Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert DeMarco ABSENT: Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Cynthia Corbett STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:05 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. 2015.055 EXCELSIOR PARK PHASE 2, Excelsior Avenue and Whistler Court, SEQRA consideration for Architectural Review of construction of 3 new apartment buildings within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion to defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 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. Applicant: Zachary Kill, co-owner Mr. Kill stated the sign is up. It is a plastic sign fastened into a bracket into the wall with vinyl lettering. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated it is unfortunate that this sign is up. This Commission does try to help with signage in helping to make the more noticeable. We would have liked to see a border on this sign. Could a border be added? Mr. Kill stated he will check with the sign maker and have a few configurations drawn up. No lighting is proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this application. None heard. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Crossfit Soulshine Wall Sign, 165 High Rock Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions: The applicant is to investigate options for adding a border to the existing sign. Applicant should submit sign configurations to staff for Administrative Approval. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 3. 2015.064 HALFMOON CELLAR AWNING, 24 Caroline Street, Architectural Review of a new awning within the Transect-6 Urban Core Districts. Applicant: John Reyes, owner/president Mr. Reyes stated they are proposing a new awning with lettering on the front of awning. Color sample was provided to the Commission for their review. The awning will extend 3 feet off the building. The Commission informed the applicant of the ability to add a logo to the lettering on the front of the awning. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned if there are 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 application of Halfmoon Cellars Awning, 24 Caroline Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Print shall be on one face of the awning. Front of awning was decided upon. The awning should be mounted within the mortar joints of the brick façade. Only one logo on the printed face is acceptable. 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 4. 2015.063 I LOVE NY PIZZA EXHAUST FANS, 26E Congress Plaza Architectural Review of external modifications to an existing building within the Transect-6 Urban Core Districts. Applicant: George and Valarie Nikac Agent: Keith Kramer, Architect The applicants are here this evening for approval for the exhaust fans for the proposed business. It is a one story building. The exhaust will be installed up and vent on the roof. Photographs were provided to the Commission. These are stainless steel fans. The façade will hide all the mechanicals. They will not be visible. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 2 of 9 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 I Love NY Pizza Roof Exhaust Fans, 26E Congress Plaza that the application be approved as submitted 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; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 5. 2015.046 STARR RESIDENCE ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION, 201 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of rooftop solar installation within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Brendan McCormick Steven Rowland, Chairman, thanked the applicants and agent for the rooftop mockup for the Commissions caravan. Mr. McCormick was questioned if any alternative location was investigated by the applicant. We are trying to avoid the primary façade. It is stated in our guidelines. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of the panels on the west roof and information concerning the conduit routing and painting. Mr. McCormick stated the mock up was done today and we can provide those results to the Commission within the next week. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we are in receipt of a letter from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation regarding the solar panel installation. Their recommendations are in line with ours. A copy of the letter was provided to the applicant’s agent. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundations research on this building discovered it was constructed prior to 1888. Due to the nature of it, this building would most likely be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion for the Starr Porch Roof Solar Installation, 201 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions: the applicant shall provide a new set of drawings depicting proposed west roof installation and conduit routing 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; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 6. 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. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 3 of 9 Agent: Todd Drake Mr. Drake stated the applicants are proposing a single family home, 80 ft. off the road. Nothing complex. It is a very standard home. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated there is quite a bit of vegetation on this lot. Will it be cleared to accommodate the home? Mr. Drake stated no, the lot is cleared as much as it needs to be for the construction of the home. They are looking to keep the screening and buffering due to the large amount of traffic on the road. