Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair; Richard Martin Karen Cavotta; Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Robert West; Robert DeMarco 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. 2015.006 ALLSTATE WALL SIGN, 75 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Russ Hazen, Ray Signs Mr. Hazen stated the applicant is proposing a 25 foot internally lit sign installed 15 feet above grade. The applicant is also proposing vinyl graphics on the inside of the window. 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 Allstate Wall Sign, 75 Weibel Avenue that the application be approved as submitted with the following condition that the window sign be mounted on the inside of the window. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. #2014.138 EMBASSY SUITES SIGNAGE, 46 Congress Street, request for an Advisory Opinion from the ZBA (Architectural Review) for signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Donald MacElroy, David Congdon; DCG Development Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Alex Beso, Attorneys -Jones Firm; Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs Mr. Jones stated the applicant appeared before the Commission two weeks ago. What was presented at that time was a the Embassy Suites signs which was approved via a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Embassy Suites signage lettering at a maximum height of 24" lettering. We did provide a visual presentation of the one wall sign the "E" logo signage at the 6th floor which was a 7' box sign. That was the subject of discussion among the Commission. The Design Review Commission provided an Advisory Opinion to the ZBA approving the lower signage. The DRC requested the applicant provide alternative sign styling, construction, and locations for the "E" emblem sign. We have done that in two ways. The first option is a 48", "E" logo halo lit sign, opposite the Embassy Suites sign over the porte-cochere. The second is mounted on the 6th floor, with the new design. Visual presentation of the proposed signage was provided to the Commission. Mr. Wheeler provided the Commission with information concerning the "E" logo signage. This is a much softer light than was presented earlier. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she liked the new presentation it is much more appropriate. My preference would be to have signage at the lower level on the canopy. 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 and issued the following Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals on the Embassy Suites Signage, "E" Emblem, 46 Congress Street regarding proposed signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. The Commission issue a Favorable Advisory Opinion with the following considerations: -The maximum overall height 3'2" with the "E" logo height being a maximum height of 2'. -Location of the "E" logo to be placed on the canopy. -Final DRC approval will be accomplished via administrative action if unchanged. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2014.126 STEWART'S SHOPS ADDITION & CANOPY, 30 Church Street, Architectural Review of 475 square foot addition and canopy replacement within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Stewart's Shops Agent: Chuck Marshall The existing Stewart's site located at 30 Church Street, proposed modification is 475 square foot single story addition, change in signage and roof treatment of gas pumping structure overhead and, replacement of sidewalks. The ZBA has granted required variances, Mr. Marshall stated LED lighting will replace what currently exists. The Railroad Place curbcut is approximately 53 feet wide, the applicant will be reducing this curb cut by 10 feet, which will still provide enough area for their large truck needs. Sidewalks are proposed to be replaced on all three frontages of the site. They will be handicap accessible sidewalks with necessary ramping. They will be adding a bike rack, a bench and landscaping. Plans were provided to the Board. Discussion ensued regarding the lack of a window on the east elevation to create some relief on this side of the building. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the application of Stewart's Shops Addition & Canopy, 30 Church Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: Provide brick relief at the east elevation to mirror the window at the right side of this elevation to balance this elevation. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. 2014.142 BEYER RESIDENCE SIDING/EXTERIOR MODIFICATION, 53 Ash Street, Architectural Review of exterior material changes within the Neighborhood Complementary Use-1 District. Applicant: Donald Jeffrey Beyer Mr. Beyer stated they are looking to install ¼" insulation board with vinyl siding and a wider channel trim board around the doors and windows. Discussion ensued regarding a rigid type PVC for the fascia and soffit area. 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. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of the Beyer Residence Siding and Exterior Modification, 43 Ash Street, to approve with the following conditions: the applicant use a PVC fiber cement product for trim work, cornerboards, fascia and soffits. The applicant is to install an open handrail on both upper and lower porches along the front facing façade. The applicant to submit final drawings to the Commission for approval administratively. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 5. 2015.002 DEVLIN ADDITION/FAÇADE ALTERATION, 25 Fifth Avenue, Architectural Review of an addition and exterior material changes within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Michael Tuck, balzer+tuck architecture; Jim Sasko, Teakwood Builders Mr. Tuck stated the applicants are proposing a second story addition over an existing first floor space. Mr. Tuck provided a brief background on the project with a visual presentation. The applicants are also proposing the residing of the existing carriage house. The second floor addition would be stacked directly above the porch, photographs were provided to staff earlier in the week for distribution, and hard copies were presented to the Commission this evening. These photographs were provided to show the scale of the addition in relation to the house. Much of the addition is obscured by trees. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015 Materials are proposed to match the existing house. The composition of the second floor as proposed is established by two things the space they are looking to create, the function is basically a wardrobe type changing area, and a desire for privacy and floor space. This is why the desire is for high transome type windows off the porch and a sitting porch off the changing room is also proposed. The initial proposal was to take the paneling which exists below and recreate that above and take a similar proportioned column and place that above the porch roof. The Preservation Foundation submitted correspondence regarding the panel configuration and the proportion of the daylight openings to try and better represent what is going on below without a direct copy of what is happening. Placing the taller windows above will interfere with what the applicant is currently proposing. The preference is to utilize the transome type windows. The sketch was an option for an alternate panel configuration the idea being to keep the language of the existing balustrade at the porch roof and to set up a secondary order of columns on top to create a slightly subservient massing to the porch below. Materials are all proposed to match. However, they are proposing black windows on the upper level. White windows are present on the lower level. The Preservation Foundation stated their request to keep all the windows white, so we are making a request to change that on the application. In terms of the garage the only feature that is proposed to be changed. Currently they have white lap siding and they are requesting a change to white painted cedar shingle siding. