Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Karen Cavotta; Cynthia Corbett Leslie DiCarlo, ABSENT: Robert West, Richard Martin STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:02 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. ADJOURNED APPLICATIONS: 2014.079 CITY CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE, b/n Maple & High Avenues, Architectural Review of a multi-level parking structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. (Rescheduled to Thursday, October 29, 2015 @ 8 PM). 2013.069 KLEIN CARRIAGE HOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT, 722 North Broadway, Historic Review of a roof replacement to an existing building within the Urban Residential-1 District. 2015.035 O’DONNELL EXTERIOR CHANGES, 17 Marion Place, Historic Review of external modifications to an existing building within the Urban Residential 3 District. 2015.055 EXCELSIOR PARK PHASE 2, Excelsior Avenue & Whistler Court, Architectural Review of construction of 3 new apartment buildings within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 2014.109 RITE AID NEW RECONSTRUCTION/EXPANSION, 90 West Avenue/242 Washington Street, Architectural Review of the reconstruction/expansion of the commercial building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. (Rescheduled to Thursday, October 29, 2015 @ 8 PM). A. PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the intent of the consent agenda is to identify any applications that appear to be “approvable” without the need for further evaluation or discussion. If any DRC member of member of the audience wishes to discuss/explore any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the “consent agenda” and dealt with individually. 1. 2015.089 REGIONAL THERAPY CENTER WALL SIGNAGE, 9 Hempstead Place, Suite 107, Architectural Review of 2 wall signs within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. 2. 2015.090 TIMBERLINE WALL SIGN, 75 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District.  3. 2015. 092 RAW FITNESS SIGNAGE, 51 Caroline Street, Architectural Review of wall signage within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 4. 2015.081 WANG CARPORT, 18 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review of a new 20 x 20 carport within the Urban Residential-2 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on the above stated applications. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if any member of the Commission wished to comment on the above stated applications. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the following applications, Regional Therapy Center Wall Signage, 9 Hampstead Place; Timberline Wall Sign, 75 Weibel Avenue; Raw Fitness Signage, 51 Caroline Street; and the Wang Carport, 18 Marion Avenue be approved as submitted. 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 B. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2015.065 LUKOIL CANOPY BAND, 54 Church Street, Architectural Review of a canopy band Within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Ignazio Morgano Mr. Morgano stated the applicants are proposing on the canopy fascia to add a red stripe with light thru the middle. Photographs of what the applicant is proposing were provided to the Commission members for their review. We have standard graphics for our gas stations. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated that lighting in the banding would require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals since this is considered additional signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the DRC typically does not encourage lighting and signage at that height. If you would like to install the banding that is fine with the Commission, however we cannot condone it being lit. Mr. Morgano stated they are fine with the banding addition with no lighting. 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. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Lukoil Canopy Band, 34 Church Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: There is no logo of Lukoil, this would require a zoning variance. The white band will not be lighted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 21, 2015 - Page 2 of 6 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2015.091 SARATOGA HONDA SIGNAGE, 3402 NYS Route 9, Architectural Review of multiple signage within the Office Medical Business -2 District. Applicant: Tim Higgins, Owner Agent: Brett Balzer, balzer + tuck architecture Mr. Balzer provided a visual presentation of the proposed signage on the Saratoga Honda Dealership. We are working with the Patterson Sign Company who provides signage to all the Honda Dealerships throughout the country. We are currently speaking about four large signs but there is also some ancillary signage. There is a large Saratoga Sign under the auto porch; there is an additional service center sign over the entry to the three bay service areas. There is a large Honda sign on the existing building. This signage is quite a bit further back from the road than what the DRC is accustomed to seeing. Along Crescent Avenue we have a Honda sign to the right and Saratoga sign to the left. We appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals recently and received several variances. Wall signage for both Crescent and Route 9. We had signs which would extend above the first floor level however; this is only a one story building. Sign lettering and logo in excess of 18” in height. The S in Saratoga is a 3ft. letter with the remainder of being 22in. in height. The H in Honda is a 30in. letter. The S in Service and the C in Center are both 30in. letters with the remainder of the lettering at approximately 18in. We do have some illuminated wall signs for the service reception area. Placement of signage was visually presented on the site plan rendering to the Commission. The font will differ somewhat, it could not exactly match. Materials were provided to the Commission for their review. The signage is translucent, internally lit and fairly dim. Steven Rowland, Chairman, stated the service center signage is somewhat bothersome. Perhaps the removal of the word “Center”. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Service Center signage concerning the mass and scale and portionality. It was the consensus of the Commission to drop the word center and use only Service in the signage. 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. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Honda Signage, 3402 NYS Route 9, that the Commission approves all signs as submitted this evening with the exception of the “Service Center” sign. Approval will be contingent upon the omission of the word “Center” and centering the word Service over the entrance. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there is any further discussion. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 NOTE: The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of representation for application 2015.062 Dupras Residence. 3. 