Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Georgeanna Lussier STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steven 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. PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the intent of the consent agenda is to identify any applications that appear to be "approvable" without need for further evaluation or discussion. If any DRC member or member of the audience wishes to discuss/explore any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the "consent agenda" and dealt with individually. An audience member had some questions regarding Item #2. Item #2 was pulled from the consent agenda. 1. # 2014.015.1 NEUMANN BUILDING, 233 Lake Avenue, consideration of SEQRA lead agency for renovation and additions to existing structure within a current Institutional-Education district. 3. #2012.076.2 HIDDEN FOUNTAIN GARDENS, 61 Lawrence Street, extension of Architectural Review approval for mixed use building within a Transect-5 Neighborhood Center district. buildings within the Transect-4 District. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion to defer SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board for the Neumann Building, 233 Lake Avenue, and to approve the extension of Architectural Review approval for Hidden Fountain Gardens, 61 Lawrence Street. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor. MOTION PASSES: 7-0 B. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 2. #2014.016.1 CONGREGATION & YESHIVA PARDES YOSEF DORMITORY, 1 Veteran's Way, consideration of SEQRA lead agency for additions to existing structure within a Urban Residential-1 district. Michael Toohey, attorney for the applicant, stated this application will reappear before the DRC and the Planning Board as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals. Tonight, the purpose of the application before this Board is to defer Lead Agency to the Planning Board for purposes of SEQRA. Matthew Meechak, 5 Loughberry Road South, expressed concerns about this expansion. He identified numerous issues with the current operation of the school in its current state. It has impacted the neighborhood with an increase in pedestrian traffic by 500%. Noise and music are issues at times until approximately 1:00 A.M. There is not much open space for these students and they do spill out into the roadways. He is opposed to the addition. Steven Rowland, Chairman, clarified that the matter before the DRC tonight is a procedural one, to defer SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board so that they may take the lead in evaluating any potential large and significant impacts by this new activity. He thanked Mr. Meechak for his comments and suggested that he also provide these to the Planning Board as there are very site-specific and appropriate for the Planning Board’s review of this proposed activity. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone else in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Congregation & Yeshiva Pardes Yosef Dormintory, 1 Veterans Way, to defer SEQRA Lead Agency status to the Planning Board. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor. MOTION PASSES: 7-0 4. #2014.002.1 GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH SIGNAGE, 165 High Rock Avenue, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within a Transect-5 Neighborhood Center district. Applicant: Mike Adams, Pastor Grace Fellowship Church Agent: Lisa Tymchyn, Saxton Sign Corporation The applicant is seeking to install a 2 foot by 6 foot freestanding sign that will be 6 foot tall. There will be 2 solar lights on each side to externally illuminate the sign. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the Grace Fellowship Church Signage, 165 High Rock Avenue, to approve as submitted. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there is 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 5. #2014.017.1 THE WASHINGTON ALLEY SIGNAGE, 422 Broadway, advisory opinion to ZBA for relief to allow projecting signage along side of building within a Transect-6 Urban Core district. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated this application is an advisory opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals for relief to permit projecting signage along side of building. Currently, our ordinance does not allow for perpendicular hanging signage. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 2 of 8 However, the Chairman would like to see this type of signage returned to the City. This is a unique condition since these businesses do not have street frontage. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated that following a discussion on this matter the Design Review Commission issues the following favorable opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals with the following conditions: - The identified retail establishment may have a wall sign or a projecting sign but not both. - Projecting signs must have a minimum ground clearance of at least 8 feet from grade. - Projecting signs may not project more than four feet from the building or 1/3 the width of the walk whichever is less. - Projecting signs must be pinned away from the wall at least 6 inches and must project from the wall at a 90 degree angle (angular projection from the corner of a building is prohibited). - Total area of a projecting signs shall not exceed 8 square feet. - Projecting signs may be non-illuminated or externally illuminated only by a down-direction and shielded fixture. - Projecting signs shall not vertically extend beyond the roof/cornice line or above the second story window sill, whichever is less. - Projecting signs shall be located so as not to cover, alter or obscure any character defining features, architectural details or window openings. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 6. #2013.094.2 TOTAL TAN SIGN, 177 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review fore sign within the Highway General Business district. Agent: Lisa Tymchyn, Saxton Sign Corp. This application appeared before the DRC on February 11, 2014. The applicant was tabled and the applicant was requested to investigate reducing the sign and/or place the text on 2 lines so as to better balance with the requested, adjacent sign for European Wax, for which a variance is needed. The DRC was asking for a more consistent and balanced appearance between the 2 signs. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if the Board had any further questions or comments. 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 Total Tan Sign, 177 Ballston Avenue, that the application be approved as newly submitted. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 3 of 8 7. #2014.021 iRUN LOCAL SIGNAGE, 18 Congress Avenue, Suite 3, Architectural Review for signage within the Highway General Business District. Applicant: Anthony and Jamie Mastroianni The applicant is looking for placement of three signs. One panel replacement for the directory. A sign facing Hamilton Street, back of the store. One additional sign over the entrance to the store. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development, clarified that a variance would be required for the signage on the façade facing the parking lot. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of signage and placement, variance consideration, and the uniqueness of the property as well the neighboring signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked there was any further discussion from the Board. None heard. 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 iRun Local Signage, 18 Congress Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: freestanding sign panel as submitted; wall signage on Hamilton shall fully cover any ‘ghosted’ area from the previous sign; if variance is granted by the ZBA, the applicant is authorized to see administrative review of the third sign on the parking lot façade. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 8. #2014.018 NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS ROOFTOP ANTENNAS, Jonsson Hall, 814 North Broadway, architectural review of rooftop wireless antennas within an Institutional Education district. Agent: Allen Hinkley, New Cingular Wireless Mr. Hinkley provided the Commission with a brief presentation. The antennas are on the roof and placed at the edge of the building and must be placed there for proper reception. Regarding color, the intention is to match the building color. Antenna height is approximately 8 feet high. Discussion ensued regarding the appearance of the antenna, the height of the antenna, and the screening of these antennas. It was the consensus of the Commission and the applicant to table the application for Mr. Hinkley to speak to the College and wireless provider regarding the possibility for a four-sided enclosure, which the Commission feels would be more appropriate. Sample of material and color samples will also be provided. Mr. Hinkley stated he will speak with the landlord and inform them of the Commission's requests and return before the Commission. 9. # 2014.019 REID RESIDENCE, 49 George Street, Historic Review of rear patio roof, front breezeway roof and door modifications within an Urban Residential-3 district. Agent: Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 4 of 8 Matthew Hurff reviewed that application and explained that the applicant is looking to remove the awning and replace it with a more permanent structure. They are also requesting to replace the front breezeway roof and door and make more of an architectural statement. 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 would to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Reid Residence Modifications, 49 George Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: the applicant shall submit cut sheets for all new doors, for administrative approval; applicant shall harvest existing shingles from the rear roof of the house for use on the new front entry gable roof; applicant to return for gazebo roof materials & details. Robert West 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 10. #2014.005 2 WEST AVENUE MIXED USE 2 West Avenue, architectural review of a mixed-use development within a Transect-5 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman, recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, assumed the duties of the Chair. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Brett Balzer, Balzer & Tuck Architecture. Mr. Balzer stated this is an application for a mixed use development at the corner of West Avenue and Church. A visual presentation was provided to the Commission by Mr. Balzer who stated the applicant is seeking Mass and Scale. The project is located in a T-5 zone from Washington to Church Street. Mr. Balzer reviewed the site as it presently exists, along with the neighboring structures. This presentation to the Commission is what we presented to the Planning Board for special use permit approval as well as SEQRA. We received our special use permit approval and a negative SEQRA declaration in February. We are planning site plan approval in approximately one month. The site will consist of a four story structure, a three story structure, and a detached two story row house type structure. Parking will be in the rear of the site. A cross lot easement exists on the site and the applicant will respect that as well. Mr. Balzer stated the entrance for the building is south of the corner and is through to the parking in the rear. This is a 5500 square foot commercial/retail space on the street level with apartments above. Buildings A and B will be connected. Mr. Balzer reviewed the elevations of the buildings with the Commission. Landscape plans, green roof alternatives and vegetative screening using trees uprooted on site and replanting them on the site was reviewed briefly with the Commission. Civic space will be provided for the tenants as well as pedestrians. Brick and fiber cement mix are the two main materials for the two story row house. Brick will be a base for building B and then a base for building A. The applicant will return before the Commission in April with material samples, colors, lighting, etc. Discussion ensued regarding Mass and Scale features. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of 2 West Avenue Mixed Use Development be approved for Mass and Scale as it applies to foot print, setback and approximate elevations only. Georgeanna Lussier seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 5 of 8 VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor; Steven Rowland, recused. MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman, resumed his position on the Commission. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, resumed her position on the Commission. 