Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014 7:00 P.M. MUSIC HALL PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Georgeanna Lussier; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Robert West ABSENT: Richard Martin; Robert West STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:10 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. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: A. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2014.0529 AUTO HAUS SIGN, 2220 Route 50 South, Architectural Review of pedestal sign within a Highway General Business District. Applicant: Christopher Rogers Mr. Rogers stated this sign will be the same shape and size of the previous signage. It will be internally lit. It will be within the required dimensions. 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Auto Haus Sign, 2220 Route 50 South that the application be approved as submitted. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2014.060 SARATOGA CYCLING STUDIO, 422 Broadway, Historic Review of hanging wall sign within a Transect-6 District. Applicant: Gerard Amedio Mr. Amedio stated this is a hanging wall sign. A copy of the signage and bracket was provided to the Commission. The bracket and signage was well received by the Commission. The Commission the noted any future signage should be consistent. The Commission decided standardizing the bracket for future signage will help with the consistency. 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Cycling Studio, 422 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted with the following note: Future sign applicants at this building to consider the same bracket design for consistency. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2013.094.1 EUROPEAN WAX CENTER, 177 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of wall sign within a Highway General Business District. Applicant: Keith Leonard, Owner, European Wax Center Agent: Terry Mizner, Saxton Signs Mr. Mizner stated copies of the proof of the sign were submitted to the Commission. Signage for both businesses are stacked signs. Total Tan and the European Wax Center are balanced. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if 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. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the European Wax Center Wall Sign, 177 Ballston Avenue be approved as submitted. Karen Cavotta 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of representation for agenda item #4. 5. 2014.061 HREBENACH ROOF, 193 Caroline Street, Historic Review of roof replacement within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Patricia Hrebenach Agent: Chris Foster, One Call Does It All Mr. Foster stated he was unaware of the proper procedure. This roof is in place. Removal of an old tin roof. New roof was installed. The roof is not visible from the road. Copies of materials and photographs were provided to the Commission. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 4, 2014 – page 2 of 5 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions from the Commission. None heard. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the Hrebenach Roof, 193 Caroline Street that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans. Robert DeMarco 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2014.062 FITCH BROTHERS (KING'S TAVERN), 241 Union Avenue, Architectural Review of exterior upgrades to existing building within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicants: Jason Patrick, Adam Fitch It is the intention of the applicant to revitalize the old building. Replace stone which will be more consistent with the area. Repaint and restain the building. New fencing, siding, and wooden windows. Discussion ensued regarding the signage and it was determined that the sign will either be in conformance to the current regulations or the applicants will apply for a variance and appear before the ZBA. Lighting will be gooseneck lamps. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Fitch Brothers King's Tavern façade treatment, 241 Union Avenue that the application be approved as submitted with the exception of signage. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor\ MOTION PASSES: 5-0 7. 2014.039 TURF SARATOGA SOUTH, LLC, 3368 South Broadway, Architectural Review of a new hotel within the Tourist Related Business District. Applicant: Michael Hoffman, President Turf Hotels Agents: Matthew J. Jones, Justin Grassi, Attorneys, Jones Firm; Danny Bounds, Bounds and Gillespie Architects Mr. Bounds stated at the last appearance before the Commission several suggestions were given for the applicant to re- evaluate. It was suggested to lower the tower height. We lowered the tower height by 5 ½ feet, and we feel it improved the look of the façade. Also per the Commissions suggestion we did place more substantial columns above the porte cochere leading to the tower, 6 in total and we feel it is more in proportion. The Commission suggested removing the front triangular gable which we did comply with and it has increased the visibility form the rooms, as well as making the canopy look more stately, more traditional. The Commission also suggested the inclusion of a flag. We placed a metal piece like a weathervane on top of the building eliminating the maintenance issue. Lastly, the Commission suggested the removal of the shutters. We did leave the shutters on we feel it balances the front elevations. We would like to retain them, they are decorative even though we did include shutter stays and the shutters are proportioned correctly. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 4, 2014 – page 3 of 5 Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned the roof edges. He felt then seemed thin. Perhaps frieze board could be used to flank the gables, and remove the somewhat residential look. Another thought was the four small gables two at each side of the center tower seem a little too small. Also, the roof line on the larger end gables, if they could break the roof line they would have a stronger look. Mr. Bounds reviewed all elevations on all sides of the building. Stone will be installed around the perimeter of the building. Discussion ensued regarding the suggestions were made this evening. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair, made a motion in the matter of the Turf Saratoga South, LLC, 3368 South Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted with the following conditions: increase the size of the fascia by adding frieze board on the gabled facades and eaves. The north and south gables of the west elevation be raised to break the roofline. Fascia detail to follow through on all facades. Final details of frieze board and gabled facades to return before the Commission. The applicant is free to pursue a building permit. Seconded by Robert DeMarco. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 10. 2014.067.1 HAMILTON STREET PARKING STRUCTURE, Hamilton Street, Architectural Review of a 6 level parking structure in the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Jim Quinn, Bruce Levinsky Agent: Nick Schwartz, CHA, Landscape Architect Mr. Levinsky provided a brief overview of the project for the Commission. It was the consensus of the Planning Board that the DRC provide mass and scale approval of the project which has expanded from 3 stories to 5 stories before returning to the Planning Board. A positive Advisory Opinion was issued by the DRC to the Planning Board with conditions regarding the façade treatment and the impact of the south side of the structure on the church recreation fields and the senior center. The Planning Board chair reached out to the church and school. The church uses the parking lot for their Sunday services and sometimes for special events. An easement was granted in 1992 which gave the church use of the parking area until noon on Sundays. Mr. Quinn and Mr. Levinsky met with the church and school regarding the easement. A joint meeting of the Planning Board and DRC was held to discuss the alternatives to the traditional garage appearance. Mr. Levinsky suggested visiting the Glens Falls Parking Garage which is very similar to this project. The DRC viewed the Glens Falls example and believed that the scale and color was not consistent with the context surrounding the property in Saratoga Springs. The applicants again met with the neighbors and their primary concern was safety and security. They requested the site remain as open as it could be. Eliminate the ground shrubbery and provide substantial lighting. The church was informed that they could also place cameras on the parking garage if they wished to focus on their property. The church would like to wait until the new pastor is in place. The applicants provided photographs of what the south wall would look like with ivy on the wall. Trees will remain in place. The applicant is looking for final approval to go back to the Planning Board. A lift of approximately 54 feet in height was placed on the property for a visual perspective of what the garage height would be. A visual presentation of the project was provided to the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated in the effort of expediency he interjected that he believes the project is way off the mark and has a long way to go to be consistent with the goals and aesthetics of this area. Mr. Quinn indicated that on the south side property line, a fire separation wall is dictated by code so no penetrations may occur. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 4, 2014 – page 4 of 5 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated all sides of the structure are important. It is very horizontal building. It has no real verticality. We are looking to introduce some other materials to reinforce the verticality of the building. Mr. Quinn questioned the other options available to them. What would the DRC like for it to look like. The Commissions discussed what was presented by the applicant. It was the consensus of the Commission that there was no real change or variation from what the applicant previously presented . Discussion ensued regarding the front façade, and the usage of different materials and treatments. Vertical remediation was also discussed. It was also recommended that the applicant return back again before the Commission. Information can be submitted to staff which will be disseminated to members of the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is a strong building, maximum height in the T-6 zone. We have to be comfortable with the architectural features of this building which will be in place for the next few generations. 4. 2014.063 LEACH BALCONY SCREEN, 38 High Rock, Unit 4H, Architectural Review of motorized balcony screen within the Transect-5 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this type of application has been before the Commission several times regarding the motorized balcony screen. It is fairly straightforward. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Leach Balcony Screen, 38 High Rock, Unit 4H, 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the June 18, 2014 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 7/2/14 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 4, 2014 – page 5 of 5