Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; LATE ARRIVAL: Robert DeMarco arrived at 7:03 P.M. ABSENT: 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 7:01 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. 2014.074 BEER, WINE, PIZZA AWNING, 72-74 Weibel Avenue (Building M) Architectural Review of awnings/ canopies within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Colleen Holmes, Owner Agent: Scott Bowersox, Northeast Awnings Mr. Bowersox stated the applicant is requesting one patio awning on the east side, which is the rear of the building facing the parking lot, 22 feet x 14 feet. Two entry awnings are proposed on the north and south sides, 8 ft wide with 7 foot projections. Color samples were provided for the Commissions review. The awnings will be installed using a lag bolt system. No lettering is proposed on the awnings. No additional lighting is proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. 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 Beer, Wine, Pizza Awning, 72-74 Weibel Avenue, Building M, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Z brackets will be used with penetrations into the stone finish versus the grey stone header as newly submitted this evening. 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; Robert West; in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 2014.074.1 BEER, WINE, PIZZA SIGNAGE, 72-74 Weibel Avenue (Building M), Architectural Review of  a freestanding sign and wall signs within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Colleen Holmes, Owner Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing to revise the north entrance signage, the main sign, The Springs, which is currently in place be replaced with a dimensional sign with ¾" PVC lettering. Also the applicant is requesting two building signs, over the entrances. All signage will be the same dimensional signs with ¾" PVC lettering with HP prints along the bottom as well. The freestanding sign was previously approved signage stating the Springs. No lighting is proposed at this time. Discussion ensued regarding the coloring of the signs. 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 Beer, Wine Pizza Signage at 72-74 Weibel Avenue, Building M, that the application be approved with the following conditions - that the font color of the smaller graphics on the wall signage match the gold accent color on the newly approved awning. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 2014.046 COMPLEXIONS WALL SIGN, 268 Broadway, Historic Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing an aluminum LED box sign with a reverse lit lettering and high performance graphics. Discussion ensued regarding proposed signage, placement of signage as well as the framing of the signage. 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion a motion in the matter of the Complexions Wall Sign, 268 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions. A 1-1.5 inch border to surrounding the sign. The sign face is to be a minimum of ¾" from column face. Signage not to extend beyond the bottom of the I-Beam. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2014.081 INN AT SARATOGA FREESTANDING SIGN, 231 Broadway, Historic Review of a freestanding sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – page 2 of 8 Agent: Mike Remillard, Sign Perfect Mr. Remillard stated he is proposing a new sign for the Inn at Saratoga. We are proposing a 12 square foot double sided freestanding cedar sign. It is painted to give it an older look. It is a carved sign. The horse and carriage will sit on a raised panel. It will be installed with a black round steel post, and a handcrafted steel bracket. No lighting is proposed at this time. Discussion ensued regarding the size of the signage. 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 Inn at Saratoga Freestanding Sign, 231 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions –Only one free standing sign is to exist on the property unless a variance is granted. The vacancy sign rider is to be removed. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2014.062 FITCH BROTHERS (KINGS TAVERN) WALL SIGN, 241 Union Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Patrick Fitch, Adam Fitch, Jason Fitch Agent: Mike Remillard, Sign Perfect Mr. Remillard stated the applicants have received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday evening for a 14 square foot sign. Gold leaf lettering on the sign. The crown is carved. Gooseneck lighting on the building. Discussion ensued regarding the addition of an apostrophe in the word Kings. Also perhaps altering the lettering font to distinguish the letter V. Mr. Fitch explained that the tavern has been Kings since its early inception and they will keep the tradition of this spelling that way. Mr. Remillard stated regarding the V it is what is being used in their logo. They have no problem changing it on the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. 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 Fitch Brothers (Kings Tavern) Wall Sign, 241 Union Avenue that we approve the application with the following conditions – that the V is altered slightly to distinguish it as a letter V. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 2014.076 PICKETT CARRIAGE HOUSE, 589 North Broadway, Historic Review of new carriage house within the Urban Residential-1 District. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – page 3 of 8 Applicant: Dan and Jan Pickett Agent: Mike Phinney, Principal, Phinney Design Group Mr. Phinney stated the Commission is familiar with this project originally designed by SD Atelier, Sue Davis. Phinney Design Group has been hired to complete the interior of the main house and focus on the carriage house. Very slight changes to the main house. Mr. Phinney provided the Commission with a visual presentation of the project, reviewing the project, all the modifications, elevations and landscaping. The applicants have requested a fireplace for the master bedroom. The chimney will be constructed of stone. New windows will be simulated divided light windows to match the house. Exterior lighting on the carriage house will be sconces. The carriage house walkway will be bluestone pavers. A patio area is proposed. Stone is proposed on the façade of the carriage house. Discussion ensued regarding choice of windows on the lower level of the carriage house. 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. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated the changes to the main house are appropriate. Carriage house as a rule do not carry the stone to the second story. There is not much stone on the main house. Typically the carriage house mimics the main house. Discussion ensued regarding usage of stone on the carriage house. It was the consensus of the Commission that the stone is appropriate. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Pickett Carriage House, 589 North Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions - that the lighting be approved via Administrative Action. Also the proposed gas fireplace be approved as proposed in stone. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 7. 2014.080 AVERILL RESIDENCE, 123 Van Dam Street, Architectural Review of exterior renovation to an existing building within the Urban Residential District. Applicant: Maryanna O'Donnell, Owner Ms. O'Donnell stated she and her husband recently purchased this property next door to their home. They are requesting to replace windows keeping them the same design as what currently exists. They will be custom made. We do not want to change the exterior of the home. We are looking to repair the slate roof. Replace other existing roofs which are newer and in poor shape. These will be replaced with slate as well to keep the roofing consistent. We would also like to add a wrap around porch on this home. This home has some historical significance and so we will not replace the siding. We will repair the siding which needs to be repaired. We wanted to change the scalloping however we have no objection to retaining the scalloping which currently exists. Correspondence received by Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Preservation Foundation stating this home is a contributing member of the West Side Historic District. 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 16, 2014 – page 4 of 8 Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Averill Residence, 123 Van Dam Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions – Cemplank is not to be used. Original to be prepped and painted. Repairs to be toothed in and match material species. Scallop detail to be retained. Columns to match existing. Lattice work to be picture framed with 90 degree orientation. Recommendation to reach out to the Commission if issues arise regarding the existing wood corner details. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 8. 2014.053 GRAHAM MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING, 109 Washington Street, Architectural Review of the renovation of a multi-family building within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Brett Balzer, Dennis McGowen, Balzer, Tuck Architecture Mr. Balzer provided a visual presentation of the project to the Commission. Project has been before the Zoning Board of Appeals and was granted approval for variances for minimum lot size for 3 residences and minimum setback for parking from 25' required to 0' at the June 23, 2014 meeting. The Planning Board last saw this project at the July 9, 2014 meeting. At that time a revised the parking area. The parking will now be a pull in to the parking space. To pull out the tenant will back up and pull out. This has been revised to ensure cars can turn around on site and not back into traffic. Site Plan approval was received from the Planning Board on July 9, 2014. Hardy fiber cement siding will be used. The old slate roof will be replaced with an asphalt fiberglass shadow line shingle roof. All the ornamental woodwork will be repaired and replaced. Balusters which are in disrepair will be repaired and/or replaced in kind. Window fenestrations were reviewed for the Commission as well as window sample. Color samples were provided to the Commission as well. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a letter was received from the Preservation Foundation stating concerns regarding the decorative shingles in the gable ends. Original decorative shingles should be retained and rehabilitated as outlined in the City of Saratoga Springs Ordinance, or replaced in kind. The Foundation is happy someone is taking on this project and refurbishing this property. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Graham Multi-Family Building, 109 Washington Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions – on the west elevation, the north corner tower to remove the existing door as planned and align double muld window centered to the windows above. Also that the slate will be replaced completely with an asphalt fiberglass shadow line shingle. 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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 9. 2013.137.1 ARNOLD GARAGE/SUNROOM ADDITION, 795 North Broadway, Historic Review of sunroom addition to residence within the Urban Residential-1 District. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – page 5 of 8 RECUSAL: Commission member Richard Martin recused himself from this application. Agent: Tom Frost, Frost, Hurff Architects Applicants: The Arnolds Mr. Frost stated that the applicants have received prior approval from this Commission for a carriage house. The owners are requesting a sunroom addition to the carriage house. It will be a glass enclosed four season room. Elevations as well as floor plans were submitted to the Commission. Composite trim on the corners and columns. Windows will be the same as in the main house. Metal roof will match the connecting structure. Stone base to match the main building as well. 