Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman;; Leslie DiCarlo; Chris Bennett; Leslie Mechem, Cynthia Corbett SKYPE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman ABSENT: Richard Martin STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:02 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. 2013.075.1 THE SPRINGS DIRECTORY SIGNS, 60 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of 2 new directory signs within the Transect-4 Urban Neighborhood District. Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company Mr. Roicki stated he is here to present tenant directory signage for both the south and north entrances. The North Entrance signage will be raised slightly to accommodate the addition of a tenant directory. The South Entrance sign will be reduced in size from a 3x8 sign to a 2x6 sign with a tenant directory beneath it. No additional lighting is proposed. The back panel will be 1 inch aluminum tubing with divan faces. The tenant panels will also have divan painted faces screwed into the background with stainless fasteners. These signs will be double sided. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested any changes to the tenant panel signage be approved administratively to avoid the applicant having to return before the Commission when tenants change. 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. Leslie Mechem made a motion in the matter of The Springs Directory Monument Sign, 60 Weibel Avenue that the application be approved with the following condition – any changes to the tenant directory signage panels 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0  2. 2017.024.1 LAKE LOCAL EXPANSION, 550 Union Avenue, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (Architectural Review) for a multi-phase expansion of activities within the Water-related Business District. RECUSAL: Commission Member Chris Bennett recused from this application. Applicant/Agent: Mike Phinney, Principal Phinney Design; partner in this project; John Hayes, Architect, Designer, Phinney Design; partner in this project Mr. Phinney provided some history of the project. We began this project last November with a multi-faced development of the property. We have submitted a compliance plan to document all the existing nonconforming conditions of the property along with proposed corrective action. We are seeking the Commission’s approval of SEQRA Lead Agency Status deferral to the Planning Board to continue with this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Lake Local Expansion, 550 Union Avenue, that the DRC will defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they request it. Cynthia 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; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. 2017.012 LAKE LOCAL SIGNAGE, 550 Union Avenue, Architectural Review of a freestanding sign within the water related Business District. RECUSAL: Commission Member Chris Bennett recused from this application. Applicant/Agent: Mike Phinney, Principal Phinney Design; partner in this project; John Hayes, Architect, Designer, Phinney Design; partner in this project Mr. Hayes stated the former restaurant had signage on a post. We removed the sign and replaced it with a new sign. We did not go through the DRC for this signage approval. We have removed the new signage and are here this evening to request a freestanding sign within the Water Related Business District. A submission of the signage graphics was updated and was provided to the Commission. It is a mahogany framed sign. The core is a poly material with aluminum facing. It has a vinyl coating. Mahogany is painted white. The existing lighting and mounting is being reused. Permission was received from the DOT to keep signage in its current location. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the height of the proposed signage is fine. 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. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the Lake Local Signage, 550 Union Avenue that the application be approved as submitted. Leslie Mechem seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - 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; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Board Member Chris Bennett resumed his position on the Board. 4. 2017.021 HOMEWOOD SUITES SIGNAGE, 3368 Broadway, Architectural Review of a signage within the Tourist-related Business District. Agent: Brian Straughter, Turf Hotels; David Weiler, Turf Hotels Mr. Straughter provided information concerning the proposed signage. This application was recently before the ZBA and received approvals for signage above the first floor since we are located on Route 9 and the speed limit is 55 MPH. The proposed signage is illuminated low wattage lettering. The sign is an acrylic white sign. The second sign is proposed above the door constructed of brass. This is a non illuminated sign and is a typical Homewood Suites sign. Our third sign is a monument sign on the median of the entranceway. It will also be white in color with a teal color overlay with a bronze colored duck which is the company mascot. The base of the monument sign will be the same stone as on the building. Discussion ensued concerning the type of lighting on the proposed signage. 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. Leslie Mechem made a motion in the matter of the Homewood Suites Signage, 3368 Broadway, that the application be approved as submitted. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 NOTE: The agenda was heard out of order due to the lack of representation for Agenda Item #5. 6. 2017.018 WALBRIDGE BUILDING, HEATING VENT, 432 Broadway, Historic Review of exterior modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Bill Walbridge, Manager Mr. Walbridge explained the situation concerning the replacement of the two steam boiler units in the building. A new gas fired system was installed which required venting out toward Caroline Street. The applicant was unaware a DRC notification and a building permit was required. Upon notification by the Building Inspector we have obtained the necessary permits. As a result of this we have two vents which need to be reviewed by this Commission since we are in a historic district. We did explore alternatives prior to the installation of these vents. Unfortunately we could not relocate these vents. These vents City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - Page 3 of 9 are currently white in color. They were installed in the winter. If any color change is required we would be happy to comply with that request in the spring. Our plan is to repaint the sides of the building to match the front. 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. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Walbridge Building Heating Vent, 432 Broadway that the application be approved with the following condition – the applicant paint the vents the same color as the body of the building. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 7. #2017.019 SINCLAIR SARATOGA SIGNAGE & PATIO, 17 Maple Avenue, Historic Review of exterior modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Hillary Sinclair; Mark Strauss; Alex Strauss Agent: Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture Ms. Davis stated this is the site of the old Metro. It is a vacant space and has gone through some different iterations. The intent is to remove the signs of old and reintroduce this as a beer garden. We are here tonight to discuss the proposed door on the south façade. We have provided some visuals of the exterior elevation and how it will look with the renovations as opposed to the existing. The inside courtyard door is what we are referring to at this time. We are looking to create a larger opening than what is currently there. We would like the door to work compatibly with the existing character of the building while keeping the functionality we need to have. This will be a commercial grade door with a matte black finish. We have a sample for the Commission’s review. We are looking to not have the door to be feature but to be used to create a real courtyard feel. We have also included in the packet images of the space along with the proposed furniture for that space and the landscape work proposed. We are retaining the windows are they are. The signage facing Maple Avenue is also a part of this application with images provided to the Commission. A revised drawing was provided noting the right panel will be operational versus the left as previously submitted. Discussion ensued concerning the future painting of the building and possible color choices, perhaps via Administrative approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Sinclair Saratoga Signage and Patio, 17 Maple Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions – approval is granted as per revised plans dated March 15, 2017, noting a right hand opening door. Future approval of building color is to be via Administrative Approval. Leslie Mechem seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - Page 4 of 9 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 8. #2017.017 YADDO EXTERIOR RESTORATION, 312 Union Avenue, Historic Review of exterior modifications within the Institutional-Education District. RECUSAL: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman recused from this application. Applicant: Shane Cassidy, Christine Holly – Corporation Yaddo Agent: Steve Reilly, Lacey, Thaler, Reilly, Wilson Mr. Reilly stated additional images were provided to the Commission following the site visit, noting what was seen and where. Our application has to do very specifically with changes to historic windows. Our proposal is to revert them to the original construction. Many of the original windows had leaded glass panels in them and were replaced with single panes of glass. We would like to revert back to the original condition. While it is not a major change, it is a change from the existing. One additional downspout has been added to the building as well. It will match existing downspouts currently on the building. Otherwise the project entails a full restoration of the building envelope in kind. Steven Rowland, Chairman noted that replacement of building in kind is not subject to our review. The applicant did provide an opportunity for an onsite visit. We are certainly impressed with the steps you are taking. This is one of the most significant buildings in the City of Saratoga Springs. The attention to detail you are taking and the historic accuracy of what you are trying to do is exactly what this Commission looks for. It is very encouraging to see that noting that there is a tremendous amount of effort and expense that goes with that. We commend you and look forward to seeing this progress. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation did forward a letter to the Commission on this project. They are equally as pleased as the Commission concerning this renovation. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Yaddo Exterior Renovations, 312 Union Avenue that the application be approved as submitted. 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 NOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed her position on the Commission. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - Page 5 of 9  9. #2017.020 SARATOGA LAKE MARINA EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS, 549 Union Avenue, Architectural Review of exterior modifications within the Water-related Business District. Applicant: Frank Parillo Agent: Dennis Rigosu, Architect Mr. Rigosu stated we are proposing to construct the Saratoga Lake Marina in the place of the Saratoga Boat works on Saratoga Lake. This is Phase I of the reconstruction we will be doing. We are proposing a restaurant on the other end of the building. Currently we are looking to create a clubhouse on the one end, updating bathroom facilities. Very little exterior work is planned for this phase. We are looking to add some windows and doors to this area. We will cut and patch the vinyl siding as it stands today. Once a tenant is in place on the other end of the building we are looking at a full exterior renovation. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned the elevated deck with railings on the Lake side is all new construction. Information concerning the materials and cut sheets was requested of the applicant. This can be approved administratively. Mr. Rigosu stated that is correct the elevated deck and railings are new and noted on the plans the area in question. The materials will be an Azak type material in a light grey. The materials and product information will be submitted to the Commission. There will be some new windows and doors in the marina area. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Lake Marina Exterior Modifications, 549 Union Avenue that the application be approved with the following condition – that a list of materials and product information cut sheets for the patio windows and doors be submitted for Administrative Approval. Chris Bennett seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 10. #2017.015.1 PITNEY FARM PUD ZONING AMENDMENT, 213-235 West Avenue, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for the proposed PUD zoning amendment within the Urban Residential-2 District. 