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated in reviewing the plans the Commission felt that some of the trim on the home was not substantial enough. It was the consensus of the Commission that 6 inch corner boards should be used for a nicer look. Also, regarding the shutters, they do not seem to be scaled to the windows. We realize that these are aesthetic shutters; however, if you were to close them they would not cover the windows. We would like them to look appropriate to the house, and scaled to the windows. They should be equal to half of the width of the windows. Also was any thought given to changing the pattern at the gable ends so that there is less horizontal vinyl siding. Mr. Drake stated he could put some shakes up into the peaks. This is not a custom home. I am happy to do the vinyl shakes. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated does anyone in the audience wish to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Cornerstone Single-family Residence, 2237 NYS Route 50, that the application be approved with the following conditions: the applicant is to use 6” corner boards versus 4”. The shutters are to be sized to approximately one half the widths of the windows, a 16” shutter specifically. The applicant is to use shakes as the exterior covering of the two gables above the entryway. The applicant is to use architectural asphalt shingles. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 The agenda was heard out of order due to the lack of representation for Agenda Item #7, and #8. 7. 2013.070 CONGRESS HALL CONDOMINIUMS, 322 Broadway (7 Spring Street) Historic Review exterior façade changes to the existing building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Craig Hamor Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated this is an application which was before the Design Review Commission and approved. At this point there are several changes proposed. Mr. Hamor stated the applicant is proposing a change to the soffit on the front façade. The current fascia is rusted. We are removing the fascia and the rotted wood underneath, replacing it with hardy board cement board siding. The corbels will be caulked and painted. Color has not been determined by the applicant. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated color can be submitted to staff and be approved administratively. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 4 of 9 Mr. Hamor stated an awning is to be added. The color is blue and will remain as is. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we do need more information regarding the awning. Color sample of the fabric would be appreciated. Discussion ensued regarding the installation of new windows which were never submitted before the Commission. Mr. Hamor stated he can provide all the information the Commission needs regarding the windows and the awning sample, color and material as well. Details regarding the cupola as well. It was the consensus of the Commission and the applicant’s agent to return before the DRC in two weeks. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated does anyone in the audience wish to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Congress Hall Condominiums, 322 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted concerning the fascia. The color of the fascia is to be approved via Administrative Action. The balance of the application, color, fabric, signage, the cupola and awning, is to be reviewed by the DRC. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 8. 2013.022 .1 REJUVENATION HOMES, 30 Lafayette Street, modification of an Historic Review approval for Restoration of the historic core and additions to an existing “contributing structure” within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Todd Levinson, owner Rejuvenation Homes Mr. Levinson stated he is the agent for the applicant and was the original applicant when he appeared before this Commission approximately two years ago. Mr. Levinson stated they are in the process of re-doing 30 Lafayette Street. We have completed 26 Lafayette Street which was the first portion of the original application. We originally proposed to retain as much of the original home as possible with a large addition at the rear of the property. Once the process had begun we discovered severe damaged material. We apologize that we did not appear before the Commission prior to dealing with these issues. Photographs which we submitted will show that we attempted to do what was presented in the earlier application. We repaired the foundation underneath the old section, keeping and bracing up as much as we could as we went along. As we proceeded there were just more and more problems. We also had issues where the architect had provided specifications for new parts to be added to the old section. These can be viewed in photographs of the floor joists, and new roof framing system. A large portion of the old house needed to be removed regardless. Mr. Levinson stated we did save the entire original 2 x 4 stud framing which was whole. This is the balloon framing which went from floor to ceiling that was usable and uncut. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked the applicant what their intention was going forward. Are you going to stay with the original footprint? Mr. Levinson stated nothing has changed from the original application. This home will be built as originally submitted. All the materials will remain the same. The only change is the number of salvaged 2X4’s which will be in the home. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development, explained this is a modification to an approval. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 5 of 9 This was originally three parcels, combined into two. One building was demolished on the site with a follow up plan, with the construction of #26 Lafayette Street. Because these parcels were contributing parcels within the Historic District, the objective was to retain as much as possible of the historic character. The designs approved for that building are consistent with the historic character or at least the streetscape in that manner. You wanted to retain as much as possible, whatever was salvageable, of that property which was essentially the front porch portion of the home. Richard Martin stated there isn’t anything left to be saved. The intention is to build a house on the original foundation, which looked like this one only new construction. Mr. Levinson provided schematics of what was originally proposed. All that has changed is the framing members which could not be saved. Richard Martin asked if the old windows versus the new windows will the windows remain in the same location. Mr. Levinson stated the new windows will be in the same location. The approval was for additional windows to be added. The same size as originally proposed. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development, stated what the Commission would be doing would be reconfirming approvals with the all new construction versus retaining the original portion. Mr. Levinson stated cedar siding was to be used on the old portion and fiber cement siding on the new portion. This enabled the differentiation from old to new. We are contemplating keeping this look with the new construction. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed material usage on the outside of the home. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated a letter was received from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. They have reviewed the application and understand the amount of deterioration did not enable the usage of more materials than was originally specified. They appreciate the applicant trying to retain as much of the original structure as possible, as well as the usage of in kind materials in the new construction. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated does anyone in the audience wish to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Rejuvenation Homes, 30 Lafayette Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Approval for the original addition as originally proposed with the front or street side façade with the porch to being completely rebuilt in kind, including the floor joists. Also noting that the siding will be either smooth cedar or cementatious siding or a combination of what the applicant decides. Also, the porch rail system will come back for administrative review if changed from the original. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 9. 2015.059 TROJANSKI EAST AVENUE CONDOS, Corner East and Excelsior avenues, Architectural Review of a new 2 unit condo building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 2015.060 TROJANSKI EAST AVENUE CONDOS, Corner East & Excelsior Avenues, Architectural Review of a New 3-story mixed-use building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agents: Dave Carr, LA Group; Derek Gribulis, Cotler Architecture Mr. Gribulis provided the Commission with a brief overview of the project. A visual presentation was provided. The first building is the northern building. Floor plans were reviewed. Stairwells are provided on either end of the building which City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 6 of 9 provides access to the second and third floors. The first floor will be a commercial level, with storefront windows. Second and third floors will be identical, using double hung Pella windows. We have used pitched roofs with architectural asphalt shingles. Gables and dormers were used to break up the mass. We have incorporated two different cladding types to break up the massing as well. Cultured stone on the bottom with dark grey hardy board lap siding above. Some architectural features were used to designate the commercial area on the first level. The next building is the south building. It is a two story two unit condo building. It is a symmetrical building. We have utilized the same roofing materials as in the first building. We have continued with the same cultured stone but changed the color of the fiber cement lap siding. We have added some shakes in the gables and some board and batting vertical features. Color samples were provided for the Commission’s review. Garages on the first level. Mr. Gribulis provided building elevations along with the cut sheets on the cladding and roofing materials. Mr. Carr stated the reason for the two applications is the site contains two parcels. Mr. Carr provided some background information concerning ownership of the property. A parcel is owned by Mr. Roohan and ownership of a parcel by the City of Saratoga Springs. A land swap was executed for the public safety building and built a parking lot for them with access out to Warren Street. In exchange the City gave him an easement over that property for access and parking for both of these parcels. There will always be two separate parcels. This will not affect the deferral of SEQRA Lead Agency but two separate SEQRA actions will need to be completed. Mr. Carr reviewed the site plan of the parcels. He noted the location at the end of the Spring Run Trail. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned the height of the building in relation to the balzer + tuck building. Mr. Gribulus and Mr. Carr reviewed the height of the buildings proposed in this application. Discussion ensued regarding the height of the proposed buildings in relation to those in the area. Grading views were reviewed. Storm water management concerns were also reviewed. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the massing and scale of this project generally seems appropriate. It has more of a residential feel than the buildings across the way and that is good as it heads into a residential area. We will speak further regarding the design of the mechanicals for this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated does anyone in the audience wish to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the applications #2015.059 Trojanski East Avenue Condos, 2 unit condos building and #2015.060 Trojanski East Avenue Condos, 3 story mixed use building that the DRC defers Lead Agency Status on both applications to the Planning Board should they seek it. 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 12. 