Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Karen Cavotta; Robert West ABSENT: Robert DeMarco; Cynthia Corbett 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. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2014.093.1 HERZOG FENCE, 142 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of cast iron fence within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Tom Frost, Architect, Frost, Hurff Architects. Mr. Frost provided an updated version of the fencing and location. The fencing starts at Marion Place to Abby Drive and to the corner of Lake Avenue and continues back to a chain link fence. This is a 4 ft high cast iron fence with stone pillars which will flank the walkway on Lake Avenue. 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 Herzog Fence, 142 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved as shown on the submitted drawings stamped October 7, 2014. 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; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2014.054 DEVIVO RESIDENCE, 48 Franklin Street, Historic Review of window replacements within the  Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Ms. Barbara Devivo Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the final notice of decision was never rendered on this application. Following discussion of this project at a previous meeting, the Commission conducted a site visit to review the status of the windows. It had been suggested, by the DRC, that the applicant use one window as an example and have the contractor trim out the window in wood trim to more approximate the visual appearance of a full wood replacement window. Upon revisiting the site, it was apparent that the applicant had trimmed all of the windows. Notwithstanding, the DRC members present at the site visit found the resulting appearance of the windows with the addition of wood trim to be acceptable. 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 Devivo Residence Windows, 48 Franklin Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: The Commission notes that the applicant originally replaced these windows without the required Commission review and approval and in contradiction of the City's required process identified in Article 240-7.4 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Saratoga Springs. Furthermore, it is noted that the replacement window material – vinyl – is "strongly discouraged" by the City of Saratoga Springs Historic District Design Guidelines, adopted by the Commission in April 2012 and by the City Council in June 2012. Notwithstanding, following substantial dialog with the Commission and on-site review of the installation of mitigating wood trim on each of the windows to reduce the appearance of generic vinyl installation and restore, to the greatest extent possible, the original profile and appearance of the original window openings, the Commission reluctantly approves this project. 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 MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2014.110 CONGRESS PLAZA RETAIL TENANT SIGNAGE, 70 Congress Street, Architectural Review of retail tenant wall signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs Applicant: DCG Development Mr. Wheeler, AJ Signs the applicant would like to propose a new sign package for all tenants at Congress Plaza. Every tenant will have the same sign. 6" deep sign with graphic lettering and faces internally lit with LED's. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed sign package. 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, October 15, 2014 – page 2 of 7 Tamie Ehinger, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Congress Plaza Retail Tenant Signage, 70 Congress Street, that the application for the sign package be approved with the following conditions: Approve the sign package as originally submitted with the Purdy's sign in the original location and in the same line as the other tenants. Final sign copy may be approved administratively by the Chair. 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, Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. #2014.111 GAFFNEY'S WALL SIGN, 70 Caroline Street, Historic Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Michael Remillard, Sign Perfect. Mr. Remillard stated the applicants are proposing a 2' x 8' wide wall sign. There has been a couple minor changes in the proposal. Letters have been reduced to 16" and the Gaffney's logo will be 18" in height. This will be a reverse lit with LEDs inside. The background will be flat painted to reduce gloss, with brilliant gold leaf lettering. 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. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Gaffney's Wall Sign, 70 Caroline Street, that the application be approved with a notation that lettering is reduced to 16". 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, Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 5. 2014.112 MOUZON HOUSE SOLAR PANELS, 1 York Street, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Gabriel Stinson, Radiant Store Mr. Stinson stated they started this insulation application with the Mouzon House approximately one year ago, placing an application to New York State which was ultimately approved. The new roofing was installed this summer and included the installation of 6 rooftop solar panels. Photographs were provided to the Commission. Mr. Stinson indicated that he understood that the roof had received approval but he misinterpreted that to include approval for the solar panels that were subsequently installed. 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. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – page 3 of 7 Matt Jones, Attorney, indicated that he represents the City Center Authority and that it has an interest in this project but not an objection to the solar panels. We are in favor of clean energy. Our interest has more to do with the nature of our project and how it is impacted by the application pending before you. Mr. Jones spoke regarding the progress of the City Center Parking Garage application and its movement through the Land Use Boards. A shadow study was provided to the Planning Board and the shadow from our proposed structure will cast deep into the Mouzon House, and to the north. That will impact the solar panels and the hot water production. It is fairly self evident and the owners of the Mouzon House are aware. Our concern is regarding the approval which would ordinarily be a routine matter for this Commission and approval in this particular case becomes a shield for the applicant, albeit retroactively, but also with the potential for becoming a sword. An approval becomes the legal mechanism by which the applicant may seek