Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Robert DeMarco; Robert West; Richard Martin; Karen Cavotta; Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman 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, Vice 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. 2005.014 NORTH COUNTRY ACADEMY SIGNAGE, 7 Care Lane, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs. Mr. Wheeler stated the applicant is looking to replace what is currently there in the same location. It will remain the same size and it will not be illuminated. This will be an all aluminum sign with raised acrylic lettering. All three locations have the same signage. Richard Martin stated an 8 foot sign is too much for the development. Would the applicant consider decreasing the sign by one foot. Mr. Wheeler stated he believes this request will be acceptable. 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 North County Academy Freestanding Sign, 7 Care Lane that the application be approved with the following condition – the maximum height of the sign is to be 7 feet. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 2015.015 SILVERWOOD AWNING & ENTRANCE MODIFICATION, 398 Broadway, Historic Review of awning change and façade modification within Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Charlene Wood, owner. Ms. Wood stated her business is relocating. She will be removing the frame and awning from their old building and reusing them both, modifying it to fit the new building. Transom will be replaced with glass. 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Silverwood Awning and Entrance Modification, 398 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Cynthia Corbett. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 2015.008 HIGGINS RESIDENCE PORCH ADDITION, 100 Union Avenue, Historic Review of a porch addition within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Michael Perry, Architect The applicants are looking to accommodate an 88 square foot front porch expansion, to enable the applicant to have more space on the porch. The applicant will use materials which will be in keeping with those on the house currently. There are many large open front porches on Union Avenue. This appears to be consistent with other existing homes in the neighborhood. The proposed addition is both in keeping with the architectural character of existing house and porch and with the adjacent properties and porches it should have no adverse effects. A new section of concrete walk would be installed to go around the proposed addition. 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 Higgins Residence Porch Addition, 100 Union Avenue, that the application be approved 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2015.016 BURGERFI FAÇADE MODIFICATION, 460-462 Broadway, Historic Review of façade modification within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 1, 2015 - Page 2 of 6 Agent: Charlie Hoffman, Architect Applicant: 460-462 LLC Mr. Hoffman stated this is the first Phase for the new owners. Commercial space is proposed for the second floor, two apartments on the third floor, and a franchise restaurant on the first floor. Since this is a franchised restaurant, they have requirements. They typically build stand alone buildings. I suggested we remove the stone in front, re-establish the wood column and install glass block transoms. New entrance to the second and third floors, and a new entrance into the restaurant which will be recessed. We are proposing sliding glass doors to the patio. We will be retrofitting the restaurant with some elements the franchise requests. Cynthia Corbett was concerned regarding the proposed plans for this historic building. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed recessing of the front façade. 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. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated the Foundation is excited to see another storefront being restored to a more appropriate historic appearance. The Foundation is pleased with the proposed restoration of the glass block transoms and the historic column and the removal of the faux stone panels. The Foundation does strongly oppose to stepping back the entire store façade 8 feet which changes the historic relationship of the storefront with other storefronts on the street. I request the DRC review the guidelines. This is a disservice to the building. The role of this Commission is to preserve architectural integrity. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested the applicants agent study this project further and return to the Commission in two weeks with some additional plans for the façade. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the application of 460-462 Broadway, LLC to approve with the following conditions – that only the glass block and column work is covered at this point on the project. Applicant can return for the balance of the façade renovations Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2015.011 CAROLINE STREET PUB ENTRANCE DOORS, 11 Caroline Street, Historic Review of exterior Changes (entrance door) within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Charlie Anthorne, Dan Andrellis Applicants stated they are looking to remove the single doors and side light on the current storefront. We are installing a side by side door for ease in entering and exiting the business and also for safety reasons. Copy of the proposed doors were provided for the Commissions review. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 1, 2015 - Page 3 of 6 Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated if there is going to be an alteration to the doors typically we would want to encourage them to go back to a historic doorway, which was a single door entrance. This building never had a double door entrances. If you look down most of Caroline Street or Broadway most of the businesses have a single door entrance. Following the guidelines we should encourage retaining original door openings. A photo was provided for the Commission’s review. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Caroline Street Pub Entrance Doors, 9 Caroline Street, that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans – a suggestion was made for a removable center mullion between new double doors. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 2015.013 REILLY RESIDENCE ADDITION, 49 Court Street, Historic Review of an addition within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: Philomena Reilly, owner Ms. Reilly stated they are in the process of a two phase renovation project. Phase I renovation of the existing kitchen, removal of an attached shed and construction of 330 square foot addition, new siding and replace the side porch roof. Phase II construction of a 329 square foot deck to the rear of the new addition. Hardy cement board siding, white trim, new roofing will match the metal roofing currently on the home. Copies of colors and products as well as photographs were provided to the Commission for their review. Steven Rowland, Chairman recommended the applicant check to see what is under the current siding. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation made a recommendation to the applicant to check to see if the original siding to the home could be preserved. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the application of the Reilly Residence Addition, 49 Court Street that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman exited the meeting at 8:14 P.M. Richard Martin assumed the duties of the chair. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 1, 2015 - Page 4 of 6 7. 2015.005 130 EXCELSIOR MIXED-USE PROJECT, Architectural Review of a new, mixed-use building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Brett Balzer, Shawn Korp, Balzer Tuck Architecture; Tony Bonacio, Bonacio Construction; Dave Carr, LA Group; Paul Lambert, Bonacio Construction Mr. Balzer stated the applicant is looking for Mass and Scale approval. Mr. Balzer provided a visual presentation of the project for the Commission’s review. 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. 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. A view of the neighborhood was also provided as well as a view shed from Route 50. No mechanicals are to be viewed from the street. Dave Carr, LA Group reviewed the site. Changes have been made. Parking was reviewed. The application goes before the Planning Board next week. We have decreased 9 parking spaces bring parking down to 146 spaces. There is a connection to the trail and the landscaping plan was reviewed. Center island on the property will be landscaped. It is a depressed area and is a storm water feature here as well. Mr. Balzer reviewed the commercial space and locations. A view of elevations and floor plans were provided for the Commission’s review. Custom steel metal decks and railings were added. The roof will handle drainage internally. Down lighting is proposed. Discussion ensued among the Commission regarding the design of the building. Paul Lambert, Bonacio Construction reviewed the penetrations both rooftop and building. These apartments do not have fireplaces. Mr. Lambert reviewed exterior façade penetrations which will be hidden as best as possible. Electrical banks and transformer banks as well as the locations of the refuse rooms were reviewed. Furnace flues will be vented on the rooftop. Mr. Balzer stated the applicant will return for lighting and signage approvals. Richard Martin, Acting Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Richard Martin, Acting Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin, Acting Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the application of 130 Excelsior Avenue Mixed Use Project, 130 Excelsior Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans for Mass and Scale. Applicant will return for continuing details. Robert West seconded the motion. Richard Martin, Acting Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 1, 2015 - Page 5 of 6 Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Robert West made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2014 Design Review Commission as submitted. Robert DeMarco seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, abstained; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Robert West made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2015 Design Review Commission as submitted. Richard Martin seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 5/16/15 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 1, 2015 - Page 6 of 6