Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Karen Cavotta Robert DeMarco ABSENT: Richard Martin, Robert West, 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 7:02 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. 2014.079.1 CITY CENTER PARKING STRUCTURES, between Maple and High Rock venues, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (Architectural Review) for 500+ space parking structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is basically a procedural issue for the application of the City Center Parking structure on Maple and High Rock Avenue determination of SEQRA Lead Agency Status. It is our understanding that the Planning Board will seek Lead Agency Status. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the Zoning Officer has determined that this action is covered by local review. City Council deferred Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it. The intent is once Lead Agency Status is determined, there will be a Joint Meeting of all three Boards so the City Center Authority can provide a presentation at one time and also provide the public a venue for their input. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the City Attorney did provide the Commission with the proper language to use in the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the City Center Parking Structure, between Maple and High Rock Avenues, for SEQRA Lead Agency Status relating to Architectural Review of 500+ space parking structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District within the City of Saratoga Springs. Whereas, the City of Saratoga Springs City Center Authority seeks to construct a new parking garage adjacent to the City Center, on property owned by the City of Saratoga Springs. Whereas, the Authority has prepared an Environmental Assessment Form and circulated it along with its request so that the Authority serve as Lead Agency for purpose of review of potential of environmental impacts pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Whereas, the Authority has acknowledged the status of the City Council as an involved agency because of City Council Approval would be required to lease the property to the Authority and, Whereas, the Design Review Commission understands that the City Council, DRC, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board are each involved agencies pursuant to the City's Zoning Ordinance and, Whereas the DRC understands that the City's Planning Board intends to seek Lead Agency Status for review of the potential environmental impacts of the parking garage project, and Whereas, the DRC feels the Planning Board can better serve as Lead Agency for review of potential environmental impacts for the parking garage project. Therefore, be it resolved that the DRC does not consent to designation of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority as SEQRA Lead Agency for the parking garage project and be it further resolved that the DRC hereby consents to the City Planning Board to serve as Lead Agency for review of the City's Center Authority proposed parking garage project should the Planning Board seek Lead Agency Status. Tamie Ehinger 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; Robert West; in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 2. 2014.072 CENTENNIAL PARK, intersection of Union Avenue and Circular Street, Historic Review of statue and pocket park within the Institutional Parkland/Recreation District. Applicant: John Hendrickson Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group Mr. Ingersoll stated this is a gift from John Hendrickson and MaryLou Whitney on the City's anniversary. Design concepts were provided to the Board as well as an explanation of the bronze statue of Native Dancer. The sculpture will take approximately nine months to complete. Review of street frontage, utilities and storm sewer. Placement of the statue was explained as well as a winner circle horseshoe type surround and setting and the proposed landscaping. A fountain will be placed behind the sculpture. There will be no new encroachment into the Park. A full survey was completed. This will be a permanent improvement to the park enhanced with plantings, the fountain and landscaping. Sidewalk steps up to the sculpture will be granite with a floral bed and fountain behind the sculpture. Subtle lighting is proposed. Two trees will be removed during construction. Benches will remain. Security has not yet been discussed. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated that this was a spectacular gift. Very appropriate approach to the City. A wonderful addition to the park. Discussion ensued regarding the tree replacement selection. Mr. Ingersoll stated small type trees are being proposed, no decision on species has yet been made. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the DRC did request that SHPO also review this project. SHPO did review the project, and correspondence received from Julian Adams dated June 23, 2014 stated no adverse effect on historic resources City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 – page 2 of 7 either listed on or determined eligible listing on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. 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 Centennial Park, Union Avenue and Circular Street. that the application be approved as submitted with the following note that there is a symmetrical change. 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 3. 2014.0652 YADDO COTTAGES, Union Avenue and Route 87, Historic Review of artist cottages within the Institutional Educational District. Applicant: The Corporation of Yaddo – Shane Cassidy; Facilities Director; Agent: Mike Phinney, Principal, Phinney Design Group; John Haynes; Project Designer working with Phinney Design Group; Mike Ingersoll, Matt Brobston, LA Group Mr. Phinney stated this application did receive Planning Board approval last week, as well as a SEQRA Negative Declaration. The site is located on 207.7 acre Yaddo campus site within the Institutional-Education District. Single family residences and dormitories are permitted uses in the district with site plan review. The plan proposed 5 live/work units and related water, septic and stormwater management, as well as access and parking to serve those units. Featuring over 0.10 acre of soil disturbance, a full SWPPP was also required for review. This is part of YADDO's mission to encourage artists, and writers and musicians to this venue. If these cottages are updated it does help to continue their mission. A visual presentation was provided to the Board by Mike Ingersoll. There are 5 new units which are strategically placed. There are two existing roads. We want to utilize as much of the roadway system as we can. It does need to be widened somewhat for emergency services. Majority of guests do not bring vehicles. A handicap unit is provided as well. Shane Cassidy, Yaddo stated currently they have 20-30 artists on site. They do not bring vehicles. Many arrive by taxi. Some residents are from overseas. There has been a private water supply to the cottages. We are just tapping off an existing line. There are no sanitary sewers. Individual septic systems are provided. Each cottage is 500 to 700 square feet. Over 0.10 acre of soil disturbance. A full SWPPP was also required. Saratoga County Planning Board correspondence stated no countywide or intercommunity impact. Mike Phinney, Principal, Phinney Design Group, stated Yaddo is really looking to the future with the design of these cottages. We are very respectful of the history and the architecture of Yaddo, which is a distinct and natural setting with many pine trees They are thinking of minimalism here. Simple forms which will blend in yet state that they are new. Yaddo was the first of its kind. There is a lot of competition in the area now. New composers, artists and musicians want large open areas, white walls, flexible areas which are adaptable, and a connection to nature but a picture framed connection to nature. So, when they are doing their work they are not distracted but when they are done with their work there is a bit of a respite. The cottages have a sculptural quality, sleek and minimal and talk about the future, but have some artistic quality. Materials which have been proposed are a combination of cedar, metal siding, stone and glass. It is a repetitive use of the City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 – page 3 of 7 materials changing the design. Minimum disturbance but creating pocketed views of the pond. 2 units are general studios. 