Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Robert West; Richard Martin; Cynthia Corbett; Leslie DiCarlo; Jason Tommell SKYPE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman LATE ARRIVAL: Karen Cavotta arrived at 8:15 P.M. STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs Steve Shaw, Zoning and Building Inspector arrived at 8:00 P.M. 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. 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 or 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. 2014.053.1 GRAHAM MULTI-FAMILY STRUCTURE EXTENSION, 109 Washington Street, Extension of Architectural Review approval granted July 16, 2014 within the Urban Residential-4 District. 2. 2016.003 FASIG-TIPTON RESIDENTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT,127 George Street, Historic Review of change of exterior materials within the Urban Residential-3 District. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if any member of the Commission has any questions or concerns regarding the consent agenda items. Cynthia Corbett stated she does have some questions concerning the Fasig-Tipton Residential Roof Replacement. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Fasig-Tipton Roof Replacement will be removed from the consent agenda. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience had any questions or comments on any of the items on the consent agenda. None heard. 1. 2014.053.1 GRAHAM MULTI-FAMILY STRUCTURE EXTENSION, 109 Washington Street, Extension of Architectural Review approval granted July 16, 2014 within the Urban Residential-4 District. Steven Rowland made a motion in the matter of the application of the Graham Multi-Family Structure Extension, 109 Washington Street 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; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. #2016.003 FASIG-TIPTON RESIDENTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENT,127 George Street, Historic Review of change of exterior materials within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Manuel Hernandez Mr. Hernandez stated he hired a contractor to do the work. He stated he was told they did obtain the proper paperwork. When the contractor applied for a building permit a stop work order was issued. The contractor completed the front and back roof. Approximately one month later I received a letter stating the need to appear before this Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated any change in materials on homes in the Historic District need to appear before this Commission. You have gone from an original standing seam roof to an asphalt shingle roof, which is a change in materials. The porch standing seam roof remains. Leslie DiCarlo questioned if the entire roof was done. Mr. Hernandez stated the entire roof was completed. Other homes in the area have the same pattern asphalt shingle on the main house and a standing seam roof on the porch. We did have problems with the roof leaking and we tried to repair it. However, this did not work. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a letter was received this date from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Discussion ensued regarding painting a rusted metal seam roof. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Ms. Bosshart stated she would like to go on record noting that the Commission has guidelines and standards which should be upheld, and I would like to see them upheld. Cherie Grey, 38 5th Avenue. What is bothersome is that this roof is asphalt shingles. Can this be replaced in the future with what was originally there. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission encourages a return to original materials. Richard Martin stated the porch is the bigger of the two elements. A standing seam roof is 2 to 3 times the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Fasig-Tipton Residential Roof Replacement, 127 George Street, that the application be approved with the following condition: Any future roof replacement the Commission encourages the applicant to provide some historical data for the replacement of new materials. Richard Martin seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 2 of 9 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; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, opposed; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-1 C. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATIONS: 3. 2015.112 SALT & CHAR ENTRANCE MODIFICATIONS, 353 Broadway, Historic Review of awning within Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Jeff & Rochelle Agent: Tony Stellato, CHA Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this application was last heard at the January 6, 2016 meeting. At that time the only remaining item was the awning. The applicant did install a temporary mock up awning. It has been up for approximately one week. Discussion among the Commission concerning the awning. Tony Stellato agent for the applicant stated the awning is being constructed to mark the entrance of the restaurant. Provide an identity from the sidewalk. The awning will be a black and white construction. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she did view the mockup electronically, I liked it and did not think it was inappropriate. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is not something which is permanent, this can be taken down. My only concern is that the installation be sensitive to how it is attached to the building. Mr. Stellato stated the surface mounted conduits and electrical wires will be removed and the building will be patched and repaired. 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 stated she also did view the mock up and felt it really wasn’t noticeable, and if so is it really necessary. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the Salt and Char Entrance Modifications, 353 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted. Robert West 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 3 of 9 MOTION PASSES: 7-0 4. 2016.004 LAKE AVENUE FIREHOUSE WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 60 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of window replacements within the Urban Residential-4 District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the chair. Applicant: Robert Williams, Fire Chief, City of Saratoga Springs Agent: Chad Rhineman, PE; Ryan Biggs/Clark Davis Engineering DISCLOSURE: Richard Martin, stated he did provide the fire department with a window samples approximately one year ago. He is not involved in this project application. Mr. Rhineman stated they have consulted with the Fire Department on several previous issues. We are at this time looking to replace the windows in the fire house on Lake Avenue. Many of the upper windows of the building will be replaced. A visual presentation was provided to the Commission of all elevations and building windows. The current windows are original to the building. They are wooden windows and currently are in disrepair, many of them inoperable. Wooden sills and rails are rotted and deteriorated. Paint has failed, cracked and peeled. Significant air leaks. There is obviously some temperature issues with the building. They are constantly running the heat to keep the building heated. The windows being inoperable, from a security standpoint are a concern. We are looking for guidance from the DRC on what type of windows would be appropriate. From the Fire Departments point of view they are looking for windows that are easy to clean, secure and energy efficient. Currently the windows have aluminum storm windows. The original windows were a 6 over 1 pattern. We will have the new windows custom built to match the size and shape of The original windows. We will restore the sills and the casements and paint to match. Chief Williams stated the building is a secure building except for the windows. All windows are in such poor condition They are ready to fall out. There is no energy efficiency with these windows. This is a risk and safety project. All entrance and exit to the building is controlled via a fob system to maintain security. We do have narcotics in the building and these should be in a more secure environment. We have done our due diligence on this project. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Cynthia Corbett stated per the DRC guidelines she is not convinced that these windows are not repairable. This is a City landmark designated building. DISCLOSURE: Cynthia Corbett disclosed that she is on the Board of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. I have no input into their advocacy position on matters. Richard Martin stated if you view the restored windows in the historic district many of them have aluminum storm windows installed. The restored windows do not need storm windows thereby offsetting an expense. The arch prominence of the windows proposed in this case will be re-established. Chief Williams stated the plan for the building is with the money saved with the new windows centralized air conditioning could be installed eliminating the unsightly window air conditioners. Robert West stated he likes to take a whole building approach looking at all elements as a whole. Gentrification, City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 4 of 9 rehabilitation and bringing buildings back to life again. If we can retain header details, trim details, cornice details and brick, and the original pointing which has been maintained in that building. We can get a product that looks the same while eliminating a next generation type of storm windows as well as boarded up windows, then I tend to lean in that favor. We do have our guidelines to help us judge buildings we have to do it as a whole. Restoration comes with a significant cost to the taxpayers. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated our historic guidelines do state repair versus replace. We have to look at fully historic accurate replacement or aluminum storm windows. We need to make a smart choice looking at both pros and cons. There are instances where replacing a window is not horribly inappropriate and I feel this is one of those instances. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comment from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Thank you to the Fire Department and their service to the City as well as their efforts to remain in that building and keep it as an active firehouse. Windows are a character defining feature. These windows have been in the building for nearly 100 years. There are valid issues raised concerning the windows, however, I do not feel enough documentation was provided to properly assess replacement of the nearly 40 windows. That is an important part of how this decision is made. Cherie Grey, 38 5th Avenue. This is such a predominate historic building. Our city is all about history. This is a beautiful building. The character of the building needs to be retained. In the perfect climate you would have problems concerning heat and cold. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Lake Avenue Firehouse Window Replacement, 60 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, opposed; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, opposed; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-2 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed his position on the Commission. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed her position on the Commission. 5. 2015.108 LERMAN RESIDENCE ADDITION, 7 Madison Avenue, Historic Review of a 1-story rear addition to an Existing structure within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Brett Balzer, Balzer & Tuck Architects Mr. Balzer provided a background of where the two story property is situated on a ½ acre lot. The applicants are proposing an 18 x 40 foot addition. A visual presentation was provided to the Commission reviewing the elevations, as well as some perspectives of the project. The applicants are planning to privatize the back yard with landscaping. We will decrease the slope of the standing seam roof. All things will remain on the existing home. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this project seems to be appropriate for the home. Does not conflict with the house. Improvements as well as the landscaping will be wonderful. Commission member Karen Cavotta joined the meeting at 8:16 P.M. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 5 of 9 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation thanked Mr. Balzer for answering all the questions. They are comfortable with the project and it is in keeping with the building. Great project. Cherie Grey, 38 5th Avenue. Stated the front of the home is looking shabby. Hopefully this will be addressed as well. Mr. Balzer stated the applicant will be painting the home and repairing in kind. This is the right client for the right home. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Lerman Residence Addition, 7 Madison Avenue, that the application 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Commission Member Alternate Jason Tommell exited the meeting. 6. 2015.110 STEWART’S SHOP #333 ADDITION, 87 West Avenue, Architectural Review of a rear Addition to an existing structure within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Ryan Rubado, Designer, Stewart Shops Mr. Rubado provided a visual presentation of the proposed Stewart Shop at 87 West Avenue. The applicant is proposing an addition to the shop as well as upgrading the current building with stone veneer and hardy board siding. Photographs of a recently renovated building were provided to the Commission. We are providing more storage space and to expand the store with a new layout change for the shop. Discussion ensued regarding the soffit materials and the roof matching. Mr. Rubado stated the idea is if we can work on the inside of the store we would like to do the outside to draw attention to the store. 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. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Stewart’s Shops #333 Addition, 87 West Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions – Vertical Trims will be 6” in width. If there is a problem with the mansard matching the applicant will run the new roofing to the corner to terminate. 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 6 of 9 MOTION PASSES: 7-0 6. 