Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert DeMarco; Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; 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 7:25 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. 2015.052 BRIAN LEE LAW FIRM WALL SIGN, 18 Division Street, Architectural Review of a new wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing halo lit dimensional lettering stud mounted to the brick, so the light shines directly onto the building. The Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney lettering will be flush mounted to the building unlit. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned how the electrical wiring would be installed to the lettering. Mr. Roicki stated the previous tenant had electrical power sent to the letters individually. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned the applicant’s agent if there was any flexibility in the Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney sign language. Is that a must for the applicant? We do try to keep things to a minimum with signage. Mr. Roicki stated he believes it is a must; however he will discuss with the applicant other alternatives. 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 Brian Lee Law Firm Wall Sign, 18 Division Street, that the application be approved with the following condition: the phrase “Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys” be removed. If the applicant wishes to include this language, verbiage must be submitted for administrative approval. 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 DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 The agenda was heard out of order since there was no representation for Agenda Item #2. 3. 2015.058 SWEET MIMI’S OUTDOOR SEATING, 47 Phila Street, Historic Review of proposed outdoor seating area new wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Jeanette Liebers, owner Ms. Liebers stated she is trying to add an outdoor eating/waiting area. The applicant is having a hard time trying to manage her wait times especially on the weekend. This area is to the right of the building. The first three parking spaces would be utilized. Approximately 24 x 14 in size. Café tables, umbrellas and a bench enclosed with high constructed planters to make it more attractive. Planters and lattice will be wood, painted white. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned if there are any questions or comments from the Commission. 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 application of the Sweet Mimi’s Outdoor Seating, 47 Phila Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Space is approved as a sitting area. Tables and chairs can be used hereafter. Planters and enclosure sketches are to be submitted for administrative review. 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; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 4. 2013.030.2 CAFFE LENA WINDOWS, 47 Phila Street, Historic Review of window replacements on East elevation of the existing building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Matthew Hurff, Frost/Hurff Architects Mr. Hurff stated this application was previously approved. Plywood was put over the windows to use the space as a theatre. Once removed the windows were completely rotted through. Letter included from the window restorer. These three windows are on the side of the building and we are requesting approval for Marvin clad windows to match those which are existing, matching the muntin pattern. These will be a full replacement. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone on the Commission had any further questions or comments. 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 Caffe Lena Windows, 47 Phila Street that the application be approved as submitted. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 2 of 9  5. 2015.042 CELESTE ROOF REPLACEMENT & DORMER, 32 Fifth Avenue, Historic Review of change of exterior materials and architectural features within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Matthew Hurff, Frost/Hurff Architects Mr. Hurff stated per the Commission’s request he proposed alternatives to the applicant. He was amenable to the GAF slateline product which will replicate the scale and color of the original roof. So therefore that is what we are proposing. A sample of the product was provided to the Commission for their review. The applicant’s selection was presented to the Preservation Foundation and they are fine with it. 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 DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Celeste Roof Replacement and Dormer Addition, 32 Fifth Avenue, that the application be approved with the following condition: GAF slateline or equivalent be used. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of representation for Agenda Item #6. 7. 2014.131.1 DEVIVO REAR PORCH, 48 Franklin Street, Historic Review of a replacement Rear porch within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Libby Corrino, Carter Conboy Applicant: Barbara DeVivo & Joe DeVivo Ms. Corrino provided the Commission with an aerial view of the property. Survey metrics were provided in the presentation as well. A visual presentation of the property was given noting the close proximity of neighbors and the addition to the home. In December of 2014, we requested demolition of the addition due to its lack of structural integrity. That application has been withdrawn. The applicants would like to replace a back deck which was damaged over the winter. The applicants are proposing a new wooden deck. A copy of the schematics was provided to the Commission for their review. We would also like to request removal of the non historic asphalt siding on the southern exterior of the addition and paint the original clapboard to match the existing structure. Any damaged clapboard which is discovered under the siding we would like to replace with pine wood. Samples were provided to the Commission for their review. The current rear porch is a small pressure treated egress point from the home. We are proposing a 20 x 12 deck that has flanked steps, spindles to match the front of the building. A sample was provided for the Commission’s review. The spindles will be painted white, while the deck will be stained mahogany. In order to preserve the historic structure the deck will abut the building but will not be attached to the building. It will be self sustaining. Appropriate drainage will be incorporated into the design. Additionally some small changes are proposed to the west exterior of the addition. This will consist of painting the vinyl siding colonial grey to match the existing structure. On the southern exterior the vinyl siding will be removed and if any clapboard is in need of replacement it will be replaced with pine wood and painted. Ms. Corrino reviewed the historic guideline and the applicants desire to meet and stay within these guidelines. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned if the sill plates will be repaired and replaced prior to the installation of the deck. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 3 of 9 Mrs. DeVivo stated this work has been completed regarding the sill plates. Cynthia Corbett complimented the DeVivo’s for using like materials in the restoration of their home. 