Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Georgeanna Lussier ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:06 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. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. #2014.032 MOUNTAINMAN OUTDOOR SUPPLY CO. AWNING, 490 Broadway, Historic Review of an awning replacement within the Transect-6 District. Agent: Scott Bowersox, Northeast Awning Mr. Bowersox stated the applicant will be retaining the frame and simply replacing the awning. Color sample was provided for the Commission’s review. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the application of the Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company awning, 490 Broadway, 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. #2014.033 CANTINA SIGN, 430 Broadway, Historic Review of a sign within the Transect-6 district. Agent: Michael Remillard, Sign Perfect Mr. Remillard stated the applicant is proposing reverse lit channel lettering with black profiling around the copper lettering. A sample was provided for the Commission’s review. Letters will be 11" in height. 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 would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the application of Cantina Sign, 430 Broadway, that the application be approved 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. #2014.031 SUSPENSION TRAINING CENTER WALL SIGNS, 51 Caroline Street, Architectural Review of 2 wall signs in the Transect-5 Neighborhood District. Applicant: Stephen Chindamo Mr. Chindamo stated his signage is a flat printed sign, plain white lettering on black background. No lighting is proposed. Discussion ensued regarding adding some dimension or color to the signage, perhaps the addition of a logo. The applicant will contact Adirondack Sign with his logo and email the change to Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, who will forward copy to the Chairman. 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 would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the application of Suspension Training Center Wall Signage, 51 Caroline Street, that the application be approved with the following condition – the applicant is to submit a new graphic design which includes the company logo for review and approval administratively. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. #2013.022 NEILLY ADDITION, 210 Nelson Avenue, Historic Review of an addition to a single family residence within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture Applicants: Henry and Donna Neilly Ms. Davis provided a model of the project as well as visual presentation to the Commission. This project and the purchase of this home is contingent upon the Commission’s approval. Aluminum clad windows will be used as well as wood siding on one side of the building and fiber cement on the other side due to city building code regulations. The addition will retain the character of the house, and will be constructed in the rear of the property. A second floor addition for a master suite and master bath is proposed. Ms. Davis reviewed the elevations of the project with the Commission. Cut sheets were provided. Discussion ensued regarding matching new roof shingles with the current shingles. It was suggested by the Commission that the applicant may wish to replace the entire roof. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 2, 2014 – page 2 of 6 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. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the application of the Neilly Addition, 210 Nelson Avenue, 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 5. #2014.028 PICKETT RESIDENCE, 589 Broadway, Historic Review of modifications to a residence approved in August 2012 within an Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture Ms. Davis stated this project was before the Commission with a prior owner who has since sold the property and moved. There is a new owner and there are changes to the internal structure, which will impact the outside. The new owner now has proposed a detached carriage house. He has 5 children and they are proposing converting the current garage to living space. A model was provided to the Commission, as well as visual presentation of the proposed project. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked there was any further discussion from the Commission. 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 application of the Pickett Residence Modifications, 589 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. #2014.024 HOLIDAY INN, 232 Broadway, Historic Review of addition to the lobby of a hotel within the Transect-6 District. Agent: George Olsen, Olsen Associates. Mr. Olsen provided the Commission with a presentation of the proposed modification to the Holiday Inn lobby. It is smaller in scale giving it a more urban feel. They will remove the canopy which currently exists, adding a vestibule out and reinforce the fact that there will be a street connection here now. The parapet will continue around the building. We have traded a formal entrance to create a newly centered entrance. The canopy supports will be black and the roof will be transparent. All the storefront glass will be a green tint to match what exists all around the hotel. Discussion ensued regarding the modification proposal. Mr. Olsen stated the applicant will return with lighting features as well as canopy details. 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. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 2, 2014 – page 3 of 6 Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the application of the Holiday Inn Modifications, 232 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions – the applicant will return with lighting details as well as details on the canopy's transparency and roof system. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 7. # 2014.015 NEUMANN BUILDING, 233 Lake Avenue, advisory opinion to City Council on proposed changes to Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps for reuse/expansion of an existing building within the current Urban Residential-1 district. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio Agent: Michael Toohey, Attorney; JT Pollard, Re4orm Architecture BACKGROUND: Site is portion of St. Clement's subject of Planning Board approved 2 lot subdivision. Proposed action requires Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendments. Should the amendments be approved by the City Council, the Senior Housing use will require Architectural review with the DRC. Mr. Toohey provided the Commission with a historical as well a visual presentation of the project. This site was a senior citizen retirement home for the Redemptorist Fathers until 1997. Numbers dwindled and it finally closed in 2009. The property has recently been subdivided. The church, school and rectory are one parcel and this 11.27 acre parcel is on its own. This is an INST zone for purposes of zoning and the comprehensive plan. We are hoping for a positive advisory opinion to the City Council for a Comprehensive Plan amendment and Zoning amendment. We are proposing 85 unit senior housing project. The land around this property is UR-1 which is what we are requesting the zoning be changed and senior housing is a permitted use in the UR-1 zone. This Zoning change and Comprehensive Plan Amendment must happen for this project to come to fruition. No senior housing is provided in this area of the City. Public transportation is provided to this area. Sidewalks exist from this site all the way downtown. This is an adaptive reuse of an old historic building. This will be sustainable into the future. It will be economically viable. There will be tax generation to the City; this was previously a tax exempt property. This site will generate approximately $90,000 to $100,000 in taxes per year. Currently, this is an abandoned building. The façade of this property will be retained for its historic nature as well as keeping the glade of trees for the neighbors. Two wings will be added off the back of the property. Underground parking will be provided under new housing wings. Mr. Bonacio provided a visual presentation for the Commission reviewing the proposed project, elevations and some materials. The chapel will remain and is to be used as a meeting space and will provide other amenities. There are plans for a courtyard in the middle of the project. A garden walkway will also be provided. 