Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Robert DeMarco; Richard Martin; Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Robert West; Karen Cavotta 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. 2015.043 GLITTER NAIL BAR WALL SIGN, 517 Broadway, Historic Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Lindsey Hammer, Marcella Hammer, owners The applicants are proposing an entrance sign for their new business at 517 Broadway, the Glitter Nail Bar. This will be signage for the back entrance on Long Alley, which is the main entrance and affords parking. The applicants are proposing a glittery sparkly word “Glitter” for the signage. This will be placed on the brick building. The signage will have dimensional silver lettering. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked the applicants if any thought was given to placing a border around the proposed signage to give the signage a more framed look. Ms. Hammer stated a black border was planned for the signage. However, the applicants are agreeable to a silver band around the edging to match the glitter. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we always ask all the applicants who are mounting signage on a brick building to place mounting screws into the mortar joints. The mortar joints can be repaired, the brick cannot. Ms. Hammer stated the electrical wiring will be behind the signage. Gooseneck lighting is proposed, black. Cut sheets for the proposed lighting was provided for the record. 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. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Glitter Nail Bar Wall Sign, 517 Broadway that the application be approved with the following condition – the sign be framed with a silver border. 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, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2015.036 STOCKWELL GARAGE DEMO/RECONSTRUCTION, 172 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of the demolition and reconstruction of a 2-car garage within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: James Stockwell, owner. Mr. Stockwell stated they are looking to demolish and reconstruct a 2 car garage. Review of proposed materials, which will match the house: cedar shingles; vinyl siding with composite trim; windows to match the house. No garage door has been chosen at this time. The garage will be moved approximately 5 feet from the property line. Discussion ensued regarding the type and style of garage door. The window glass chosen by the architect is very appropriate in the garage door. It will be a 16 foot garage door. Mullions should relate to the side door without horizontal muntins. 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 wish to comment on this application. None heard. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Stockwell Garage Reconstruction, 172 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved with the following condition: the garage door windows are to be without the horizontal muntins. Vertical muntins to match door would be most appropriate. Cynthia Corbett 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 DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2015.038 360 BROADWAY EXTERIOR CHANGES, 360 Broadway, Historic Review of the new awnings and change in building colors within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Frank Lasky, General Contractor; Adam Davies, Albany Awning Mr. Lasky reviewed the four issues before the Commission: awnings, window sash replacements, lighting fixtures on the outside of the building; and paint colors for the outside of the building. The replacement of existing window sashes will occur in apartment 2E on the Phila Street elevation. The windows are in disrepair, the wood is rotten and they are single pane. We would like to leave the existing frame and replace with a Marvin window. It is a wooden sash and it has a historic profile on the frame of the sash. We are eventually replacing all the windows in the building but this will be on an apartment by apartment basis. Cynthia Corbett inquired if any research or photographs were reviewed for historic accuracy for the windows. Mr. Lasky stated some of the windows are 6 over 6 on the upper floors. The first two floors are one over one. A visual rendering of the building was provided for the Commission’s review. All the windows currently have storms. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – June 3, 2015 - Page 2 of 7 Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated since the windows are being replaced over time his concern is that they will not match. Mr. Lasky stated the new windows are wooden and sashes will be painted to match. Richard Martin stated one over one looks appropriate. Cynthia Corbett stated a little research in the Bolster Collection should reveal what type of windows existed on that building historically. Mr. Lasky indicated that they will research the windows. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated final window selection can be taken care of administratively. Mr. Lasky provided paint sample colors for the Commission’s review. Phila and Broadway elevations will be painted. The building colors will be a grey stone color. White will be used for the sills and headers. Silver is the color for the window sashes. Black will be used on the awnings on Phila Street. The cornice will be silver clad as well as the brackets and the awnings. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated that does differ from what was originally submitted. A new drawing with the corrected colors dated June 3, 2015 should be provided to staff for the file. Discussion ensued regarding lighting fixtures, the size, color and placement on the building. The Commission requested that the lighting be more in scale with the brackets, and with a focus on consistency and location of all light fixtures. Mr. Lasky stated they will research the lighting fixtures proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned the need for the awnings. Mr. Lasky stated the owners believe it imparts some historical element to the building. Discussion ensued regarding potential impact due to the narrowness of the sidewalk, the projection of the awnings, and placement. Mr. Lasky described the placement of the awnings over the businesses. There will be a 2-foot projection on all awnings. The owner is trying to tie the business all together. These will be fixed awnings. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, questioned the conduits on the building. Mr. Lasky stated a new electrical service is being installed and the conduits on the building will be re-routed. Richard Martin stated that with all the items to be reviewed and the changes proposed, I believe we need a new print to make sure we understand the awnings and lighting as well as what is going on. I believe we need to straighten these out. The applicant can return in two weeks for final clarification. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the Commission will review this application again in two weeks to get these issues resolved. 4. 2014.122.1 CONGRESS PLAZA REAR ENTRY MODIFICATIONS, 46 Congress Street, Architectural Review of the rear entry modifications within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center/Transect-6 Urban Core Districts. Agent: Matt Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the building looks much improved. However, with all the work they have done on the front of this building, it is still lacking some detail. The detail work on the building was not completed as approved. Do you have any idea if they intend on completing the detail work. Mr. Huff stated he does not. He stated he was shown shop drawings for it but that was a long time ago. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated everything is painted now and I find it hard to believe that they are now going to complete the detail work. Mr. Hurff stated he has been asked this by a number of other organizations in the City. I will press them for an answer, and return to you with an answer. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the Commission will review this application tonight; however I do not believe you will get a motion tonight with the other issues outstanding. Mr. Hurff stated this project was before the Commission in the fall of last year. The intent was to convert the second story to apartments. We received a building permit and work began. The applicants then decided to keep these as offices. The foundation for the porches has already been poured based on the previous approval. Basically, this is a reduction of the original scale of work. Now, it is just about building this entry port and a smaller one to the southeast. It is very similar to what was originally proposed. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – June 3, 2015 - Page 3 of 7 Discussion ensued regarding roofing and decking and placement of stairs. Mr. Hurff stated stamped concrete will be installed in a diagonal pattern at the ground level. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we will table a decision until we have an answer on the improvements to be completed on the front façade. The applicant may return in two weeks before the Commission. 5. 2014.034 LEVY 2-STORY REAR DECK, 40 Franklin Street, Historic Review of a new 2-story rear deck within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Applicant: Christine Levy, owner Ms. Yasenchak stated there is an existing small deck on the rear of the home which Ms. Levy would like to replace with 2 two story 12 x 12 decks so it can be accessed from the second floor. Originally, there was a door at the second level, which has been framed in. We have made the deck a size that is not huge but can accommodate some chairs and a table. We have located the stairs where it will not be obtrusive to people on the deck. Neither deck would be visible from Franklin Street. The decks would not detract from the historic qualities at the front of the residence. The proposed project is simply restoring a previous character. The deck will be on piers; no substantial excavation will be required. We will stain the decking with white railings. Square lattice will be underneath. We will be changing the window to a single French door. The first floor will be a 9-lite door. The home is listed as a one family, but at some point she would like to change it to a 2 family. Discussion ensued regarding pressure treated wood. Ms. Yasenchak stated all pressure treated wood will be wrapped. Decking has not yet been chosen. Lattice would be wood also. The upper deck will be anchored into the building. Painting the rear of the building as well will be part of this project. 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Levy 2-story Rear Deck, 40 Franklin Street that the application be approved as submitted with the following conditions – all exposed pressure treated wood will be wrapped. No stain or paint directly to the treated members themselves. 