Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Karen Cavotta; Leslie DiCarlo; Richard Martin, Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Chris Bennett 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. A. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2016.068 JAMES & SONS TOBACCONISTS SIGN, 360 Broadway, Historic Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing a stud mounted black HDU lettering sign to be installed above the door into a wood panel. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions, comments or concerns from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the James & Sons Tobacconists Sign, 360 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. Cyntha Corbett 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0  2. 2016.047.1 CARPE DIEM SIGNAGE, 489 Broadway, Historic Review of a wall sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated there will be 3 stores listed on this sign band. It is brushed silver signage backing with burgundy trim and gold dimensional lettering. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated at the workshop some discussion was held concerning the balancing and centering of the proposed signage, and perhaps a different differentiation between the signage. Discussion ensued regarding removing the line between the signs and usage of a different design element. The Commission was also concerned regarding the size of the lettering which seems crowded on the panels. Smaller lettering was suggested as well as the centering the center panel on the center window. Final approval can be made via Administrative Action. 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 Signage, 489 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions: A decorative detail added to the vertical spaces between the panels; Reduce the overall size of the lettering in each panel to create more grey space around; Center panel should be located centered on the center window. Final approval to be provided administratively. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 2016.065 ALLSTATE WALL SIGN, 133 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within the Highway General Business District. Agent: Wayne Jendrin, Action Sign Company Mr. Jendrin stated all Allstate signs are being updated. Currently the lettering is 23 ½ inches tall and we are proposing a 24 inch letter. The good hands logo has increased in size as well. The total signage size is 48 square ft. total size, which includes the box which surrounds the sign. Photographs were provided to the Commission. Mr. Jendrin stated any ghosting will be repaired prior to installation. 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 Allstate Wall Sign, 133 Ballston Avenue, that the application be approved as submitted noting to repair any ghosting from prior signage. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 19, 2016 - Page 2 of 7 MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2016.066 PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION SOLAR PANELS, 24 Circular Street, Historic Review of a roof- mounted solar panels within the Urban Residential-2 District. Applicant: Gary Johnson, Church Trustee Mr. Johnson stated solar panels will be installed on the south façade, not on the primary façade. Mr. Johnson stated the church has begun tree replacement on the site which in time will provide buffering to the panels. Photographs were provided to the Commission. Discussion ensued concerning the color of the solar panels and the suggestion was made to install black panels which will be less noticeable. Also, more coverage with infill panels would be helpful if possible. Mr. Johnson stated the conduits are to run through the roof to the electrical supply. He will check will the solar company to see if the Commissions request can be accommodated. 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. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Presbyterian Congregation Solar Panels, 24 Circular Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Solar panel frames be black panels and placed against each other to provide more coverage and more uniformity in appearance. Infill panels on the edges and the top of the roof. If the solar provider is unable to accomplish this the applicant will need to return before the Commission. If this can be accomplished the application can 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; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. 2013.102.1 30 GICK ROAD BUILIDING FAÇADE MODIFICATION, Architectural Review of façade improvements within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Applicant: Kwang Pai, Owner Mr. Pai stated this application was before the Commission three years ago and did receive approval. However, the applicant stated he did not have funding available to complete the proposed renovations. He would now like to proceed and complete the improvements on the west and south side to mimick that of the east side. Landscaping would be increased as well. 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the mattrer of the Kwang Pai Building Façade Modifications, 30 Gick Road, that the application be approved as submitted on attached photos. The applicant is to duplicate the façade which exists on the east side both on the south and west facades. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 19, 2016 - Page 3 of 7 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 6. 