Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Karen Cavotta; Leslie DiCarlo; Chris Bennett ABSENT: Richard Martin, Cynthia Corbett STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:02 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: A. POSSIBLE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: NOTE: The intent of a consent agenda is to identify any applications that appear to be “approvable” without need for further evaluation or discussion. If anyone wishes to further discuss any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the “consent agenda” and dealt with individually. 2016.109.3 TEMPORARY RITE AID SIGNAGE, 90 West Avenue/242 Washington St., Architectural Review of a wall sign on a temporary facility for Rite Aid expansion within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 2016.060 HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD SIGN, 400 Church Street, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within the Urban Residential-1 District. 2016.028.1 FISH @ 30 LAKE SIDEWALK CAFÉ, 30 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of external Modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. – Moved to the regular agenda. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone on the Commission had any questions or comments concerning the consent agenda items. Leslie DiCarlo questioned the need for photographs for the Lake Avenue sidewalk café as discussed at the workshop. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated due to the question raised by a Commission member Consent Agenda Item #3 will be moved to the regular agenda. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on these two consent agenda applications. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Temporary Rite Aid Signage, 90 West Avenue/242 Washington Street, and the Home of the Good Shepherd Sign, 400 Church Street that the applications 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 A. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 3. 2016.028.1 FISH @ 30 LAKE SIDEWALK CAFÉ, 30 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of external Modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Mark Delos, Mazzone Hospitality Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the only question we had on this application at the workshop was what type of railing or barrier were you proposing to separate the sidewalk café from the sidewalk. Mr. Delos stated metal uprights with roping. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested a photograph of what is existing to be sent to staff for the record. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of Fish @ 30 Lake Avenue Sidewalk Café, 30 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted and shown, however, photographs of what is existing is to be submitted for the record. Seconded by Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. 2016.062 STEWART’S SHOP #10 RENOVATION AND SIGN, 8 Circular Street, Architectural Review of exterior modifications and signage within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Ryan Rubado, Stewart’s Mr. Rubado stated we were before the Board previously for a Stewarts remodel on West Avenue. Basically that is what we are proposing here. Cover up the existing brick façade and replace with concrete siding and brick veneer. We will also be replacing signage as well. Materials below the windows will remain a tin panel as part of the window which is blacked out. Discussion ensued regarding the application of the stone veneer. 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 Stewart’s Shop #10, Renovation and Sign at 8 Circular Street to approve as submitted and shown on the attached plans. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 5. 2016.064. PET LODGE OF SARATOGA, vacant lands on east side of Route 9/South Broadway (tax parcel Nos. 191.8-1-(1-6)), consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for a new pet boarding facility and associated site work in the Tourist Related Business and Rural Residential Districts. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development stated the Zoning Board of Appeals had deferred SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they choose to accept it. The ZBA has also requested the DRC provide information to the Planning Board concerning SEQRA issues. Applicant: Matt Sames, Owner Agent: James Easton, MJ Engineering Mr. Easton provided a visual presentation of the Pet Lodge project and the site. The applicant is currently before the ZBA to obtain variances. The applicant is before the Commission this evening for consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for this project. The site is a treed site, and a curb cut will be necessary with the building 300 ft from the edge of the road. We will be returning before the Commission for Architectural Review and before the Planning Board for site plan approval as well. There are wetlands in the front, which has placed some physical constraints of the site. These are Army Corps wetlands less than 1/10th of an acre. No mitigation is necessary. Setbacks, however, are restrictive. Discussion ensued concerning the wetlands and setbacks. 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 Pet Lodge of Saratoga, Vacant Land on Route 9 South Broadway that the DRC will defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board with a recommendation the DRC echos the Planning Board’s concern of siting the buildings as close to the road as possible. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2016.046 246 WEST AVENUE APARTMENTS, Advisory Opinion to the Planning Board. Architectural Review to the Planning Board of a 3 story, 16 unit apartment building within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development provided some background information to the Commission. This has been before the Commission before several times for a main apartment building and a carriage house. These prior approvals have expired. The applicant’s agent appears before the Commission this eveing with a different iteration of the project. Only the main building remains, the carriage house has been removed from the project. Agent: Matt Brobston, LA Group; J.T. Pollard, Architect City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 3 of 9 Mr. Brobston provided a history of the project. The original approvals have lapsed twice. At this time we are proposing one single building with the same mass as previously submitted. The new developer has changed his focus to single bedroom apartments. We are within the T zone so we will be before the Commission for mass and scale and architectural review. We have met and had discussions with the neighbors. The Planning Board has requested this advisory opinion concerning the mass and scale of the building as well as consistency with the character of the neighborhood. Mr. JT Pollard stated the intent was to keep the Mass and Scale the same. We did remove the carriage house, however the unit count remains the same. There are 12 one bedroom apartments and 4 two bedroom apartments. The building looks the same on West Avenue. A visual presentation of the site was provided to the Commission. Architecture is similar to what was presented before. Parking remains under the building. We have enclosed the parking structure which is mechanically ventilated. Decorative elements added on the panels which enclosed the garage areas. No updated drawings were available for the Commission’s review. Karen Cavotta stated her concern has to do with the lack of undulations in the façade. There was previously recesses and pushes and pulls which broke up a very long building. Those have disappeared and the mass feels larger now. We have lost some of the details and how the openings have been treated. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he agrees with Karen’s assessment. The balconies are gone. It has lost a lot of the Agregarian feel it previously had. Some of those are details and we can work through those details. It is unfortunate that the carriage house was lost. We have lost some of the pedestrian interaction with this building. The large blank wall which houses the parking garage is not something the DRC would be looking for. Mr. Pollard stated some of the features can be replaced back on the building. 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. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated essentially you have an incomplete application before you right now. What the Commission needs to decide is what input you wish to provide back to the Planning Board or have the applicant return before the DRC prior to the submission of the Advisory Opinion. Steven Rowland, Chairman recommended the applicant take some suggestions offered tonight, incorporating them back to the building and return before the Commission. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development reviewed the areas of concern the Commission had. General loss of the agregarian feel. The mass is now further emphasized because of the loss of the carriage house. The mass is also emphasized by the loss of the façade undulations and roof lines. The lack of pedestrian interaction due to the loss of the balconies. The treatment of the wall. Mr. Pollard stated the only hurdle he feels that they cannot overcome is the loss of the carriage house. Chris Bennett stated some façade changes will help the Mass and Scale as well as perhaps the re-routing of some of the gable roof lines. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the applicant can return before the Commission either on October 5, 2016 or on October 19, 2016. Contact staff with details. 7. 2016.061 FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES, 176 Broadway, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (Architectural Review for the new construction of an 89 room hotel within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Visions Hotels City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 4 of 9 Agent: Tony Stellato, CHA; Mark Mussachio, Mussachio Architecture Mr. Stellato stated the applicants submitted an application for Architectural Review. Visions Hotels are currently interested in the property known as the Turf and Spa Hotel. We are looking for some feedback on the project. Renderings were submitted. Visions has not closed on the property at this time, a new closing date is scheduled for October 13, 2016. The applicants goal is some feedback to help make a decision on whether the project should move forward. Mr. Mussachio stated the color schemes and materials previously forwarded to the Commission have remained unchanged. The plans and elevations were reworked. A review of the site plan was visually provided to the Commission. Elevations were also reviewed for all 5 floor and all sides of the building. We have broken the building down to a smaller scale on one side to be sensitive to the homes in that area. Some details were changed to keep in line with Saratoga. Patios were created as well as windows were added. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the scale of the building to those adjacent. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman requested more information and color renderings as well as details of the neighborhood properties and proportionality. Further details on the entranceway were also requested. Chris Bennett stated questioned the penetration locations. Karen Cavotta spoke concerning struggling with the industrial exchange. The entrance area needs to seem more Important. Seems fenced off from the public. Patio area and canopy area needs to be emphasized. Requested updated renderings. 