to thwart the City Center project. The Pedinotti's may come back during the City Center approval process contending that the proposed City Center Parking Structure will negatively impact the use or effectiveness, of this approval for solar panels. Mr. Jones reviewed the history of this area back to 2005. The City Council at that time rezoned the parcel on which the Mouzon House is located and the adjacent parcel to the west closer to the City Center. At that time the City's parking areas came under discussion for potential future development scenarios. The Planning Board in it's Advisory Opinion to the City Council on the requested rezoning noted that the adjacent public parking lot could be redeveloped and there could be a large building constructed which could impact this property. It was stated in the minutes of this meeting that the applicant is aware of this possibility and that the Pedinotti's would not oppose the property's future redevelopment. A similar exchange occurred at the City Council meeting. The owners of the Mouzon House are now opposing the redevelopment of this property by the City Center despite their previous intention not to oppose redevelopment of this City property. I request that you do not vote on this application tonight. Mr. Stinson, stated as far as he is aware there is no intention of the Pedinotti's to use the solar panels as a sword or a shield. In no way, shape or form are the Pedinotti's trying to maliciously use this solar hot water project; they only wish to save a little money on their restaurant expenses. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he certainly can appreciate Mr. Jones statement on behalf of his clients. He indicated that the Commission's purview relates to the aesthetics of this project as defined in the City's Zoning Ordinance and that is what the DRC is focused on. We have to review applications based on what is before the Commission today and not based on speculation as to what might happen on adjacent properties in the future. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. Discussion ensued among the Board members regarding the Commissions purview. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Mouzon House Solar Panels, 1 York 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, opposed; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-1 6. 2014.106 DEXTER ROOF, 194 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of roof & chimney modifications within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Martha Dexter Ms. Dexter stated they are looking to replace the roofing with an eye to install solar panels in the future. Part of the plan is City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – page 4 of 7 to remove the copper slides. We are also looking to remove one of the existing, non working chimneys, because it will cast shadows on the future solar panels. Sample of the proposed shingles have been provided for the Commissions review. Discussion ensued regarding the removal of the chimney and the Design Review Commission guidelines on historic homes. Mrs. Dexter stated the chimney was used to vent the old boiler, and is not used at this time. Solar panels will be installed east to west on the roof due to the dormers on the home. Richard Martin suggested the applicant think about using the chimney is question as a chase for wiring to the basement. 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 in the matter of the Dexter Roof, 194 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved with the following condition approval of all with the exception of the chimney as existing is to remain in place. 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 MOTION PASSES: 5-0 7. 2014.113 SARATOGA REGIONAL YMCA RESIDENTIAL UNIT DEMOLITION, 2 Gilman Avenue Architectural Review of the demolition of a single family residential structure within the Saratoga Springs YMCA Planned Unit Development (PUD). Applicant: Jim Letts. CEO, Saratoga Regional YMCA. Mr. Letts stated this 800 sq. ft. home is not in very good condition. Photographs were provided to the Commission for their review. This space will be utilized for outdoor program space. SEQRA: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Design Review Commission is Lead Agency for the project. Part I of the short EAF was submitted by the applicant and is accurate. Steven Rowland, Chairman reviewed Part II of the SEQRA form. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this project entails the demolition and removal of a currently dilapidated one family residence located at 2 Gilman Avenue. The property adjacent to the property in question is owned by Saratoga Regional YMCA. The structure has experienced significant decay and disrepair. No additional construction is intended to replace this structure once removed. Based upon review of the information contained in SEQRA Part I, and evaluation of any potential impact of this action in SEQRA Part II the Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission finds that this action will not result in any significant adverse or environmental impacts. So therefore, we issue a SEQRA Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – page 5 of 7 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Residential Unit Demolition, 2 Gilman Avenue that we approve the application as submitted on the attached plans. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 8. 2014.114 CELLCO/VERIZON "SMALL CELL" INSTALLATION, 156 Kaydeross Park Road, Architectural Review of a "small cell: wireless installation including associated ground equipment within a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Applicant: Verizon Wireless Agent: Jessica Vigers, Young and Sommers; Mike Orchard; Techtonic Engineering Ms. Vigers stated this is a small cell installation, consisting of a low power antenna. There are several low power antennas in Saratoga at this time. The purpose of the small cell is to provide capacity relief and localized coverage of about 1,000 feet from the antenna. There are two proponents to this a can antenna and an antenna cabinet at ground level. The project site is known as the Vistas on Saratoga Lake and also known as Water Edge town homes. Photo simulations were provided to the Commission. Robert West made a motion in the matter of Cellco/Verizon "Small Cell" Installation, 156 Kaydeross Park Road, 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2014 and September 3, 2014, Design Review Commission as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – page 6 of 7 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:18 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved 01/07/15 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – page 7 of 7