Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 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 7:03 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. #2013.005 RODECKER-SKIDMORE CARRIAGE HOUSE, 791 North Broadway, Historic Review of renovation to carriage house in the Urban Residential-1 District. Applicant: Daniel Rodecker – President, Skidmore Agent: Matthew Hurff – Frost Hurff Architects SEQRA: This action is a “Type II” action; a SEQRA determination of significance is not required. Mr. Hurff stated the applicant is looking to replace an overhead garage door on the Woodlawn side. There will also be a new entry door on the north side which will replace a window. The applicant will install a raised masonry patio in place of entry drive on the east side with a retractable awning. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated as discussed at the workshop an item we would like to preserve is the interior carriage turn table. There are only a few of those remaining in Saratoga. If it is safe enough to maintain, it is a unique feature and we would like to recommend consideration in preserving it. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. Karen Cavotta asked if there was any additional information on the proposed awning. Mr. Hurff stated he did not have any information for the Board at this time. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is an item which can be approved administratively. 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 Rodecker Skidmore Carriage House, 791 North Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions – the window is salvaged and stored safely. Recommendation that the interior turn table be preserved. Railings to be painted black. The applicant return with details for the retractable awning, decision to be determined administratively. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2013.030 CAFÉ LENA ELEVATOR, STAIR TOWER ADDITION & FAÇADE RENOVATION, 47 Phila Street, Architectural Review of elevator and stair addition and façade renovation in the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Stanley Mcgaughey – Café Lena Agent: Matthew Hurff – Frost Hurff Architects SEQRA This action is a “Type II” action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Mr. Hurff stated there are some historic elements which will be saved. Existing historic doors and door openings shall be retained and rehabilitated whenever possible. 5 second story windows will be replaced with aluminum clad exterior, wood interior 2 over 2. Existing historic windows and window openings shall be retained and rehabilitated whenever possible. The applicant is proposing to restore existing arch top window and install interior storm windows on the existing building. The roof will retain its historic and architectural character and will be rehabilitated whenever possible. Roof designs for new structures shall be compatible with neighboring buildings. Mechanical equipment shall be minimized and screened from view. Materials will be compatible with those traditionally used in the neighboring area. The addition is designed to be distinct. Historic Preservation funding is available for this project and the applicant is attempting to follow those guidelines. The proposed addition is to be unpainted brick, the existing building is to be scraped and painted. No signage is proposed at this time. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the DRC does have jurisdiction over colors. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated details regarding the dumpster enclosure, colors, lighting and brick selection will be approved administratively. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 2 of 11 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 Cafe Lena Façade Renovation and Addition, 47 Phila Street that the application be approved with the following conditions. There will be pre cast lintels at the first floor. Colors and finishes should be in kind with existing finishes. Proposed brick selection will be submitted. Details and drawings for the dumpster enclosure and lighting will be submitted. Cut sheets for windows and doors will be submitted. These will all be handled by administrative review. Signage will be a separate application, and will be submitted at a later date. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2013.034 PUTNAM MARKET SIDEWALK CAFÉ AND SIGNAGE, 431-435 Broadway, Historic Review of sidewalk café and signs within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. SEQRA: This action is a “Type II” action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant: Catharine Hamilton – Putnam Market Ms. Hamilton stated the café area to be delineated by ground-level planters, and expanded to include 431 Broadway. A minimum of 8’ of unobstructed passage must be maintained between seating and any other obstruction on sidewalk (tree planter, benches, garbage, bike racks, etc.) No alcohol will be served. New tables and chairs, and benches made of aluminum. A single black chain (link) between planters will delineate café vs. sidewalk areas. Signs are in the same location and are same size as originals; only the colors have changed. 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of Putnam Market Café and Signage, 431-435 Broadway, that we approve as submitted with the following conditions; signs with logos are not to exceed 18". Planters and chain/fence will be submitted for administrative review and approval. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 3 of 11 None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. 2013.035 JAVIER'S SIGNAGE, 17 Maple Ave, Historic Review of signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. SEQRA: This action is a “Type II” action. Applicant: Javier Rodriquez Mr. Rodriquez stated this sign will not be illuminated. A simple sign "Javier's" is made of aluminum and painted burgundy 1" thick letters. Raised letters will be white. Signage in the window will not exceed 30% of the space as per regulations. A small free standing sign in a planter will indicate the entrance. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if the Board had any further questions. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of Javier's Signage, 17 Maple Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions, "J" does not exceed 18" as newly submitted on April 3, 2013. Tamie Ehinger, 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 5. 