Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Georgeanna Lussier ABSENT: Robert West STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman 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. A. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2013.061 BACK IN MOTION CHIROPRACTOR WALL SIGN, 18 Congress Street Suite 1, Architectural Review of wall sign in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Keith Cavayero, owner. SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant is looking for new signage over the door, similar to Chianti's. It will be reverse lit channel letters. Gooseneck lamp fixtures which currently exist will be removed. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated that he believed that the size of the letters appear to be out of proportion for the building and sign area. Discussion ensued regarding the size of the proposed signage. 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 Back in Motion Wall Sign, 18 Congress Street, Suite 1, that the application be approved with the following conditions – sign as submitted will need to be reduced in size. New drawing to be submitted and reviewed administratively. Goosenecks to be removed. Painted and patched backer board. Seconded by Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman. 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;  Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 2013.071 GREENHOUSE SALAD WALL SIGN, 33 Railroad Place Suite 103, Architectural Review of wall sign in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Greenhouse Salad, Inc. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company SEQRA: This action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. The applicant is proposing the sign to be made of ¾" painted sign foam letters painted marine green with ¼" black PVC backer; flush mounted to the building with silicone. No lighting is proposed. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of the signage, and framed in metal consistent with the other doors. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the Greenhouse Salad Wall Sign, 33 Railroad Avenue, be approved with the following conditions – Signage as in design presented this evening but positioned over the door with a metal frame consistent with adjacent signage. Final review/approval via administrative action. Seconded by Richard Martin. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor. MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Agenda Item #3 was deferred due to lack of representation. 3. 2013.048 LRD PROPERTIES, LLC, 8 Fifth Avenue, Historic Review of siding and trim on residence in the Urban Residential-1 District. SEQRA: Action is a Type II, action; SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant: LRD Properties, LLC (Bob Bristol) Agent: Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects. DISCLOSURE: Robert Bristol disclosed that he is a member of the Planning Board. Matthew Hurff, stated this building has a lot of detail to it. The owner is committed to keeping all the detail on the building. Board for board width for width. We are trying to preserve this building. There are better products currently available to keep this building preserved. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a site visit was made. There is a reasonable amount of the home which is in pretty good condition and a reasonable amount of the home which is in poor condition. The home is in very good condition considering its age. It is a contributing property on the National and State registers of Historic Places. The Ordinance is very clear on what is allowed. The wood that is on the building has lasted a century or more. The insulation which has been added to it has contributed to the deterioration. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 2 of 10 Mr. Hurff stated we could discuss keeping the front façade as it is. The east side is particularly bad. It is very close to the property line and the product we are proposing has a fire retardant rating. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated her personal opinion is that her guidelines are very clear. Personally there is no wiggle room here. There is no reason not to replace in kind. It is the nature of owning an old Victorian. Mr. Hurff stated he fundamentally disagrees with that. The materials used and the paint that was used in the past are materials that cannot be obtained and used at this time. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Preservation Foundation, stated the DRC is in receipt of a previous letter submitted stating this is a basic preservation standard – requiring replacement in kind. Diverging from this sets a dangerous precedent. It is also a contributing property in the Historic District. She strongly urges the Board to stay with the standards that have been adopted and enforced. It is unfair to other property owners who follow the standards with their historic homes. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated he is struggling with this but this is a contributing property in the State and National Historic Places. Our ordinance is very clear on the standards. Mr. Hurff asked what the Board thought about the outbuilding, which is part of the application. They are proposing the same products to be used on the outbuilding. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked about the age of the outbuilding. Mr. Bristol does not know the age of the building. Mr. Hurff stated it does have some problems similar to that of the home. He asked if the Board was amenable to granting approval to do that structure and then have the Board look at the structure to see the resulting product. Richard Martin stated that using current products is not really an issue with some of the Board members particularly on the accessory building. The accessory building has already been compromised. Rob DeMarco stated he would be interested in seeing the accessory structure with the proposed materials. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Preservation Foundation, stated the research on the outbuilding has not been completed to determine the age of the structure. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she thinks it would be great to know the age of the structure. Discussion ensued regarding the products to be used and the durability of same, also the re-cladding of the outbuilding using the proposed products. Steven Rowland, Chairman, inquired as to the Commission’s opinion about using the outbuilding as test case for the proposed products. Richard Martin stated the motion should establish that the carriage house is not a historic structure. What makes this property so unique is the level of detail and character found in the principal building. If you can duplicate that detail, 100 years from now people will be looking at that building and stating how good it has been preserved. The State and Federal government spends billions of dollars trying to preserve statues and buildings. We keep moving ahead and making better products all the time. We have to sit here and decide to preserve the whole building, not necessarily preserve the materials that are on the building. I want to see the building sit there with all its grandeur with all the details and the same character and texture even with a new product. I can understand what the applicant is trying to say. Mr. Martin also stated he would City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 3 of 10 like to see two sides of the carriage house completed and have the Board review it before it is completed to review the old and the new products. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of LRD Properties, LLC, 8 Fifth Avenue, that the we approve the application for the re-cladding of the outbuilding only. The house is to be evaluated at a later date. Seconded by Richard Martin. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, opposed; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-1 5. 2013.064 PERRY MUDROOM ADDITION, 173 Phila Street, Historic Review of mudroom addition in the Urban Residential -1 District. Applicants: Kyle & Jennifer Perry Agent: Brett Balzer, balzer + tuck architects SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Mr. Balzer stated the applicants are proposing a 150 square foot addition off of the rear of the home on the north side. It will include two covered stairs on either side of mudroom. The current room is cold in the winter and warm in the summer. We are proposing a white addition with an asphalt shingle roof, PVC trim, fascia and fiber cement panels, fiberglass column and wooden railings. Simulated divided light windows and door. 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 Perry Mudroom Addition, 173 Phila Street, that the application be approved as submitted. Georgeanna Lussier 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0. Agenda Item #6 was deferred due to lack of representation. 7. 2013.051 BROADWAY SPRING CORPORATION, 7 Spring Street, Historic Review of windows and north entrance in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Scott Grodsky Agent: Jesse Boucher, Kodiak Construction SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Mr. Boucher stated the applicant is seeking approval to re-introduce windows into the south and east elevations and also into the north and west side parking lot areas of the building at the corner of Broadway and Spring Streets, across from the Arts Center. A visual presentation was provided for the Boards review. These bricked over windows will be opened for future apartments. We will be using Pella Designer Series double hung brown aluminum cladding, simulated divided light SDL vertical grille. Windows will be introduced in the upper windows and the upper portion of the lower windows. Half of the lower portion of the lower windows are filled with brick. Historic mortar mix will be used. Stucco finish on the trim across City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 4 of 10 the fascia. We will be replacing the rubber membrane on the roof. Color palette will be provided at the next appearance before the board. They will be improving the fascia on Broadway elevation. The awning which has not been approved, is the White Tea Spa. They will be formalizing their application. No signage is being added since it is residential. No lighting is being proposed only the emergency exit light. Richard Martin stated we should have new drawings to reflect the new window changes as discussed. Elevations should reflect windows that will have the details we discussed. There should be consistent detailing on the fascia, west and south elevations, that relates to the corbels so we are not looking at one big long flat plane. The proposed stucco detail trim along the fascia should match the others that exist. Color pallet we will be reviewed at the next meeting as well the material for the doors and windows. Steven Rowland, Chairman reiterated the items which were discussed such as the upper fascia at Broadway and the Spring Street elevations, the west and south elevations, the colors, windows and entrance door information, Details on the spandrel panels between the windows, drawings and elevations to reflect the windows that have the soffit or coffering treatment inside for the ceilings conflict, the window sizes as well. Our next meeting will be on Monday, July 1, 2013. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Preservation Foundation, stated it is great that the owners are putting the windows back. I appreciate that Jessie researched the project. Together we pieced together the changes to this building. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will see this application back on the agenda when the information is available. 8. 