Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Leslie DiCarlo; Cynthia Corbett SKYPE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman STAFF: Susan Barden, Senior Planner CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:12 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 CONSIDERATION 1. 2016.034 MOORE HALL DEMO/CONDO CONSTRUCTION, 28 Union Avenue/35 White Street, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for demolition of Moore Hall and construction of 26 residential units 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: Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group; Brett Balzer, Balzer Tuck Architecture Mr. Ingersoll provided a brief history of the project. The applicant is here to provide information for consideration of a Lead Agency determination for SEQRA, as well as some feedback concerning the project. It is the hope of the applicant to return before this Commission in approximately six weeks. Visual presentation of the site was provided for the Commission. This site includes 4 tax parcels, approximately 190 feet long and 300 feet wide. This project is consistent with the UR-4 District. 18 unit condos are proposed, two buildings containing duplex structures will be connected by foundation walls. A single family structure is also proposed, as well as a triplex. A total of 26 units on the property all will have parking provided on site. A review of the variance requested from the ZBA was also provided to the Commission. Brett Balzer, Balzer Tuck Architecture provided conceptual renderings of the project. Streetscape views were provided as well as views of the elevations. The goal of the applicant is to blend in with the neighborhood and the surroundings. We will appear before this Commission several more times for Mass and Scale and final detail approval. This is designed in the Victorian style as is the neighborhood. Granite, cedar siding, copper accents, aluminum clad simulated divided light windows, brick chimneys with terra cotta pots. Any feedback will be appreciated by the design group. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated as a reminder to the Commission and the audience we are here this evening for consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency Status. Any questions or comments from the Commission. Richard Martin stated he appreciates the relief of the buildings and the materials proposed. They have spent a considerable amount of time looking at the real estate in the surrounding neighborhood to make this compatible. I think this is very important. I think it is heading in the right direction. Cynthia Corbett stated she likes the fact that the carrriage houses are secondary to the main buildings. It is in keeping with historic precedent. Question on how the applicant plans to remove Moore Hall, since it is surrounded by some spectacular historic buildings. Mr. Bonacio stated the applicant has been involved in a lot of close proximity construction. We are working with 3 demolition contractors. The only way to safely bring the current building down is to work with claws on the ends and work towards the middle. There is a lot of urban demolitions currently being done. Inspections will be done on all adjoining buildings pre- demolition noting existing conditions, videos and engineering studies of all exisiting conditions with proper photo documentation. We will have all the proper insurances in place. It is a big building on a tight site. The biggest issue will be the asbestos abatement first. Once this is mitigated the NYS Department of Labor will perform their inspections to ensure it is absolutely clear prior to further work on the site. Mr. Ingersoll stated once the Lead Agent is determined we will delve into more depth concerning the recycling of some of the concrete. We are hoping the timing of demolition will happen prior to track season. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there is any further discussion from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application as it relates to SEQRA Lead Agency. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Moore Hall Demo/Condo Construction, 28 Union Avenue, that the Design Review Commission defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it, with the notation that the DRC feels at this time that the applicant is moving in the right direction in terms of Mass and Scale and materials that have been discussed to date. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the Chair. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed the duties of the Vice Chair. 1. 2016.030 CONGRESS PLAZA OFFICES, 46 Congress Street, Architectural Review of freestanding Commercial sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Donald McElroy, DCG Development Company Agent: Carl Wheeler, AJ Signs City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 20, 2016 - Page 2 of 7 Mr. Wheeler stated the applicant is before the Commission this evening for signage for DCG Development. It is a pretty basic sign. Stencil cut graphics so at night just the lettering will show. It is placed below the window so it does not intrude on the window. Painted to match the building. Base of the signage will be aluminum. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if the applicant has any plans to landscape around the base of the sign. The applicant is amenable to providing landscaping at the base of the sign. Richard Martin stated we are looking for something to break up the square vision of the sign. Perhaps the address could be added. Discussion ensued regarding the placing of an address on the sign and the addition of an arrow for direction, which can be submitted for administrative approval. The appliant is in discussion with the post office on the renumbering of the building and the possibility of the addition of an arrow for direction. 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Congress Plaza Offices Freestanding Signage, 46 Congress Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions – a revised sketch be submitted for administrative review of some type of crown be placed on the top of the sign and and a design which shows point of direction. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. 2016.026 SOUTH BROADWAY INN & SPA SIGNAGE, 120 South Broadway, Architectural Review of a Freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Rick Bult, Fast Signs of Saratoga Springs Applicant: Steve Ethier Mr. Bult stated the signage proposed is a freestanding sign on aluminum posts with ornamental caps. It will be constructed with sign foam and will be carved, and painted with dimensional lettering. It is 12 square feet per side per the code for that area. The sign will be uplit. It is 6 feet above grade. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we wondered if the signage which was presented with the application although too large could it be modified to fit in the proper square footage for this area. Also perhaps some landscaping to the base of the signage. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 20, 2016 - Page 3 of 7 Mr. Bult stated this sign was constructed as a demo for the applicant. While on site we felt the signage was too small. So, we redesigned the signage to be more prominent on South Broadway. The applicant is proposing the address be affixed to the existing wall for emergency purposes. Mr. Bult stated his client is willing to obtain variances to enlarge the signage. Landscaping will be enhanced and enlarged. Discussion ensued concerning the size of the signage and placement as well as the current existing wall. Discussion ensued regarding deferring this to the building department for some input, as well as what variances would be required from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there are some issues which will require input from the Building Department. If a variance would be need and if so how much relief would be required. I am uncomfortable with this freestanding sign in the gateway to the city. It was the consensus of the Commission and the applicant to table this application awaiting information from the building department. 3. 