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. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Arnold Garage Sunroom Addition, 795 North Broadway 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Commission member Richard Martin resumed his position on the Commission. 10. 2014.078 WEST HILL PLAZA FAÇADE, 93-109 West Avenue, Architectural Review of façade renovations to commercial strip mall within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: John Casey, owner Agent: Keith Cramer, architect Mr. Cramer stated the applicant is looking to update the façade of the building. Several tenant spaces will be increased and some will be decreased necessitating the addition and/or the removal of some doorways. The applicant reviewed the proposed materials. Security lighting will be installed. Lighting plan was submitted for the Commissions review. A visual presentation was provided to the Commission. Discussion ensued regarding proposed materials. 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 West Hill Plaza Façade, 93-109 West Avenue/250 Washington Street that the application be approved with the following condition – return brick/stucco at the northwest corner to approximately 8 feet at the downspout. Stucco should be directly applied to the upper level and overhang without foam insulation. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – page 6 of 8  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 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Commission member Robert West exited the meeting at 9:35 P.M. 11. 2014.077 INDEPENDENT WIRELESS ANTENNA, 4 Case Street, Architectural Review of chimney modification for new antenna within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Tracey Swarrington, Uptell Leasing, Paul Fantas, Infinigy Sprint currently has existing wiring inside the chimney which after further investigation revealed it is too small to accommodate the new antennae Sprint is proposing. The applicant is here for approval for the new chimney which is larger. Photos were submitted to the Commission. The current equipment on the ground will be utilized. 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. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of the raceway. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Independent Wireless Antenna Modification, 4 Case Street that the application be approved with the following condition - that the raceway run along the roofline and then straight down parallel to the standing seam versus at a diagonal, and that it be painted the same color as the roof. Cricket behind the lower chimney may need to be modified for proper drainage. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 12. 2013.105 VERIZON CELL TOWER, 2202 Route 50 South, consideration of Advisory Opinion (Architectural Review) for a 110' monopine cell tower and associated equipment within the Highway General Business District. Agent: Scott Olsen, Attorney Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development gave a brief overview of this application. On April 16, 2014 the DRC provided to the Zoning Board of Appeals a favorable Advisory Opinion concerning a silo structure to camouflage the desired 110' high cell tower. The DRC stated given the location of this site along an identified rural corridor and signature gateway in the City's Comprehensive Plan and Open Space Plan, and within the Gateway Design District – 1 which encourages appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural "Country" character in this gateway area to compliment the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park", the DRC respectfully provides the following opinion. In keeping with the rural area the DRC supports a 110' high silo structure, 30 feet in diameter. The Zoning Board of Appeals did not agree with this Opinion and supported a monopine. The DRC requested additional information in the form of construction drawings. Mr. Scott Olsen, Attorney for Verizon provided the Commission with a visual presentation as well as the information the DRC requested. Mr. Olsen reviewed the difference between the silo and the monopine. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – page 7 of 8 Discussion ensued among the Commission regarding the silo versus the monopine and revising the Advisory Opinion. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Verizon Cell Tower, 2202 Route 50 South stated following a discussion on this matter on July 16, 2014, the Commission issues the following favorable opinion. Based upon discussions and the latest information provided by the applicant which includes the description of the nearly identical example of the monopine located in Port Henry, New York. In addition, the information provided by the manufacturer Sabre Industries letter dated June 10, 2014, describing the proposed monopine construction has provided a greater level of confidence in the ultimate appearance of the proposed monopine. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Richard Martin stated he is currently disappointed in the maintenance of the silo which is currently located in the City. There is less maintenance issues with a well designed tree. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, opposed; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting 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, abstained MOTION PASSES: 4-0-1 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday August 12, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: October 15, 2014 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – page 8 of 8