Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Richard Martin; Karen Cavotta, Alternate; Leslie DiCarlo; Cynthia Corbett SKYPE: Tamie Ehinger; Vice Chairman ABSENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Leslie Mechem; Chris Bennett STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Richard Martin, Acting Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Richard Martin, Acting 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. 2016.075 OBSTARCZYK GARAGE DEMOLITION, 147 Spring Street, Continuance of Public Hearing on the proposed demolition of a contributing structure and reconstruction of a garage within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Chris Obstarczyk, Owner Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Richard Martin stated we have met on this issue on several occasions. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the applicant is before you for an Advisory Opinion. The applicant first appeared before the ZBA to obtain relief for the requested structure. In order to construct the proposed structure they will need to demolish the existing structure which is the garage. The ZBA requested an Advisory Opinion as to the DRC’s thoughts on the dimensional relief the applicant will ultimately require. The Commission reviewed the existing structure the interior and exterior, and requested additional information which was provided. If the Commission is ready and feels comfortable you are able to render an Advisory Opinion to the ZBA either favorable or unfavorable concerning dimensional relief. If the applicant receives the relief requested the applicant will return before this Commission for formal review and determination on the demolition and the new construction. Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if there was any further discussion from members of the Commission. Leslie DiCarlo stated she does not feel this meets all the criteria that we need to make the decision. Ms. Yasenchak stated a letter was drafted by Samantha Bosshart of the Preservation Foundation. We drafted a letter dated October 12, 2016 which outlined the condition of the building. On November 9, 2016, I went line by line with those items. I have a 4 page letter which was submitted to this Commission which addressed all of those items. I can review this with the Commission tonight if necessary. I presented this information before the DRC and it was submitted a second time with the formal application. Cynthia Corbett stated when we review the demolition we will want to in more detail address the City’s criteria for demolition in a historic district. We will have a chance to review that at that time. Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if there were any further 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. Leslie DiCarlo presented the following: Advisory Opinion In the matter of the application #2016.075 Obstarczyk Garage Demolition 147 Spring Street Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 involving a request from the Zoning Board of Appeals for an advisory opinion on the demolition of a contributing structure and reconstruction of a garage within the Urban Residential-3 District, tax parcel #166.61-3-33, within the City of Saratoga Springs. Following discussion on this matter on April 6, 2016, the Commission issues the following opinion:  Favorable Opinion CONSIDERATIONS: Following review of the current internal and external conditions of the existing accessory structure, and review of the proposed reconstruction the Commission hereby issues a “favorable opinion” to the ZBA on the Obstarczyk application. The Commission did not have significant objection to the requested dimensional relief proposed by the applicant and does not envision any substantial changes to the mass, scale or location of the proposed structure. The Commission notes that the application is still required to return to the DRC for a formal determination on the request to demolish the existing structure and review of the post-demolition construction plan. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. Richard Martin, Acting Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Ms. Yasenchak questioned the Commission if there was any chance upon the applicant’s return before the DRC if the demolition plan would not be granted based upon the information already provided. She requested some clarification. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated from the comments you have received up until now I have not heard any substantial objections to the demolition. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 18, 2017 - Page 2 of 5 Ms. Yasenchak questioned if the information presented to the DRC about the exteriors would there be any major changes that the Commission would ask us to make before we return. Cynthia Corbett stated we had a discussion and there were some concerns but I believe these were addressed. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development stated there were some concerns regarding height. Materials are wood and in essence match the style and quality of the existing house. The Commission did suggest to keep this building more simple since it is an accessory structure. Ms. Yasenchak stated these were all provided in our submittal. 2. 2017.005 SPERRY’S EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS, 30 ½ Caroline Street, Architectural Review of external Modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Scott Johnson, Managing Partner of JMO Partners LLC, owner Agent: Shawn Rivers, Engineer and Remediation Expert Mr. Johnson stated the Commission was provided photographs, product information and the remediation of fire damage which occurred in November. Essentially this is a remediation of fire damage from back in November. Prior to the fire we had an adjoining structure abutting our western wall at 26 Caroline Street. That structure was demolished as a result of the fire which left our western exterior wall exposed. Our building was built in 1915 and the adjoining structure was built right up against ours and the exterior western wall is literally on the boundary line. We have an agreement with the owners of 26 Caroline to encroach somewhat on their land. We are proposing as narrow a remedy as possible on the western wall. We have before the Board the construction of an EIFS system. Exterior Insulation and Finish System. This has historically not been looked on favorably in the historic district. That is what we need to do to weather proof our wall, insulate it and put an exterior finish on it that will protect us from the elements since we are now exposed to all external elements. What is being proposed is a permanent solution to our insulation issue but is temporary since the lot on 26 Caroline Street will be redeveloped and will never be seen. The plans are in place to be proposed to the City in the near future. This area is a T-6 zone and 6 story structures are allowed. Mr. Rivers stated structural repairs will need to be made first. Surface bonding cement for structural integrity. There is a possibility of a steel band being required. The wall will be surfaced with wood furring and then ½” exterior gypsum board with 1½” EIFS insulation. It is a 3 part process. 3-4 inches will be added to the total width of the building. We will match the existing brick on the façade. Discussion ensued concerning the corner wrapping, color and finish proposed. Richard Martin, Acting Chair stated patching this product is a very difficult job. You cannot patch and make it look original or match colors. I am not sure that the building that will go next to it will completely cover your system. Given the track record of this system, which I still do not believe has been good and there are several examples of it in the City. Mr. Rivers stated we recognize that this is not a good long term solution, only for 2 or 3 years. Mr. Johnson stated 26 Caroline will build wall to wall and they have assured us. Karen Cavotta questioned if there were any alternative solutions. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the use of EFIS, the finish chosen and color as well as the maintenance of the product. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 18, 2017 - Page 3 of 5 Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if there were any further 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 questioned how the Commission were to go about assuring this was only a temporary fix. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development provided options to what was being proposed. The first option, should the profiles not match that the applicant will return original brick to cover the exposed areas. The second option, should the profiles not match, the applicant will return before the Commission to identify how they are proposing to handle those areas. The Third option is to identify a long term short term time period whereby if nothing is built within an amount of years than the applicant shall return for a more permanent treatment. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Sperry’s Exterior Modifications – West Wall, 30 ½ Caroline Street, that the application be approved with the following condition: should the profiles between 30 ½ Caroline and 26 Caroline Street not meet when 26 Caroline is rebuilt the applicant will return to the Commission to address the issue. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Richard Martin, Acting Chair asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Cynthia Corbett made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2016 meeting as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, abstained; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Cynthia Corbett made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2016 meeting as submitted. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Cynthia Corbett made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2016 meeting as submitted. Richard Martin, Acting Chair seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, abstained MOTION PASSES: 4-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 18, 2017 - Page 4 of 5 Cynthia Corbett made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2016 meeting as submitted. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, abstained; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, abstained; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Cynthia Corbett made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2017 meeting as submitted. Richard Martin, Acting Chair seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, abstained; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, abstained; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 B. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Richard Martin, Acting Chair made a motion for Steven Rowland for the Office of Chairman of the Design Review Commission, and Tamie Ehinger for the Office of Vice Chairman of the Design Review Commission. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. VOTE: Richard Martin, Acting Chair; in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Karen Cavotta, Alternate, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Conference, Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Joint Board Meeting Planning Board and Design Review Commission Meeting, Thursday, January 25, 2017 at 5:30 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Richard Martin, Acting Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 9/6/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – January 18, 2017 - Page 5 of 5