Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; 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: Steven Rowland, Chairman thanked Commission member Georgeanna Lussier for her time, efforts and contributions to the Design Review Commission. This is her last meeting this evening. Hopefully we will see again in the future. We wish her well. Steven Rowland, Chairman apologized to any applicants who where scheduled for the August 20, 2014 meeting which was cancelled. A. PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Steven Rowland, Chairman explained the consent agenda. The intent of a consent agenda is to identify any applications that appear to be 'approvable' without need for further evaluation or discussion. If any DRC member or member of the audience wished to discuss/explore any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the 'consent agenda' and dealt with individually. 1. 2014.086 NATURE GREEN SALON AND SPA FREESTANDING SIGN, 182 South Broadway, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 2. 2014.086 NATURE GREEN SALON AND SPA AWNINGS, 182 South Broadway, Architectural Review of 2 awnings within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 3. 2012.092.1 ALLSTATE WALL SIGN, 228 Church Street, Architectural Review of a wall sign in the Office Medical Business-2 District. 4. 2014.088 CELLCO/VERIZON, 151 Nelson Avenue, Historic Review of a stealth chimney installation of cell and GPS antenna in the Urban Residential-3 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any concerns or questions from the Commission with regard to these four agenda items. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience had any questions or comments with regard to these four agenda items. None head. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion for Items 1 thru 4 on the Consent Agenda 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: Application #5 was deferred due to lack of representation. 6. 2014.090 SARATOGA ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH LED FREESTANDING SIGN, 2325 Route 50 South sketch discussion (Architectural Review) of LED pedestal sign in the Office Medical Business-1 District. Applicant: Pastor Glenn Dionne Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak explained that when the church moved into the building over 20 years ago, signage was placed on Hutchins Road. Sketches were provided to the Board of the church location and current signage. It is one of the last lots located in the Office Business District. Over the years the church has grown. Several different ministries have grown in the church such as the youth groups, bible study groups, etc. The current signage has become labor intensive having to change activities sometimes several times a day. The current signage is an internally lit sign which was allowed at the time. The pastors would like to propose an electronic signage board which they could list events, speakers and encouraging messages. We have provided a copy of the proposed signage to the Commission. It will be double sided and will be framed out on a stone base. The materials will be consistent with what is there now, with the addition of an LED sign. No flashing lights are proposed. We are trying to make this sign understated. We are here for discussion regarding the sign. Discussion ensued regarding the LED signage and the fact that such signs are not allowed in the City of Saratoga. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated perhaps the Board could make a site visit to view the proposed signage. Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant will contact the sign company and set up a date and time for a site visit. 5. 2014.082 DUGGAN'S SIGNAGE, 12 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of freestanding and 1 wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Mike Remillard, Sign Perfect Mr. Remillard provided the Commission with an overview of the project. The applicant is looking to fabricate a sign and place signage on the building. Lighting currently exists. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated signage is not allowed above the first floor. The Hamilton Street signage meets the ZBA regulations. The freestanding sign also meets the regulations as well. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 2 of 8 The proposed signage does require a variance from the ZBA because the signage extends more than 6 inches from the façade. Approval would then be required from this Commission. Road improvements are to be made on Ballston Avenue. The street is due to be widened. There is the possibility for removal the freestanding sign due to the installation of street trees, curbing, green space and lighting, or if it is placed in the City right of way. Steven Rowland, Chairman discussed the fact that there is new signage present at this location without the prior approval of the Design Review Commission. 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of Duggan's Signage, 12 Ballston Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Approval of the Freestanding Sign at the pre-existing location. Approval of a wall mounted sign at Hamilton Street. The Ballston Avenue signage will need to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals prior to review by the DRC Commission. 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; Robert West; in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 7. 2014.092 PINCKNEY STAIRS, 268 Broadway, Architectural Review of front stairs and railing replacement within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Keith Baldwin, President of Baldwin & Sons Construction Mr. Baldwin stated the applicant is looking to replace all three sets of stairs and handrails. New stringers, close off the risers, mahogany threads. Wood posts, railings and balusters with a simple cap. These will be painted white and the mahogany threads will be stained. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated in the application there is reference to pressure treated wood. We have not seen a great deal of success with paint on pressure treated wood. Is there any thought to any alternative. Mr. Baldwin stated they can use cedar instead of pressure treated wood where specified. Richard Martin stated cedar is a much nicer product. Recommendation to the applicant was made on how to sink the post below the frost line to better secure the post and stairs. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked what the applicant is looking to do with the iron railings. They are quite impressive. Suggestion was made not to throw them out, perhaps donating them to Historic Albany. 