2013.016 SARATOGA HONDA, 3402 Route 9 (South Broadway), Architectural Review of proposed expansion of existing building in the Office Medical Business 1 and 2 Districts. Applicant: Timothy Higgins Agent: Brett Balzer, balzer + tuck architecture; Mike Ingersoll, LA Group SEQRA: This was a Type I action requiring coordinated SEQRA review. On February 11, 12013 the ZBA requested lead agency status and on March 6, the DRC deferred lead agency status to the ZBA. On March 11, a joint meeting of the land use boards was held on this project; R Martin and K Cavotta were in attendance. On March 20, the DRC provided a conditional favorable input to the ZBA for their consideration. On April 8, the ZBA issued a SEQRA Negative Declaration. BACKGROUND: The site is proximate to the New York State parkland on three sides and is located across from the Saratoga Spa State Park, an identified "contributing property: on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places and a listed National Historic Landmark. This site is also located with a prominent City Gateway, codified within the City's Zoning Ordinance as the "Gateway Design District 1. The declared intent of this gateway and primary entrance to the City is to encourage appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural "Country" character in this gateway area to complement the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park. Mr. Balzer provided a visual presentation to the Board. Along with the proposed Mass and Scale, which they hope to receive this evening, there is a partial demolition which will also be reviewed. The total project is approximately 44,000 square feet. Mr. Ingersoll, LA Group, described the stormwater management plan; buffering on Route 9, which will remain; and LED Lighting which can be dimmed at night to moonlight level. Mr. Higgins is one of ten sustainable dealerships in the United States. Mr. Balzer reviewed the site plan for the Board. Mr. Balzer reviewed elevations, and requirements from the Honda Corporation which has been incorporated into this project. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 5 of 10 Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, reviewed the comments the Board provided to the Planning Board for their SEQRA review. Items such as its location to New York State Parklands on three sides and is a contributing property on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places and a listed National Historic Landmark. Also, the site is also located within a prominent City Gateway. The intent of this gateway is to encourage appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural "Country" character in this gateway to compliment the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park. Particular focus on whether this project may produce any large and significant impacts on aesthetic or historic resources. Also the building exteriors and signs should be constructed primarily of natural materials such as wood and stone. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the service bays really jump out at him and asked whether there any possibility that service center signage be moved lower on the façade. Mr. Balzer stated we can discuss this with corporate. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he still struggles with the height of the cylinder and the height of the auto porch. They seem too contemporary. I think from the standpoint of what our guidelines state. I am not sure how to change it. It is much more contemporary than anything else around it. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated it sounds like what I am hearing from the Board is favorable to approval for mass and scale. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Honda Expansion, 3402 Route 9 (South Broadway that we approve this application as submitted for Mass and Scale. Georgeanna Lussier 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 9. 2013.045 ADVISORY OPINION TO CITY COUNCIL ON ZONING AMENDMENT PETITION, 3368 South Broadway petition to change zoning from Office Medical Business-1 (OMB-1) District to Tourist Related Business (TRB) District to permit construction of 4-story, 09 unit hotel and 2-story 12,000 sf building for additional TRB uses. Applicant: Turf Hotels, Mike Hoffman, Brian Strautter Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Jones Firm; Mike Ingersoll, LA Group The applicant has petitioned the City Council for a proposed zoning amendment by Turf Hotels Saratoga South, LLC for property located at 3368 South Broadway, the site of the former Weathervane Restaurant. The petitioner seeks to change the zoning designation on this parcel, and subsequent zoning map, from Office Medical Business-1 District (OMB-1) to Tourist Related Business District (TRB) to permit the construction of a 4-story, 109 unit extended stay hotel with an additional 2-story, 12,000 square foot building for additional tourist related business uses. At the April 16 meeting the City Council accepted this petition for review and requested advisory opinions on this proposed amendment from the Planning Board (required) and the DRC. HISTORY: This property was the home of The Country Gentleman in the 1950s through the 1970s when it became the Weathervane restaurant. It has been vacant for several years. This property is located on the east side of US Rte 9 and measures 5.17 acres. It is bordered to the North by Murphy’s Driving Range and then Saratoga Honda, which has just received a use variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals to expand its car dealership. This property is across from the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Spa State Park is listed as a “contributing” property on the NY State and National Registers of Historic City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 6 of 10 Places. In 1987, the Spa State Park was granted National Historic Landmark (NHL) status, recognized for its national-level historical significance. Of the 85,000 properties listed on the National Register, only about 2,500 are NHLs. This property is located within a City “Gateway Design District-1” the intent of which “is