Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Cynthia Corbett; Leslie DiCarlo ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development 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: 2016.046 246 WEST AVENUE APARTMENTS, Architectural Review of a 3 story, 16 unit apartment building within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. A. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2016.058 CITY HALL – ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT SECURITY ENCLOSURE, 474 Broadway, Historic Review of an interior glass security enclosure within the Accounts Department in City Hall located within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: City Hall Agent: Marilyn Rivers, Chairperson, City Safety Committee Ms. Rivers stated this project is for a glass enclosure to the Assessment Office. Several security enhancements are being proposed this year for City Hall, this is the first. Paperwork was provided to the Commission. The glass enclosure being proposed is removable, not permanent. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is a fairly simple application. Projects at my office that use similar systems like the NYS Education Department informed our office that approval is not necessary since they consider this furnishings and is removable. Therefore does not require any review and/or building permits. This is movable and reusable. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there are any questions or comments from the audience. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the City Hall Accounts Department Security Enclosure , 474 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 NOTE: Commission moved onto Agenda Item #3, awaiting arrival of representative for Agenda Item #2. 3. 2016.057 BERKSHIRE MOUNTAIN BAKERY SIGN, 420B Broadway, Historic Review of a sign replacement Within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated this sign is proposed for the Berkshire Mountain Bakery which is located between The Washington and the old Lillian’s. This sign is a ¾ inch double sided sign PVC carved with a raised logo. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated this is one of the projecting signs which received a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. This is replacement of a previous sign. Mr. Roicki stated the bracket which was there previously will remain. The sign, however is somewhat shorter and a little longer. Color of the proposed sign is red. No lighting is proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was 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 Berkshire Mountain Bakery Sign, 420B Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Richard Martin. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 4. 2016.059 RAIN NAILS & SPA WALL SIGN, 109A West Hill Plaza, West Avenue, Architectural Review of a sign Replacement within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Mrs. Wang Agent: John Casey, Owner, West Hill Plaza; Keith Cramer, Architect Mr. Casey stated the applicant, Mrs. Wang is proposing new signaged for her business Rain Nails and Spa. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – August 3, 2016 - Page 2 of 7 Mr. Casey stated the proposed signage meets all requirements in the City. 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 Rain Nails and Spa Wall Sign, 109A West Hill Plaza, West Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted. Seconded by Cynthia Corbett. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 5. 2016.015 THE ADELPHI HOTEL, 365 Broadway, Historic Review of building color within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Jeff Ward, Construction Manager Agent: Alison Parks, Dominick Ranieri Architecture Office Ms. Parks stated the applicant is before the Commission looking for thoughts and suggestions regarding the 3 color schemes presented for review. 6 colors were chosen for each pallette. The alabaster 6 color scheme is an appropriate one for the time, and is well received by all parties. Steven Rowland, Chairman believes it fits the scheme. Discussion ensued regarding the schemes and the Commission concurs with the choice for the Alabaster 6 color scheme. 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 Adelphi Hotel Building Color , 365 Broadway that we approve the application as submitted or shown on the attached plans for the Alabaster 6 color scheme. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 6. 2016.034.1 MOORE HALL CONDO CONSTRUCTION, 28 Union Avenue/35 White Street, Historic Review of the Construction of 26 condo units within the Urban Residential-4 District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused from this application. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – August 3, 2016 - Page 3 of 7 Richard Martin assumed the duties of the chair. Applicant: Bonacio Construction Agent: Brett Balzer, Joe Paradise, Balzer & Tuck Architects Mr. Balzer stated at the last appearance before the Commission in June we have per your request updated the drawings and provided elevations for all buildings. These were provided to the Commission. A visual presentation was provided of all buildings, noting the locations of mechanicals, penetrations, gutterring systems and stormwater management. The main building will have no mechanicals visible on the front façade. Meter banks and gas meters are in the basement of the Union Avenue building, all other buildings will have them mounted on the side walls. Any penetrations visible on structures will be camoflauged and painted to match. The drawings have progressed. No entry porches, what currently exists in the area. Karen Cavotta voiced concern regarding entryways into the structures and feels it does not feel like an entry porch. This is one element which seems to be missing from these buildings. All the homes in this area do have entry porches. Discussion ensued regarding entryways into the proposed buildings. Mr. Balzer stated all trash containers are inside and will be wheeled out on trash days. Lighting fixtures are provided on the drawings. Snow will be removed off site. Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Richard Martin, Acting Chair stated the plans have been reviewed and the Commission is comfortable with the drawings. Richard Martin, Acting Chair made a motion in the matter of the Moore Hall Condo Construction – Final Approval, 28 Union Avenue/35 White Street that the application be approved as submitted on drawings dated July 20, 2016. Robert West seconded the motion. Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the Chair. Richard Martin, Acting Chair resumed his position on the Board. NOTE: The Agenda was heard out of order, representation present for Agenda Item #2. PRESENTATION: Installation of freestanding collection boxes at various location on Broadway for non-profit organization fundraising. Tom Roohan, Representing the Downtown Special Assessment District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – August 3, 2016 - Page 4 of 7 The group had the idea six or seven months ago to create a collection box and proceeds would go to the Salavation Army, Shelters of Saratoga, those type of places. Shelters of Saratoga is the point person. Writing on the boxes states your contribution helps Shelters of Saratoga to provide a full continum of homeless services to assist individuals in seeking a better future. Board members of the Downtown Special Assessment District each contributed $1,000.00. We had a local artisan design the boxes. He constructed 12 of them. We then brought them down to Joel at the Art Council and local artists painted them. They are each different. Our friends at Upstate Autobody donated a seal coat on them so it would be difficult to vandalize. We would like to install them in the Downtown Special Assessment District. Our vision is that they would be lined up between the granite flower boxes between the trees, so they would be out of the main traffic pattern but easily assessible. We do not think this falls within the DRC purview however, Both Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development and Steven Rowland, Chairman of the DRC were kind enough to allow this presentation. These will only be in the Special Assessment District. The Chamber of Commerce will be collecting the monies and decisions will be made where the monies go. Tony Izzo, Deputy City Attorney has been working on a policy. Mr. Izzo, Deputy City Attorney stated there are still some details which need to be worked out. This is the first stop and we welcome any input or suggestions you may have. We will also be in touch with Complete Streets, Code Enforcement and our insurance department to have everyone’s input on how this can work. The boxes will be emptied several times a day. There will be a policy developed. Steven Rowland, Chairman thanked Mr. Roohan and Mr. Izzo for the presentation. The DRC would like to send an Advisory Opinion or letter of support to Public Works or whoever has review authority for this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the form of a Memorandum of an Advisory Opinion DRC has reviewed the presentation concerning the usage of freestanding collections boxes proposed for Broadway in the Downtown Assessment District. We are in favor of the concept. We encourage them to be located in the areas where there are existing improvements, so as not to increase the amount of available real estate for pedestrian traffic. The Special Assessment District has come up with a plan that can render some success in treating a problem that has come about in our City and this will be a way to help resolve it. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any futher discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 7. 2015.008 77 EXCELSIOR MIXED-USE PROJECT, 77 Excelsior Ave, Architectural Review of a proposed 3- building, mixed use development within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Beechwood Prime – Todd Curley Agent: Mike Tuck, Melissa Clark, Balzer, Tuck Architecture Mr. Tuck reviewed the time line for the convenience of the Commission. On July 28, 2016 Site Plan Approval was received. To date we have our Special Use Permit, Site Plan Approval and Mass and Scale for the 3 buildings. This is the 9th presentation to this Commission specific to this project. There were several issues the DRC provided to the applicant concerning Building #4. Large scale elevations were provided to the Commission as well as a visual presentation concerning Building #4. Civic Space was incorporated, details specific to the commercial space along Excelsior. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – August 3, 2016 - Page 5 of 7 Gables along Excelsior Avenue were reviewed as well as materials and mechanical venting. Our intent tonight is to review the stone cladded panel system, as well as the details of the railing system. Sample of the railing system was provided to the Commission as well as the stone product proposed. Also a request to change the entry door to a pair of doors which is shown on the drawings. Mr. Tuck provided a visual presentation of the site noting Building 4, 5 and 6. Mr. Tuck reveiwed the choice of doors, garage doors, deck structures and finish colors and styles as well as lighting choices. Meter bank locations for both gas and electric were reviewed as well as vents and mechanical penetration locations. All penetrations will be painted to match the adjacent material. 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of 77 Excelsior Mixed-Use Project, 77 Excelsior Avenue that the application be approved with the following condition for the exterior finishes of Building 4 & 5: That the exterior finishes be approved as submitted. In addition the stone veneer review and determination will be approved by Administrative action. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 8. 2014.078.1 WEST HILL PLAZA FAÇADE, Architectural Review of exterior modifications to an existing Commercial plaza within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: John Casey, Owner Agent: Keith Cramer, Architect Mr. Cramer stated they were before the Commission and were granted approval in 2014 and it has expired. The largest space which was Saratoga Vision will be replaced with 3 stores. Brick veneer over concrete is proposed for the façade. Additional doors will be added to this space to accommodate the new stores. We are proposing new windows and doors. The Route 29 side of the building is mostly wall space which will be replaced with glass. Towers will also be capped. Color scheme was provided to the Commission. Existing signage will be reused. Discussion ensued regarding installation of prposed brick and end details. Proposed lighting and/or lamps, the cut sheets were provided for the file. It was the Boards recommendation that color samples of paint, and roofing will be provided to staff for circulation to the Board. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated several of the current signs in this plaza do not have proper approvals. A recommendation all the current businesses contact City staff concerning singage and compliance with City’s policy. Perhaps a centralized singage policy for the building. Mr. Casey, owner stated he will send a letter to all current businesses concerning signage compliance with the City of Saratoga Springs. 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. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – August 3, 2016 - Page 6 of 7 Robert West made a motin in the matter of the West Hill Plaza Façade that the application be approved with the following condition: Samples of colors of proosed materials both store front and roofing materials to be reviewed and approved administratively. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor MOTION PASSED: 6-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Workshop, Tuesday, September 13, at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, September 21, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the September 21, 2016 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:32 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 5/3/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – August 3, 2016 - Page 7 of 7