Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Richard Martin STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 8:07 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, welcomed new Commission Member Cynthia Corbett. She comes to the Commission with a strong background in historic preservation. We look forward to working with her for a long time. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 2. 2014.096 THE SARATOGA HOSPITAL SIGNAGE, 211 Church Street, Architectural Review of signage within the Saratoga Hospital Medical/Professional District. Applicant: Saratoga Hospital, Kevin Ronayne, Vice President of Facilities and Operations Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Alex Besso, The Jones Firm; Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs. Mr. Jones stated this is an application that the Zoning Board of Appeals heard last week. A variance was granted for signage in the PUD. The signage is smaller than what is allowed by the PUD sign ordinance but it is substantially wider and longer. Mr. Jones provided the Board with a visual presentation of the proposed signage. This signage denotes the MaryLou Whitney and Desmond DelGiacco, MD Intensive Care Unit. Mr. Wheeler stated the signage will be reverse lit channel lettering approximately 2" deep adhered to the building. The materials are raw brushed stainless steel. At night the signage will project a soft light. An example was provided for the Commissions review. 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. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Hospital ICU Signage, 211 Church Street, 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; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 2014.094 GENNARO'S PIZZA WALL SIGN, 46 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Wayne Gennaro Agent: Russ Hazen, Ray Signs Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the applicant has been in conversation with staff trying to get this sign into compliance. Mr. Hazen stated revisions were emailed to staff. Copies for the Commission were also provided. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, stated that the original proposal was to have the transformer on the exterior, which is not permitted in this district. The applicant changed the plans to incorporate the transformer behind the exterior wall. There remained the issue of the signage projection more than 6" which is prohibited in this district. This has been revised to a projection that is now in compliance. Also, the location of the sign was above the first floor level. This has been rectified. Mr. Hazen stated he has provided the revised drawings which shows a 6" maximum projection of the backer panel and the letter. An example was provided for the Commission's review. This is a halo lit sign with lettering 18" in height. Discussion ensued regarding the centering of the signage over the doorway or centered over the space. The Commission questioned other tenant's signage looking for consistency. Discussion ensued regarding an on-site visit due to concerns regarding placement and location of signage. Placement of the sign to be determined administratively. 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. Former Commissioner of Public Works stated that the Commission should just approve the signage so he can open his business. He stated that Weibel Avenue didn't have to go through so much to get their signs. Steven Rowland, Chairman, replied that much conversation was held regarding signage on Weibel Avenue tenant spaces. We have tried to converse with the developer of this property and requested that he return to the Commission with a sign package to ensure consistency throughout this plaza. To date, this has not occurred. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Gennaro's Pizza Wall Sign, Marion Avenue Façade, 46 Marion Avenue, that the application be approved with the revised renditions as submitted and presented this evening, with the following condition: exact location of the signage on the building is to be determined administratively by the Chairman. Rob 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; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2014.098 KANE'S FINE WINE AND SPIRIT'S WALL SIGN, 59 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Mike Remillard, Sign Perfect City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Mr. Remillard provided the Commission with revised drawings of the proposed signage. The sign will face on Lake Avenue and will consist of a 2 'x 16' wide sign, ¾ " MDO with a raised 1½" raised border. Circle graphic will be made out of Hemlock. The lettering is ¾" gold high density urethane letters. Four light fixtures will be installed in either white or grey. 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. Rob DeMarco made a motion in the Kane's Fine Wine and Spirits Signage, 59 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted and shown on the attached plans. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2014.103 DAWGDOM WALL SIGN, 33 Van Dam Street, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated sign will be 118" x 36" sign panel with dimensional lettering and a digital printed crown graphic using existing lighting. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any concerns or questions from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None head. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Dawgdom Wall Sign, 33 Van Dam Street, that the application be approved as submitted. Bob 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. #2014.104 STINKY DOG CANOPY, 488 Broadway, Historic Review of a canopy within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicants: Samantha & Jason McCoullough, Owners Ms.Coullough stated there was a change made in the application. The logo will be on the main slope of the awning which will be open ended with no valance. The awning will extend out 2 ft and will be angled. Northeast Awning is the vendor and will complete the installation. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there are any further questions 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 Stinky Dog Canopy, 488 Broadway, that the application be approved as revised with canopy showing no front valance or side panels, circular logo and business name on the canopy slope, City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 17, 2014 brackets for awning to be installed in mortar joints, submission of new drawings to reflect changes. 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; Robert DeMarco in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 7. 2014.102 EQUITAS REALTY WALL SIGNAGE, 38 High Rock Avenue, Architectural review of 2 wall signs within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated 1 ½" high density urethane lettering will be installed on the side of the building with a digital print logo as well. We are requesting one on York Street and one on High Rock. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated regarding the York Street signage the Commission had concerns regarding placement of the signage. Mr. Roicki stated the owner thought the signage looked better centered in the brick space to the right of the door on the masonry on the York Street entrance. Discussion ensued among the Commission regarding placement. Mr. Roicki stated on High Rock Avenue, the signage is centered within the whole grey mass between the door and the window. No lighting is proposed for either sign 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Equitas Realty Wall Signage 488 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following condition: York Street signage to be centered within the masonry. 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; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 8. 2014.105 LAHOFF/NOONAN WINDOWS, 200 Regent Street, Historic Review of window replacement in the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Katherine Lahoff, McHendrick Noonan The applicants are looking to replace 14 windows in the house. Wooden windows are cracked and in disrepair. The applicants are proposing replacing current windows with an aluminum-clad wooden window. The grid patterns will remain the same as currently exist, six over six on the upper floor, and one over one on the main level. These are simulated divided light windows. Ms. Lahoff stated that the wooden windows are not the original windows. These were replaced by a previous owner and the ones that currently exist are in disrepair. Cynthia Corbett reviewed the current guidelines for window replacement in a historic district and would like to see the current windows saved and repaired. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Discussion ensued regarding the type of windows selected, the preference of maintaining the old windows and the character they add to the historic homes. 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 made a motion in the matter of the Lahoff/Noonan Windows, 200 Regent Street, that we approve the application as submitted. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Robert DeMarco in favor; Cynthia Corbett, opposed. MOTION PASSES: 5-1 9. 2014.099 NEWHALL RESIDENCE, 150 Regent Street, Historic Review of façade repair/modifications to an existing structure within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: Russ Newhall, owner Mr. Newhall stated he has had some water damage to his home. One window of a matched pair is damaged and cannot be repaired. Also the applicant will be replacing all remaining windows on this side of the home. Siding will be replaced with fiber cement board for more efficiency. Roof replacement will be made in kind with grey asphalt. We will be using the same reveal, and the same width of siding. Discussion ensued regarding historic district guidelines and regulations. Repairs/replacement should be in kind. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Newhall Residence Facade, 150 Regent Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Siding to be replaced in kind with wood, as necessary, except that lower watertable dripcap trim may be of non-wood material (pvc or cementitious board); trim profiles to match existing; new windows to have 2 over 2 lite configuration; ‘middle’ window to return to original height to match adjacent 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; Robert DeMarco in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 10. 2012.084.1 T-MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY, 84 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of telecommunications facility within the Transect-5 District. Agent: Steven Ellsworth, T-Mobile; Jacqueline Phillips-Murray, Attorney for Florida Tower Partners, Owner of Tower Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the Commission was disappointed with the quality of the installed tree currently at the location. He indicated that the resulting structure was not as proposed or as approved. The antennas are far too visible, the tree branching is far too sparse and the bark treatment is already failing. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Ms. Phillips-Murray stated that she understands that the installation did not meet the Commissions expectations. We are here in good faith to rectify the situation. Ms. Phillips reviewed what currently exists at this location. She provided photo simulations of what is proposed at this location with additional camouflaging. She proposed adding branching around the antennas including adding shrouds plus an additional 50 branches along the pole. She indicated the bark treatment of the pole will also be fully repaired. The applicant is very happy with this remediation and knows it will satisfy the Commission. 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 T-Mobile Telecommunications Facility Colocation application, 84 Weibel Avenue, that we approve as submitted. 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; Robert DeMarco in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 11. 2014.009 EXCELSIOR AVENUE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT- 3RD BUILDING ALONG EXCELSIOR AVENUE 56 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review for a mixed use building within the Transect-5 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 illustrating the changes or modifications that 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. Additional renderings were provided to the Commission. Buffering and landscaping plan was reviewed. There was review of all elevations. The first floor contains commercial space on the ends of the building as well as covered parking; tenant storage at the interior of the building, and nine residential units on this level. Second and third floors are similar with multi-unit residential apartments from one to two bedroom units. The fourth floor has a series of duplex apartments and an exercise room, and to the west is a meeting space and to the right there will be rooftop terrace. Materials and color samples were provided for the Commission’s review. Review of all mechanicals and placement. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Excelsior Avenue Mixed Use Development, 3rd Building (along Excelsior Avenue), 56 Marion Avenue that the application be approved as submitted on the latest plans. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there is 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; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the October 1, 2014 Design Review Commission meeting. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. 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 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, September 17, 2014