building speaks for itself. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the lighting including the proposed channel lighting, chasing lighting, backlight lighting and metal halo lit lighting. Signage was discussed including the number, size and scale of signage which was viewed around the entire building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – page 4 of 6 Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development confirmed the Commission’s suggestions and comments: - perpendicular blade signs are acceptable - flat, 2nd floor blade signs are acceptable - 12 poster signs are acceptable - Marquee: - internally lit marquee movie titles are acceptable - The BTX sign on the front of the building is acceptable - Chasing lights are not acceptable and the Board preferred a solid burn illumination around the perimeter - individually lit channel letters are acceptable but should not exceed 27” max. height - West elevation: - 1st floor Price Chopper sign is acceptable providing it is metal, halo-lit and the letters and logos do not exceed 18” - There was substantial discussion regarding the proposed West elevation channel lettered “Criterion Cinemas” and bow tie logo measuring 80.52 s.f. The majority of members present (3-2) did not believe that there was sufficient justification to permit yet another additional sign, of an otherwise prohibited type (channel lit), of this magnitude (80.52 s.ft), in this location (above the perceived first floor level), on an area of the building that does not have street frontage. Steven Rowland made a motion for a positive advisory opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals highlighting all the criteria listed by Bradley Birge. 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 The Board recessed at 9:38 P.M. The Board reconvened at 9:40 P.M. 7. 2013.016 SARATOGA HONDA, 3402 Route 9 (South Broadway), Consideration of ZBA request for SEQRA lead agency proposed expansion of the structure in the OMB1 and 2 Districts. Applicant: Tim Higgins Owner. Agent: Brett Balzer, Balzer and Tuck Architecture. Mr. Balzer, Balzer Tuck Architects stated we are currently seeking a Use Variance for this project. If the Use Variance is approved we would like to take a non-conforming use and structure, Saratoga Honda, and expand it so that this site can continue to be used for the use which has occupied this site for years. Mr. Balzer stated he has been working with Mr. Higgins and Honda Corporation since August of last year. Mr. Balzer gave a brief visual presentation to the Boards regarding the current sketch of the site, elevations, roof lines and materials to be used. Several architectural items are required by the Honda Corporation in their dealerships: the cylinder with the Honda logo, wavy lines, and the color blue. This will be a sustainable car dealership. The applicant would like to incorporate some local materials and elements into the project such as the covered porch, brick work, stone column bases and landscaping for a natural feel. Sizes of the areas: vehicle prep and delivery area is 65x100; Service is 130x40; and the Sales and Showroom is 100x40. The second floor of the structure will house part storage and office space. Mr. Balzer explained that some of the specifics for the new dealership are required from Honda corporate including a cylinder type structure incorporated into the building, the white and blue H, and the wavy lines shown on the front of the building. His job was to incorporate some local materials into this project. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, stated the ZBA is the Lead Agency for SEQRA review. The ZBA has asked your input on several areas, which are within the DRC’s area of your expertise, to help with the SEQRA determination. Of particular interest is any impact on the neighborhood. This property is adjacent to the Spa State Park, an City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – page 5 of 6 identified “contributing property” on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places and a listed National Historic Landmark, and the site is located in the gateway design overlay one district. Will the proposed action negatively impact aesthetic resources or historic resources. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we have found over the years that corporate architecture usually does not fly. This structure continues to have a way to go to be sensitive and consistent with the Gateway Design regulations and adjacent historic Spa State Park. The auto porch almost has an Adirondack feel to it. The impact on historic or environment is small to moderate, other areas of the project can be mitigated through architecture and site design. I do not find the use to be that offensive. I do not disagree with some of the materials being used. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the columns in the front and the choice of materials being used. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, reviewed the Board’s considerations regarding this project: - the white and blue colors are not sympathetic to the Spa State Park which is adjacent to the property - the use of more natural materials is encouraged - the general project is headed in the right direction but needs to be more sympathetic to the State Park and the main gateway entrance to the City - concern was voiced regarding the overall scale of the cylinder but the Board felt this can be mitigated working with the architect as they move forward. These issues are more of a small to moderate magnitude. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion to send this input to the Zoning Board of Appeals for their SEQRA evaluation. 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 PRESENTATION: DOWNTOWN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT "WAYFINDING" PROGRAM Mike Ingersoll, member of the DSAD, provided the Board with a presentation on the “Wayfinding Program” that they have been working on for the last 2 ½ to 3 years. During this process, all the signs have been catalogued both vehicular and informational. The committee feels that there is an overabundance of signage and it is often confusing. The Committee is trying to consolidate signage and make it more user friendly and uniform as has been accomplished in other cities. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of minutes was deferred until the April 3, 2013 meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 4/3/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – page 6 of 6