to establish a series of site and construction standards and guidelines to encourage appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural “Country” character in this gateway area to complement the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park.” The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as COMM-5 relating to “Medium Density Office Park”. The GAPS committee recommendation indicated “any future Comprehensive Plan Committee should focus on this section on South Broadway and explore the potential for alternative development concepts for this section of South Broadway.” Mr. Jones gave a brief statement regarding the Comprehensive Plan and possible rezoning of this property. Mike Ingersoll, LA Group gave a presentation of the project. The intent of the Gateway Design District-1 is to establish a series of site and construction standards and guidelines to encourage appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural “Country” character in this gateway area to complement the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park. These site and construction provisions shall guide the location and character of site development, buildings, roads, parking, signage, and vegetation. A visual presentation was provided to the Board. This request is to rezone only this 1 parcel of land to Tourist Related Business District. Surrounding land would remain as currently zoned Office Medical Business-1 with Office Medical Business-2 to the north. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we have certainly had time to review and discuss this advisory opinion. There are some firm opinions on what the Commission feels. Obviously the main areas of concern have been discussed. This area is ripe for development. The important thing is we are right across from the State Park and we want to be respectful of that certainly. There are important considerations to be made in this area. The use that the applicant is proposing is in conformance with what we feel and are comfortable with. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman presented the following Advisory Opinion to the City Council ADVISORY OPINION In the Matter of the application #2013.045 Advisory Opinion to City Council on Zoning Amendment – Turf Hotels 3368 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 involving a request from the City Council for an advisory opinion on a petition to change zoning from Office Medical Business-1 (OMB-1) District to Tourist Related Business (TRB) District to permit construction of a 4-story, 109 unit hotel. Following discussion on this matter on May 15 and June 19, 2013, the Commission issues the following opinion  Favorable Opinion – with the following considerations: - This property is across from the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Spa State Park is listed as a "contributing" property on the NY State and National Registers of Historic Places. In 1987, the Spa State Park was granted National Historic Landmark (NHL) status, recognized for its national-level historical significance. Of the 85,000 properties listed on the National Register, only about 2,500 are NHLs. - This property is located within a City "Gateway Design District's" (Zoning Ordinance 240-2.3), the intent of which "is to establish a series of site and construction standards and guidelines to encourage appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural "County" character in this gate way area to complement the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park." The DRC is confident in our statutory authority an appropriate design for a structure of this type can be realized. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 7 of 10 - The proposal for a hotel use in this City gateway is not without its appeal as the magnitude and potential impact of this use (a long-term stay hotel) may be less intensive than the currently allowed Office/Medical/Business or other possible uses under the general designation of Tourist Related Business – as long as the hotel design, materials, and the site layout are sensitive and complementary to the adjacent National Historic Landmark property. It must be noted, however, that once the zoning designation is changed to TRB, there are no guarantees on the resultant project should financing, owners or circumstances change. - The Commission would recommend that the originally proposed separate commercial building housing additional Tourist Related Business uses be either removed from the proposed plan or better incorporated into the overall Hotel structure design to ensure a primary focus on a singular gateway hotel feature without potentially disparate TRB uses. - While this area is currently zoned for office/commercial uses, the Commission does have concern that a change to Tourist Related Business zoning on this, and potentially future surrounding properties, may be contrary to preserving and enhancing the 'country' character objective in this area. - As currently defined the Tourist Related Business district would permit such uses as outdoor storage/display, car washes, motor vehicle repair and fueling stations, eating and drinking establishments, parking facilities, etc.. Some, if not many of these uses, offer far more limited architectural and site design opportunities than the currently proposed hotel use. While context-sensitive architecture and design may mitigate a number of potential issues, these permitted Tourist Related Business uses may not be appropriate for a primary City gateway leading to this National Historic Landmark. - The City Council may wish to entertain revising the allowable uses in the Tourist Related Business districts or designating a more appropriate zoning category that would enhance the objective for a rural 'country' character while providing commercial uses complementary to the Saratoga Spa State Park and National Museum of Dance. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 10. 