85 units are proposed. Parking will be provided both underground and outside for a total of approximately 170, with 52 being below level. SEQRA Part I changes were made and submitted. There is the possibility of a new sewer and water line connection. We are currently in conversation with the City. Mr. Toohey stated Class B Type Usable Land refers to land not suitable generally for development except for passive open space. Unique and scenic areas may be given special consideration by the Planning Board and should they be deemed essential or desirable for public open spaces, the Planning Board may instead request that the owner offer Class B Type Usable Land to the City to be defined and preserved as passive open space, and recreation fees may be waived. A deeded restriction will be placed on this portion of the property disallowing any further development. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated this is a very ambitious, well thought out project. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 2, 2014 – page 4 of 6 Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience would to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion for a favorable Advisory Opinion to the City Council on the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps for the Neumann Building, 233 Lake reuse/expansion within the current Urban Residential-1 District. This Board looks forward to having an opportunity to be a part of the project. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 8. #2014.012 SARATOGA ACQUISITION LLC, 20 Fifth Avenue, Historic Review of renovations to single family residence in the Urban Residential-1 District. Applicant: Marc Holiday, Owner Agents: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney; Justin Grassi, Attorney; Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture. Mr. Jones stated that at the applicant’s prior appearance, the Commission identified were four items that were requested of the applicant; one of which was to study the roof lines and the columns. In addition, the Commission asked the applicant to review the eyebrow roof, the rounded columns, and the proposed wavy shingle pattern that existed on the remainder of the tower. Also, the Commission inquired as to any precedent for the French doors which may have existed in the City of Saratoga Springs or that the Commission may have reviewed in the past for a home in the Historic District. We have submitted to you some revised drawings together with the new proposal we are showing you this evening. We decided to continue the pattern of the shingles to the tower removing the wavy pattern which is currently proposed. The French doors are replacing the bay window. Further research on our part shows that French doors are currently on several historic buildings throughout the City. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated he is pleased that the applicant has made some concessions and revised some of the areas which were discussed at the previous appearance before the Commission. These areas are key elements which are important to the Commission and we are happy that the applicant has found his way to retain those elements. I don't believe it detracts from the project in any way and certainly make the Commission more comfortable. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Discussion ensued regarding the French doors and mimicking the muntin pattern on flanking windows. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. They are thrilled with the changes being made to the original application. Still some concern regarding bring back the diamond pattern in the double dormer window. Recommendation to have original windows offered to a salvage company if they are being replaced. Appreciate the applicant's investment into this historic home. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated that the changes which have been presented this evening are certainly keeping with the original home. You have made a compelling argument for the window replacement throughout. There is an opportunity to have consistency with the correct patterns. If we have a muntin pattern that is original, we should keep that pattern throughout. Salvaging old windows would be recommended and appropriate. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Acquisition LLC, 20 Fifth Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions: french doors to model flanking windows; applicant to entertain a bottom panel to submit administratively; column rhythm to match model sheet A201; salvage of original windows; maintain unit 201 window as an "elongated diamond" on upper half of sash; window units 202/207 to be diamond pattern in upper half of sash. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 2, 2014 – page 5 of 6 Robert DeMarco seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 9. #2014.013.1 THE FRESH MARKET MECHANICALS, 52 Marion Avenue, discussion (Architectural Review) of mechanicals erected without approval in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Fresh Market Agent: George Olsen, Olsen Associates, Matthew Jones, Attorney; Justin Grassi, Attorney, Todd Curley, Prime Company Mr. Jones provided the Commission with a revision and update of the roof mechanicals and their placement on the roof and why they are placed where they are. Also, the Commission was provided with copies of the screening proposed for the rooftop mechanicals. Mr. Olsen reviewed the screening of the mechanicals and provided the Commission with a proposal for a revised plan. Steven Rowland, Chairman, explained to the applicant why the Commission is so diligent in reviewing rooftop mechanicals, to prevent the architecture of the project from being ruined aesthetically. The Commission specifically requested that the applicants return for review of the mechanicals; yet, here we are with them already in place. To say that we are disappointed in this project is a massive understatement. In the future, this Commission will not allow any approvals to be granted without review of rooftop mechanicals. The current screening plans you have provided to this Commission are not acceptable. This is problematic. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development informed the Commission that, originally, they were presented with a design that did not show any mechanicals and approved the project stating very clearly that the applicant needed to return to the Commission with mechanical placements. This was not done. As a Commission, you have the authority to demand mitigation of negative impacts and to ensure a proper and sensitive aesthetic in this gateway of this historic city. It is a shame that all parties are in now this situation. Understand that you have the authority to ensure that what is constructed in that gateway for the foreseeable future maintains your standards and maintains the standards the City has in its objectives of the Architectural Review District. Discussion ensued regarding possible suggestions for remediation for the screening of the mechanicals. The applicant will return before the Commission again in two weeks at the next Design Review Commission meeting, on April 16, 2014. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman deferred the approval of meeting minutes to the next meeting scheduled for April 16, 2014. NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 5/21/14 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, April 2, 2014 – page 6 of 6