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the DeVivo Rear Porch, 48 Franklin Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: if the north elevation is changed, it would be lap type wood the same as the last elevation. Also, if a 3rd hand rail is needed on the stair this motion includes this 3rd rail. Also, if the south siding is removed, the wood painted cladding would be installed on this elevation also. Cynthia Corbett 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 DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 8. 2015.056 STEWART’S SHOPS FREEZER ADDITION, 87 West Avenue, Architectural Review of a building addition within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Stewart Shops Agent: Chuck Marshall, Real Estate Agent, Stewart Shops Mr. Marshall stated the applicant is taking over 7ft. 4in. of the current Cudney Cleaners space. We will then relocate the customer access bathroom, and add an additional bathroom. In order to achieve that we will need to relocate our freezer to outside. A copy of the floor plan and elevation drawings were provided to the Commission. In taking over the additional space from Cudney’s we will relocate their door from a corner access door to a front door. A door pane and a window pane will be swapped out to achieve this. 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. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Stewart’s Shops Freezer Addition, 87 West 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 9. 2013.059.2 ICE HOUSE TENT & CANOPY, 70 Putnam Street, Architectural Review of a tent and canopy within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Shawn Lynch, owner Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 4 of 9 Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant would like to replace the existing tent with another outdoor canopy area in a champagne color, in the same size. Dimensions and elevations were provided. He would also like to add a small addition in the rear right corner of the existing building. The addition is approximately 9ft. 3in. x 12 feet. There is a portion of the building in this area that jogs in and he would like to expand the service area into that space. It will be framed with steel and faced with brick. Materials to match would be difficult to match. We will be reusing the windows which match the right side of the building. We will repurpose the awning and place it on the front of the building over the top of the service counter. Richard Martin questioned the applicant’s agent if there was any relief planned from the old building to the new. Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant is not proposing any relief between the two at this time. Discussion ensued regarding creating some relief between the addition and the existing building. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comment 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 Icehouse Tent and Canopy, 70 Putnam Street, that the application be approved with the following condition: a minimum of 2 inches relief is required between addition and existing building. Parapet will step down proportionately to the existing building. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 11. 2015.054 HOLMES REAR ADDITION, 178 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of demolition and Reconstruction of a rear addition to an existing 1 family residence within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant is proposing an 8 x 15 foot addition to an existing home. The owner has a small mudroom type addition off the back of the home. The current addition is 6’6”ft x 8’3” which houses a small pantry and a very small entrance from the rear. She recently added a garage to the rear of the property. The rear entry is convenient and so she would like to expand it, following the same consistency of materials for the existing house. We have a few extra windows and a French door out the rear. This will allow the applicant to have a ½ bath to the home, it will extend the kitchen just a small bit. There is a simple gable off the back. The home does have a hip roof and we will be matching the pitch of the roof with the gable. Wooden stairs will go out the back of the home and they will be painted or stained. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comment 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 Holmes Rear Addition, 178 Lake Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions: that the addition be shifted approximately 6 inches to the east to provide relief. The owner is to sign the application. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 5 of 9 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 12. 2015.048 TRACY SINGLE FAMILY DEMO & CONSTRUCITON, 62 Van Dam Street, Architectural Review of the demolition of an existing structure and replacement with a new single family residence within The Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Darren Tracey Mr. Tracey provided additional materials regarding elevations which were provided to the Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development. This information was disseminated to the Commission members. PUBLIC HEARING: Steven Rowland, Chairman, opened the public hearing at 8:33 P.M. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we have had time to view the existing structure in the field during our workshops. The applicant supplied a detailed report for demolition of the structure. No alternative land available to be purchased. The amount of damage present and lack of a foundation under the building makes it cost prohibitive to repair or restore what currently exists there. We did view the amount of deterioration i.e., sagging bulging walls and severe level of deterioration which exists. The applicant did present a redevelopment plan. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on the demolition of this structure. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, closed the public hearing at 8:36 P.M. Discussion ensued regarding the redevelopment time table. Mr. Tracy stated 6 months time following permit approvals. Cynthia Corbett questioned the height of the windows on the front façade being shorter than those of the upper floor. Discussion ensued regarding how to remedy the rhythm of the windows. Richard Martin suggested perhaps the addition of a raised panel under the windows which could help lengthen the windows and create a larger looking window. Steven Rowland, Chairman, commended the applicant for the most complete thorough demolition and construction plan submitted to this Committee. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the application of the Tracy Single Family Demolition & Construction, 62 Van Dam Street, that the application be approved as submitted this evening with the following conditions: The two double hung windows on the north façade incorporate a raised panel detail below them to create an increased apparent height. Robert DeMarco 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 DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 6 of 9  13. 