Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Leslie DiCarlo, Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Chris Bennett, alternate ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Cynthia Corbett, STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:03 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. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Steven Rowland, Chairman announced that he would like to welcome back former Commission Member Chris Bennett as an alternate to the Design Review Commission. Mr. Chris Bennett, is a local craftsman and contractor. He has spent some time on the DRC in the past. We welcome his expertise to the Commission. A. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2016.031 SARATOGA AUTO REPAIR SIGN, 254 Washington St., Architectural review of commercial signage within the Transect-5 Neighborhood District. Applicant: Byron Wilhoite Mr. Wilhoite stated he is proposing a new commercial sign for his business. It is a fabricated wall sign, internally lit with LED lighting. The applicant received an area variance from the ZBA for the freestanding sign. The freestanding sign will have a face change to Saratoga Auto Repair, which will be back lit with LED lighting. Copy of proposed signage and logo was provided to the Commission. 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 the Saratoga Auto Repair Signage, 254 Washington Street, 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2016.033.1 CAROLINE & MAIN WALL SIGNS, 438 Broadway, Historic Review of commercial wall signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. RECUSAL: Commission member Robert West recused from this application. Applicant: Heidi West, Owner Agent: Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs Mr. Wheeler stated the applicant is proposing new signage consisting of ¾ inch deep lettering using PVC materials painted white. Both signs have the same dimensions 74x16. No lighting is proposed. 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of Caroline & Main Wall Signs, 438 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. Chris Bennett 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Robert West resumed his position on the Commission. 3. 2016.044 BODYWORKS PROFESSIONALS WALL SIGN, 11 Spring Street, Historic Review of an exterior commercial wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Nick Pavoldi Mr. Pavoldi stated his signage is cedar with a gold inlay, displaying his logo. The new signage is 4” larger than the current sign which exists. 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. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of Bodyworks Professionals Wall Sign, 11 Spring Street, that the application be approved as submitted. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 2 of 8 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. 2014.036 SARATOGA STADIUM SIGN, 389 Broadway, Histroric review of commercial wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. 5. 2015.036.1 SARATOGA STADIUM DOORS, 389 Broadway, Historic review of a exterior modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Ryan Venezzia Agent: Brett Balzer, Balzer & Tuck Architecture Mr. Balzer stated there are two applications for this location this evening. One is for signage and the second is for door and exterior modifications. They will be voted on separately. I have a visual presentation for the Commission this evening. First is the signage. Mr. Venezzia recently purchased this property and has made a name change, and the reason for this application this evening. Secondly, we are proposing a new door, awning and paint. Mr. Balzer provided views of all elevations. The proposed sign has 15 inch laser cut acrylic lettering for the Saratoga Stadium letters mounted on a backer board. Proposed samples of color and lettering provided for the Commission’s review. Gooseneck lighting currently exists and will remain. The second part of the application we have submitted is the proposed installation of two double doors replacing the windows. The existing door and transom will remain. A new retractable awning is also proposed. Sample provided for the Commission’s review. New to the discussion this evening is the paint scheme. Onyx along the pilasters, this is a lighter black than currently exists. A silver grey and taupe accent colors. The proposed colors were provided for the Commission’s review. Discussion ensued regarding materials, paints and awnings. 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. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Stadium Sign, 389 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted. Chris Bennett 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will now move onto the second application for this address – Saratoga Stadium Doors. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 3 of 8 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. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Stadium Doors, and exterior modifications, 389 Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions – approval of the new awning to be installed. Approval of the new paint schedule to be applied. A new set of drawings required to identify above changes. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2016.039 KARLSON SOLAR PANELS, 42 Fifth Avenue, Historic Review of rooftop solar panels within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Steve Castleman, Castleman Solar Mr. Castleman stated the applicants are proposing solar panel installation with US made black solar panels. Mr. Castleman reviewed the roof plains on the South, East or West for placement of panel installation. These will not be installed on the primary façade. No wall inverters. No conduits will be installed only as a last resort. We will paint if necessary. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Karlson Solar Panels, 42 Fifth Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions – any conduits or equipment exposed at the exterior be painted to match background and be contoured to the building lines. Robert West 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 7. 2016.040 SARATOGA SPRINGS DENTISTRY SIGN, 286 Church St., Architectural review of a freestanding sign within the Urban Residential-2 District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing a new freestanding sign to replace the existing freestanding sign. We will use the current posts. New signage will fit within the landscaping on the site as well. No new lighting is proposed. Existing lighting will be used. Samples of color selections were provided to the Commission for their review. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 4 of 8 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. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Springs Dentistry Sign 286 Church Street, 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 8. 