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the revised drawings were an improvement but he is still nervous. This is s a significant alteration to an original historic building. The elevation to the west is very open. That is a concern in my mind. I still struggle with the addition of this significant feature. Cynthia Corbett discussed window rhythm, and the use of interior shutters for privacy. Also the carriage house removal of the beveled siding and replacement with cedar shingles, will change the look of the carriage house. Right now the siding matches what is currently on the house. This is a Colonial Revival home and the beveled siding was a signature feature. Mr. Tuck stated the neighborhood currently houses many different styles stucco, cedar shakes, a myriad of different materials are used on the carriage houses, which is separate from the home. It is not a colonial revival structure but much more of a contemporary structure. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he has less of a concern regarding the siding on the carriage house. Karen Cavotta stated her concerns regarding the double porches and it is not what she would like it to look like. Almost like an old plantation home. I am struggling on how to make that happen. There is almost too much texture. I would like it to be simplified. Bradley Birge, Administrator of Planning and Economic Development stated two members of the Commission are absent this evening. One opportunity is to take two weeks to see if you can respond to any of the insights provided this evening, and see if there is a more full Commission in two weeks. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Ms. Bosshart stated she did send a letter to staff which was entered into the record. The Foundation echoes the concerns of the Chairman. The preference would be not adding the addition to this house. If an addition is to be constructed ideally it would be to mirror the first floor. I researched Colonial Revival homes, when there was a second porch on a wing they were typically mirror images. In keeping with the style would be our preference. Ms. Bosshart provided the Commission and the applicant with plans she mocked up using the applicant's plans. She would prefer they maintain the classic colonial revival home. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the applicants will return in two weeks. Additional information should be provided to staff by Friday so the Commission can review and study the changes prior to the meeting. 6. 2015.001 PAVOLDI RESIDENCE ADDITION, 75 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of a 2-story rear addition within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: Nicholas Daniel Pavoldi City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015 Agent: Tim Monahan The applicants are proposing a two story addition off the rear of the home converting it from a one family home to a two family home. The applicants will be replacing the current siding with a hardy plank siding, the roof will be replaced with architectural asphalt shingles and aluminum clad Pella windows. After addressing the concerns the Preservation Foundation had we lowered the roof of the addition so it is lower than the original structure, so it does not look like a portion of the existing home. New drawings were provided to the Commission, noting two options for the project. Researching the property back it does show an addition in the same area we are proposing however it was only a one story addition. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the windows are not aligned on the addition. Also the trim around the windows seem a little light. Mr. Monahan stated we will align the windows, and we are using 3 ½" trim. Richard Martin stated it would look better if the trim was larger considering the size of the building. Discussion ensued regarding the type of materials to use in the gable ends. 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. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation thanked the applicant for complying with the Preservation Foundations suggestions regarding new construction. This is a great improvement and the Foundation appreciates the restoration work which is being done on this home. Considering the list of changes and recommendations and it is my opinion that the Commission review a final set of drawings to be appropriate. Discussion ensued regarding the number of changes to this project. A new set of drawings and plans would be appropriate for the Commission to review. The applicant indicated that a new set of drawings will be completed and submitted to staff. The applicant will return before the Commission in two weeks for final approval. 7. 2015.005.1 130 EXCELSIOR MIXED USE BUILDING, discussion on SEQRA input to the Planning Board for a proposed mixed use building, including 65 residential units, within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the chair. Applicant: Tony Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Brett Balzer, Shawn Korp, Balzer + Tuck Architecture Mr. Balzer provided the Board with a brief visual timeline of the history of the project through the Planning Board and the Design Review Commission: - January 14, 2015 – presentation to the Planning Board requesting SEQRA comments from the DRC. - January 21, 2015 – presentation to the Design Review Commission, deferred SEQRA Lead Agency. - January 28, 2015 – presentation to the Planning Board – established SEQRA Lead Agency – Short form reviewed. Chairman Mark Torpey requested additional input from the DRC regarding will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community – either no to small impact or moderate to large impact. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015 Mr. Balzer, stated their presentation this evening revolves around that specific issue. Visual images were shared with the Commission which we believe will help support our case for this building in this context. Visual presentation was provided to the Commission. Mr. Balzer stated the site plan has been revised. We have introduced the row house streetscape. We have separated the commercial from the residential by introducing the residential breezeway. Mr. Balzer reviewed the elevations both north and south. We have stepped back the 4th floor a full 6 ½ feet. We have removed the end units on the 4th floor adjacent to resident neighborhoods. Review of contextual elevations. We have given this project a row house type of rhythm. This is a T-5 District with building elevations allowed up to 60' as of right. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated he is concerned regarding the language as of right. This is in an Architectural Review District. Those are the maximums which the Zoning Ordinance identifies. That is not as of right. The Design Review Commission have every ability and authority to state that you cannot have those maximums for the following reasons: the transition area, or it is out of context with the surrounding neighborhood, or for any other reasons which are within your purview for that. Those are maximum heights, originally established to allow and encourage more Victorian type of rooflines. It was never intended for the massing to reach 60 feet in the residential zones. Just for clarification purposes. Mr. Balzer reviewed letters of support from Wally Allerdice, and Mike Stella who is a neighbor. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the Commission following their review of the project came away with two concerns being around the transition. What concerned most of the Commission was the elevation of the east façade as it transitions to the residential and has it been addressed. Board member Cynthia Corbett stated she does not believe it has and voiced concern regarding the buffer between this development and the UR-1 District. Why the drive is on the south side, or if the barrier can be increased. Also concern regarding the first floor parking area. Mr. Balzer, reviewed why this entryway was planned to the west is due to the headlights not interfering with the neighbors. Also, the project needs to meet the 70 foot frontage requirement. Discussion ensued regarding elevation changes, and its proximity to the residential neighborhoods, possibility of a gabled roof. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated at this point in time I do feel this does have a moderate impact on the neighborhood. Cynthia Corbett stated she is in agreement with Tamie that it does have a moderate impact on the neighborhood. Richard Martin spoke regarding the height of the building compared with the surrounding neighborhood. Encourage the applicant look at different roof tops for this project. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development provided information and guidance relating to the Land Use Development Philosophy to the Commission regarding this area of the City which is currently being redeveloped. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated also the Commission has additional questions regarding parking and the amount of pavement as well as the connection to the Spring Run Trail. Discussion ensued regarding the topography of the site and parking, breaking up the mass of the commercial space. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she would like to make a motion to provide the following feedback to the Planning Board detailing the concerns we still have with the transition between residential and commercial, and the height of the east façade, how to soften the roofline to help break up the mass of the building. There is still some work to do to resolve those issues. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed his position on the Commission. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed her position on the Commission. 8. 2015.008.1 77 EXCELSIOR MIXED-USE PROJECT, presentation and discussion on SEQRA input to the Planning Board for a proposed mixed-use development within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Michael Tuck, balzer + tuck architects Mr. Tuck stated the applicant has been sent before the Design Review Commission to receive input on SEQRA for the Planning Board. It was the Planning Boards request that we present this project to the Commission and to receive a sense of appropriateness of the design. We are early in the process. We will return to the Planning Board for Special Use Permit, and the return before the DRC for Mass and Scale and for Architectural Approval. Mr. Tuck provided the Commission with a visual presentation. We are currently looking at three buildings, the Fresh Market building about 20,000 square feet and that was built first. The second building is 20,000 square feet of commercial. Building three has just begun construction and is the project just presented. A review of elevations was provided. Building 3 has just begun construction. A portion of the building is commercial and the other portion is an open lower level loft style for home business use, and the intent is to market it as such. The intent is bringing foot traffic. Mr. Tuck reviewed all elevations. This building 4 is four stories high and houses approximately 54 apartments and 14,000 square feet of commercial space. This site is approximately 4.5 acres approximately 54,000 square feet. 297 parking spaces, 212 surface parking 74 garage spaces. Also included is the shared access with the site. Also included was an upgraded CDTA bus stop and significant improvements from East Avenue to Marion Avenue along this corridor. This project fronts along Excelsior. Stormwater easement exists and we cannot build over it. This site is approximately 2.2 acres, we are proposing 101 apartments and about 1300 square feet of commercial. In total this is 6.7 acre site, 56,000 square feet of commercial and 155 apartments. An existing sidewalk exists which will come up from Excelsior and we will be tying into this. Mr. Carr, LA Group stated Excelsior Avenue will have a center turn line once the project is completed. The thought is to distribute the traffic between the two entrances. Marion Avenue will become more of a commercial entrance and the other entrance will be for a residential entrance. Discussion ensued regarding deferral of SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he would like to take some time to digest the information presented tonight. It is the first time the Commission has seen this project. The Commission has no problem with deferring SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board, but we would like the remainder of the Commission members review the materials and provide feedback to the Planning Board. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the applicant can return before the Commission in two weeks and at that time will provide information regarding SEQRA to the Planning Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the base level along Excelsior and the access road seems a little harsh. We are trying to create pedestrian friendly areas. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015 Discussion ensued regarding making this area more inviting and break up the mass. More civic space perhaps. Karen Cavotta stated in reviewing the building and the parking and pavilion pocket park. This reminds me of a hotel in Florida. Only the residents will have access. This is not a part of the whole community. Perhaps some walkways, trellises, something more inviting. Perhaps an opportunity to provide some outdoor civic space. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the 77 Excelsior Mixed Use Project, to defer Lead Agency Status for SEQRA to the Planning Board and we will offer feedback to them during the SEQRA process. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 10:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 5/6/15 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 4, 2015