11. #2014.020 CONGRESS PARK: SPIRIT OF LIFE RESTORATION, Congress Park, presentation on Spirit of Life restoration project within a City Landmark Property and an Institutional Parkland/Recreation district. Agent: Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation; Dan Wilson, AIA, Spring Life Design Architecture Engineering LLP Ms. Bosshart thanked the Board for this opportunity. This is basically an information session for the Board regarding the progress being made on the restoration of the Spirit of Life project in Congress Park. This has never undergone a complete restoration since its dedication in 1915. We are hoping to have this completed before its Centennial in June 2015. This project is partnered with the City and we have begun fundraising for this project. We have to date raised $200,000 and the City has committed $75,000. To meet that goal, masonry work will begin in June to be completed in the fall. The landscape plan will be presented to this Commission at a later date. The site work will begin in early 2015. The third phase the conservation of the sculpture will go out for bid in the spring of 2015. The sculpture has been maintained very well and needs the least amount of conservation. Two preservation consultants were hired by the City in the spring of 2013: Dan Wilson, here this evening, and Martha Lyon, a land preservation landscape architect. Ms. Lyons will perform a condition assessment of both the masonry architectural surround and the landscape setting and to make treatment recommendations. A tree risk assessment was performed in 2011, which is part of the memorial. These white pines are the original plantings from 2015. Many are diseased and reaching the end of their life cycle. The trees will be removed this month by the City. The City arborist will be overseeing this project. We will be replanting and will return with that plan along with the remainder of the landscaping proposal. We have shared our plans with the State Preservation Office. Dan Wilson AIA, Spring Life Design Architecture Engineering LLP, stated Martha Lyon, Landscaping Architect, LLC, who is not present this evening, did provide much of the history of this project. Mr. Wilson gave a brief presentation of the Project. Mr. Wilson stated Congress Park is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places and is noted as "One of the most beautiful park of its size in the United States". Steven Rowland, Chairman, thanked Ms. Bosshart and Mr. Wilson for their presentation. 12. #2013.043 ADELPHI HOTEL, 365 Broadway, project update on Historic Review of historic building renovation within a Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Dominick Ranieri, Architect, Jeff Ward, RBC, Cindy Hamilton, Historic Heritage Consulting Group. Mr. Ranieri stated since the last appearance before the Commission, the applicant has hired Cindy Hamilton of Historic Heritage Consulting Group who has researched and applied for State and National Historic Tax credits for this project. In December, we did receive approval for the submission of Part II. Ms. Hamilton stated we worked closely with SHPO and the National Park Service. We have submitted for Part II approval. Partial approval was received in December. A condition of that approval was the retention of the windows on the front elevation. We were approved to replace the remainder of the windows with the LePage windows which was presented to the Commission at an earlier date. Another required modification is the rear stair tower. The most recent Park Service guidance modifies their approach to cladding for new additions. The current guidance is to use like materials even in like colors. To meet their guidance, we switched to a masonry project and will be using a red brick to match as closely as possible. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 6 of 8 Ms. Hamilton stated the fiscal impact in tax credits was $2 million dollars Federally and, similarly, $2 million dollars from the State. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. 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 Adelphi Hotel, 365 Broadway modifications, that we approve the newly designed stair towers, consistent with the materials reviewed and approved by SHPO and the Park Service. Also, the applicant will return with brick selection. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there is 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 12. #2014.001 WOODLAWN DEVELOPMENT, LLC. 100-108 Woodlawn Avenue, Architectural Review of multi-family building reconstruction within an Urban Residential-3 district. Applicant: Steven Israel, Owner Agent: Charles Hoffman, architect Mr. Hoffman stated they are before the Commission and they are looking for Mass and Scale approval this evening to proceed with permit process. A visual presentation was provided to the Commission. Their biggest concern at this time is that the building does not have a roof at this time. Mr. Hoffman reviewed the current plans and design. An additional stair tower will be added for additional egress. Review of windows and doors and elevations. There are now 13 units proposed - a reduction from the original 15 that existed prior to the fire. The applicant will attempt to save any windows or materials which can be reclaimed. The applicant is also looking to hire Cindy Hamilton, Historic Heritage Consulting, LLC, to help research tax credits for this project. Material selection will depend on feedback from the Federal and State level. The applicant will return with material selections. Discussion ensued regarding mechanical penetration locations throughout the building exterior. Mr. Hoffman provided the Commission with copies of a carriage/barn type structure which they are considering at the rear of the property. The applicant is looking to provide additional parking spaces under a deck off this structure with vehicles exiting on Long Alley. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. 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 Woodlawn Development LLC, Residential Building Reconstruction, 100- 108 Woodlawn Avenue be approved with the following conditions: that the building will be framed in on the existing foundation and that the stair towers and window penetrations will be framed as proposed on the east elevation, as submitted on the drawings dated February 25, 2014; exterior façade, window, door, brick, etc., have not been submitted at this time. Also, the DRC we will be looking for mechanical locations and mechanical penetrations throughout the building exterior. Seconded by Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 7 of 8 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman, deferred the approval of meeting minutes to the next meeting scheduled for March 19, 2014. NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Steven Rowland, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 10:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 5/21/14 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – page 8 of 8