Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair; 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 7:03 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. 2014.140 COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF WALL SIGNAGE, 46 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review of 2 wall signs within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Dan Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing two wall signs. One wall sign on the Marion Avenue side of the building and the second sign on the parking lot side of the building. The proposed signage will be an aluminum extruded sign with acrylic letters. We will be adding foam so the signage will have more of a halo lit feature. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated that the applicant is requesting two wall signs. They are entitled to a wall sign on the Marion Avenue façade and have sought, and been granted relief to also have a wall sign on the parking lot façade. Discussion ensued regarding the height of the signage and the sign placement on the building. It was the determination of the Commission to center the height of the signage on the soldier course which continues across the building. 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 Compliments to the Chef Wall Signage, 46 Marion Avenue, that we approve the application with the following conditions: the height of both signs are centered on the soldier course of the building and the color of the sign matches the building trim color as closely as possible. 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 2. 2014.141 CHAUVIN FAMILY DENTISTRY FREESTANDING SIGN, 403 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within the Rural Residential District.. Agent: Dan Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated what the applicant is proposing is a new 3 x 6 foot carved sign with 6 x 6 posts. This sign will be a forest green in color with gold lettering. No new lighting is proposed, the applicant will utilize the lighting which currently exists. 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 Chauvin Family Dentistry Freestanding Sign, 403 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved with the following condition: the height of the new sign is not to exceed the height of the existing freestanding sign. 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, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. #2014.075 COMEDY WORKS/NEWBERRY MUSIC HALL WALL SIGNAGE, 388 Broadway, Historic Review of wall signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Ron Levec, Sign Studio Applicant: Cramro Enterprises Mr. Levec, stated the applicant is proposing to fabricate and install a new sign on the existing canopy at this location. This is a dimensional sign not an internally illuminated sign constructed of dimensional components, PVC plastics. It resembles wood, however it is more durable than wood. An example of the proposed signage as well as color choice was provided to the Commission for their review. No new 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Comedy Works/Newberry Music Hall Wall Sign, 388 Broadway 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, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2014.139 MILLER ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS, 280 Washington Street, Architectural Review, of rooftop solar panel installation within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Rick LeShaw, Project Manager Solar City 2 The applicants are proposing the installation of solar panels to the south side and west side portion of the roof. There will be a very minimal view of panels. Design and orientation of the solar panels was provided to the Commission for their review. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was 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. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Miller Rooftop Solar Panels, 280 Washington 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2014.087 DONOHUE REAR PORCH EXTENSION, 154 Washington Street, Architectural Review of a rear porch extension within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Sam Caldwell Mr. Caldwell stated the applicant is proposing an addition to match the gable end of the home and extend it 3 feet to obtain more usable living space. Photographs were provided for the Commission’s review. We cannot reuse any of the old materials. We will be placing new white pine 6 x 6 verticals painted to match the existing porches. Fascia details will be copied to match the existing. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further 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 Donohue Rear Porch Extension, 154 Washington 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 2014.137 THERIAULT WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 632 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of window replacements within the Rural Residential-3 District. The applicant is proposing window replacements for the home. The same muntin configuration will be used as currently exists on the home 3 over 1. These are simulated divided light wooden windows which are aluminum clad on the outside with a black finish. 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 Theriault Window Replacements, 632 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. 3 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 7. 2014.138 PICKNEY WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 63 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of window replacements within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Laureen Guido Agent: Keith Boggan, Boggan and Sons Construction The applicant is proposing window replacements in their home. They will be utilizing the same 3 over 1 muntin pattern. These new windows will be black aluminum clad on the outside. 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 Pickney Window Replacements, 63 Ballston Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted. 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, 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 representation for Agenda Item # 8. 9. 2014.132 VERIZON MONOPINE CELL TOWER, 2201 Route 50 South, Architectural Review of installation of a monopine telecommunication facility, and associated structures, within the Highway General Business District. Applicant: Verizon Wireless Agent: Jessica Vigers, Young, Sommers, LLC Ms. Vigers stated the applicant has appeared before this Commission at an earlier date. The application was submitted in November, 2014. This is a 110 ft. monopine cell tower. The applicant provided in June of this year photographs from the Port Henry site for the Commissions review. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, inquired if there could be some future opportunity for review and approval pre and post- construction to ensure that the tower is as promoted. This recommendation is suggested due to the Commission being disappointed with other monopine construction in the City. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development confirmed that the Commission has been disappointed with the installation of a monopine in the City. The Commission is looking for assurances that this project upon completion will be satisfactory to the Commission. Ms. Vigers stated it has been noted in the application as well as in photographs of the Port Henry project that we provided that the applicant will install a monopine which is of the same caliber as the Port Henry installation. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated a Certificate of Occupancy would need to be issued following completion and this may provide the necessary post-construction review. Mr. Jim D'Lorio, stated construction drawings will be provided to the Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit. 4 These drawings will have in elaborate detail all the specifics the Commission is looking for. We will provide these to the Commission for your review. Discussion ensued regarding the final approval and Certificate of Occupancy. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger made a motion in the matter of Verizon Monopine Cell Tower, 2201 Route 50 South, that the application be approved as submitted with the following condition: final construction drawings are to be submitted to the Design Review Commission Chair for final approval administratively. 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 10. 2014.018 NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS ROOFTOP ANTENNAS, Jonsson Hall, 814 North Broadway, Architectural Review of rooftop wireless antennas within an Institutional Education District. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development provided some background information to the Commission. The Commission did request this applicant to consider some rooftop screening of the proposed antennas. The applicant has decided not to screen the antennas but will present other mitigation scenarios. Agent: Thomas Puchner, Phillips Lytle, LLP; Al Hinkley, site acquisition consultant to ATT Applicant: New Cingular Wireless Mr. Puchner stated the applicant is before the Commission for the co-location of rooftop wireless antennas on the Jonsson Hall at Skidmore College. Originally the three sets of antennas that are proposed were placed on the roof edge and per the request for mitigation we have moved them back. This is a significant reduction in the visual impacts. The City did request several other mitigation efforts such as reducing the height of the antennas, putting them at the same height as T-Mobile and to try to bring them closer together. We do have documentation to provide to the Commission noting why the City's suggestions are not feasible. Discussion ensued regarding the current proposal presented by the applicant. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. 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 New Cingular Wireless Rooftop Antennas, Jonsson Hall 814 North Broadway that the application be approved as submitted with the following condition: this Commission notes that this approval is based upon technical data and information submitted in this particular case and evaluated under the jurisdiction and standards contained in the City's Zoning Ordinance, Articles 240-6.3.2 Telecommunication Facilities and Towers and 240-7.5 Architectural Review. This approval does not constitute a statement by the Commission that modifications of this type are not subject to its review. 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 5 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 8. 2014.128 77 VAN DAM WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 77 Van Dam Street, Architectural Review of a window replacements within the Urban Residential-2 District. The Commission voted to table discussion of this application to the next DRC Meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the October 15, 2014, with minor corrections as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, abstained; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, abstained MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the November 5, 2014, with minor corrections as submitted. Cynthia Corbett, seconded the motion. 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 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the November 19, 2014, as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor;; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Karen Cavotta, abstained; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the December 3, 2014, minutes with minor corrections as submitted. Robert DeMarco seconded the motion. 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 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Cynthia Corbett made a motion to adjourn. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: 6 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 Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 2/18/15 7