Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Richard Martin; Leslie DiCarlo; Chris Bennett; Leslie Mechem, Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Tamie Ehinger; Vice Chairman STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M. 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 CONSIDERATIONS: 1. 2017.009 SARATOGA COMMUNITY FCU WALL SIGNS, 23 Division Street, Architectural Review of Commercial signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated the applicant is proposing an internally lit sign box with acrylic push through letters with translucent vinyl on the front of each letter fastened to the building with stainless fasteners and silicone. The old existing lettering above the doors will be removed. The signage is 2 ½ to 3” in thickness. The light will shine through the letters not the background. No conduit. Everything is hidden. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the size of the sign is appropriate, no zoning issues. 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 Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union Wall Sign at 23 Division 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0  2. 2017.011 CITY WATER TREATMENT PLANT DOORS, 111 Excelsior Avenue, Architectural Review of replacement doors within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Brett Johnson, Chief, Water Plant Mr. Johnson stated we are proposing to replace two metal doors, the north and west facing doors with new steel doors for security purposes. Mr. Johnson stated he had a conversation with Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development concerning the transom lights. The transom lights are attached to the frame since the doors are all one unit. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the transom lights and replicating that feature. 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 City Water Treatment Plant Doors, 111 Excelsior Avenue that the application be approved with the following condition - that the applicant replicate the 6 pane configuration in the transom . Cynthia Corbett 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 3. 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 Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant has appeared before this Commission before. We have most recently appeared before the ZBA where we received unanimous approval for two area variances. We are here this evening to continue review before this Commission. PUBLIC HEARING: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated a public hearing was opened on this application on December 7, 2016 as part of the Commissions requirements. This public hearing was left open during the January hearings and it remains open. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:11 P.M. Ms. Yasenchak provided a brief overview of the proposed project. The applicant has simplified the design per the recommendations of the Commission. The eyebrow of the garage was removed and the gable detail was simplified. On the large portion of the garage the open ended rafter tails were removed leaving nice clean lines. The applicant has also changed the window grids to look more barn like. Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant would like to use a cement board siding on the new structure, in the color to taupe which will match the trim on the house. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 2 of 8 Chris Bennett voice concern regarding the cement board siding on a structure in a historic district. I would like to see wood on the front of the structure. Cynthia Corbett stated she agrees with Chris. This is an important structure being removed in a historic district and wood siding on the structure would be appropriate. Chris Bennett stated he agrees with Cynthia Corbett in that a historic structure is being removed. We should maintain the wood all the way around. The compromise would be wood on the front with the cement board siding on the sides and the rear since the sides and rear of the structure are not seen. However, our guidelines require wood. Cynthia Corbett stated in reviewing the information submitted by the applicant they qualify for a demolition permit. SEQRA: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the first step in this process is the review of the SEQRA form. The applicant has provided Part I of the SEQRA EAF form and we have reviewed it and determined it is complete and accurate. Steven Rowland, Chairman reviewed with the Commission Part II of the SEQRA EAF form. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated “We have reviewed the SEQRA environmental assessment form and determined that Part I is complete. We have reviewed Part II of the SEQRA form and determined that it is accurate. Therefore, I move for the issuance of a negative declaration of environmental significance because of analysis of the information provided and presented in the environmental assessment form demonstrates that the project will not result in any large and important impact and, therefore, is one that will not have a significance impact on the environment. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will now move forward with a motion for demolition. And in accordance with the objectives, standards and guidelines contained in the City Zoning Ordinance Article 240-7.4 Historic Review, the Design Review Commission finds the following: 1. The Commission acknowledges that this property is identified as a “contributing property” on the New York State and National registers of historic places and that review of the Sanborn maps indicate that an accessory structure in this location existing on this property. As such, the Commission has determined that there once was, and/or is historical significance attributed to this structure and that further review and evaluation of this structure is warranted. 2. A public hearing was held on the proposed demolition of this accessory structure beginning on December 7, 2016, that was continued and then closed on February 15, 2017. The Commission has received the Affidavit of Publication from the The Saratogian documenting the required legal noticing and the required property owner notification of this hearing. 