2015.008.1 77 EXCELSIOR MIXED-USE PROJECT, Architectural Review of a proposed 3-building, mixed use development within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agents: Michael Tuck, balzer+tuck architects; Dave Carr, LA Group Mr. Tuck stated they are before the Commission this evening to discuss 77 Excelsior Mixed Use Project. We are here per the Planning Board for an Advisory Opinion seeking a Special Use Permit. This is our second meeting with the Commission. Our first meeting was on February 4, 2015 where we received some good comments in terms of plaza space and the access to the plaza space. We will review changes which were made since that time. Mr. Tuck provided the Commission with a time line of the project: - 01/14/15 Special Use Permit and request for Lead Agency Status deferral from the DRC to the Planning Board. At that time the Planning Board requested an Advisory Opinion from the DRC as to the appropriateness of the mass, scale and character of the Development. - 02/04/15 Appeared before the DRC for an Advisory Opinion to the Planning Board. Constructive conversations. Most of the conversation focused on the access road elevation. Focused on the entrance into the place and what was perceived as lack of public plaza space. - 07/01/15 Appeared before the DRC for an Advisory Opinion to the Planning Board. We are hoping for a positive advisory opinion before we return to the Planning Board on 07/08/15 for a Special Use Permit. - 09/15 – 10/15 Returning before the Design Review Commission for mass and scale and architectural review. Mr. Tuck provided the Commission with a visual presentation of the site which is now 2 ½ buildings. The Fresh Market building was built first. The multi-tenant building is referred to a Building 2. Building 3, which is currently under construction, is a mixed use building with 54 apartments and 4 commercial spaces. We are here tonight to discuss this phase of the development which we are calling 77 Excelsior. There is a mixed use building along Excelsior with ground floor commercial and we are proposing office space on the ground floor. There is a recreational plaza in the center. A portion being private for the residential tenants. Building 5, all apartments and Building 6, all apartments. All three buildings have covered parking in the basement. Discussion was held regarding the entrance coming up the hill, and wanting to see additional plantings. There have been efforts to supplement additional plantings on the corner, after conversations with City staff. Also included was an upgraded CDTA bus stop and significant improvements from East Avenue to Marion Avenue along this corridor with some benches. Considerable thought will be given to that portion of the building. Suggestions were made to try to friendly this space up. Per the Commission’s recommendation we have pulled back the retaining wall, moved this building back to lighten up this retaining wall. We pulled the street grade back in to create low sitting walls. A water wall feature was added to invite people in. This is all about the pedestrian walking up the sidewalk. We have made efforts to show a more diverse range of materials. Landscaping has been increased all looking towards bringing the public in. Buildings will not be disproportionate to the Fresh Market building in regard to height. We will be creating a false front access along Route 50. Again we are looking for your positive opinion to the Planning Board. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development, stated the Design Review Commission has regulatory authority over this project it is not an Advisory Opinion as such. What they were asking for is input, for you to advise them and guide them. They wanted to make sure that you were comfortable with massing and scale, layout and configuration of these three substantial buildings as they begin to perform their SEQRA evaluation of this project. Mr. Carr stated the Planning Board Chairman and the Board is seeking input on projects prior to performing SEQRA evaluations, especially those requiring Special Use Permits. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 7 of 9 Discussion ensued regarding the height of the proposed buildings and how they relate to each as well as a street elevation. Mr. Tuck stated when they return before this Commission he will provide the information regarding height and street Elevations. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated I think the direction it is going in looks good. The changes which were made going up the access road helped quite a bit. Cynthia Corbett stated the 3rd building looks like a hotel. It does not look finished; it is very harsh. Mr. Tuck stated this building will also be designed and we will be working on designing it in the future. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated he will make a motion to provide input to Planning Board for the 77 Excelsior Mixed Use Project. The project is appropriate and within neighborhood characteristics. It is reflective of at least somewhat of what is going on with the adjacent buildings. It is creating a good transition into the lower building on the corner of East Avenue. The Mass and Scale to the adjacent building #3 seems appropriate even though they are both similar in height. The gables help this building come down a little more so it does not look so massive. The amount of relief that is being offered in this building makes it appear a little less massive. The pedestrian feel as we proceed up the access road has improved quite a bit. Certainly through the use of our own statutory authority going forward we will see a lot more opportunity to see these things further developed. Obviously, we realize the Building #6 has little farther to go than these two buildings. Changing of materials and other architectural features will help minimize the massing of the building and to be consistent within the surrounding buildings. Each building has its own architectural vernacular, yet they all relate to each other in terms of materials and such. That helps them fit into the neighborhood character. Each having its own identity, but yet reflective of each other in terms of materials and scale of materials. We are in support of the direction of the project. Richard Martin seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 The Commission reviewed the items on the agenda which had no representation this evening. It was the consensus of the Commission to table the applications for two weeks until the next meeting. APPLICATIONS TABLED TO JULY 15, 2015 DUE TO LACK OF REPRESENTATION 2. 2015.057 CROSSFIT SOULSHINE WALL SIGN, 165 High Rock Avenue, Architectural Review of a replacement wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 6. 2013.070.1 CONGRESS HALL CONDOMINIUMS, 322 Broadway (7 Spring St), Historic Review of Exterior façade changes to the existing building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. 10. 2015.053 CORNERSTONE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, 2237 NYS Rte 50, Architectural Review of the construction of a new single family residence within the Rural Residential District. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Wednesday July 8, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 8 of 9 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Deferred to the July 15, 2015 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 9:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 2/3/16 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 1, 2015 - Page 9 of 9