2013.003.1 OMNI HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, 2 West Avenue, Architectural Review of mixed-use senior housing within the Transect-5 District. Applicant: Omni Housing Development-Duncan Barrett Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group; Ron Bigolli and Randy Collins, CS Architecture PROJECT BACKGROUND: Applicant first appeared before the DRC on January 16 for a sketch discussion. On April 24, 2013 the Planning Board initiated SEQRA coordinated reviewed and voted to seek Lead Agency Status . On May 1, the DRC deferred SEQRA Lead Agency status to the Planning Board. On May 8, the Planning Board accepted SEQRA Lead Agency status; issued a SEQRA Negative Declaration; and approved a Special Use Permit. Mr. Ingersoll provided the Board with a power point presentation. We have incorporated the input we received from the Board. We have received approval from DOT to have a park setting on the corner. We have done some test borings and test pits. Mr. Bigolli provided some samples to the Board of base stone. He explained the positioning of the stone, and brick and materials to be used on the project. AZEK trim and Hardy board siding. Neutral light green siding with trim being a lighter cream color. Window frames and sash will be dark green. Roof samples were also provided. The proposed water feature City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 8 of 10 was explained. Under the roof of the porch old bead board will be used. Wooden doors have been selected for the entrance. Mr. Ingersoll presented a landscaping plan to the Board. We can create a landscape garden or install some metal fencing creating an English garden type appearance. Richard Martin stated he had anticipated a bigger presence with the water feature and the front porch. He also suggested a darker wood for the doors along Church Street. Discussion ensued regarding the front façade and water feature and some suggestions were made by the Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Mr. Santos, an adjacent property owner, indicated that the back of this project borders his property. He is concerned regarding the buffering. Mr. Ingersoll explained there is 80 feet to his property line. 30 trees will be added and there will be added buffering. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Omni Housing Development, 2 West Avenue, that we approved the application as submitted this evening for Mass and Scale only. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0. 11. 2013.009 EXCELSIOR AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, 52 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review of 2 new mixed use buildings (Fresh Market & Retail Building), in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Andre Schmid, Beechwood Associates Agent: LA Group; George Olsen, Architect Todd Curley, Prime Company SEQRA: In accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617, on March 27, 2013, the Planning Board, after coordinated review, issued a SEQRA negative declaration for this project. BACKGROUND: The Planning Board and the DRC conducted a joint meeting on December 20, 2012 for sketch discussion of this project. The applicant submitted formal DRC application and appeared before DRC on 4/3. Since then, the applicant has hired Olsen Architects to assist with the design. George Olsen has submitted revised sketches for the Fresh Market and Retail buildings and is seeking input on the general direction of the revisions. This site is across from the City Water Plant on the east, across from vacant land owned by National Grid (site of former skating rink) to the south, and will essentially develop and create a new City block consisting of 3 separate buildings. Fresh Market – 21,909 square feet of first floor, 3,250 square feet of mezzanine; and a retail building along Marion Avenue – 19, 414 square feet. Mr. Olsen provided the Board with a brief overview of the project. He reviewed the elevations with the Board. At the last appearance before the Board we took the comments from the Board and incorporated them into the project. We raised the roof elevation a bit. We are still reworking some of the elements. The Route 50 building façade still requires some more work to articulate and break up the perception of the building mass. Also we are looking at the east side of the buildings facing exit 15 and what the view will be from there. We are discussion signage with the Fresh Market group. Discussion ensued regard building facades and rooftop elevations and rooftop mechanicals. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 9 of 10 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he feels comfortable with the Mass and Scale of this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Excelsior Avenue Mixed Use Development, 52 Marion Avenue to approve the Fresh Market Building and the retail building as submitted for Mass and Scale with the following condition: the DRC may entertain some additional height articulation and roofline articulation especially as it relates to the Fresh Market Building for the north and west elevations as it is developed. The footprint is relatively firm at this stage. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPLICATIONS TABLED BY THE BOARD: 3. 2013.065 JACOB & ANTHONY'S TENT, 38 High Rock Avenue, Architectural Review of tent in the Transect-6 District. Adjourned until July 1, 2013. 6. 2013.058 64 LUDLOW WINDOWS, 64 Ludlow Street, Historic Review of windows in the Urban Residential-1 District. Adjourned until July 1, 2013. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Monday, July 1, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the minutes of the May 15, 2013 meeting as submitted with minor non- substantial corrections. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to accept the June 5, 2013 meeting minutes, as amended by the Chair. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 9/4/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – page 10 of 10