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; Rob DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 15.035 O’DONNELL EXTERIOR CHANGES, 17 Marion Place, Historic Review of external modification to an existing building within the Urban Residential-3 District. RECUSAL: Commission member Richard Martin recused himself from this application. Applicant: Laurie O’Donnell, owner Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we are in an awkward position here. Much of the work has been completed. You are living in a contributing building in the Historic District, however much of the work was not done by you. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – June 3, 2015 - Page 4 of 7 Ms. O’Donnell stated the contractor is Patrick Kane. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated Mr. Kane does know the process here. Unfortunately, he chose not to follow the process. This put both of us in an awkward position. There are a few things that we would like to see in more detail on the application: a concept sketch of the side porch with more detail in terms of materials is needed. In addition to that, the other issue we have is, unfortunately, we have only 4 people here tonight. If we entertain any motion tonight, you would need unanimous approval to move forward with that motion or it would fail. It would be my advice to you to not seek an approval tonight. We can discuss what we are concerned about and what we would like to see and have you come back and present to a larger group. We can discuss the letter from the Preservation Foundation. A copy was provided to the applicant by Ms. Bosshart. We can go through the detail issues we have concerns with. Ms. O’Donnell stated that when they purchased the home, some of the work was done. We were told it would be finished promptly. There is new siding started and we painted underneath the front porch. We are hoping to finish the siding. It is James Hardy cement board siding. We are also looking to rebuild and expand on the existing side porch. Pictures have been provided. Azek materials will be used in this location. I appreciate the Commission reviewing the application. I realize it puts you in an uncomfortable position as it does to us. We are eager to finish the home and make it really beautiful and lovely and to contribute to the community. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the Commission has both required that cedar shakes be replaced in kind and, on some occasions, approved cedar shakes replacement with hardy board siding. What we usually look for is if what was there is beyond repair. We try to stay with as much historical accuracy as we can. In this instance, cedar shakes are now hardy plank shakes; what was wood clapboard is now hardy board clapboard. So, in terms of the visual quality, it is approximately the same but the materials have changed. The Commission is most concerned about the gable end window that was removed. It originally had an arch top with trim and was character-defining feature of the facade. That was replaced with a simple double hung window. Also, the picture window on the second floor was originally a pair of windows. Moving around to the porch on the side which is not completed, we want to know what materials are being used. We assume the color scheme will match that of the house. Ms. O’Donnell stated they are proposing to use Azek materials for this porch. Handrails and balusters will match the front porch. The roof is now shingled. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the side porch handrails will probably need to be taller under the new building code since it is newly constructed. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated that this was an uncomfortable position for us but also for you. It is heartbreaking. The bulk of the changes would never have been approved. I am at a loss. The tough position we are in is we cannot just turn a blind eye because these changes have been made. That would compromise every application moving forward. I don’t know where we as a Commission are going to go with this. Cynthia Corbett questioned the applicant as to the stop work orders which were ignored. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, stated the stop work orders were issued to the current property owners. In October 2013, Patrick Kane purchased the property. The property changed ownership around the 20th of January 2014. In February of 2014, the first stop work order was issued. Work continued. In August of 2014, a second work order was issued. Work continued. In November of 2014, a third stop work order was issued. At this point, most of the exterior work on the house had been changed. Cynthia Corbett asked if a building permit was ever sought for this project. Ms. O’Donnell stated no. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, questioned how this happened. Ms. O’Donnell stated she was only aware of two stop work orders. I take responsibility for that. I was advised to keep going since we were almost finished. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – June 3, 2015 - Page 5 of 7 Rob DeMarco stated if he were prioritizing, the removal of the arched window is a big concern. So much character evaporated with that removal. It was a defining feature of the home. It took it away from being a Saratoga house and made it more common. It is unfortunate about the cedar shake siding, which was a nice element to the home that is something This is unfortunate, but not detrimental to this historic home. Stephen Rowland, Chairman, stated Rob is correct in his prioritizing of items of concern with the home. The changes in openings which really help to define the home is our primary concern. The material change is less of a concern. A lot depends on the condition of the materials which were taken down. We don’t know that. Were there any other significant window changes around the building which we are not aware of. The south side window was a round window and now has been replaced with a double hung window. Discussion ensued regarding any window changes and the trimming. 