Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Georgeanne Lussier STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Chair Steven Rowland called the meeting to order at 7:01 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. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Steven Rowland, Chairman welcomed new Board member Georgeanne Lussier. Steven Rowland, Chairman thanked former Board member Staci Mannion for her volunteer efforts. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. #2013.032 MASTROPIETRO SHADE, 59 Railroad Place, Architectural Review of patio shade in the Transect-6 District. SEQRA: Action is a Type II action and no further SEQRA determination is required. Applicant: Mike Mastropietro Mr. Mastropietro explained his application is submitted for a roll up shade in the Franklin Square Condominiums II. Currently the applicant is unable to use the terrace in the summer months in the afternoons. Applicants would like to utilize this area. The Franklin Square Condominium II Board of Directors passed a resolution allowing terrace shades on the west elevation only. They must be green and installed by Northeast Awning and Window Décor. 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 the Mastropietro Shade, 59 Railroad Place that the application be approved as submitted on the attached plans with the following condition, the awning frame is to be painted black. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. 2013.013 MADDEN PORCH, 30 Fifth Avenue, Historic Review of new front and rear porch additions within the Urban Residential-1 District. SEQRA: This action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant: Dan and Anne Madden. Agent: Tim Monahan, Witt Construction. The applicant is proposing to add a new front porch and rear addition to their property. The front porch will not protrude any further than other porches on the street, and is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Richard Martin questioned the addition of shutters where there was no window or shutters previously. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated your home is listed as a contributing property on the National Register of Historic Places. We do try to keep in conformance to what is appropriate to the house. Discussion ensued regarding the addition of the front porch and the addition of a gable roof, similar to the next door neighbor. The Board also recommended the use of a copper roof. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a new addition to the rear of the building was also submitted. Mr. Monahan stated the new windows will be double hung and will be 6 over 1 to match those which are existing. The rear addition will be approximately 14 x 10. Materials and details will be similar to or compliment the existing structure. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any other 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, April 17, 2013 – page 2 of 10 Robert West made a motion to approve the application of the Madden Front and Rear Porch addition at 30 Fifth Avenue that we approve with the following conditions: On the front, the barrel dormer to be eliminated and replaced with a gable. Eliminate the shutters. Two pieces of trim to cover the header. In the rear double hung windows to be six over one to match existing. The porch entry pediment to return, same dimension as existing. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 3. 2013.031 MOUZON HOUSE ROOFS, 1 York Street, Architectural Review of permanent roof structures in the Transect-6 District. SEQRA: This action is a “Type II” action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant: David and Diane Pedinotti. Agent: Jonathan Haynes. Mr. Haynes stated the applicant is looking to construct permanent roof strucures to replace currently used fabric awnings over metal frames on the West, North and South elevations. Existing historic windows and window openings will be kept where previous altered. The applicant proposes to infill the west elevation window. Materials used in the new construction shall be compatible with those traditionally used in the neighboring area. Applicant proposes standing seam metal roof with stucco/concrete board trim and fascia. Proposed roof colors patina green, trim will be white, and brick red. 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the application of the Mouzon House Roof Structures, 1 York Street, be approved with the following conditions: to preserve the small stained landing window on the west elevation. Also create a gable over the south side entrance doorway to divert the roof water runoff and break up the horizontal line of the projecting horizontal roof line. Drawing to be submitted to show the revised conditions. Details on columns and corbels. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 3 of 10 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 4. 2013.029 BADGERS CIGAR DEN, 42 Caroline Street, Architectural Review of rear deck in the Transect-6 District. SEQRA: This action is a Type II action, a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant: Frank Izzo Agent: Les Ackerman, AIA Mr. Ackerman stated the applicants are proposing the construction of a 15 x 18 deck to the rear of the existing structure. Deck structure to include composite treads and railings, aluminum handrails, wood posts and stringers to be painted or faced with hard trim. Colors in new construction shall be compatible with neighboring buildings. Architectural features of historic buildings shall be restored with colors and finishes appropriate to the nature of the materials and to the historic character of the building. Mr. Izzo stated he is the owner of the building and stated the back of the building will be sided. Mr. Ackerman stated the color of the siding is Bombay Blue. 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the application of the Badger's Cigar Den Rear Deck, 42 Caroline Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: the existing rear porch addition will be resided with a composite smooth texture horizontal siding to be "Bombay Blue". 4 inch trim at the windows and 6 inch trim at the corners. Drawings to be submitted with reflected changes. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 4 of 10  5. 