Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin, Chris Bennett, Cynthia Corbett; Leslie Mechem ABSENT: Leslie DiCarlo STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: 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. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. #2014.109.5 RITE AID SIGNAGE, 90 West Avenue & 242 Washington Street, Architectural Review of freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Rite Aid Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney Mr. Jones stated a site visit was completed by the Design Review Commission viewing a mock up of a single sign. I did have a conversation with Jim from Posey Peddler who is here this evening to talk about the conflict between the location of our proposed sign and the Posey Peddler signage. We want to find a way that works for both sites. Steven Rowland, Chairman thanked the applicant’s agent for the mock up. It was very helpful. It was made very obvious during the mock up that the proposed Rite Aid sign in proximity to the Posey Peddler was very awkward for both. Moving the sign to the other side of the driveway seemed to work much better. There was good visibility. It was also discussed at that time that the Commission would prefer a monument sign no higher than 8 ft. in height. Mr. Jones provided a visual presentation of the proposed signage to the Commission. The focus was on the north side of the driveway. We are proposing the sign relocation beyond the DOT signage and the utility pole. This will require a site plan amendment. It was the consensus of the Commission to place the signage north of the driveway. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated a monument sign would be more appropriate based on the surrounding properties and would stand out more. Discussion ensued regarding a masonry base and signage no higher than 8 feet. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. James Squires, Posey Peddler. We were concerned with the size and location of the signage. We do like the idea of the sign being moved down. All we ask is for fair trade. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comment from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Rite Aid Freestanding Sign, 90 West Avenue, 242 Washington Street, to approve the application with the following conditions: The sign be relocated from the original plan to the north side of the driveway with some flexibility to be worked out with the Planning Board since it will require an amendment to the site plan. The sign be of a height no more than 8 feet maximum above finished grade. That the sign incorporate some type of masonry or similar monument base which relates back to the building with a planter. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. #2016.073 CHARLES SCHWAB SIGN, 46 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review of wall signage within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Darla Dolezal, Ray Signs Ms. Dolezal stated the site of the proposed signage is Building #2 of the Fresh Market Plaza. 2 signs are proposed one on the parking lot side and 1 on the Marion Avenue side. The signs will be installed at the tops or the windows and doors. They will be channel letters halo lit with a raceway behind it painted to match the building. Discussion ensued concerning the size of the lettering and difference in sizes between the 2 signage options. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. It was the consensus of the Commission that the signage is to be centered in their space on the parking lot side. The second sign will be centered over the window space of the business. 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 Charles Schwab Signage, 46 Marion Avenue, that the application be approved for Option #1 as submitted. Leslie Mechem 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 2 of 8 3. #2016.077 AUGIE’S SIGNAGE, 223 Lake Avenue, Architectural Review of commercial signage within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Wayne Wheeler, AJ Signs Mr. Wheeler stated Susan Barden, Senior Planner, City of Saratoga Springs, researched the property noting a variance for a 15 square feet of wall signage. The proposed wall sign is under the required size. The freestanding sign is 4 square feet. The post is 8 ft in height. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development confirmed the variance for signage on this property. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman questioned if the applicant would consider something smaller which would fit the space better. Mr. Wheeler stated he could drop the sign down to 48” from the proposed 52”. 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 Augie's Signage, 223 Lake Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions: Existing variance for 15 sq. ft. wall sign confirmed by staff. Diameter of the wall sign to be decreased from 52” to 48”. Leslie Mechem 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. #2016.081 BIKE & BOX STUDIO SIGN, 101 West Hill Plaza, Architectural review of commercial wall sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. No representative present. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is a fairly straightforward application. The proposed signage will be replacing existing signage. It is consistent with the adjacent signs. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Leslie Mechem made a motion in the matter of the Bike & Box Studio Sign, 101 West Hill Plaza, that the application be approved as submitted. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 5. #2016.078 CITY HALL LAKE AVENUE DOORS, 474 Broadway, Historic Review of entrance door replacements within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 3 of 8 RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the Chair. Applicant: City of Saratoga Springs; Marilyn Rivers, Director of Risk/Safety City of Saratoga Springs Agent: Chad Reinemann, Ryan, Biggs, Clark and Davis Engineering Ms. Rivers gave a brief overview of the project, and what the Safety Committee is currently proposing for the doors on the Lake Avenue side of the historic City Hall Building. Each door has a unique employee population behind them and has specific requirements. Mr. Reinemann introduced the project to the Commission noting the replacement of 4 existing doors along the Lake Avenue side of City Hall. A visual presentation of the location of the doors on the building was provided to the Commission. The new proposed doors are six panel doors and very durable and built for security. The Specialite doors have some historic character to them with the look of real wood. These doors are used at historical universities and colleges as well as school systems. The frames will be removed and the molding will be recreated. We are reintroducing glass into the transoms. The Police Department has special hardware with a swipe card and we will be reusing it due to the cost factor. Discussion ensued regarding the special requirements of the police department doors and hardware. Also, concern arose regarding the blue stone under the current doorway and the importance of maintaining that. Signage on the doors was also discussed. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, stated she looked at the project and understand the durability and security issues; however, the doors don’t really look like wood. A solid color red perhaps to match might be better. Bluestone versus concrete. It is our opinion that the Bluestone should remain. The Foundation also discourages additional signage on the building. We do not encourage faux wood. Chris Bennett agrees with Samantha Bosshart and the also agrees with the bluestone replacement. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the hardware for the proposed new doors. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there were any further comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the City Hall, Lake Avenue Doors, 474 Broadway that the application be approved with the following conditions: Bluestone steps to be replaced with bluestone, if not the applicant should return for re-discussion. The applicant returns for hardware and signage approval. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 4 of 8 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the Chair. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed the duties of the Vice Chair. 6. #2016.079 SCHRADE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ROOF, 227 Washington Street, Architectural Review of a garbage surround roof within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Applicant: Rich Schrade, owner Mr. Schrade stated he is proposing a covered garbage surround. He is in contact with Jesse Boucher of Kodiak Construction. A small shed type structure approximately 10 X 10 with materials to match the carport and the home. Information concerning the proposed structure and project was provided to the Commission for their review. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Schrade Accessory Structure Roof, 227 Washington Street, that the application be approved as submitted. Leslie Mechem 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 7. #2016.080 LEARY ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS, 20 Leonard Street, Architectural Review of a rooftop solar array within the Rural Residential District. Agent: Loreen Harvey, Solar City. Ms. Harvey stated the applicant is proposing a solar panel array on the left side of the home. This will not be visible from the road. A copy of the proposed solar array design 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. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Leary Rooftop Solar Panels, 20 Leonard Street, that the application be approved as submitted this evening. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 NOTE: The agenda was heard out of order due to lack of representation for Agenda Item #8. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 5 of 8 9. #2016.002.1 SAUTTER RESIDENCE PORCH, 150 Washington Street, Architectural Review of exterior modifications within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Ron Sautter, owner Mr. Sautter stated he proposing to renovate the existing enclosed front porch, remove the walls and open it up. as per the photograph provided. He will be matching the top trim on the building. In the rear we are proposing to add a small 8 x 10 deck on the upper level on the back and match it with the white siding railing and brown decking. This is not visible from the road. Colonial posts will be used on the front porch. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning what materials will be used on the front porch, type of column feature, railings, etc. Richard Martin stated what the applicant is proposing is great. However, he would appreciate more details concerning the columns and corbels proposed. This will enable the Commission to know specifically where each detail will go, and the appropriateness of what was chosen by the applicant and what is to be installed. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we are not trying to complicate this process. We love to see this when a homeowner rectifies a situation with the home that should not have happened. It is difficult for the Commission to provide an approval when we do not have sketches to review. It was suggested the applicant work with someone who can provide some sketches using the proposed columns, corbels, stairs, roofline, and handrails. Also, an example of materials, and possible skirting pattern. It was the consensus of the Commission to table this application and have the applicant return before the DRC providing more details of the project for both on the front and rear elevations. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated they are very excited to see this project move forward. We had some questions about the details about the columns and the balustrades. Thanks to the applicant for investing in your property. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated as soon as the applicant provides the information to staff, the application will be placed on the agenda. 