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 there have been improvements made from the original submission. The foundation fells this is a very important building. It is setting a precedent on the gateway to the historic downtown. It is adjacent to some late 1800’s buildings and the scale and the mass and how that transitions is important. We struggle with the fact that it does not really have a main entrance. It feels like we are going to have another City Center Entrance that people do not really identify on Broadway. It has been a common comment for many years. The front of the building is at the back. The balconies are an improvement. It is difficult to get a sense for the materials. Bare aluminum windows with no sill or lintel does not relate to the adjacent historic buildings. This is important. Screening and landscaping is often used to mitigate what should be improved in the architecture. Really what we would like to see is a building we would like to mimick again with a dialogue with the street. One of the things we would also like to highlight or to include or incorporate is the retention of the historic Turf and Spa Sign. It is a sign that is important because we are losing some of the mid-century motel-hotel architecture which was important for Saratoga. Perhaps some consideration can be given on how that can be preserved. This is an opportunity for a new building in the gateway to our community. We look forward to seeing what comes next. Vision hotel representative spoke concerning this 89 room hotel. They are not a big high end hotel. He spoke concerning the budget and he feels that the project is in jeopardy due to the delays in the approvals. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is the first time the Commission has seen this project. The Commission has provided many suggestions and provided input to the Architect and the applicant concerning how this project can be improved. This project is before the Commission tonight merely for SEQRA Lead Agency Status determination only. No approvals will be provided this evening. This is extremely early in the project and if the developer feels he this project is being delayed perhaps this is not the developer for the project. Our deferral to the Planning Board for SEQRA Lead Agency will include the following items; elimination of HVAC equipment on the Broadway façade; stronger pedestrian connections in a more built and architecturally related structure that emphasizes the patio and pedestrian entrance; continue to explore scale reducing features to north properties. Corporate architecture is not something this Commission is looking for. This building is located City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 5 of 9 between two historic buildings on South Broadway and we need to respect them. In addition, what we see is an area which will be redeveloped over the next ten to fifteen years and this is the first big one. This is an extremely important corridor which has been studied for many years. This is the first large project in this area and it will be held to a standard. It has made great strides but it is not there yet. If the applicant is discouraged this early in the process perhaps this is not the project for them. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to defer SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board with the following considerations: Elimination of HVAC Equipment on the Broadway façade. Stronger pedestrian connections in a more architecturally related structure that emphasizes the patio and pedestrian entrance. Continue to explore scale reducing features to north properties. Significant work on details which relate more historic buildings in Saratoga versus corporate architecture. Leslie DiCarlo 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 8. 2014.109.2 RITE AID SIGNAGE ADVISORY OPINION TO ZBA, 90 West Avenue/242 Washington Street Advisory Opinion (Architectural Review) to ZBA on requested relief for proposed sign package within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: National Retail Co.; Rite Aid Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney, Jaclyn Hakes, MJ Engineering; Terry Meisner, Saxton Signs Mr. Jones reviewed each of the proposed individual signs and signage package requests and locations. Packets were distributed to the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman commented on the proposed signage requests questioning the need for the pharmacy within sign as well as the pilon signs. Mr. Jones stated the City had approved the pharmacy within sign when the Rite Aid was initially built. Research into the approvals will be done and provided to the Commission. The pilon signs are required for code compliance. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the proposed signage, pilon signs size and proposed size of lettering, signs and placement. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he wouldn’t mind clarifying where we have gable end treatments and where there are lights. It does appear to be inconsistent among the elevations, prior to the Commission’s issuance of an Advisory Opinion to the ZBA. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he would like to see the applicants reappear before the Commission at the next meeting to clarify several issues discussed this evening. At that time the Commission will then render its Advisory Opinion to the ZBA. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 6 of 9  9. 2016.054 EXCELSIOR PARK PHASE 2, Gibson & Whistler Courts, Architectural Review of residential townhomes within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: John Witt, owner Mr. Witt provided a visual presentation to the Commission noting the additional massing of the buildings and additional views which the Commission had requested. Each building was reviewed individually. Mr. Witt stated he is hoping for Mass and Scale approval this evening. Building #3 is a single family unit and has not yet been designed. Air conditioning units will be housed in the motor court. All penetration locations were reviewed such as fireplaces, furnaces and dryers. Electric and gas meters are tucked on the backside of each unit. Additionally floor plans were provided to the Commission noting where all necessary venting was accomplished. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is still concerned regarding the size of the fireplace vents and their projection from the walls. Most of them cannot be painted out. Furnace venting was discussed as well. Discussion ensued regarding the size of the project, and reviewing each building individually by the Commission. Also suggestions were made to the applicant as to what information the Commission will be looking for when the applicant returns. Steven Rowland, Chairman discussed the basic mass and scale of the buildings and if the Commission feels comfortable with that approval. It was the consensus of the Commission that mass and scale approval be afforded to the applicant. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of Excelsior Park Phase 2A, Gibson and Whistler Courts that the application be approved as submitted on attached plans for Mass and Scale for Buildings 1,2,4 and 5. Chris Bennett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 The agenda was heard out of order. 11. 2016.063 KLEIN CARRIAGE HOUSE, 722 North Broadway (rear) 49-51 Bryan Street, Historic Review of carriage house remodeling within the Urban Residential-2 District. Applicant: Robert and Margaret Klein Agent: Thad Smith, Teakwood Builders Mr. Smith stated the applicants had purchased the property in 2015 and have done extensive restorative work on their Broadway home, maintaining existing materials reglazing windows and new brass chains. The carriage house in the rear is a designated 2 unit apartment house. Upon initial investigation the carriage house has significant structural issues. Extensive work needs to be done on this unit. We have demolished the entire interior due to neglect, exposing the framing. There is extensive structural work to be done from the foundation up through the roof system. We are not expanding the building or the existing footprint. We are looking to replace the siding, windows and doors, etc., with the exception of some which Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation had made a recommendation on, and the shingles. The siding is a novelty siding, the applicants are hoping to use a Borel Tru Exterior Siding. The existing siding is so City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 7 of 9 deterioriated that it will be used as sheathing. The cedar shakes will be replaced with cedar with the exception of the west elevation as noted by the Preservation Foundation as being original to the building. We will be retaining the door and the flanking two windows on this elevation and will be restoring them. All the windows are currently wood framed and vinyl cladded. A number of windows were altered from what was original to the building prior to the applicants ownership of the home. Mr. Smith stated another area Ms. Bosshart pointed out was restoring the hayloft doors on the east façade. These will be either restored or new built in kind. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she is delighted the applicant is refurbishing it. She is happy that several windows and the hayloft doors will be restored, however, she is still wrestling with new materials for exterior cladding. Mr. Smith reviewed the product he is proposing to use on this property. Discussion ensued among the Commission regarding proposed materials for this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated obviously we have made some changes here at the table this evening. He asked the applicant and the applicants agent to provide a narrative description of what has transpired today and drawings to reflect such for the record. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Klein Carriage House, 722 North Broadway (rear) 49-51 Bryan Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: 1. Restore the historic multi-pane windows on the west elevation versus replacement. 2. The hayloft doors and windows on the east façade are restored rather than replaced. (3) Final drawings and narrative be submitted to the Commission. Chris Bennett 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; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor MOTION PASSED: 5-0 10. 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 Agent: Mike Tuck, Balzer, Tuck Architecture Mr. Tuck stated he is before the Commission this evening to review Building 6 at 77 Excelsior Avenue. This is the 3rd building of this phase and the sixth building on the site. Mr. Tuck reviewed the site with a visual presentation for the Commission’s review. Mr. Tuck reviewed the penetration locations on all elevations. We received some advice on altering the entrance canopy which we have done to make this more prominent. We re-worked at the east elevation where the building pulls out over the parking. We enhanced the proportions giving it a more solid base. Elements to support the mass were introduced and regrouping of the windows was accomplished. We addressed materials both at the lowest level garage cladding and at the upper mezanine cladding darking with the goal of having them recede into the foreground. At the Route 50 elevation we have incorporated some lighting and railing elements and brought a tenant terrace up there as well as a pet City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 8 of 9 park to provide more life in this area. Window choices and regrouping was also reviewed. Mr. Tuck reviewed the covered parking showing the enhanced piers to provide a balanced appearance. Balconies and projects and facades of the building were reviewed. Mechanical placements were reviewed as well for the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this building has come a long way and he appreciates the efforts of the applicant’s agent. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of Building 6, 77 Excelsior Mixed-use Project, 77 Excelsior Avenue that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans dated September 21, 2016. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSED: 5-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Workshop, Tuesday, September 27, at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, October 5, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the October 5, 2016 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 5/3/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – September 21, 2016 - Page 9 of 9