2013.033 PLAZA 15 SELF STORAGE NEW BUILDINGS, 43 Plaza Road, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agent for construction of 3 new buildings to an existing self-storage facility in the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. SEQRA: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 4 of 11 This project is an unlisted action requiring a SEQRA determination. Project involves approvals from ZBA, Planning Board, and DRC. Generally coordinated SEQRA review when a SEQRA determination is required of multiple boards. Applicant: Plaza 15 Self Storage LLC Agent: Don McPherson, LA Group BACKGROUND: Project is currently a self storage facility that is fairly well buffered by vegetation. Mr. McPherson stated the applicant is requesting approval to construct 3 new buildings to an existing self-storage facility in the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of Plaza 15 Self Storage, 43 Plaza Road that we defer Lead Agency Status the Zoning Board of Appeals. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2012.078.1 CONGRESS PLAZA HOTEL, 46 Congress Plaza, consideration of Planning Board request for SEQRA Lead Agent for partial demolition and construction of new 6-story hotel in the Transect-6 Urban Core/Urban Residential – 5 Districts. SEQRA: This project is a “Type I” action requiring a SEQRA determination. The Planning Board has requested to assume SEQRA Lead Agent status for the environmental review of this action. Applicant: Don Greene Enterprises Inc. Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Jones Firm; Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects Mr. Jones, gave a brief overview of the project and background information. This Board was involved in earlier sketch discussions for this project that originally contained mixed-use elements and the construction of a building along Congress St. This project has been substantially changed. The proposed 6-story hotel will be a stand-alone building on essentially the site of the former Broadway Joe’s. No additional buildings are proposed along Congress St. The parking structure to support the hotel was removed. The existing grade-level surface parking area will be used to accommodate the parking needs of this activity. The project site is currently in an Architectural Review District and adjacent to the Gideon Putnam Cemetery, an identified City Landmark property and listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The proposed addition is 6 stories. The building directly to the west is a 2-story office structure. The property to the east contains a grade-level parking area. Further to the east is a 2-story CVS. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 5 of 11 Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects gave a visual presentation to the Board regarding the architectural details of the project. All mechanicals will be hidden behind the proposed parapet. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there is concern regarding the impact on the neighborhood due to the fact that it stands alone now and the very rectangular size of the building. It is more of a large box. Matthew Hurff explained how the design of the building evolved and the issues regarding building and how it sits on the site. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she does agree with the Chairman, regarding the appearance of the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated they would like to take another meeting to formulate thoughts before sending their opinions to the Planning Board. This application will be placed on the next DRC agenda. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board. The Board Members will continue to review this application and will be prepared to supply a more definitive direction and opinion. He would also like to have the two absent Board members have input on this application. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 7. 2010.039.1 SARATOGA MARRIOTT – EXCELSIOR SPRINGS BANQUET FACILITY, 11 and 47 Excelsior Ave, Architectural Review of final elevation details, signage and lighting in the Transect-5 District. BACKGROUND: On September 22, 2010, the DRC issued a Partial Approval for general mass and scale and allowed the applicant to begin the process for a building permit. The applicant was to return for review of all exterior details. On October 20, 2010, the applicant appeared before the DRC to discuss exterior elements and details SEQRA: This project is a “Type I” action requiring a SEQRA determination. On July 12, 2006, the Planning Board, after coordinated review, issued a SEQRA negative declaration for this project that included an attached banquet facility. Applicant: Saratoga Marriott, Agent: Daniel Patane and Todd Fisher hcp Architects; Rich Marshall, AJ Signs City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 6 of 11 Mr. Patane stated the applicant is now before the Board for final approvals for exterior details, materials, lighting and signage. The building materials and lighting specifications were supplied in recent submission. Mr. Marshall, AJ signs, stated there are some signage restrictions. The sign will be tan in color, internally lit, low voltage LED lighting, which will be 6' in height including a 42" base. Colors will match the building, with a 14 to 16" thickness. Framework will be either synthetic or cedar. Mr. Patane provided the Board with a sample of the exterior lighting as well as along the front of the building. Samples of materials were provided to the Board as well as the location of the dumpster. Blue stone will be used on the steps. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the final version of the elevations and colors and samples should be provided to the Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further comments from the Board. 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 the Saratoga Marriott, Excelsior Springs Banquet Facility, 11 and 47 Excelsior Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions; the sign is to be a maximum of 63" from grade to top or trim. A final set of plans with colors and materials noted be submitted for the record. An 8' high enclosure around the dumpster will also be provided. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 8. 2013.009 EXCELSIOR AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, 52 Marion Ave, Architectural Review of 3 new mixed- use building in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Beechwood Associates Agent: Dave Carr, The LA Group; Brian Bullord, Schopfer Architects LLC; Dean DeVito SEQRA: On March 27, 2013, the Planning Board, after coordinated review, issued a SEQRA negative declaration for this project. BACKGROUND: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 7 of 11 This site is across from the City Water Plant on the east, across from vacant land owned by Nat’l Grid (site of former skating rink) to the south, and essentially undeveloped land to the west. This project will essentially develop and create a new City block consisting of 3 separate buildings: - Fresh Market – 21,909 sf first floor; 3,250 sf mezzanine; - Retail Building (along Marion Ave) – 19,414 sf - Mixed use Excelsior Building – 25,493 sf ground floor; 2nd fl: 3,426 commercial/retail, 6,560 residential; 3rd floor: 24,586 residential; 4th fl: 24,586 residential Mr. Bullord gave a brief overview of the project and the compatibility with the character of the neighborhood area and reviewed elevations. A visual presentation was provided to the Board. Some brick samples were provided to the Board, and the proposed materials are compatible with those of the neighborhood. Façade elements were discussed. Tenants are being sought at this time. 41 apartments will be built. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will review this project one building at a time. If the materials and color pallet are the same for all three buildings will it be too monolithic. Need for larger scale materials. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she likes the color pallet since the buildings are different enough architecturally. Discussion ensued regarding lack of sufficient façade details appropriately proportioned and visible from Route 50, materials which will be appropriate for a building of this size and mass. Varying types of materials. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he would like to encourage different schemes and for the applicant to return before the Board with a couple of different options. There was some concern regarding too much verticality vs too much of a horizontal element. Robert DeMarco stated he feels a random streetscape would work. He does encourage different schemes and to return with a couple of options. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development, stated this is the equivalent of a whole city block being built at once. Also be aware of the elevations from the pedestrian level. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak regarding this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman informed the applicants to provide information to the Board and staff. This information will be reviewed and the application can be placed back on the agenda. 9. 2012.084 84 WEIBEL TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER, 84 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of cell tower and associated equipment in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Independent Tower Holdings LLC (property is owned by Congregation Shaara Tfille) Agent: Daniel Schweigard SEQRA: On April 11, 2011, the Zoning Board of Appeals, after coordinated review, issued a SEQRA negative declaration for this project. BACKGROUND: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 8 of 11 SBA Properties Inc. submitted original application and received ZBA Use Variance on May 23, 2011 “to permit the construction of a telecommunications facility; consisting of one cell tower (monopine) at a maximum height of 402 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) with an additional maximum 8 feet in height for optimal camouflaging”. The lease on the property subsequently expired. Independent Towers Holdings LLC, gained the lease and on November 19, 2012 received a Use Variance Extension. Planning Board issued Site Plan Review approval on March 13, 2013. Mr. Schweigard stated approvals have been given by the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Use Variance. The Planning Board issued Site Plan Review approval on March 13, 2013. Mr. Schweigard reviewed the approval by the Planning Board. He indicated a camouflaged tree as the most appropriate treatment for this site. These telecommunications facilities require a series of ground equipment pertaining to each cell provider using the tower. Materials for this ground-level compound were discussed. Particular concern is sensitivity to property owner’s adjacent building. The applicant has provided example of telecommunications service equipment concealed in a large ‘rock’. The property owner, Congregation Shaara Tfille, has indicated an opposition to traditional cinderblock structures surrounded by chain link security fencing. Proposed landscaping plans were reviewed. The monopine construction and color was reviewed with the Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman noted the Board received a communication from the Shaara Tfille. Discussion ensued regarding fencing, storage shelters, buffering, and landscaping. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked the applicant to provide some site line photographs, pictures of the shelters discussed to house equipment and color samples. Also the Board would like to have the owner attend the next meeting. This application will be further discussed at this time. 10. 2012.059 BOW TIE – CRITERION CINEMAS BUILDING FAÇADE, 19 Railroad Place, Architectural Review of final façade details within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio Agent: The LA Group; George Olsen, Olsen Associates SEQRA: On July 25, 2012, the Planning Board, after coordinated review, issued a SEQRA negative declaration for this project. BACKGROUND: On September 5, 2012, the DRC issued a partial approval for mass and scale indicating that the applicant must return for review of all exterior features, materials, lighting and signage. At the March 20, 20132 DRC meeting, the Commission requested additional information on the color scheme and suggested that a smaller (less numerous) color palette might be appropriate. A revised color scheme was submitted on March 29, 2013. A front entrance is identified by a significant, lighted marquee with signage (variances granted by the ZBA) located in front of illuminated glass wall. Given the abundance of signage and illuminated, transparent windows, Mr. Olsen, re-worked the elevations, and the colors. He provided a visual presentation to the Board. Brick feature was carried around the building. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she feels the number of color selections are too busy. The eye is drawn in too many directions. The pattern of color does not work for me. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 9 of 11 Discussion ensued regarding the color pallet for the building. Mr. Olsen stated he would put together another presentation of colors for the Board. Once this information is received and circulated to the Board members the application will be placed back on the agenda. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. The next schedule Workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 13, 2013, Joint Board Meeting with minor amendments. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 20, 2013, meeting with minor amendments. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, abstained; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 6, 2013 meeting with minor amendments. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, abstained; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 20, 2013 meeting as submitted. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 10 of 11  Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 ADJOURNMENT Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion to adjourn. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 4/17/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 – page 11 of 11