2012.078.1 CONGRESS PLAZA, 46 Congress Plaza, consideration of input for Planning Board SEQRA evaluation for construction of new 6-story hotel in the Transect-6 Urban Core/Urban Residential-5 Districts. SEQRA: Project is a Type I action requiring a SEQRA determination. DRC deferred SEQRA Lead Agency status to the Planning Board and indicated that they would further discuss this project at the 4/17 meeting and send this input to the Planning Board for the SEQRA evaluation. BACKGROUND: 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 Street. This project has been substantially changed. The proposed six story hotel will be a stand alone building on the site of the former Broadway Joe's. No additional buildings are currently proposed along Congress Street. The parking structure which was formerly proposed has been removed. The existing parking area will be used to accommodate the parking needs of the hotel. This project due to its location being adjacent to the Gideon Putnam Cemetery which is identified as a City Landmark and listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Applicant: Don Greene Enterprises, Inc. Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney, Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects Mr. Hurff explained the changes to the project since the last appearance before the Board. Two staircases which were added addressed the issues which arose at a prior DRC meeting. Pilasters in the front pick up the horizontal line. Discussion ensued regarding the pedestrian wall, treatment to the roof elevations, height of the building, size of the building and the verticality of the building. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated to the Board in your communication to the Planning Board regarding SEQRA determination, exactly what impacts are you stressing to the Planning Board. The height of the building, the impact of the pedestrian barrier wall. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is still concerned regarding the height of the building. This is a very abrupt vertical building among much smaller scale buildings. This will set a precedent in this area. Perhaps the overall mass can be softened whether through the stepping of the upper floor or through the glass and steel elements. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated what the Board seems to be saying is it is not so much that the Board is against the size of the building as proposed but you are seeking the overall mass to be softened, either through the stepping of the upper floor or through the treatment of what has been proposed the glass and steel elements. Also, the Board recommends stronger pedestrian level streetscape breaking up the wall perhaps with relief and shadow lines and the addition of pilasters or other types of treatments. If there is consensus among the Board we will have it formulated and placed into correspondence and submitted to the Chairman for review and submittal to the Planning Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. 6. 2013.037 72-74 WEIBEL AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, 72-74 Weibel Avenue, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency status for 12, 500 sq. ft. of commercial space and 120 apartments in the Transect-5 District. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 5 of 10 SEQRA: Project is an Unlisted action requiring a SEQRA determination. Project involves approvals from the Planning Board and DRC. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Brett Balzer, Shawn Bourke, Balzer, Tuck Architects. Mr. Balzer stated the applicant was before the Planning Board on April 10, 2013. This project is approximately 12,500 square feet of commercial space and 120 apartments in the Transect-5 District. A presentation was provided. This is a 7.82 acre site. There is a potential for a future connection with the other site. Each site can stand on its own, or be to be connected with the project to the east at some time in the future possibly. Mr. Balzer reviewed building elevations, and what the general site of the property will be. The materials will be in keeping with the 60 Weibel Avenue project. Color choices have not been determined at this time. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he does like what was presented and the mass and scale of the buildings and different elements in this project. This is definitely headed in the right direction. The only action we have this evening is to defer SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion for deferral of Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board for 72-74 Weibel Avenue application. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 7. 2012.095 SCHRADE MIXED USE BUILDING, 227 Washington Street, Architectural Review of new 7,300 sq. ft. mixed use building within the Transect-4 District. 8. 2012.095.2 SCHRADE MIXED USE BUILDING SIGNAGE, 227 Washington Street, Architectural Review of signage for 7,200 sq. ft. mixed-use building within the Transect-4 District. SEQRA: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 6 of 10 Action appears to be a Type II action. BACKGROUND: This project entails construction of a new 2 story 7,300 square foot mixed use building with an adjacent 8 car covered carport at the corner of Washington Street and Bensonhurst Avenue on a vacant parcel. The Planning Board granted a Special Use Permit on 02/27/13 and Site Plan Approval on 03/13/2013. Applicant: Richard Schrade Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America; Jesse Bouchey, Kodiak Constructions. Ms. Yasenchak distributed revised drawings of the project to the Board for their review. Along the front of the property the columns were changed to 7 ½ inches and columns will be added at the end of the gables as well. The front fascia will now be 8" and the cornerboards and the trim is wider. The middle section of the building is setback. Windows are smaller to allow for privacy since this is on a corner lot. Color samples as well as material samples were provided for the Boards review. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated this is within the Gateway on Washington Street and you have seen a number of new buildings approved in this area. The Board was looking at the porch line, and the roof line, whether or not it is appropriate to continue that to the ends of the building. Right now it is being broken, there are sign boards on the front façade. You identified proportionality of the features, the structure itself, larger cornerboards, columns, window trims,a stronger base to the building, and the rhythm and balance of the windows on each side. Verticality versus horizontality. Overall articulation of the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the lack of a base is an issue. There are other details we will get into as well. I am still concerned regarding the mass and scale of this and how it presents itself to the street, and neighboring properties. The base of the building, the base of the columns, the roof pitches. We have increased the size of the fascia some but we really should be looking at something that is two pieces. Also, I wonder about the details of the gable returns. This is something that can really help the details of the roof. This project will set a precedent in that corridor that will probably change in the coming years. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE BOARD: Letter dated 04/15/2013 to the Design Review Commission from Constance Carroll, 61 Bensonhurst Avenue. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak regarding this application. Constance Carroll, 61 Bensonhurst Avenue. My concern is about the size of the building in the entrance to the City. My house is residential. My concern is the back of the building as well as the canopy and a 6 foot fence and how that would look. The mixtures of textures. I do believe brick is the stone used in this area. Sarah Foulke, I am glad to see the rendering of this building, it gives me some relief. I believe this structure should be brick. The building is too large, and there are nine doors on the first floor of this building. There is no room on this lot for a dumpster. Overall the building is too big for the lot it is placed on. This structure overwhelms the parcel. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is concerned with the direction this is headed. I do agree this structure is fillling this site. It's presence to Washington, the view from Bensonhurst, the mass and scale of the roof. There must be some options to help minimize the scale of the roof. The lack of a base is a large concern. I am not sure how to mitigate this. This still has a little way to go. There are some bigger issues to address before we get into colors, and materials. The massing of this structure needs some more work. Perhaps you can work on some other options. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 7 of 10  9. 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. Mr. Olsen stated he forwarded onto the Board some changes such as the red doors and the red doors with the red frames. would put together another presentation of colors for the Board. Colors of the building have not been decided at this time but the applicant did remove the color banding for the Boards review. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she feels the removal of the band is a much more appealing presentation. I like the colors but not so many of them. By streamlining them it looks better. Rob DeMarco stated there is too much cream on the building, I did like the banding. Discussion ensued regarding the banding around the building in a different color. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he likes the banding in a different color. Sonny Bonacio stated he will paint the whole building in one color and then paint some of the accent colors and invite the Board to determine which color scheme they preferred in an onsite visit. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he has concern regarding the transparency of the glass and the colors of the doors. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. A resident who lives in the area asked to see the drawings of this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas Final Building Façade Details, 19 Railroad Place, to approve the façade details and colors only as presented tonight with the stipulation that the applicant will provide a mock up sample on the building for the Board's review in the field. Richard Martin seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 8 of 10 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas Red Entry Door and Frames, 19 Railroad Place be approved as submitted April 17, 2013. Robert West seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, opposed; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, opposed; Richard Martin, opposed; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, opposed; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, opposed MOTION DENIED: 5-2 10. 2012.059.2 BOW TIE/CRITERION CINEMAS SIGNAGE, 19 Railroad Place, Architectural Review of proposed signage within the Transect-5 District. Applicant: Bow Tie Cinema. Agent: Joe Masher, COO Bowtie Cinemas; Chris Gianna, Architect, CPA Architecture; George Olson, Architect; Sonny Bonacio, Tony Bonacio and Keith Ferraro, Bonacio Construction. Mr. Gianna gave a visual presentation of the reviewed the signage to the Board and examples of signage on other Bow Tie Cinemas around the country. The Zoning Board of Appeals on April 8, 2013 granted relief for the requested signage. 36" interior lighted channel letters "Criterion Cinemas", and permitted west elevation signage not to exceed 18" for both the Price Chopper and Criterion Cinemas. The Board reviewed all proposed signage, materials, colors and lighting. 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 Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas Signage, 19 Railroad Place be approved as submitted tonight with the following conditions: that the Commission be allowed to view an example of the illumination of the marquee channel letters as well as the changeable copy board to determine final level of intensity prior to installation. West side Criterion Sign and the Price Chopper Sign are halo lit, metal and color to match blade signs. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 9 of 10 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. The next schedule Workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 3, 2013, Meeting with minor amendments. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor Richard Martin, abstained; Georgeanne Lussier recused MOTION PASSES: 5-0-2 ADJOURNMENT Georgeanne Lussier made a motion to adjourn. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanne Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:37 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 6/5/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – page 10 of 10