Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2014 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Karen Cavotta; Robert West; 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 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. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2014.125 FOX RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION, 72 Union Avenue, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (Historic Review) for the construction of 2 additional units to an existing multi-family structure within the Urban Residential-4 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is an administrative action for determination of SEQRA Lead Agency. 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 Fox Residential Construction, 72 Union Avenue to defer Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they request it. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 NOTE: The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of applicant representation. 3. 2014.049.1 9N MEDICAL BUILDING WALL SIGNAGE, 373 Church Street, Architectural Review of wall sign within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Applicant: Tony Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Russ Hazen, Ray Sign Company Mr. Hazen stated what is being proposed here is an externally-illuminated exterior wall sign. Lighting will be recessed lighting in the soffit above the signage providing a nice soft light. Lettering is a 2" projection off the building with fabricated aluminum lettering. Color is blue with white signage lettering. Signage color is blue with white lettering. There is a 2" projection off the building with fabricated aluminum lettering. The size of the signage is 99.29 square feet. Current copy has been provided to the Commission. 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 9N Medical Building Wall Signage, 373 Church Street that the application be approved per new plans dated November 5, 2014. 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, Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. #2014.127 BOYCE & DRAKE WALL SIGN, 74 Warren Street, Architectural Review of wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Boyce & Drake Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the application is proposing a 4 foot by 8 foot flat sign to be mounted on the applicants building. No additional lighting is currently being proposed. No zoning issues with this proposed signage. 1" tubing will be placed behind the sign. 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Boyce & Drake Wall Sign, 74 Warren Street, that the application be approved 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, Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2014.120 FELCHER RESIDENCE MUDROOM EXPANSION, 5 Madison Avenue, Historic Review of 1st floor extension within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Brett Balzer, Balzer Tuck Architects Mr. Balzer stated the applicants are proposing a minimal extension of their mudroom which is there everyday entrance. A visual presentation of the project was provided to the Commission. A review of elevations was also provided. Existing materials will be used as well as the same windows which exist currently in this home. 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, November 5, 2014 – page 2 of 7 Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Felcher Residence Mudroom Expansion, 5 Madison Avenue, 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, opposed; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 2014.118 MORGAN STANLEY WALL SIGN, 340 Broadway, Historic Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is a fairly straightforward application. Internally lit wall sign aluminum frame with a translucent vinyl face illuminated with LED's and simple copy. Very similar sign to others who have been in that building in the past. 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 Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Morgan Stanley Wall Sign, 340 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 2014.119 BUSH EXTERIOR RENOVATION, 1 Eureka Avenue, Architectural Review of exterior renovation within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicants are proposing some simple renovations to their home. They are proposing to cover the front stoop with a new porch, and a new front door. This will provide more character to the home and make it more aesthetically pleasing. They are proposing replacing windows and siding as well as a new garage storm door, new lighting on the porch and a new roof. Samples of roofing shingles was provided to the Commission. 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 placement of shutters on only one window. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Bush Exterior Renovation, 1 Eureka 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. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – page 3 of 7 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 9. 2014.124 21 PARK PLACE NEW CONSTRUCTION, 21 Park Place, Advisory Opinion to Zoning Board of Appeals on new construction within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicants: Dave Guarino, Linda Haner Ms. Haner provided background information on this project. There goal is to blend their proposed project into the existing fabric of the neighborhood. Ms. Haner reviewed the different architectural styles of existing housing in the neighborhood and detailed what they currently propose for their project. Material choices were reviewed with the Commission, elevations were reviewed. Visual presentation was provided to the Commission. The Commission provided some recommendations to the applicant. Discussion ensued regarding trees on the property with the goal to retain as many as possible. Steven Rowland, Chairman read into the record a report issued by the City Arborist, Josh Dulmer outlining the trees that are affected by disease and those that need pruning and attention by an arborist. Mr. Dulmer stated that he feels with proper attention, these trees can survive construction with diligent attention. Steven Rowland, Chairman also read the following correspondence into the record: 11/05/14 – Correspondence received from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. 11/03/14 – Correspondence received from Ashleigh Gardner, and other neighbors. 11/05/14 – Correspondence received from David Trainer. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. Dan Maney – Neighbor expressed opposition to this project. Ashleigh Gardner, 105 Regent Street, asked that the DRC carefully evaluate the appropriateness of the design. Alice O'Brien, 23 Park Place, stated that composite material is not appropriate for the neighborhood. Andrea Gardner, 105 Regent Street, questioned the arborist's knowledge of this project, especially the impact of full basements on the root systems of adjacent trees. Mike Toohey, attorney for the applicants, clarified that the property is in a multifamily zone and indicated that there is a diversity of architectural styles in the neighborhood and that the proposed project would not have any negative impact on the character of the neighborhood. Ann Trainor, owner of homes on Regent Street and Park Place stated that the neighborhood is mostly comprised of one family homes and opposes the proposed multifamily units. Steven Rowland, Chairman summarized the guidance provided by the DRC: - establish or reinforce the base or foundation area - reinforce the Greek revival style with several of the details, frieze boards, the fascias and gables, and cornerboards - reinforce the style of the horizontal pediment at the gables - investigate a somewhat lower roof pitch, to bring the scale down a little more Bob DeMarco questioned the mirror images of the structures. He suggested that altering one new structure from the other would reduce the repetition and create some uniqueness. This would help to reinforce the form of the streetscape. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the 21 Park Place New Construction, 21 Park Place City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – page 4 of 7 application for an Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The DRC offers a favorable opinion based on the following items: Based upon review of the materials presented at the meeting, the DRC does not believe that this project will result in any large or significant adverse impacts to the nearby National Register District nor the historic qualities or general character of the neighborhood. The proposed overall mass and scale of the project, the architectural styling and the proposed materials would not be inconsistent nor incongruous, with the surrounding neighborhood. The DRC suggests the following: 1. Investigate ways to reinforce a stronger base/foundation for the structures. The use of an additional few rows of brick on the base may achieve this and provide for less future maintenance/water damage. 2. Consider lowering the roof pitch of the proposed structures to preserve and enhance the focal point of the unique and historic Gothic qualities of the adjacent existing house. 3. Reinforce the classical Greek Revival elements of the proposed structures through the use of more robust corner board, fascia and frieze boards. Also, minimize the pitch of the gable pediment feature that spans across the gable ends so that little "roof" is visible atop the pediment. Consider roofing this pediment with metal in lieu of shingles. 4. Consider color, material, detail changes to distinguish one new building from the other. The street presents a wide variety of architectural styles, and massing, and it may be preferable to continue this alternating rhythm by providing some distinction between the two buildings by minimizing the 'mirror image' appearance of the two new buildings. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 10. 2014.123 WASHINGTON STREET REAR DEMOLITION, 19-23 Washington Street, partial demolition of rear portion of building and garage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Tony Stellato, CHA; Nick Schwartz, CHA; Dominick Ranieri, Architect Applicant: Jeff Ward RBC Construction Mr. Stellato stated we are appearing before this Commission to receive a demolition permit. We would like to remove the wooden addition from the back of the stone house and detached block garage structure. Mr. Ranieri has detailed the ultimate plan for this project. We have not yet filed an application for site plan approval. We have filed a short SEQRA form for demolition. This project lies contiguous to the historic district. The demolition needs to be considered as a Type I action, and would need to be coordinated with the Planning Board. We therefore, have replaced out SEQRA short form with a long form to comprehensively encompass the whole project including the ultimate development of this site. Mr. Ranieri provided the Commission with a visual presentation of the project to the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, stated she has just been able to tour the location and structure. She would like to take another opportunity to view the project. I do have concerns with the large addition being placed on the rear of the structure without properly differentiating it from the original structure. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of Washington Street Rear Demolition, 19-23 Washington Street, City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – page 5 of 7 to defer SEQRA Lead Agency status to the Planning Board should they seek it. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 11. 2013.016.3 SARATOGA HONDA MODIFICATION, 3402 South Broadway, Architectural Review of a modified proposal for the expansion of an existing building within the Office-Medical-Business-1 and -2 Districts. Applicant: Tom Higgins, Owner Agent: Brett Balzer, Balzer, Tuck Architects Mr. Balzer stated the Commission was provided with paperwork denoting a modification to the existing approved plan. Since the original approval, we have received a building permit and started site work. American Honda contacted the applicant and notified him that they were no longer receptive with the cylinder and wave element as designed. We need to please these people. They indicated that the applicant would need to remove the cylinder and wave. Mr. Balzer provided the Commission with a visual presentation of the modified project. A letter received from American Honda was submitted for the file. Discussion ensued regarding the removal of the cylinder and its impact on the design of this project. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she was disappointed in the revisions. She thought the structure still needed some type of architectural element to take the place of the cylinder. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of Saratoga Honda Modification, 3402 South Broadway that the application be approved as submitted November 5, 2014. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, opposed; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; opposed; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-2 APPLICATIONS DEFERRED TO THE NEXT MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 2014: 7. 2014.121 TROUTT PORCH ADDITION, 737 North Broadway, Historic Review of rear porch addition and façade modifications within the Urban Residential-1 District. 8. 2014.122 CONGRESS PLAZA APTS. CONVERSION, 46 Congress Street, Architectural Review of 2nd floor offices conversion to apartments within the Transect-6 Urban Core/Urban Residential-5 District. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 2, 2014 Design Review Commission as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – page 6 of 7 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; in favor; Robert West, abstained; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, abstained MOTION PASSES: 4-0-2 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, November 19, 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 01/07/15 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – page 7 of 7