2016.033 CAROLINE & MAIN AWNING, 438 Broadway, Historic Review of commercial awning within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. RECUSAL: Robert West recused from this application. Applicant: Heidi West, owner Ms. West stated she is the owner of this new business and is requesting an awning for the business. Steven Rowland, Chairman, questioned if the awning could wrap the corner. Ms. West stated it can wrap the corner but this would prevent the awning from being retractable. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested the awning have the valances on the ends preventing a view of the framing. Ms. West stated the colors will be similar to that of the building. There will be no wording on the awning. 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. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of Caroline & Main Awnings, 438 Broadway that we approved the application with the following conditions – propose end caps on the valances while allowing the awning to remain retractable and hide the view of the mechanism. 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 20, 2016 - Page 4 of 7 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Robert West resumed his position on the Commission. 4. 2016.032 BENNETT SOLAR PANELS, 173 & 175 Spring Street, Historic review of rooftop solar panels within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Lorene Mirr, Solar City Ms. Mirr stated photographs were submitted with the application. The solar panels are to be placed on the east side of the gable on the front and rear of the home. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there are any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Bennett Solar Panels, 173 & 175 Spring Street that the application be approved with the following condition- conduits are to run toward the rear of the building. These are to be painted to match the house colors. 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 West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 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 Ward, RBC Construction Agent: Tony Stellato, CHA Mr. Stellato stated since our last appearance before the Commission the roof has been scaled back to cover only the loading dock. The roofing material will now be a standing seam. The end gable has an inset of Hardie board material. This minimizes the impact on the neighborhood. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the revisions certainly have much less of an impact than the previous design. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to comment on this application. None heard. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Commissary Kitchen Exterior Modifications, 41 Washington Street that the application be approved with the following conditions – kick out flashing be installed to prevent water running into the window. The canopy frame is to be painted to match the trim on the front porch. 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 West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 20, 2016 - Page 5 of 7 MOTION PASSES: 7-0 6. 2016.023 MILTON RESIDENCE EXTERIOR MODIFICAITONS, 9 Marion Place. Historic Review of siding Replacement, chimney removal, and window replacement within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Paul Milton Agent: Brian Tabor, Schrader and Company Mr. Milton stated they have owned the home since 1998. I am looking to make some improvements primarily on the siding and windows. Primarily from a safety standpoint, these are the original windows. I have been concerned about functionality. I am trying to tighten up the home and make it more environmentally friendly. The north side of the home is difficult to keep paint on. Aesthetically I have been trying to keep the integrity of the house. It is a beautiful home. I have placed a copper roof on the porch of the home. I have maintained the original slate on the roof. I have spoken to all the neighbors concerning my intentions. They are in support of this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman the Commission has visited the site on caravan. I would like to ask if there are any further questions or comments from the Commission. Richard Martin stated we looked at the proposal, we understand the window issue as well as the siding issue. We questioned the condition of the shingles on the gable end. We reviewed this on caravan. We also questioned the condition of the siding on the front façade below the roof. Viewing the application on a site visit was helpful. The applicant was requesting replacement of the siding on all four facades. We also discussed maintaining the original materials on the front façade as well. Cynthia Corbett stated this home is in the Historic District. The guidelines the DRC follows cites repair rather than replace. I will not be voting in favor of this application. This neighborhood has seen several renovations using these materials and it is losing its character. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated she has submitted a letter to the Commission. Ms. Bosshart appreciates the long tenure the applicant has had in this home. This is a larger issue we are looking at. There really is no documentation citing the condition of each of the windows currently in the home being beyond repair. In speaking with the State and local preservation experts noting the materials to be used, cementitious siding is not to be used. Design guidelines outlined in the ordinance which the DRC follows is to preserve and repair rather than replace. Also the Secretary of Interior of Standards for Rehabilitation does not encourage wholesale replacement of wood siding with cementitious siding. Other communities across the country both north and south do not allow HardiePlank siding in their historic districts. Where there is consistent water damage there maybe some consideration for replacement with material such as cementitious siding but the key is to use the replacement materials only at the affected areas where needed but not for the wholesale treatment of the building. Daniel Fleming, neighbor. I know Paul. This project is well thought out and will enhance his home. The look will enhance this home in this neighborhood and will perhaps encourage other neighbors to do the same. In my profession the materials I used 25 years ago I no longer use since they have made many enhancements in the materials and I encourage the Commission to factor that into the decision. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated one question I have is would the applicant be agreeable to maintaining the original materials on the primary façade of the home and potentially maintaining the original materials on the south facing gables, as well. Mr. Milton stated he would be willing to keep the original materials on the primary façade as well as the south facing gables. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 20, 2016 - Page 6 of 7 Richard Martin stated perhaps our guidelines need to be reviewed and redone. In the past in maintaining these homes people used whatever was available at that particular time. If a better product is available today, I think you have to go with the better product. That is my feeling on changing. I think an architectural feature on a house is not necessarily the components that make up the feature, but the architectural features of the house and what they are. I appreciate that you have the original cedar on this home. Discussion ensued concerning the modifications to the home. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of Milton Residence Exterior Modifications, 9 Marion Place that the application be approved with the following conditions – that the front elevations be maintained with the existing siding along with the gable end treatments with cedar shakes. Also, that the window trim be consistent with the original window detail on the home. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, opposed; Leslie DiCarlo, opposed MOTION PASSES: 5-2 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Richard Martin, Acting Chair adjourned the meeting at 10:10 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 2/15/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – April 20, 2016 - Page 7 of 7