3. The Commission members have fully reviewed all the information submitted detailing the current characteristics, quality and conditions of the existing accessory structure. Furthermore, the applicant has allowed Commission members to view the structure on-site and to enter and inspect the existing conditions of the accessory structure. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 3 of 8  4. The Commission finds the following “good Cause” demonstrations as to why the subject structure cannot be preserved: i. The alternative of lifting the structure to install a foundation and then rebuild/repair the structure in its existing location is infeasible due to the close proximity to adjacent properties and the tenuous condition of the current structure (few, if any, sill plates; no foundation; significant shifting in multiple directions; etc.). Further, the extent of new materials necessary to rebuild/repair this structure effectively diminishes any original historic signification that this structure may have had. ii. The alternative of lifting the structure to relocate on another portion of this site is infeasible due to the close proximity to the primary structure and the tenuous condition of the current structure (see above). Further, the extent of new materials necessary to rebuilt/repair this structure effectively diminishes any original historic signification that This structure may have had. iii. The property was recently purchased by the applicant in April 2016 with the expressed intent to preserve the accessory structure. After further examination, the applicants indicate that preservation is infeasible and they do not desire to sell the principle structure and entire property for the sake of this accessory structure in its current condition. iv. Adaptation for another permitted use is not feasible as the current size of the structure would not adequately allow for the storage of vehicles, and current zoning regulations do not permit habitable use of this space without variances. v. The applicant has provided information to demonstrate that the cost of attempted preservation would be unreasonable vis-à-vis the permitted utility of this structure. -more than 50% of the existing structure needs to be replaced to meet current NYS Building code. -over 75% of the existing walls need to be sistered or replaced -100% of the siding needs to be replaced -100% of roofing needs to be replaced Furthermore, the extent of new materials necessary to rebuild/repair this structure effectively diminishes any original historic signification that this structure may have had. vi. The applicant has provided a complete and extensive post-demolition plan for reconstruction that is subject to full Design Review Commission review and evaluation should demolition be permitted. Therefore, in consideration of the information presented to, and reviewed by, the Commission and the Aforementioned findings, the Commission hereby issues the following decision on the proposed demolition of the Obstarczyk garage on February 15, 2017. Leslie Mechem seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated our last action on this application is to act on the new construction. 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. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 4 of 8 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Obstarczyk Garage Reconstruction, 147 Spring Street, that we approved the application with the following condition: wood siding on all facades. Chris Bennett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 4. 2017.006 FOX 2-FAMILY EXTERNAL MODIFICATIONS, 217 Caroline Street, Historic Review of external modifications (addition, etc.) to an existing residential structure within the Urban Residential-3 District. Agent: Sue Davis SD Atelier Architecture Ms. Davis provided a narrative of the project noting the project entails a 3 family home on a very small substandard lot with the idea to convert it back to a two family home. A visual presentation of the property was provided as well as a model of the project. Ms. Davis provided a view of the neighboring homes noting the mixture of sizes. The proposed design is for an additional 300 square feet to allow for a required interior exit stair which is code compliant. There is no adjacent land for sale, and we have developed the design based on code requirements for egress and appropriate design for the residence. The proposed addition is replacing an addition that does not blend appropriately with the main residence. All elevations were reviewed. The change of the current 3 family back to a 2 family will mean less parking requirements, less noise and less impact to the neighborhood. This will be owner occupied. The proposed design will integrate with the historic design and details of the original residence. Floor plans were provided for the Commission’s review. A review of materials currently proposed for the project. Discussion ensued concerning a stained glass window and its possible reuse, as well as the proposed new windows which are simulated divided lights with grids. Also discussed was the relocation of a door on the north elevation. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated if there was a way to reuse the stained glass window, and the moving of the door and stairs could be handled via Administrative action. 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 the Fox 2-Family Exterior Modifications, 217 Caroline Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: reuse of the stained glass window on the south elevation subject to Administrative Action. If the door on the north elevation needs to be relocated, it is approved by this motion. Chris Bennett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, 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 Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 5 of 8  5. 