2015.086 NAHILL RESIDENCE PORCH, 121 Circular Street, Historic Review of front and side porch Construction within the Urban Residential-3 District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 21, 2015 - Page 3 of 6 Applicant: Robert Nahill Mrs. Nahill stated they are proposing the construction of a front and side porch on their home to return the home to its original design as much as possible, however it will not be a wraparound porch due to chronic icing problems. They will be using the classic archways of the gothic revival style which was original to the home. Photographs of the original design were provided to the Commission. The aluminum siding will be removed and returned back to its original materials at a later date. At this time we are before the Commission only for the porch. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a letter was received from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. The Foundation is very happy to see that you are restoring the porch. They do have a preference for a wraparound porch in its original configuration. Mrs. Nahill stated everything is wood. The deck flooring will be mahogany. The porch has a rubber roof and will be replacing with black rubber roofing. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the rubber roofing does come in different colors. Discussion ensued regarding the railing system and roofing. 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, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, thanked the applicant for taking on the job of replacing and repairing their home. I feel strongly that the railings on the porch need to be wood. Also, I would advocate keeping it simple Gothic Revival. Cynthia Corbett, made a motion in the matter of the Nahill Residence Porch, 121 Circular Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions – that the applicant submit a materials list, as well as submit a drawing of the hand rail treatment for administrative review. Karen Cavotta seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 NOTE: The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of representation for application 2015.088 Washington Commons 4. 2015.059 TROJANSKI EAST AVENUE CONDOS, Corner East & Excelsior Avenues, Architectural Review of a new 2-unit condo building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 5. 2015.060 TROJANSKI EAST AVENUE CONDOS, Corner East & Excelsior Avenues, Architectural Review of construction of 3 new apartment buildings within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Derrick Ribulous, Cotler Architecture Mr. Ribulous provided a visual presentation of the site reviewing the site for the Commission. Mr. Ribulous stated the applicant received Mass and Scale approval at the September 16, 2015 meeting of the DRC. We have returned before the Commission for detail approvals. A review of materials was provided as well as reviewing all elevations as well as the grading plan. An updated rendering was provided based on the comments received from the Commission at the last meeting. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 21, 2015 - Page 4 of 6 A review of all elevations was provided. On the three story building a dormer was removed since it could not be centered it was removed. Bracket colors for the balconies will be steel painted black or white. On the two units building a suggestion was made by the Commission to center the windows which was done. The utilities both gas and electric meters on the 2 unit building unit will be located on the sides of the buildings. Sanitary and furnace venting will go to back side on the high point of the roof. Balconies will be trimmed out with fiber cement over pressure treated with black aluminum guardrails. Condenser units will be located on the side and back of the building. Lighting was reviewed with the Commission. All down lighting is proposed. Soffit lighting is proposed as well for the commercial building. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned the balconies materials as well as the drainage. Discussion ensued regarding the material finishes for the decking floor and underside ceilings and how to accomplish drainage on the decking. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated what was done is an improvement. It has a nice contemporary feel. Leslie DiCarlo stated the balconies on the north and south elevation of the 2 story building would look better if they had knee braces in both directions. 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 these applications. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion of the Trojanski East Avenue Condos, Corner of East and Excelsior Avenues that the application be approved with the following conditions – additional details and materials regarding the balcony designs to be reviewed administratively. Balconies on the north and south elevations to have knee braces in both directions at the columns. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Trojanski Mixed-Use Building, Final, Corner of East and Excelsior Avenues that the application be approved with the following conditions – The brackets be steel painted black. Balconies trimmed out with a fiber product over pressure treated and they are to include black aluminum guardrails. Balcony underside of ceiling and drainage solution are to be submitted for administrative approval as well as the final sidewalk details. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2015.088 WASHINGTON COMMONS GARAGE, 235 Washington Street, Architectural Review of a new 6 bay garage within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Applicant: Steven Ethier, Eastside Development Agent: Bob Flansburg, Dreamscapes Unlimited City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 21, 2015 - Page 5 of 6 Mr. Flansburg stated this was approved by the Planning Board when the building was constructed. This is in the rear of the existing structure behind the parking lot of 235 Washington Street. The owner of the building is looking to put up these garages for their own personal parking. It is a simplistic structure. 72 x 22 footprint. 6 bays with colors and materials to match the existing building. Fiber cement siding and a black architectural shingle. There will be recessed lighting under the soffits over the doors. Screening with evergreens along the back at a height of 18 ft. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated for the record we will cut sheets or specs on the garage doors. Mr. Ethier questioned if the Commission preferred 3 double doors versus 6 single garage doors. Discussion ensued among the Commission and it was the consensus of the Commission that 3 double doors would be acceptable. 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 these applications. None heard. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the application of Washington Commons Garage, 235 Washington Avenue be approved with the following conditions – Either 6 single doors or 3 double doors on the garage would be acceptable. Applicant submits cut sheets for the overhead doors for the file. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 APPLICATIONS TABLED DUE TO LACK OF REPRESENTATION: 2015.062 DUPRAS RESIDENCE EXTERIOR RENOVATION, 184 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of change in exterior materials (siding, windows) within the Urban Residential-3 District. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission Meeting, Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 8:00 P.M. Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the November 4, 2015 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 7/6/16 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 21, 2015 - Page 6 of 6