2 units are composer studios, specifically designed to be more user friendly for musical use. 1 is a visual arts studio which is the largest of the units, wide open plan with a large amount of wall space. These spaces are designed to be durable, low maintenance and easy to rejuvenate inside and outside. These are designed to be used 12 months of the year. They will be heated and cooled and are well insulated. They are designed to have passive solar, fair amount of sustainable materials. They will qualify as green structures. Lighting will be historic standard city lighting. We have a lot of experience with LEED qualifications. 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 Yaddo Cottages, Union Avenue, 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 4. 2014.073 RAVENOUS SIGNAGE, 21 Phila Street, Historic Review of sign and awning within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated this is a 30 x 130 inch sign with aluminum backing, a logo with a dimensional border. The same placement as the current sign. No lighting proposed. Awning will also be replaced using steel fasteners. Color sample was provided for the Commission's review. No lettering on awning. 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 Ravenous Signage, 21 Phila Street that the application be approved with the following condition – type on awning is only on one side (front) of awning. 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 5. 2014.070 SARATOGA VISION SIGN, 235 Washington Street, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated this application is for a monument sign. Masonry work has been completed, stonework to match building. It will be an internally lit aluminum sign box with a burgundy background and translucent lettering. 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. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 – page 4 of 7 Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of Saratoga Vision Freestanding Sign, 235 Washington Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions – stone is to match existing stone on building. 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 West, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 6. 2014.039 TURF SARATOGA SOUTH, LLC, 3368 South Broadway, Architectural Review of new hotel within the the Tourist Related Business District. Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney Mr. Jones stated the applicant has previously appeared before the Commission most recently on June 2, 2014. The applicant was given approval with four conditions. As a result the architect provided updated renderings to the Commission which left open a single condition. An increase in the height of the two gables in the front from 10 inches to 2 feet. This is the only change made. A visual presentation was provided for the Commissions review. It was the consensus of the Commission that the change does improve the look. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Turf Saratoga South LLC, Final Roof Details, Gable roof configuration, west elevation – north and south gables 3368 South Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted this evening. 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 7. 2014.069.1 RHODES ADDITION, 115 Walnut Street, Architectural Review of a front porch addition within the Urban Residential District. Applicant: Matt Rhodes Agent: Michael Perri, Architect Mr. Rhodes stated the enclosed porch is atypical in size and style. The applicant is looking to construct something which is more in line with what is in the neighborhood. We would like to open up the porch and extend it the length of the front of the house. The existing porch encroaches over the property line and is in the City's Right of Way. The proposed porch addition is stepped back to be located wholly on the property. The porch will be in keeping with existing architectural details on the building. Re-roof the porch with standing seam roofing. Proposal is more appropriate than what is currently there. 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. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 – page 5 of 7 Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Rhodes Front Porch Addition, 115 Walnut Street that the application be approved as submitted. Recommendation to reach out to the Commission if issues arise regarding the existing wood corner details. Approval of standing seam metal roof – return for administrative review if necessary to change. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 8. 2014.054 DEVIVO RESIDENCE, 48 Franklin Street, Historic Review of window replacements within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Dean Durst Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission did caravan the property again. The DRC is trying to work with the applicant as she is in quite a predicament. We do try to hold the historic properties to a higher standard. We do not as a rule allow vinyl windows. Perhaps there may be some type of mitigation, perhaps with the façade which faces on Franklin Street. One suggestion was trim work around the windows should be painted white which will reduce the stark whiteness of the vinyl windows. Mr. Durst stated the applicant was looking to paint the entire house white with some grey accents. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated from our perspective it would be better to have a contrasting color on the brick. We do not have jurisdiction over color choices but we can certainly recommend. It would be more appropriate and create more pop if there was a contrasting color, thereby helping the windows once they are trimmed out. The cornice and corbels are magnificent. The Commission strongly urges the applicant to consider accent colors. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman empathizes with the applicant, however the plan for the windows will not work if the building is painted white as well. Discussion ensued regarding use of color. Wood trim details were also discussed. It was the consensus of the Commission to have the applicant trim one window out and have the Commission caravan the site again to see how the proposed changes would look. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested we table this application at this time, until the Commission can review the proposed changes to the windows on a site visit. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 – page 6 of 7 as submitted with minor amendments. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: November 5, 2014 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 2, 2014 – page 7 of 7