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 West made a motion in the matter of the Pinckney Stairs and Handrail Replacement, 98 Church Street, that the application be approved with the following condition: That the applicant use cedar in lieu of pressure treated wood where specified for post and rail. 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; City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 3 of 8  Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 8. 2014.084 WALSH BUILDING CUPOLA, 42 Long Alley, Architectural Review of a new cupola and skylight replacement on an existing building in the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Applicant: Joe Walsh Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant is looking to replace two 20 year old skylights with new skylights. He would like to replace them with a Velux replacement skylights. The larger revision is the very large skylight at the top of this building and it has aged out and he needs to replace it. Also it becomes very hot in the summer. He would like to replace that skylight with a cupola which is very consistent with the area. It is 7 x 7 square. The walls will be 42 inches in height and it is on the flat part of the roof covering the current skylight. Also we are requesting replacement of 4 awning windows, which will be taupe colored on the sides of the cupola. Small metal roof on the cupola which will match the existing metal roof on the building. 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. Tom Frost neighbor requests Mr. Walsh clean out his gutters which creates a problem during downpours. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Walsh Building Cupola, 42 Long Alley, that the application be approved with the following conditions: New awning windows will be taupe. Application shows three skylights, only two are proposed. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 9. 2014.095 REILLY ADDITION, 49 Court Street, Historic Review of addition within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: Philomena and Kevin Reilly Mrs. Reilly stated they are proposing a one story addition to their home. They will be demolishing a shed in the rear of the building. The home currently has aluminum and vinyl siding which will be replaced with fiber cement board siding, in the color taupe. White wood windows will replace vinyl which currently exists. The windows will be painted white. 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. Georgeanna Lussier made a motion in the matter of the Reilly Addition, 49 Court Street, that we approve the application 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; Robert DeMarco in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 4 of 8 MOTION PASSES: 7-0 10. 2014.093 HERZOG RESIDENCE GARAGE, 142 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of a new garage within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent Tom Frost, Frost Hurff Architects Applicant: Ethel and John Herzog The existing building was previously a bed and breakfast which the applicants have converted to a single family home where they are raising their children. The is an existing garage on the site. The southern border of the site is an alley called Abbey Drive. There is a garage built with the same products as the house. This will be used as a pool house. The large paved area is the parking for the home. The owners would like to build a four bay garage. A visual presentation of the project was presented to the Commission. Schematics were reviewed by Mr. Frost and were also provided to the Commission as well. The new garage will have the same pitch as the roof of the home. Garage shingles will be slate grey in color with white trim. Roofing will be the same shingle as is currently on the house. No variances are required for this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the garage is appropriate to the 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Herzog Residence Garage, 142 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted. Note: Cut sheets for doors, windows and lighting to be submitted for the record. 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; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 11. 2014.083 RYTODEBAR REALTY BUILDING EXPANSION, 137 Maple Avenue, Architectural Review of a 2-story wood frame addition to an existing building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Susan Bartkowski, James Towne, Towne, Ryan Partners Agent: Vic Ciquino, Architect Mr. Ciquino provided a visual presentation to the Commission of the proposed project as well as providing schematic drawings. Mr. Ciquino stated different configurations for the addition were explored, but proved impractical. This addition will provide no undesirable change to the neighborhood character. The project is surrounded by traditional buildings developed under zoning quite different from the current T-5. The proposed addition conforms to the build-to and two-story requirements of the T-5 district. The addition is more conforming than the existing building with the T-5 requirements. The property owner recently obtained a portion of the City ROW along Maple Avenue providing an opportunity to expand the building and parking area. Five additional parking spaces will be provided under the new addition. The Zoning Board has approved a variance for this project and we are now zoning compliant. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated some concerns the Commission had in the workshop have been addressed by the newest renderings provided to the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated there are some concerns regarding the width and weight of the columns. Initially they seem a little light especially on the wrap around side of the building. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 5 of 8 Mr. Ciquino stated there are some limitations in that area concerning the ability for vehicle entry. Karen Cavotta stated the addition seems almost too residential. She would like it to be even more modern. Richard Martin agreed with Karen Cavotta's opinion concerning the residential look of the building. Robert West suggested perhaps elongating the windows. Perhaps a vertical siding might help change the look of the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated this is a very visible building from Route 50 as well as Maple Avenue. The use of different materials may help to break up the mass of the building. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning, and Economic Development stated in conversations with the applicant and Kate Maynard, Principal Planner there was a discussion to reinforce street scape especially in the Transect zone. Discussion ensued regarding the parking restraints and the design of the proposed addition, materials, columns, possible addition of a hip roof versus gable. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. The owner of this property stated the City should do something regarding the signage and the street names it is very confusing. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission certainly has thrown quite a few recommendations out to the applicant. Any changes should be submitted to Bradley Birge for dissemination to the Commission members prior to the applicants return before the Commission. 12. 2013.016 SARATOGA HONDA EXPANSION, 3402 Route 9 (South Broadway), Architectural Review of proposed expansion of existing building in the Office Medical Business-1 and -2 Districts.. Agent: Brett Balzer, Brennan Drake, Balzer, Tuck Architecture Applicant: Tim Higgins, Owner Mr. Balzer provided a recap of the mass and scale of the project which was approved in June 2013. The applicant is here this evening for final approval. This is essentially an expansion to an existing dealership. We will review the approved site plan as well as four elevations and two prospective studies. These have been updated with materials and colors. A visual presentation of the project was provided to the Commission. Mr. Balzer reviewed all elevations, proposed materials, overhead door materials and placement, solar panel placement as well as a review of proposed materials and lighting. Samples were provided for the Commissions review. We would like to receive final approval so we can apply for a building permit. We have received a use variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals 17 months ago with an expiration date of October 9, 2014. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this project has come a long way. This project provided a good view of what mechanical equipment is being housed on the roof and the screening thereof. This is a bit different in terms of the materials for Saratoga however, we will see more of these materials being used and worked well within the corporate architecture guidelines. Applicant will return for signage. Discussion ensued regarding the weight of the proposed columns on the auto porch. 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. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of Saratoga Honda Expansion, 3402 Route 9 South Broadway, City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 6 of 8 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 13. 2014.009 EXCELSIOR AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT – BUILDING 3, 56 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review for a mixed use building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Michael Tuck, Dennis McGowan, Balzer & Tuck Architecture; Todd Curley, Beachwood Prime Mr. Tuck provided the Commission with a brief visual presentation of the project pointing out the changes or modifications which were made to this building. The site has received special use permits as well as site plan approval. We are working toward filing for a permit this month. This building is proposed along Excelsior Avenue. What has changed since the previous appearance before the Commission is the introduction of a layer of storage for the tenants of the building on the basement level. We are shortening this area underneath the building. There are still the same number of parking spaces available however we have omitted the drive lane and we have brought the face of the building closer to the parking. Some internal reorganization was done to reduce the number of residential units on two floors, placing two additional units up on the roof top area. The height of the building remains the same as well as the general roof shape as previously presented. Fiber cement board siding was carried all the way to the ground per the Commission's recommendation instead of brick. The balconies which are off the side of the building and providing some sort of visual support we have introduced a large bracketed feature which brings the eye visually back to the building. After review of the mechanical systems it has become necessary to make the garage area an open area. We are trying to create more of an arcade type feel with the screening walls as well as to obscure any headlights from the garage area. Brickwork was removed on the Marion Avenue side and the fiber cement board siding was carried down to the ground the same as on Excelsior Avenue. Aluminum fixed frame panel system will be used for the windows. Mr. Tuck reviewed all elevations for the Commission as well as materials proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of mechanicals, venting and exhaust systems. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested the applicant to provide examples of brick and materials, as well as the color palette for the Commission's review. A signage package proposal was requested of the applicant prior to a return visit before the Commission. 14. 2014.089 CELLCO VERIZON, 101 Union Avenue, Historic Review of stealth chimney installation of cell and GPS cell antenna in the Urban Residential -4 District. Applicant: Cellco Verizon Agent: Robert A Panasci, Young Sommer, LLC Mr. Panasci stated an application was submitted for two sites, 151 Nelson Avenue and 101 Union Avenue. This particular application has been updated and the Commission has been provided with updated simulations. Old information which the Commission has can be disregarded and discarded. The height of the proposed antenna has been reduced by 50%. Material sample was provided for the chimney for the Commissions review. We are trying to duplicate the 151 Nelson Avenue application look. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 7 of 8 Discussion ensued regarding the look of the chimney with the addition of new materials, matching what currently exists or use of new materials. Jim Delorey, stated he believes the idea was to add to the antenna and to match materials. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested the applicant return to the Commission with other renderings following a discussion with the landlord. If information is submitted we will see the applicant in two weeks. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the September 17, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission/Planning Board Joint Meeting, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:05 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: October 15, 2014 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 3, 2014 – page 8 of 8