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. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation: I am sorry that this is the way we are meeting. A lot of significant changes were made to this home and due diligence is pretty important. As you saw in my packet, and there is a copy of the deed from the previous owner to the current owner which speaks of improvements. Part of the cost is to be borne by the previous owner. I think the changes to this house are so significant. When you purchased this home, it was in the process of being renovated. It is unfortunate that a building permit and proper approvals were not done. It is an ongoing project. From the pictures in the Saratogian, you can see that the rear of the home was under construction. This project has not stopped. To have the former chair of this Commission, who held everyone to a standard to ignore blatantly what he asked other people to do is really unfortunate. I think the Commission needs to review this as if it were coming to you with all of those changes. As you said, prioritize it, and go through it. Significant defining features were lost. The stop work orders were ignored at a point where some of these changes, while they were in mid change, could have been addressed with less of a cost to you as the current owner. I had taken pictures periodically watching this house change with complete disregard to a building permit or proper approvals. My recommendation to the Commission is to review this as if it were a blank slate. Review the side porch; the character defining window in the gable with the trim. The fact that we lost stained cedar shakes is unfortunate. Review the gable window in the other end and the changing of the rhythm of the other windows. A bay window on the first floor was typical of this type of home in the time period it was built, but not a bay window on the second floor. It really changes the whole appearance of the house. The detail around those windows really should have been preserved or restored. It puts everyone in an awkward position. There were opportunities. Someone who purchased a home in Saratoga, there is something to be said, especially when construction was ongoing to check to see if appropriate approvals and permits were obtained before continuing and when you purchased the home. If Patrick Kane, who is listed on the deed, is doing the work I don’t know what type of financial agreement you have with him or if it is ongoing, perhaps that is something that obviously needs to be addressed at this point. This is not how we want to welcome people to Saratoga. I am happy to answer any questions for you. Rob DeMarco asked the applicant if there was a real estate attorney for this transaction. The applicant may wish to follow up with him since this is usually their responsibility to check for proper permitting when work is process while a property transaction is being conducted. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, stated she is only aware of the changes she could see from those two elevations she spoke about. She is unaware of any changes in the back of the building or on the north elevation. I have survey pictures from 1992. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated that between tonight and our next meeting if you could provide the Commission with an itemized list of what was changed by façade. Perhaps we can make a site visit and walk around the building which will be very helpful. We can then come back and discuss before a fuller Commission to find a way to help you and get through this to get it resolved. Over the next couple of weeks, perhaps you can check the provisions which were made in your purchase agreement. If there are things that have to change here, what does that mean to you monetarily, what does that mean to Mr. Kane monetarily. Or, if that is covered in your agreement. We do have some more detail on this sketch which does help. We do request the itemized listing so the Commission knows as succinctly as possible the things that have changed. We will review the critical elements and help you find your way through it. Thank you for your time and understanding. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – June 3, 2015 - Page 6 of 7 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No minutes to be approved at this time. SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION SPEAKER SERIES Bradley Birge, Administrator of Planning and Economic Development, explained that the City is partnering with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to develop on Historic Preservation Technical Assistance. We were looking at a series of 3 sessions whereby speakers come in and the audience consists of our Commission, the public and SHPO was interested in offering this to the other CLG cities around us. Samantha is working on setting this up. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, discussed the timeframe involved and the dates and times which would be acceptable to the Commission. The Commission came to the consensus that a meeting following a caravan would be very acceptable. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, stated she will be in touch with the Commission as soon as possible with dates and times. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 9:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 1/6/16 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – June 3, 2015 - Page 7 of 7