Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Robert DeMarco ABSENT: Karen Cavotta; Georgeanna Lussier STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. ADJOURNED APPLICATIONS: 5. 2013.058 64 LUDLOW WINDOWS, 64 Ludlow Street, Historic Review of windows in the Urban Residential-1 District. Adjourned by applicant to a future meeting. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2013.065 JACOB & ANTHONY'S TENT, 38 High Rock Avenue, Architectural Review of tent in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Jacob & Anthony's/MMG of Saratoga Agent: Joe Marriello SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Applicant is proposing a white vinyl 20' x 30' open sided tent to be placed on the existing patio. The proposed tent will occupy approximately ¾ of patio and is highly visible from the street. While generally seasonal, the tent may remain up for up to 180 days (6 months). This is not a permanent structure. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Board would like to have input when the tent is replaced, perhaps a new color choice. 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 Jacob & Anthony's Tent 38 High Rock Avenue that the application be approved as submitted. This will be approved administratively each year. 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; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2013.074 JACK DILLON'S FREESTANDING SIGN, 3246 South Broadway (Rte 9), Architectural Review of a freestanding sign in the Tourist Related Business District. Applicant: Tom Dillon Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. The applicants are proposing a 10.5 foot sign on Route 9. They will be utilizing existing lighting. Landscaping is proposed around the sign. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there is good visibility for the sign in both directions. Lettering on the bottom appears to be so small will it be of benefit to the applicant. Discussion ensued regarding the height of the sign and it was the consensus of the Board the signage should be lowered to from 10.5 feet from grade to 8 feet from grade. Mr. Roicki stated his client would be agreeable to lowering the height of the sign. 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 Jack Dillon's Restaurant Freestanding Sign, 3246 South Broadway to approve with the following conditions – The sign is to be no higher than 8 feet above the existing grade. Posts to be recessed and painted black from the base of the sign up, from the base of the sign down it will be painted burgundy red. 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; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 AGENDA ITEMS WERE HEARD OUT OF ORDER DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF REPRESENTATION. 4. 2013.066 de JONGHE STOREFRONT, AWNING, WALL SIGN, 470 Broadway, Historic Review of façade renovation including storefront replacement, new awning and wall sign and in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Dennis deJonghe Agent: Michael Perri, Architect Mr. Perry stated the applicant is looking to replace the entire storefront. Replacement of the existing storefront with a new aluminum storefront system with a mahogany door colored red with a slate tile entry. Glass block panels will be used. Signage will be mounted to the glass block. Letters will be custom cut and painted gold. The awning will remain exactly as what currently exists. The awning will now become retractable. Awning hardware will be painted the same color as the storefront a forest green. Existing columns will remain. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 1, 2013 – page 2 of 7 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a discussion was held at the workshop regarding the glass block. We are looking at perhaps a slight frosted glass which looks great when lite from behind. Discussion ensued regarding the usage and type of glass block. It was the consensus of the Board that when the final choice of block is made along with the grout color a site visit will be made to view the project. Perhaps some samples would be beneficial. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated we reviewed the application and we are happy with the return of the glass block since that is what was there originally, in the 8 x 8 size. However, in reviewing the cut sheets reveals the use of vinyl. We do not allow the use of vinyl in the historic district. Also grouting in the darker color would be more historic. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the mater of the deJonghe Storefront, Awning, Wall Sign, 470 Broadway, that the application be approved with the exception of the glass blcok. Glass block details to be finalized 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 AGENDA ITEMS WERE HEARD OUT OF ORDER DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF REPRESENTATION. 3. 2013.088 PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA ROOF REPLACEMENT, 146 South Broadway, Architectural Review of a roof replacement in the Transect-5 District. Applicant: Russ Faden Owner: Steven Ethier SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. The owner is requesting a roof replacement on the former Pizza House (now Papa John's) from red metal to black architectural asphalt shingle. A sample of the product was reviewed by the Board. The owner is proposing the Owens Corning Onyx Black shingles. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of removal the cupola and any rooftop mechanicals. Steven Rowland, Chariman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Papa John's Pizza Roof Replacement, 146 South Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions – The owner agrees to remove any unused roof penetrations. The owner also agrees to return to a future meeting to discuss other roof penetrations and façade treatment. Owen Corning Onyx Black shingles to be used for the roof. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 1, 2013 – page 3 of 7 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2013.067 HAMILTON STREET PARKING LOT, Hamilton Street, sketch discussion on proposed concept design for a 3-story, 180 space parking garage in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Charles Crosby and Son, Inc. Agent: Bruce Levinsky, Tony Stellato, CHA; Jim Quinn Applicant is proposing the construction of a new private parking structure on a parcel of land on Hamilton Street, just south of "Wendy's Restaurant" in part, to accommodate parking needs of the proposed Rip Van Dam hotel expansion/construction. Current conditions include a surface parking lot holding approximately 65 vehicle spaces. Propsoal is to construct an open-top, 3 level parking structure with a 207 vehicle capacity. This is not a public parking garage. Cars will be valet parked. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the Board should be aware of the Zoning Ordinance in the Transect Zones. The parking structures should be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the property lines of all adjacent streets to reserve room for the liner buildings. If no liner building is constructed in conjunction with construction of the parking streucture, the yard should provide publicly accessible civic space. Parking structures without liner buildings should have a façade complementary with adjacent buildings. Façade opening should not exceed 60% of these facades. The first level of all parking structures should be visually screened from the street right of way. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated lighting is a concern, especially nighttime lighting. Mr. Levinsky stated this garage is not a public parking garage. This is a valet parking structure, managed by a valet staff. Mr. Levinsky stated all the lights proposed will be downlighting to prevent light spillage. This parking structure will address the needs of the hotel. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we would like to view all the facades and elevations. There are some concerns how it meets the T-6 requirements. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she does like the canopies. It is a nice touch. Richard Martin questioned the placement of garage on the site. Also how do you remove the snow from the rooftop parking area. Mr. Levinsky stated you will lose the parking spaces until the snow can be removed off site. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated it is appropriate now for the applicant to appear before the Planning Board for a site plan review. The Planning Board may have some suggestions which could perhaps change the plans of the parking garage. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we look forward to seeing the applicant at a future meeting. 7. 2013.011 HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 394-402 Church St., Architectural Review of senior assisted care facility City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 1, 2013 – page 4 of 7  and senior housing in the Urban Residential – 1 District. Applicant: Rosen Development Company, Inc. Agent: Owen Nitzel, Harris A. Sanders, Architects China Clark, Harris A. Sanders, Architects SEQRA: On 02/6/13 the DRC deferred SEQRA lead agency status to the Planning Board. On 02/7/13, the Planning Board accepted SEQRA lead agency status and issued a SEQRA negative declaration. Mr. Nitzel stated they took the Board's advice and exteneded the reverse gables on the assisted living wing and it does help with the roof lines. A visual presentation was provided to the Board with the changes that were made. Material samples were provided for the Boards review. Color samples were also provided. Rooflines were raised by 1 foot. Detailed elevations were submitted detailing material selections for the buildings. Smaller windows were utilized in the cottage bedrooms and larger windows in the living areas. We also played with different material type treatments. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West complimented the applicants agent for their staying power and returning with a much better project. Mr. Nitzel thanked the Board for their input and help in making this project what it is. Steven Rowland, Chairman also thanked the applicant for his endurance and willingness to listen to suggestions and incorporating some suggestions into the project. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Good Shepherd Assisted and Enhanced Assisted Living Facility, 394-402 Church Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: - that the windows are trimmed with a 5 ½" trim board. The stone lintels are wider or span the width of the window trim by 4" on each side. The main entryway cupola will be larger than the two to the west on the main building. The entryway cupola will be flared as it sits on the roof. The plumbing stacks will relate to the color of the shingles along with all the penetrations to match. Vinyl siding as smooth as possible. The larger gable will be proportionately wider than on the print. That the overbuilt gable will be raised approximately 2 feet. A new set of revised drawings will represent these changes and additions. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 8. 