Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Leslie DiCarlo; Cynthia Corbett; Robert West LATE ARRIVAL: Karen Cavotta arrived at 8:15 P.M. ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; 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 7:06 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. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATIONS: 1. 2016.019 CAPITAL REGION ORTHOPAEDICS SIGNAGE, 92 East Avenue, Architectural Review of a 2 proposed wall signs within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Capital Region Orthopaedics Signage Agent: Terry Mizner, Saxton Sign Company Mr. Mizner stated the applicant is proposing 2 wall signs. Size of the signage is 36 square feet. These will be placed on their building above the doorways where previous signage was located. These are non illuminated signs. They are lit externally by gooseneck lights above them. Pan signs with PVC lettering. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we have two concerns related to this signage. One is that the size is such that it barely fits where it is proposed to be mounted. We are hoping to get a few inches of relief on the size, was there any consideration to a border around the sign, considering it is white on white. Mr. Mizner provided a smaller version of the sign, noting the applicants are looking for as large a sign as possible. This sign is 30 inches by 119 inches. Discussion ensued concerning the viability of a border around the sign. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any comments or questions from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Capital Region Orthopaedics Signage, 92 East Avenue Modifications, 491 Union Avenue, that the application be approved with the following condition – the signage is to be 30” in height by 119” in width. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 2. 2016.021 LOCAL BROADWAY HISTORY DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT, Advisory Opinion to City Council on requested zoning amendment to include 199 and 200 Woodlawn Avenue within City’s Broadway Historic District. Applicants: Jim Gold & Wayne Smith Mr. Gold stated the DRC has the information which was submitted to the City Council and to the Planning Board. The applicants appeared before the Planning Board last week and they were very supportive. We are here this evening before the DRC for a positive advisory opinion to the City Council. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commissions opinion on this matter is we are thrilled. We commend both of the applicants for doing this and applaud your initiative. I believe the Commission will provide a positive advisory opinion to the City Council. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission is in receipt of correspondence from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation who is very much in favor of this as well. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated they enthusiastically support this application. They are hoping to provide some education outreach and encourage others to do this. This is a positive precedent. 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 Local Broadway Historic District Boundary Line Adjustment application that we provide a favorable Advisory Opinion to the City Council that 199 and 200 Woodlawn Avenue be included in the Broadway Historic District. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES 4-0 3. 2016.020 WITT CARRIAGE HOUSE RENOVATION, 563 North Broadway, Historic Review of a carriage House conversion/renovation within the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: John Witt, Principal Witt Construction City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 16, 2016 - Page 2 of 7 Mr. Witt stated he is before the Commission due to the expiration of the project. The project has not changed at all and no changes were made. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated at the workshop several items did come up. The siding was a concern, as well as the grills between the glass. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation did express concerns regarding the addition of a cupola as well since it was not original to the home. Mr. Witt stated they are using a high end new type of vinyl siding. A sample was provided for the Commission’s review. This will be a rental property and they are looking to keep it as maintenance free as possible. The windows will be 6 or 8 over 1 and will be consistent throughout. Cynthia Corbett questioned the applicant as to why the current fenestration of the windows is not being retained. this will change the whole look of the façade. Why is the slate roof being replaced? Mr. Witt stated we will be using a slate line shingle roof. I am proposing to stockpile the slate for use on the home repair if necessary. Discussion ensued concerning the windows, the use of divided light windows, and keeping the slate roof on the front façade, as well as the cupola. Mr. Witt stated this carriage house is more on Wiswall Alley. The stone wall on Wiswall Alley will be retained. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there are four members of the Commission present this evening. Would the applicant prefer to wait until there is better representation on the Commission. Cynthia Corbett stated she is inclined to rethink placing vinyl on a home on Broadway. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated if this application had not lapsed we would have deferred to the earlier decision. Since it is a new application, I strongly agree to adhere to the guidelines and standards of the DRC and that goes to the slate roof. I appreciate you saving the slate roof. The exterior cladding I agree that this could be precedent setting. Again, the guidelines strongly discourage the use of vinyl and that materials should be replaced in kind. I am pleased the windows will be two over two. I also would like to mention if there is a way you could retain the appearance of the barn or the hay door on the back. You are changing the use of the building but it would be great if you could retain this feature. I would also discourage the use of a cupola since it was not there originally. Mr. Witt would like the Commission to vote tonight. I will retain the slate, two over two divided light windows. I am advocating for the vinyl siding. I would like to move the project forward. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone else would like to comment on this application. Tony Stellato, 148 Woodlawn. I think this is a great project and I support it. Leslie DiCarlo stated she is concerned regarding the allowance of vinyl siding at this location. Discussion ensued among the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated I would like to table this application and review the minutes of the meeting in which this was approved with the vinyl. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 16, 2016 - Page 3 of 7 It was the determination of the Commission and the applicant to table this application until the April 20, 2016 meeting. 4. 2015.008 77 EXCELSIOR MIXED USE PROJECT, 77 Excelsior Avenue, Architectural Review of a proposed 3- building mixed-use development within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Michael Tuck, Melissa Clark, Balzer Tuck Architects Mr. Tuck stated we were before the Commission in November of last year when we received Mass and Scale approval for Buildings 4 and 5. There were some questions concerning Building 6. Mr. Tuck stated since the last appearance before the Commission we have had some program changes. We had some discussions with an adjoining neighbor concerning the footprint of the buildings. We are here to review those changes to Buildings 4 and 5 and provide additional information on Building 6. Mr. Tuck reviewed the site and the order of the construction of the buildings with a visual presentation and recap of the project. Building 4 has held to the sidewalk planting area to the east, effort was made to pull it away from the neighbor to the west. As a result we are now at a length of 135 ft. decreased from a length of 144 ft. and how it has affected the site plan. Unit count has remained the same. The character of the building has remained the same as well as the color palette. Mr. Tuck reviewed Building 5, which is similar to Building 4 with the exception of the entire first floor being parking. A review of the building was provided highlighting the footprint change. It has gotten smaller. We increased the size of the units decreasing the size of the covered parking area. Elevations have stayed similar, especially the north and south elevations. The east and west elevations have changed. We have increased the width of this slightly. Material palette as previously proposed. Mr. Tuck then reviewed Building 6. What has changed is we have provided covered parking for the spaces which abut the building. We have added square footage to the residential units. We did rework this entrance and it was reconfigured and related better to the access approach from the driveway. A review of the proposed changes was provided to the Commission. Materials on this building are intended to match Building 3. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will concentrate on Building 4 and then move onto Building 5 and 6. Mass and Scale approval was previously given to Buildings 4 and 5. There has been no real significant change to the massing of Building 4 and 5. Mr. Tuck stated we are still working on the decking materials as well as the rhythm of the finishes on the gables. We still have a way to go concerning material details and the entire mechanicals design. We are also looking towards a heat pump type of heating system to avoid additional penetrations to the roof. We would like to get a Mass and Scale approval this evening. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated on Building 4, I do not seen any issues with the massing changes at this point. Nothing major. I guess I can say the same thing for Building 5, and nothing at 6 at this point. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated Building 4 has grown in depth. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he likes the changes made concerning public space and the gables which break up the roof lines. Concerning Building 5 a minor question, has any consideration been given concerning signage for the commercial space and how that would get incorporated into the Building. Mr. Tuck explained the area designated for signage, a signage band is provided between the first and second floors Steven Rowland, Chairman stated Building 5 falls into the same category as Building 4. The footprint got a bit larger, but the relief is still there. That is the important part, concerning the depth of the facades. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 16, 2016 - Page 4 of 7 Mr. Tuck stated we have reduced the height of the stairwell tower. We did bring it down a little and nestled the entrance in the corner. We have also provided some covered parking in this area. Discussion ensued concerning the solid column widths and the materials at the back of the bays. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned the black side supports. He questioned possible material changes. Robert West stated the suggestion for some material color changes have helped. Leslie DiCarlo stated perhaps a darker color on top of Building 6 might be something to discuss. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the darker color on top would help it to recede. In addition, I am struggling with everything being flat. The roof level is still monolithic. It is much blockier. Karen Cavotta stated what she is struggling with is everything is very repetitive. Is there a way to still achieve the glass and the openings where you want them, is there a way to manipulate those openings and windows to appease the repetitiveness of the glass. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is not sure that Building 6 is ready for Mass and Scale approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Sonny Bonacio, owner of 92 East Avenue. Mr. Bonacio stated he is very supportive of all the work done here. We are very supportive of this project as well. Mr. Bonacio stated he was hoping for a little less density. This is at 40 units per acre, would like a little more breathing room, it appears the two buildings mesh together. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone else in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated speaking for himself Buildings 4 and 5 are there in terms of Mass and Scale. The building step backs as discussed by Mr. Bonacio certainly would help. Robert West requested a look at another elevation from the other direction. There are some open items on Building 6. A perspective from East Avenue would also be good. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated if the Commission would like to explore that corner a little more with a few more details. Additional views of Building 4 and the massing, as well as Building 6. We will review this again in 3 weeks. 5. 2015.113.1 COMMISSARY KITCHEN EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS, 41 Washington Street, Historic review of exterior modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Jeff and Rochelle Agent: Tony Stellato, CHA Mr. Stellato stated we appeared before the Commission at an earlier date and received approval for much of what is here. We have made some changes to the ramp by relocating it and moved the trash enclosure and placed a roof over the deck and dock area. Everything else is pretty much the same. On the west side of the building we have added a roof to hide the HVAC equipment. We have provided samples of materials to the Commission in your packets. We are trying to keep the roof simple. Runoff will be handled with guttering. The roofing and ramp will be secured to the building securing to the mortar joints as much as possible. Fencing materials were also provided. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 16, 2016 - Page 5 of 7 Discussion ensued on the dock area changes and the connection to the building, as well as the size of the dock. Roof drainage issues were discussed in the loading dock area. Guard rails and handrails to meet code. Materials were reviewed as well as the corrugated roofing proposed. Discussion ensued concerning the viability of the materials on a historic building with the decking being very industrial. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission needs updated plans and photographs of the proposed addition and additional information to staff. The applicant should return before the Commission in April. 6. 2016.001 55 PHILA (CAFFE LENA) MIXED USE BUILDING, 55 Phila Street, consideration of SEQRA input For Architectural Review of a new mixed-use structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Robert West assumed the duties of the Chair. Applicant: Sonny Bonacio, Tony Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Matthew Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the Planning Board has sent this application to the Commission to obtain input for SEQRA review concerning general Mass and Scale, any impact on Historical Resources and Consistency of Community Character. Robert West, Acting Chairman stated the Commission had some concerns as to how this will fit in with the smaller buildings adjacent to this property as well as some of the materials proposed. Mr. Hurff provided a visual presentation of the site for the Commission’s review. A prospective view was provided. There are a variety of heights of buildings in this area. Brick is the vehicle being used to keep all the buildings connected. This is an architectural infill project. The project is 1/3 of an acre or less. The new project will be 4 stories or approximately 50’ high. Parking will provided. A lot line will be adjusted as well as cross access easements will need to be obtained. The first floor connection of 1700 square feet, which will house commercial space and a common vestibule to serve the residents of this building and the elevator to Caffe Lena. 8 residential units are proposed 2 -3 units per floor. There is secondary access to the residential floor. Common entry off of Phila Street. Small courtyard is proposed out front. Mr. Hurff continued with the architectural review of the project. All mechanicals will be housed on the roof. A green roof is also proposed. We are picking up the scale of the adjacent building. This will be a masonry structure with recessed porches, storefront along the bottom. Keeping within the scale and rhythm of the streetscape. A cut through of the building was provided to show the Board how the elevator area accommodates the two buildings. A streetscape view was provided to show the overall scale to the Library. The outdoor room was shown and how the building notches back and provides some space to the Library. Correspondence received by the Design Review Commission: - Letter from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. - Letter from SHPO approving Mass and Scale. - Letter from the Bogoshians. - Letter from the Library. Mr. Bonacio stated they were looking for some input from the Commission. A lot line will be adjusted as well as cross access easements will need to be obtained, as well as right of way access. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 16, 2016 - Page 6 of 7 Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the Planning Board is looking for general input on proposed general mass and scale, also is there any impact on Historic Resources and consistency with the community character. Robert West, Acting Chair stated the frontal relief and setbacks of it and the 2nd and 3rd floor elevation is a classy way of how you create a long pathway to the corner. Sensitivity to the neighbors is great. Robert West, Acting Chair asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated a letter was submitted to the Commission. Ms. Bosshart stated the applicant has done a good job making Caffe Lena accessible and filling in the empty tooth on the block. One piece of advice is perhaps a more prominent cornice on the building. Overall we are very supportive of this project. Bradley Birge, Administrator reviewed the comments the Board would like to forward to the Planning Board. Robert West, Acting Chair made a motion to provide SEQRA information to the Planning Board. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. VOTE: Robert West, Acting Chair; in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 4-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 4:30 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Robert West, Acting Chair adjourned the meeting at 10:35 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 4/19/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 16, 2016 - Page 7 of 7