2014.079.1 CITY CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE, Maple and High Rock Avenues, Architectural Review of a multi-level parking structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Mark Baker, President City Center Authority; Roger Goldsmith, City Center Authority Board Member Agent: Ted Mallin, Will Calhoun, Envision Architecture Mr. Baker stated we are returning before the Commission with some additional development ideas which we have discussed with our development staff and now we bring it before you. We hope you will be exicited with our modest modification to the parking structure entrance façade on the south side. Mr. Mallen stated when we began to study the new lobby at the corner of the building, two things became apparent that they could be improved upon. We brought these design drawings before the City Center and they felt it should come back to you because it does enhance the building. The first change is that we have opened up the corner at the street level to better welcome and make it clear how to enter the building since it will be the most used entrance to the building. Secondly, we began to study the glass. A visual presentation of the proposed recommended change was provided to the Commission. Note the bookended overpass and the arching truss with a significant amount of glass and exposed framing that we thought was too much and too institutional in appearance. This concept evolved whereby the rhythm of the brick openings extends one further bay down towards the corner lessening the massivity of the entryway. We have changed the glass sytem to a frameless glass system. The frame is behind the glass which provides a more elegant and sheer appearance. We have complimented that on the other side in the same manner. Finally, at the roof level we have made the roof a small eyebrow, just as we did as the parking structure goes over Maple Avenue. With those two changes we feel the design is enhanced, and something the City Center would like to pursue subject to your approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated from the workshop, we did hear positive feedback. Most people felt it was an improvement. This new frameless glass sytem which sits behind the front façade helps. Some concern was noted concerning the way that the upper stories project over the entrance doors. It seems awkward, like something was missing at that corner. Mr. Mallen stated that is an interesting remark. Are there any suggestions from the Commission. Discussion ensued concerning the entrance and egress to the parking structure. Perhaps a valance soffit at the overhand above the entryway could help. 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 the City Center Parking Structure Modification, Maple and High Rock Avenues that the application be approved with the following conditions: The applicant will create a valance soffit at the overhand above the entryway. Framelss glass system to be used at the entryway. 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 19, 2016 - Page 4 of 7  7. 2016.046 246 WEST AVENUE APARTMENTS, ADVISORY OPINION TO THE PB, Advisory Opinion (Architectural Review) to Planning Board of a 3 story, 16 unit apartment building within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Jon Lapper, Attorney; J.T. Pollard, Architect Mr. Lapper stated after the last meeting we reviewed the project and have made some changes. Mr. Pollard provided a visual presentation to the Commission. Architectural details have been returned. Balconies have been added on the elevation facing the bike trail. The garage is now enclosed. Louvers were added. Gables were reintroduced. Elevations were reviewed as well as the corner facing the YMCA and the West Avenue façades. Railings were also reintroduced. Mass and scale has remained the same. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated in reviewing the newly submitted renderings, versus those which were presented a few weeks ago are a very different plan that what was submitted a few years ago. Although the mass and scale has remained the same, there appears to be no pedestrian interaction. The design has lost the agregarian look which it formerly had. I do think the lack of openings to the garage makes a difference. Discussion ensued concerning the changes which were made which have not enhanced the building, loss of the carriage house was a nice transition to the residential area. Mr. Pollard stated the applicant stated this building has not changed in size from the original presentation. The original façade was the same. Garage was closed per the Planning Board’s recommendation. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is before us now for an Advisory Opinon to the Planning Board. This will return to us in the normal statutory review. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development offered some input to the Commission as to what the Planning Board was looking for in their request for an Advisory Opinion. What the Planning Board was especially interested in was the Mass and Scale and the design. Particularly as it relates to the character of the neighborhood, that which exists and that which is being proposed in that area including the Pitney Farm as well, and those type of architectural characteristics. They are looking for some insight from the Commission if this is a go forward type of design or not yet. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is struggling with this. From a Mass and Scale standpoint this project has not changed all that much. I think it has gone a long way away from the agregarian look which it had before and we really liked and was appropriate in this area, and with the developments across the way it is even more appropriate. Trying to redevelop some of those elements is important. Finding a way to develop the pedestrian experience along the bike path is important. There has got to be a better way to address the archways in some fashion to help that read better along the pedestrian level. The previous application had a much better interaction between the inside and outside building, this is lacking in this design. John Lukaderowski stated this building has not changed in size from the original. The original front façade was exactly the same. We didn’t want to close the garage. That was the Planning Boards recommendation. It is much more costly to close the garage in especially with ventilation. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning closing off the parking garage, and the original plan for this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission is having difficulty with offering this Advisory Opinion. There are certainly some issues most of which can be handled with our statutory review. There are some things present which affect the mass and scale. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the Planning Board is struggling with the design of this project, and the redevelopment of this area. You can provide input either in a positive or negative manner, or you can City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 19, 2016 - Page 5 of 7 ask the applicant to go back and review and see if changes can be made so the Commission can provide a more robust opinion to the Planning Board. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the project. Mr. Lapper questioned if the applicant could rework this project and return back before the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is probably the best suggestion. This is a significant project. The time would be well spent. The DRC meets next on October 19, 2016. 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 stated when the applicant last appeared before this Commission it was your suggestion that the applicant review three items. Updated plans were submitted to the Commission. The first item was the treatment of the shield,and what was above it. We have decided to add a gooseneck lamp above it in place of the architectural feature. These will both be centered at this location. The pilons sign is a freestanding sign so we opted for the smaller compliant sign and it will remain on West Avenue which is the main entrance to the building. The third item was a concern regarding the lexan and our dimensions were incorrectly shown for that backing which is should be 10” and the letters at 5 3/16 inches in height. Steven Rowland, Chairman thanked the applicant for clarifying this information. This Commission has always tried to minimize signage. I will recap information for a potential motion. Given the additional wall signage we already have, this Commission questions if the shield sign is necessary. If the Zoning Board does approve this we would like to recommend it be centered horizontally and vertically within the gable. The second portion is related to the drive thru signage and directional signage related to that. Given the pharmacy signs, department within signage that makes these somewhat redundant in that the signage which is on the site is sufficient such that the drive thru is obvious. While we understand that you are entitled to a freestanding sign under the Zoning Ordinance, we question whether that is necessary given the amount of wall signage that exists and is more visible than the pilon sign. If the freestanding sign does move forward, we would like to see potentially less wall signage granted and that the smaller version of the pilon sign be granted. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated there is a large temporary banner which is being proposed and they are not allowed as such. Approval was issued for signage for the temporary structure. Temporary banners are not usually approved. Mr. Jones stated this is a part of the signage proposed. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the signage and the number of signs proposed as well as the temporary banner. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion for an Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Rite Aid Signage, 90 West Avenue and 242 Washington Street for a favorable Advisory Opinion. The Commission recommends the following: regarding the shield sign the Commission feels that given the abundance of additional wall signage requested, the Commission feels that this wall sign is not necessary, however if relief is approved this sign should be centered both horizontally and vertically within the gable end. Building mounted Drive Thru Pharmacy signage given the additionally requested pharmacy signs, and the Commision believes that pharmacy is redundant, in that the drive thru signage is unnecessary given the obvious nature of the structure and the requested pick up and drop off signage already on the City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 19, 2016 - Page 6 of 7 canopy and the freestanding sight signage. Regarding the freestanding pilon sign, while the Commission acknowledges that the applicant is entitled to such signage, the DRC strongly suggests that such freestanding signage is not necessary given the additional requested wall signage. Should they be approved, should the applicant strongly desire a freestanding sign, the DRC recommends less wall signage and also recommends a freestanding sign that does not require any additional relief. That the 12’ height is excessive given the location and the nearby context. Perhaps a monument sign would be more appropriate. Lastly, that the temporary banner would only be appropriate if it met with the current zoning. Relief should be unnecessary. 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated that today the Mayor has approinted a new Commission member to fill Karen Cavotta’s seat on the Commission. I want to thank Karen for her service. She has a tremendous amount of design sense and she will be missed at the table. She has agreed to a position as a Commission alternate. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will have a new member at the next meeting Leslie Meecham. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Workshop, Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, October 19, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the October 19, 2016 meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 9/6/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 19, 2016 - Page 7 of 7