2017.010 SARATOGA CHABAD WINDOWS REPLACEMENT, 130 Circular Street, Historic Review of window Replacements within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Rabbi Abba Rubin Rabbi Rubin stated he runs the Chabad house on Circular Street. They obtained a grant to replace windows. Photographs were provided to the Commission. They are before the Commission this evening because they are looking to replace several windows in this home which have been ordered and purchased. They are vinyl. All the windows on the second floor have been replaced with vinyl which was done previously. The Rabbi stated he has owned the property for 15 years. Two types of windows have been submitted for the Commission’s review. All window sills are stone and will remain. Richard Martin questioned if there was any information on the windows purchased. Rabbi Rubin stated the windows are vinyl Anderson windows and that information should be in the information provided. All eleven windows the applicant is looking to replace in the home are sealed shut. Discussion ensued among the Commission on the type of window proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated to make the application complete we would need a photo or sketch of each elevation. So that we know what windows we are speaking about. We also need to know the condition of all the windows and well as individual assessments. Leslie Mechem stated it would be helpful to see which windows you are proposing to use vinyl replacements. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the windows proposed and what information is needed. Leslie DiCarlo stated we have required much more information on previous applicants looking to do a window replacement. Leslie DiCarlo stated we have required much more information on previous applicants looking to do a window replacement. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated further information the Commission needs is individual elevation views on each side of the building identifying each window with a number or a letter. A listing or categorizing of each window and it’s it location with photographs and reasoning for removal. Staff can assist with the application if necessary. Richard Martin stated he still feels this will be a historic home even with the vinyl windows. This home can have Wooden windows again if a homeowner so desires. This is not altering the bones of the home. It was the consensus of the Commission to table this application awaiting more information from the applicant. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. 6. 2016.046 246 WEST AVENUE MIXED USE APARTMENTS MODIFICAITON, 246 West Avenue, Architectural Review of a 16-unit apartment building within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Bradley Birge, Administrator stated in November of this year. The Commission spent time reviewing a variety of illustrations of this project. The Planning Board requested an Advisory Opinion which the DRC did provide. No approvals have been received. Applicant: John-Paul Hodorowski, Owner, Developer Agent: Ashley Rubino, Re4orm Architecture City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 6 of 8 Mr. Hodorowski provided a brief background of this project. A foundation permit was granted by the Building Department and we have started construction on the project. We are here to speak about the towers on the front and rear of the building with the hip roof. The building department has reviewed the plans and we are ready to go, however we are over the height requirement for the district on the towers both on the front and the rear by 6 feet. We are here to show you the revised plans and to bring those into compliance. A visual rendering of the project was provided to the Commission. This is the rendering which the Commission based their favorable advisory opinion upon. We did drop the towers down to meet the requirement. We are looking for some feedback and suggestions and hopefully an approval so the project can move forward. Discussion ensued among the DRC with suggestions being provided to the applicant. Richard Martin suggested the applicant request a variance from the ZBA to keep the height of the towers. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we have reviewed this application several months ago and provided a Positive Advisory Opinion to the Planning Board. There are still a few issues to be resolved. Perhaps we can approve the project and move it forward noting the towers and roof design are still being reviewed and revised. 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 the 246 West Avenue 16-unit Apartment Building, 246 West Avenue, that the application be approved with the following conditions: that the towers on both ends of the building are still under review for details of windows and roof design as given the adjusted height by zoning. Leslie Mechem seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 7. 2015.055.1 EXCESIOR PARK PHASE 2 MODIFICATION, Excelsior Avenue and Whistler Court, Architectural Review of a modification to an approved project within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Dominick Ranieri, Ranieri Architecture Mr. Ranieri stated he is before the Commission this evening due to several changes in the project. Nothing major has changed most of which were suggestions made by the Commission. A visual presentation was provided noting the changes. The balcony components have been upgraded to steel no wood. The other change was from vinyl siding upgraded to cement board siding. The corner balcony units will have a trellis versus a flat roof. The front entrance canopy has been changed from a flat to a curved canopy. The sidelights on the front entry are now narrower. The brown color bays were a light brown in color with a dark brown trim; they have been darkened in color. Paint samples were provided. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the changes do look good. 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 Excelsior Park Phase 2-3 Apartment Buildings Modifications, Excelsior Avenue and Whistler Court that the application be approved as submitted including the exit awning change. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 7 of 8 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Leslie DiCarlo made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2016 and April 20, 2016 DRC Meetings. Richard Martin seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Chris Bennett, abstained; Leslie Mechem, abstained MOTION PASSES: 4-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Meeting, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 3/15/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 15, 2017 - Page 8 of 8