2014.090 SARATOGA ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH LED FREESTANDING SIGN, 2325 Route 50 South, Architectural Review of LED pedestal sign within the Office Medical Business-1 District And the Gateway Overlay 1B District. Applicant: Glenn Dionne, Pastor; Jim Galarneau, Pastor Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 7 of 9 Ms. Yasenchak stated we have been before the Commission on a previous occasion. We know you are well aware of this project. We are proposing again an LED signage for the church for the announcement of special programs and events for the community. This would enable changing the signage much easier, and more convenient for staff, as well as notify the community of our special events, speakers and programs. We are still proposing the pedestal sign which was proposed earlier. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the applicant has been cooperative and the mock up was very professional rendering. This evening we have only four Commission members. You do need four votes to pass. It is your choice. You may wish to wait for two weeks for a better attendance from the Commission. This is located in a gateway to the City. It would definitely be precedent setting. This is a concern to me and the Commission members. We do have guidelines that we are required to follow. Personally, I am not in favor of LED signage. I understand the request for it. It is also a concern for others Commission members. Ms. Yasenchak questioned if polling the Commission members here this evening was an option. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, stated she liked the design of the stonework base and the location; it presents well. She has no doubt that the applicant would be very respectful in the usage of the sign, the lights and the color, etc. but we have no control of the next applicant. It is all about precedent. I feel very strongly about it. Changing my mind about this would be unlikely. Robert DeMarco stated we have maintained our position on LED signage. Look at those on the gas stations and they are only numbers. Those have not made it in a busy urban setting. A LED sign in a rural setting has to have much more impact. It would be hard for me to get past this. Precedent setting issues are a large concern. This is almost insurmountable unless new technology is developed. Richard Martin stated I know that even though you would be respectful with this signage, I would have a hard time approving this. We have two signs now in town that we had no purview over. Those that were installed at the school and SPAC and I do not feel they are appropriate. I would have a hard time voting for it. Discussion ensued keeping the application open or having the Commission vote on this tonight. The applicant agreed to proceed with the application this evening. Steven Rowland, Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Abundant Life Church LED Freestanding Sign, 2325 Route 50 South, that the application be denied for the following reasons: with the assistance from the applicant, the Commission has visited the site and evaluated an example of the proposed dual-sided LED sign. The Commission notes that this site is located within the City’s Gateway Overlay 1B District whose intent is to “establish a series of site and construction standards and guidelines to encourage appropriate development while preserving and maintaining a rural “Country” character in this gateway area – to complement the natural conditions of the neighboring Saratoga Spa State Park,” a National Historic Landmark. The Zone B designation is for an area that encompasses some “commercial areas but is intended to encourage low-density development with an emphasis on rural character.” The Commission also notes that this location is along a substantial road straight-away with very good visibility from both the north and south. While the Commission is not opposed to the proposed materials of the sign base, the Commission finds that the nature of the materials, lighting and colors of the LED sign is inconsistent and incompatible with the “Country” and “rural” character of this Gateway area. The Commission encourages the applicant to seek approval of more context-sensitive sign materials and design. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 8 of 9 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated we had two applications this evening with no representation. 7. 2015.062 DUPRAS RESIDENCE EXTERIOR RENOVATION, 184 Lake Avenue Architectural Review of a building addition within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. The Dupras Residence as discussed at the workshop needs to have representation present since we would like to discuss alternatives with the applicant. 10. 2013.069 KLEIN/BRONTOLI RESIDENCE WINDOWS, 722 North Broadway, Historic Review of a change in exterior materials (siding, windows) within the Urban Residential-3 District. Discussion ensued regarding this application. All the windows are original to the residence. This is an application for replacement windows which are under the porch and not visible. The Commission reviewed the application and acted was taken on the application with the following motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, made a motion in the matter of the Klein/Brontoli Residence Windows, 722 North Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions: no adjustment is to be made to the existing masonry openings. Suggest that rather than use vinyl the applicant opt to infill the windows underneath the porch in a way that preserves the existing openings. If the applicant opts to do this, submission of the infill materials are required to be approved 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; Robert DeMarco, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Wednesday July 28, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Wednesday, July 28, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Deferred to the August 5, 2015 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 9:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 2/3/16 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – July 15, 2015 - Page 9 of 9