2013.043 ADELPHI HOTEL RENOVATION, 365 Broadway, Historic Review of full renovation of Hotel within the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Adelphi Hotel Partners LLC Agent: Jeff Ward RBC Construction Dominick Ranieri, dra PC SEQRA: Action is a "Type II" action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. The applicant is seeking to restore/reconstruct this historic hotel to 5-star standards. A visual presentation provided by the Mr. Ranieri to the Board. On the front façade reintroduction of storefront system to the left (south) of the central including upper glass transom. Renovation of entrance canopy using steel and glass system. Proposed replacement of upper story windows. The applicant provided the Board with a sample of the historic replicated system. On the rear of the building City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 1, 2013 – page 5 of 7 construction of approximately 850 square feet of orangery. Construction of new glass and steel elevator tower in the main building and orangery. Construction of new rear glass and steel rear stair/elevator tower. The applicant's agent has been working on this hotel project for 2 years. Mr. Ranieri reviewed the elevations around the building. Colors will be a light cream color and windows will be a dark grey metal clad. Discussion ensued regarding a site visit to view the condition of the windows. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated she would like to thank the applicant for their transparency in their plans and their research in this project. Also take into consideration the view from all sides. I would like to see the railing in front and how it will meet code. The railing in the back with the balcony. I would encourage whatever is removed either doors or windows to contact the salvage company. Regarding the south elevation, I was curious the dining room will the brick be removed to a glass structure. Mr. Ranieri stated the cost to do that is prohibitive. The existing windows will be widened in that area and the brick will remain. The issue with the replacement is not that there are in disrepair, it is the sound atttenuation, the energy efficiency and the actual remedy is virtually impossible without using the window proposed. We will need to approach the state for waivers from the Historic Building Code for especially the stairwell. 9. 2013.069 LEGENDS CAFÉ FRONT PORCH & WALL SIGN, 102 Congress Street, Architectural Review of front porch renovation and revision to wall sign color in the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Legends Café Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America SEQRA: Action is a Type II action, a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Ms. Yasenchak stated they have had a few mishaps with tenants and they had a fire on the porch. Over the years these front porches have been deteriorating. The applicants would like to upgrade and make it usable for the apartments and to make it structurally sound. They will replace in kind. A photograph was included for the Boards review of what the structure looked like back in the day. The guardrail is not the correct height so this needs to be brought up to code. The other issue is the porches are two levels. The left side is actually 4 or 5 inches higher than the porch where you enter the café. We cannot change a rise or run of the stairs due to the proximity of the sidewalk. A new metal roof will be installed. Trying to keep everything as simple as possible. We are proposing on the left side to go back to the same style of rail that is existing at the top a square stock between the posts. The bottom posts will be replaced. They are not all matching. A new metal roof will be installed and stairs will be replaced in kind. The signage will be replaced changing the color to red, everything else remains the same. 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 Legend's Café Front Porch and Wall Sign, 102 Congress Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions, that the ceiling of the two porch elevation would be wainscoting, stained. The columns will be submitted for Administrative review for continuity for both top and bottom consistency. The stair treatment as to finish and material will also be reviewed Administratively before executing. The lattice is to be of wood square pattern. Bob 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 10. 2013.068 ISTANBLUE WALL SIGN, 68 Congress Street, Architectural Review of sign replacement in the Transect-6 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 1, 2013 – page 6 of 7  District. Applicant: Yalcin Corporation Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicants hired a sign company and they installed the signage and never came before the Board. We realize now that the logo is too large. They did remove some items from the signage and is now 18" which is allowable. Adirondack Sign will review and possibly redo the sign to comply to signage regulations. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the application of Istanblue Restaurant Wall Sign, 68 Congress Street that the application is approved with the following condition that the logo is not to exceed 18". Steven Rowland, 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 NT OF NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next schedule Workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 6 The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday July 17, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman deferred the meeting minutes until the next Design Review Meeting on July 17, 2013. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:30P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 9/4/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 1, 2013 – page 7 of 7