Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Jason Tommell; Georgeanna Lussier (arrived 8:25 P.M.) ABSENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert DeMarco STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Tamie Ehinger, Vice 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. 2013.094 TOTAL TAN FRONT DOOR, 177 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of a new front entry door within the Transect-5 District. Applicant: Keith Leonard, European Wax Agent: John Keller, Rockwell Construction Mr. Keller stated the applicant is looking to add a new entrance door to the existing storefront. This will entail the removal of the current door and moulding, placement of an interior wall which will separate the business into two businesses. Signage will be discussed under a separate application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice 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 European Wax Center Front Door, 177 Ballston Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plan. The applicant will return for signage approval under a separate application. Robert West seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 2. 2013.091 TC PARIS PATISSERIE, 72 Henry Street, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-5 District. Agent: Judy Frolich, Saratoga Sign Pros Ms. Frolich stated the old signage was removed. A new proposed 36" signage will be placed into the stucco. It will be black with gold metallic lettering. Gooseneck lighting proposed. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comment from the Board. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice 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 TC Paris Patisserie, 72 Henry Street, that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans. Jason Tommell seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 3. 2013.088 PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA / ICE CREAM MAN SIGNAGE, 146 South Broadway, Architectural Review of 2 wall and 1 free standing signs within the Transect-5 District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated this application is for approval of 3 signs - 2 wall signs and 1 free standing. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated at the workshop there was some concern of the signage overhanging the sidewalk. Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is moving the sign adjacent to the walkway to avoid being in the City's Right of Way, which was a concern the Board did have. The signage will not infringe on the City's Right of Way. Discussion ensued regarding the height of the proposed signage, and colors proposed. The applicant's agent stated the height will be no higher than 8 feet from sidewalk grade. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice 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 Papa John's Ice Cream Man Signage, 146 South Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted this date. Regarding siding and fascia color, either color presented this evening is approved. Signage is to clear the sidewalk. Lighting approval will be handled via administrative approval. The monument sign will clear the sidewalk. Robert West seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of representation for Agenda Item #4. 5. 2013.015.1 THE RIP VAN DAM HOTEL, 353 Broadway, Historic Review of new hotel/expansion of existing buildings within the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Rip Van Dam Hotel Agent: Drake Lettie, Presidian Company City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, August 7, 2013 – page 2 of 5  Corrina Green, Powers Brown Architecture Representative from LePage The applicant first appeared before this Board on February 13, 2013 during a joint meeting of the Planning Board and Design Review Commission for sketch discussion of the project. The applicant again appeared before the Board on May 1, 2013 with newly submitted renderings which presented essentially the same mass and scale but a variety of building and façade features had changed from what was previously presented. The Design Review Commission explained the placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and façade setback was also recommended at that time. A visual presentation was provided to the Board by Corrina Green, reviewing the architectural and design considerations. Scale of the proposed structure in relationship of the building and its architectural elements to neighboring structures and community character. Based on comments from the previous meeting, we have tried to present a more pronounced base and body and cap. We have incorporated those items into the massing and design. Proposed materials were also supplied to the Board for their review. Cast stone base rendering was presented along with a field brick. Proposed windows were reviewed for both the storefront and body of the building. Metal standing seam roofing is proposed. Color samples were provided for the Boards review. Many of the modifications are in keeping with the Rip Van Dam architecture. Signage will be a pedestal signage at the front drop off, similar to the existing design out front. Low level LED light will wash on the non- window areas. Lighting will be similar to what is currently there. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated that the revisions which have been made are definitely headed in the right direction. This revised design is so much more appropriate and context-sensitive. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated the Board is very pleased with the direction this application is moving. 6. 2013.096 ANICETUS GROUP REAR DECK ADDITIONS, 425 Broadway, Historic Review of multi-level deck and stair additions to the rear of an existing building within the Transect-6 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Applicant: Anicetus Group Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant is proposing the addition of porches and stairs to the rear of the building. Doors are already present so there must have been stairs there at one time. There are currently three condos and the applicant is seeking to place them for sale. Parking for the condos is to the rear of the building but there is no real access to the parking. The developers have an old building in Lee Massachusetts and they want to salvage the steel from this building to use for the decking and stairs in this project. A layout of the proposed stairwell was provided to the Board as well as the proposed decking, which is also being proposed. However, the exact dimensions and railing details will be provided once the salvaged steel is obtained. Ms. Yasenchak will come back to the Board with more information in early September. The agenda was heard out of order awaiting the arrival of an additional Board member. 8. 2013.095 SECURITY SUPPLY, 50 West Avenue, Architectural Review of a new addition and modification to exterior of existing building within the Transect-5 District. Applicant: John Dower; Frank Scirocco, Security Supply Agent: Joe Riley, GPA Architects The applicant is looking to renovate the exterior of the building. A new canopy is proposed along with a new metal pre-fab addition of approximately 3900 square feet. It will have a standing seam roof. There will be new front windows. Fiber cement siding will be adding on the side. Manufactured stonework will be added over the brick. Stonework materials were provided for the Boards review. Color choices for siding were also provided to the Board. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, August 7, 2013 – page 3 of 5 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there were any additional questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on this application. Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction and property owner to the south, stated he applauds the applicant for this project. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the application of Security Supply, 50 West Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted this date. Robert West seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Board recessed at 8:25 P.M. Georgeanna Lussier arrived at 8:25 P.M. Jason Tommell exited the meeting at 8:25 P.M. Board reconvened at 8:30 P.M. 7. 2013.093 53 PUTNAM STREET, 53 Putnam Street, Historic Review of exterior renovations to an existing building within the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Joe Balsamo, owner; Putnam Resources Agent: Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Bill Willard, Bonacio Construction; David D’Amore, A & D Architecture & Design Mr. D’Amore provided a slide show presentation to the Board. The building is under contract pending project approval. The building is in severe disrepair but is salvageable with some structural remediation. The proposed use of this building is a performance / food venue. They propose providing folk, jazz, chamber music presentations with a light fare menu during performances only. This will not be operated as a full time restaurant. This is located in a Transect-6 zone. It is an interesting landscape, surrounded by parking lots. The property boundary is pretty tight around the building. Pedestrian way in front, right of way on the north edge of the building around the back to a private parking lot behind the arcade. This is approximately 1/3 of an acre property. Greenscaping is proposed out front with the addition of trees out front. New pavement and lighting. Excavation will take place along the driveway, and a new brick wall is proposed, trying to maintain the industrial nature of this building. New sidewalks and curbs. Demolition and reconstruction of existing side addition in the same footprint. Mechanicals will be housed in this location. Building will be painted. New windows installed. New roof structure with the installation of roof drains into the storage system. We will be preserving the door openings and exit doors. The applicant reviewed the building elevations. A dark grey or green canopy is proposed. We will preserve the brick, where possible. Samples of cut sheets on light fixtures were provided to the Board. A green wall was also proposed. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding total approval versus Mass and Scale approval only. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if there were any questions or comments from the Board. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. The Board requested updated elevations. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of 53 Putnam Street application that we approve the application for Mass and Scale. The applicant will return to the Board for final material details and colors. Robert West seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, August 7, 2013 – page 4 of 5 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 APPLICATION ADJOURNED: 4. 2013.092 STOCKWELL EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS, 172 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of exterior renovations (siding, windows, porch details) within the Urban Residential-3 District. This application was tabled due to lack of representation. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday September 4, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, deferred the approval of meeting minutes until the next meeting on September 4, 2013. ADJOURNMENT: Robert West made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 There being no further business to discuss Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 11/20/13 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, August 7, 2013 – page 5 of 5