Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Georgeanna Lussier; Karen Cavotta ABSENT: Robert DeMarco STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. 2014.067 DOLCE AND BISCOTTI ITALIAN BAKERY, 422 Broadway, Historic Review of a sign within the Transect-6 District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Mr. Roicki stated this signage will be a blade sign hung in the alleyway alongside the building. The signage bracket will be the same as a previous tenant in the alley for uniformity. Copy of signage and bracket was provided to the Commission. 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. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the Dolce and Biscotti Italian Bakery 422 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 2014.068 SPRINGS DENTAL SIGN, 75 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of replacement sign panel on an existing freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated this is an application for two signs. One 35" x 200" light box sign centered over the building doorway. The second sign will be a double sided freestanding directory sign. 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 Springs Dental Sign, 75 Weibel Avenue that the application be approved as submitted with the following condition – the wall mounted sign is not to exceed letter height of 18". 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 2013.066 IRIS NAILS AND SPA SIGN, 11 Hampstead Place, Suite 101, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated this is signage for a new business at Hampstead Place. It will be for two signs, one on Weibel and one on Hampstead. They will be an 18" x 120" sign panel with ¾ inch lettering on ½ inch thick dimension board. No lighting is proposed at this time. 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion a motion in the matter of the Iris Nails and Spa Wall Sign, 11 Hampstead Place, Suite 101, 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2014.071 KODOGIANNIS DECK, SIDING, SHINGLES, 166 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of a deck, and shingle/siding replacements within the Urban Residential-2 District. Applicant: Pantelis Kodogiannis Mr. Kodogiannis stated they are replacing a deck and replacing the siding and shingles. Basically we are only siding three sides using a dark grey color. The façade of the home is stone. Windows and door have been replaced. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions from the Commission. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – page 2 of 6 Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Kodogiannis Deck, Siding, Shingles, 166 Ballston Avenue, line Street 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2014.015.1 NEUMANN BUILDING SENIOR APARTMENTS, 233 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of senior apartments within the Urban Residential-1 District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the Chair. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: JT Pollard, Luigi, Stuccetti, Re4orm Architects Mr. Pollard provided a visual presentation of the project located at 233 Lake Avenue. The property has recently been subdivided. The church, school and rectory are one parcel and this 11.17 acre parcel is on its own. The façade of this property will be retained for its historic nature as well as keeping the glade of trees for the neighbors. 76 senior apartments are proposed both one and two bedrooms. Single access point proposed off of Lake Avenue, lined up with MacArthur Drive. Parking located to side and rear of existing structure. 98 spaces of surface parking. Below each wing we have 44 spaces total. Visual renderings of the project were reviewed with the Commission. Mr. Bonacio stated the grotto will stay. We have worked out an arrangement with the Church. Also 2.06 acres around the perimeter of the property will become a passive park. The tree survey completed for site identifying type and size of trees on the parcel. There will be sidewalks and benches and public access will be maintained. Special Use Permit was approved by the Planning Board last week. This is the same site plan which was previously shown. Sidewalk connections will be present from site extending to downtown. Transit stop located along frontage of Lake Avenue allowing for public transportation as desired. Proposed pedestrian connection now show along Excelsior Springs property frontage. Consideration of shared use path to accommodate walking, biking, etc. The chapel will be utilized for the tenants use. Mr. Pollard reviewed materials being proposed. Mr. Martin questioned the use of thin brick. Mr. Pollard stated this is real brick, thinner with less weight and it does have longevity. Waterproof veneer brick. It is half the cost of regular brick. Above the brick hardy plank siding will be used with a 6" reveal. AZEK trim board and will be used on the decks. Windows will be Pella Proline. Lighting fixtures will be to match what is present on the existing building. The handicap ramp will be in front of the building. The cornice area, which is pre-fabricated and comes from the factory in 12 and 14 foot lengths will be comprised of stucco. Lower apartments will have walkout private patios. These apartments will have a pool and an exercise room, locker room and other amenities. All penetrations will be on the roof. Dryer vents out the sides painted to match. Electric meters will be in the basement of the building. Cross lot easement for utilities. Trash receptacle located by the generator. Entryways will have Sternberg lighting with two elevators servicing the apartments. We are working with SHPO to save as much as we can. No trim on basement windows. Material samples were provided to the Commission for their review. Discussion ensued regarding usage of thinner brick, black windows versus white, trim on the basement windows, and using the smooth side when installing the siding. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – page 3 of 6 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 Neumann Building Senior Apartments, 233 Lake Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions – soldier course headers on the 1st floor addition windows to be lighter color. Hardy board siding to be applied smooth side out. Applicant will return for signage. Robert West seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, recused; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0-1 6. 2014.049 9N MEDICAL BUILDING, 373 Church Street, Architectural Review of a medical office building within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman continued the duties of the Chair. Applicant: Fresenius Medical Company Dialysis Center Agent: Tony Bonacio, Bonacio Construction - Developer; Brandon Roscoe, Christopher Kidd and Associates, LLC Mr. Roscoe provided the Commission with a visual presentation of the project which is 1.03 acres in a T4 Transect zone. This will be a dialysis center operated by Fresenius Medical. Copies of the renderings were provided to the Commission. Floor plan was reviewed as well as review of all elevations. The goal was to match the adjacent medical buildings in identity speak to those materials but still be its own separate building in character. Pewter gray architectural shingles on both roof hip and gable. Smooth face hardy board siding trim will be installed in artic white. The colors are the same general color scheme in light mist. Cultured stone veneer base. This will be a one story building that appears as a two story building given its height and roof lines. A canopy will be over the doorway. Commercial windows to be used will match the adjacent buildings. Windows will be placed somewhat higher to accommodate the dialysis equipment and storage required. 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 the 9N Medical Building, 373 Church Street that the application be approved with the following conditions. Trim is to be PVC in nature. The lap board siding be installed smooth side out, width to match closely to the adjacent buildings. All vent penetrations to occur within 'mansard' portion of roof. Applicant is to return for review of signage. Robert West seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, recused; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0-1 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the Chair. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed the duties of Vice Chair. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – page 4 of 6 7. 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, Owners Agent: Nick Schwartz, CHA, Landscape Architect Mr. Schwartz summarized items which were suggested to the applicant at the previous DRC meeting. Mr. Schwartz reviewed the linearity of the structure. The applicant provided new renderings which suggests the appearance of two separate structures. Different treatments were reviewed for both the north and south sides. Materials were reviewed and how they interact with each other. Mr. Schwartz reviewed all elevations, proposed lighting and a different design element with the concrete coloring. Landscaping plans were reviewed as well. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested possibly having the verticals on the south elevation break the cornice line at the two corners of the 3 bay brick, eastern portion and to break the cornice line at all 3 verticals on the east elevation. Discussion ensued regarding the usage of the brick and concrete, the stair tower, lighting and canopy materials and colors were discussed as well. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Hamilton Street Parking Garage for the Rip Van Dam Hotel Expansion, Hamilton Street that the application be approved with the following conditions 1. Mass and Scale: At the April 29, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting, the Commission issued a favorable opinion with conditions to the Planning Board on the general mass and scale of this proposed 6-level parking structure. This decision was predicated on the association of this structure with the Rip Van Dam Hotel expansion that includes 176 guest rooms and a 200 seat banquet facility. Given the increased parking demands directly associated with, and due to this hotel expansion, the Commission does not have a significant objection to the overall height, mass and scale of this project as long as it relates to the subject hotel expansion. 2. Structure Details: Vertical elements on the south elevation to break the cornice line by approximately 8 inches at 2 corners of the 3-bay brick, eastern portion, and to break cornice line at all 3 verticals on the east elevation. The stair tower is to be brick on all four sides. On the north elevation, the 1st bay of level spandrels (to east) to be treated similar to the east elevation; remaining (to west) to be multi-grey shade concrete with brick vertical elements at 4 locations. Cut sheet details to be submitted for the storefront system, lighting and canopy (material and color). Revised drawings showing all modifications discussed at the 6/18/14 meeting to be submitted for the file. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday July 8, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – page 5 of 6 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting as submitted with minor corrections. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert West, abstained; Georgeanna Lussier, abstained MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting minutes as submitted with minor corrections. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting minutes as submitted with minor corrections. Richard Martin 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:41 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: July 16, 2014 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – page 6 of 6