10. #2016.075 OBSTARCZYK GARAGE DEMOLITION, 147 Spring Street, Public Hearing on the proposed demolition of a contributing structure and reconstruction of a garage within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak stated she is here representing the Obstarczyk’s. This referral to the DRC was made by the ZBA, for an advisory opinion on the demolition of the garage, which is a contributing structure, and the reconstruction of a of a new two car garage. At the last meeting we did provide information regarding requirements for a demolition permit. An application has not yet been made since we are still awaiting a return before the ZBA for approval of the zoning variance application following an Advisory Opinion from the DRC. We addressed the current structural conditions, the difficulty of lifting the structure due to the current structural conditions and the limitations on the neighbor’s property. We spoke about the current use of the structure. We submitted a revised plot plan with a building location on it, and we have submitted plans as well as the elevations and floor plans of the proposed structure and layout, something that fits their family and the needs for the family. We have tried to minimize the footprint as much as possible trying to keep it in the same historical location due to size constraints of the yard and maximizing the permeable space. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 6 of 8 We have submitted materials and a plot plan. Keeping the gable to the front the roof drains to the house which causes flooding in the house. We are proposing shedding the roof drainage to the sides. We have proposed limiting the height of the storage area upstairs. The wall heights and ridge heights were provided to the Commission for their review. We are trying to keep it as simple as possible using historical materials in keeping some of the character of the current house. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated at the last hearing we moved to schedule a public hearing to hear this. That is the main purpose of tonight’s meeting. Ms. Yasenchak stated 45 neighbors were sent notifications. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there is no actual application for demolition since we are still operating under the Advisory Opinion request from the ZBA. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the applicant can make a formal application to the DRC. That application cannot be acted upon until the ZBA acts on the zoning variance application. This zoning variance application cannot be acted upon until the DRC provides the following information. Does the structure have architectural historical significance, can the building be saved, are there alternatives to demolition and evaluate that via the information in the zoning ordinance. Should the DRC determine the structure can be salvaged, that information changes what the ZBA would possibly give or have to give as relief. If the DRC determines it still needs to be demolished, the ordinance requires a post demolition plan, and approval of the post demolition plan. This includes the materials, mass and scale, height, and the location. All that information is important for you to provide in your Advisory Opinion to the ZBA. The intent here is to go through your process, for you to evaluate the significance of it, and the quality of the current structure, the possible quality of the proposed structure and provide this information back to the ZBA so they can they act and finally to return back to the DRC for final action. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated what we can do tonight is to open the public hearing and get some audience feedback, and the Commission can offer feedback on the current structure. PUBLIC HEARING: Steven Rowland, Chairman opened the public hearing at 8:56 P.M. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the applicant has submitted information to the Commission. We have looked at the building on several occasions. There are several opinions that the use that was there was of a historic nature. The current structure has been significantly and almost complete reconstructed as to what it might have been. The bigger questions is could the building be salvaged, reused and repurposed. The applicant has expressed difficulties in the potential salvaging of the structure, relocation and reuse of the structure. It has been apparent to us that the potential to salvage the building is a far reach. What I foresee happening tonight since we cannot really act on an application that does not fully exist. We will leave the public hearing opened and that process is still underway. In the meantime we will collect the necessary documentation needed to fulfill this application in its entirety. This does not preclude the DRC from offering the Advisory Opinion. We have spoken enough about the status of the existing structure. We do need to discuss opinions on the proposed reconstruction, should demolition proceed. An effort has to be made to make the structure subservient to the main structure. Relates to details mass and scale and height as well as the materials in keeping with the main building and the historic district which this property sits. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any other comments from the Commission. Cynthia Corbett stated she was impressed with the post demolition plan and the proposed historic materials. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 7 of 8 Discussion ensued regarding the current design of the new structure and the proposed bump out. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she would love to see slate on this structure. Any materials used on this structure needs to be the top of the line to be appropriate. Slate would be appropriate for the time frame of the original structure. Discussion ensued concerning the use of a metal roof on the accessory structure. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested we leave the public hearing open until the next DRC Meeting scheduled for January 4, 2016. In the interim we can finalize the application paperwork and we can work up a draft for our Advisory Opinion to the ZBA to discuss at the next meeting. The applicant is heading in the right direction. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there is no representation for the Legends Café, External Modifications application. It was the consensus of the Commission to table the application to the next DRC Meeting scheduled for January 4, 2017. 8. #2016.074 LEGENDS CAFÉ EXTERNAL MODIFICATIONS, 102 Congress Street, Architectural Review of external modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred until the January 4, 2017 Design Review Commission Meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 9/6/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – December 7, 2016 - Page 8 of 8