2016.041 VERIZON WIRELESS OUTDOOR DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM, multiple locations Union Avenue, Architectural and Historic Review of cellular antenna within the RR, INST-ED, INST-HTR Districts. Applicant: Verizon Wireless Agent: Dave Brennan, attorney – Young Sommers, Rick Andress, RF Verizon Engineer Mr. Brennan stated the applicant is proposing outdoor distributed antenna system consisting of 7 poles along Union Avenue. These will be installed in front of the racetrack along the tops of three telephone poles out to Exit 14 and an additional 3 poles on the east side of Exit 14. This is new technology which is being used in select locations especially in a heavily traveled street with siting restrictions. Information was provided to the Commission. Equipment is to be painted to match poles. Antennas are the size of transformers with 2 equipment boxes. This is an appropriate location for the equipment. This will increase the service provided in this area. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is great to see the technology moving in this direction. It is an appropriate location for this equipment since there is equipment of this type in this area. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of Verizon Wireless Outdoor Distributed Antenna System, Union Avenue – 7 Utility Poles, Multiple Locations, that the application be approved with the following condition – antenna cans painted to color similar to poles on which they are mounted. Robert West 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 5 of 8  9. 2014.037.1 CARPE DIEM REAL PROPERTIES EXTERNAL MODIFICATIONS, 489 Broadway, Historic review of exterior commercial modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Matt Hurff, Frost Hurff Architecture Mr. Hurff stated this property has a long history of DRC applications. A visual presentation of the site was provided to the Commission. This project is being proposed for maintenance of the building including new windows and for safety reasons replacing the exterior stairs, as well as painting the building. We are proposing new handrails and a covered stairway. We will removed the doors and handrails and install new windows on the front elevation. An awning is proposed over the stairs. New signage is proposed which conforms to the City’s ordinance with lighting. Samples of colors provided to the Commission as well as awning samples. LePage windows will be used and railing system will be black. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Discussion ensued regarding window replacement and proposed signage to be installed into the brick mortar joints. Signage is to be developed and the applicant will return for signage approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Carpe Diem Real Properties External Modifications, 489 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions – the signage band is to be offset from the face of the building and connections to be made in the brick mortar joints. Sign face and copy to return before the Design Review Commission for fianal review. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Commission member Chris Bennett would like to go on the record as stating he is in opposition to the windows not being wood as noted in the guidelines. He will vote in favor of the application. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 10. 2016.042 FARINA & WEXLER RESIDENCE PORCH & SHED, 179 Nelson Avenue, Historic review of external modifications within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicants: Jeffrey Farina & Karen Wexler Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicants are proposing a small 7 foot addition to the existing rear porch. It is not visible from the road. Currently it is a 5’10” two story porch. They are requesting the addition only for the 1st floor porch. The rear setback transects the house so a variance was required and obtained. The 7ft addition will have new columns on the 1st and 2nd floors which will have brick below the columns as currently exists to keep everything consistent. The new rear addition will be screened in. We will stay with the same color scheme. The roof is flat and will be the same as exists on the 2nd floor. Standing seam metal roof is proposed for the area. A flat seamed soldered roof may be necessary in this location due to the pitch of the roof. Discussion ensued concerning the type of material which could be used for the addition roof due to the pitch of the roof. Several suggestions were made to the applicant’s agent such as copper, zinc coated freedom grey copper, rubber or tin. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 6 of 8 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Ms. Yasenchak stated a small shed is also proposed for this project. A shed currently exists which is nonconforming. They are looking to open that up somewhat. A zoning variance was requested and received for a new shed. This fits within zoning for coverage and setbacks. It is 12ft x 20ft in size which includes the overhangs. They are looking to store furniture and their lawnmower with a small potting porch. Everything will match the home. The window package is vinyl. They are not averse to reusing old windows since they are for light only. 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 Farina & Wexler Residence Porch & Shed, 179 Nelson Avenue, That the application be approved with the following condition that the shed is to have 2 historic barn windows or new ones which appear old. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 11. 2016.043 DUO RESTAURANT BACK STEPS, 175 South Broadway, Architectural Review of exterior Modifications within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Wilfred Sheng Agent: Iris Liu The applicant is looking to replace an existing rear staircase which is the entrance to the main dining area. We are looking to improve this entrance aesthetically. It will be constructed of metal and steel. The staircase will be covered with an aluminum canopy. Copies of the proposed staircase were provided to the Commission for their review. The applicant is also proposing painting the building and provided some color samples for the Commission’s review. Discussion ensued regarding paint color choices for the building, as well as staircase materials and colors. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was 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 Duo Restaurant and Back Steps, 175 South Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions: Body color of the building to be Behr “Shitake” 220-4. Regarding the stair canopy, the applicant will provide materials, color, types of connections to be used and reviewed administratively. Stair steel to be a variety of grey to be approved administratively. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 7 of 8 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review and Planning Board Joint Meeting, Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the June 1, 2016 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Richard Martin, Acting Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:15 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 4/19/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 18, 2016 - Page 8 of 8