2013.070.2 CONGRESS HALL CONDOMINIUMS, 322 Broadway/7Spring Street, Historic Review of exterior modifications to an existing structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Bob Kerzan, Kerzan Architects Applicant: Scott Grodski, Broadway Spring Corporation, Owner Steven Rowland, Chairman stated tonight this will be a fact finding mission for the Commission. We do not expect to render a decision this evening. The Commission is looking to ascertain exactly what was done on the building. It is bothersome to this Commission that the building renovation took place without the review of this Commission. Many renovations are inappropriate for the building. We are concerned regarding the stucco application, the penthouse roof, what existed there before and covering of the masonry wall. If you could provide a brief rundown of what exactly was done and what was there before, it would be appreciated. Mr. Grodski stated he is taking full responsibility for was done to the building. Cerone Development was the company he contracted with. This Construction crew walked off the job. The supervisor for the company Craig Hammer supposedly placed an application for this project. Mr. Kerzan provided drawings for the renovations. I never had a historic home or building and I will do whatever I need to do to rectify this situation. Mr. Kerzan provided some background on the building. Discussion ensued regarding the condition of the building prior to the reconstruction, what and why repairs were made. If structural repairs were made, what was the condition of the materials underneath. Documentation would be appreciated. Some photographs of the building prior to reconstruction would be helpful. It was the consensus of the Commission to make a site visit. A site visit was scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2016. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned 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. We will review this building on a site visit. Following the site visit, we will place the application back on the agenda. 7. 2015.095 LAROCHE WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 159 Phila Street, Historic Review of window replacements within the Urban Residential-3 District. RECUSAL: Commission Member Richard Martin recused himself from this application. Commission Member Robert West recused himself from this application. Alternate Jason Tommell rejoined the Commission for this application. Agent: Patrick Colaes, Northern Dean Steven Rowland, Chairman we have seen this application before for window replacements. At the last meeting the applicant’s agent provided a window sample. The Commission was looking for some information concerning why replace rather than restore. Mr. Colaes, Northern Dean stated the applicant is looking to replace the windows in the home with Anderson Eagle Series. We did a cost estimate of $2,500 per unit for lead removal, priming the windows and painting and repair. This estimate was provided by Olde Saratoga Restorations, which is a licensed lead removal company. All hardware and mechanisms would need to be replaced as well. The new windows would not need storm windows, they would be energy efficient and the arch element of the window would be visible. There are 28 windows in the home needing to be replaced. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 7 of 9 Cynthia Corbett stated she questioned the cost per window versus the rehabilitation of the current windows with lead removal. Mr. Colaes stated the applicant is very concerned regarding the lead. The total cost of the project is somewhere between $80,000 and $90,000 for 28 windows installed. The exterior trim will remain. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated that we have allowed this in other applications where the applicant has replaced with a high quality product. The applicant is replicating what was there with a high quality, high end product. The exterior trim work will remain which is helpful. I can appreciate someone making this type of investment. I believe we need to re-visit our ordinance and possibly update it. As these historic homes get older, things will need to be replaced. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested keeping the sashes, in the event future replacement back to the original could be accomplished. Cynthia Corbett reviewed the DRC standards concerning the windows, and replacement only when they are beyond reasonable repair. I will not be voting in favor of this application. Leslie DiCarlo questioned if the request for an inventory concerning the condition of the windows was provided. Mr. Coleas stated he does not feel it is fair or consistent to ask this applicant for more information when the Firehouse was here requesting exactly the same, new windows and was approved without additional information. We have provided photographs of the windows, the deterioration, woods, sills and sashes denoting they are beyond repair. The applicants are keeping the size of the windows the same, retaining the arch and will retain the exterior trim work. No storm windows will need to be installed. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated perhaps the Commission needs to devise some sort of checklist to review when window replacements are requested. This would enable the Commission to be more consistent. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she agrees with the idea of a checklist to be as educated as we possibly can before making a decision. Guidelines do state repair rather than replace. There are always exceptions to the rules. Once again this falls into that category. Karen Cavotta stated no matter which way we go on this it has not been an easy decision for the Commission. This is a really tough situation. Jason Tommell stated this is a difficult situation with conforming to what the guidelines state. These are the same conversations we have been having over the last 10 years. The benefit of something like this potentially outweigh doing the project piecemeal from an aesthetic standpoint. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Cherie Grey, 38 5th Avenue reiterated the guidelines. Repair rather than replace. There is really nothing wrong with these windows. This home was taken care of. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the standards both locally and nationally. Cost is not part of the Commissions purview. These windows are not beyond repair. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we have gone around in circles on this application. We need to change the way we approach these. It will be a difficult thing to come up with. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSION: Letter received this date from Jim Martinez. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Laroche Window Replacement, 159 Phila Street, City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 8 of 9 that the application be approved as submitted. The DRC strongly encourages the applicant to save and catalogue any and all materials on the site in the event a future owner wished to refurbish the original windows. Karen Cavotta 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, opposed; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, opposed; Jason Tommell, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-2 Steven Rowland, Chairman thanked alternate Commission member Jason Tommell for his time this evening. Commission member Richard Martin resumed his position on the Commission. Commission member Robert West resumed his position on the Commission. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Karen Cavotta made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2015 Design Review Commission as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman West seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. 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 1/18/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 20, 2016 - Page 9 of 9