11. #2017.015 PITNEY FARM PUD ZONING AMENDMENT, 213-235 West Avenue, Advisory Opinion (Architectural Review) of a proposed PUD zoning amendment within the Urban Residential-2 District. Agent: Mike Ingersoll, LA Group Mr. Ingersoll stated this is a community project and provided some information and history of the proposed project and where they are today. The City Council has sought Lead Agency Status for this project. This is in an Architectural Review District. There was a lengthy conservation easement that the City Council adopted with the input of the City’s Open Space Plan. Based on the Master Plan, the group put through a plan which we will view on what could happen on a portion of this property. It is a unique situation. There is a comprehensive conservation easement that is very restrictive and dictates what we can do. A visual presentation of the proposed project was provided for the Commission’s review. The applicant is not asking for re-zoning. We are only speaking of the 11 acre parcel only. The remainder of the 166 acres is largely open fields. Visual views of the site and the country overlay diagrams were also provided. We are also in the country overlay zone which we are obliged to accommodate. A visual map of the ASA the Agricultural Stewardship Association was City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - Page 6 of 9 provided and put together with the city. It shows all the parcels discussed, and designates where the crops will be located. It also designates where a farm or silos or farm production can be located. This area was deemed the Agricultural Resource Center. We cannot have community farms without the proper zoning. Mr. Ingersoll provided a visual of the Conservation Easement noting this dictates what can be placed here and what is permitted. Mr. Ingersoll reviewed what is allowed in the area under review, the 11 acres which has been deemed the Agricultural Resource Center. The current zoning which is residential allows the ability to pursue a PUD. Under current zoning 70 residential homes could be built here, if you go by the Comprehensive Plan 40 residential units could be built. We are currently restricted to 3. Residential use of the property has been stripped away to become agricultural. The current farm is in the Rural Residential Zone which does allow all agricultural activities for farming. We are in the UR-2 zone which we share with the cemetery. Our master plan is imbedded into the conservation easement. Our hope is that the buildings which exist today be repurposed and reused. If needed to be rebuilt they will be rebuilt in kind. We will be adding a 30 foot buffer to the area abutting our closest neighbor. All the larger structures proposed were kept to the rear. There are three zones. Zone A is the existing facilities, and noted the uses for this zone. There is a dream for an education facility, a learning facility that could someday house a market. Also we would like to add a B & B which is allowed under current zoning. We would also like to have the ability for farm housing for employees. The parking we need is for events and seasonal. We will be using permeable type pavement and grass. The only areas to be paved are the driveways. Zone B is pretty much the same with the exception of perhaps some retail sales an open air market. Zone C residential dormitory type housing. New water lines will be installed for both service and fire protection. A visual presentation of the proposed entrances was reviewed for the Commission. Views of the proposed community garden locations and future farm buildings were also provided. The community garden can house over 200 plots. There will be raised beds for handicap accessibility. Monies were received for a children’s greenhouse which could be in the ground this spring. All totaled we will be impacting 30 acres of the total site 160 acres. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this looks very promising and an exciting project. This is made for a PUD and certainly a good idea to go that route. It is a good direction to head. I am in favor of this project. It is an ideal location for a PUD. I look forward to seeing this project developed. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion that the DRC defer Lead Agency Status to the City Council. Cynthia 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission concerning the PUD Zoning Amendment to the City Council. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Pitney Farm PUD Zoning Amendment, 213-315 West Avenue involving a request from the City Council for an Advisory Opinion the Design Review Commission issues a favorable advisory opinion and feels it is the most appropriate method in which to move this project forward. 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 – March 15, 2017 - Page 7 of 9 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 12. ICEHOUSE EXTERIOR WALL, 70 Putnam Street, Historic Review of exterior modification within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Sean Lynch, Owner Mr. Lynch stated he is before the Commission this evening concerning the structural repair of the north wall following the fire at 68 Putnam Street. We are seeking approval for the exterior finish. Essentially it a stucco type product and looks like stucco. It is made for exteriors. It will match the south facing wall finish in a similar color. There are new owners next door who we believe are planning on constructing a new building. You will not see this after the construction is completed. This will clean up the building until the next door project goes through. Bradley Birge, Administrator Planning and Economic Development stated a five year time frame was issued to Sperry’s when they came before this Commission requesting essentially the same time repair on their exterior wall. 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. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Icehouse Exterior Wall, 70 Putnam Street that the application be approved with the following condition – if the façade is not covered by a future structure within the next five years, the applicant will return for a more permanent solution. 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; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the following agenda item. No representation for this agenda item this evening. It was the consensus of the Commission to table the application. 5. 2017.016 BIGGS CONDO PATIO SHADES, 268 Broadway, #503, Historic Review of exterior modifications Within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. 130 Circular Street, Historic Review of window Replacements within the Urban Residential-3 District. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Leslie Mechem made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2017; and February 15, 2017 DRC meeting as submitted. Leslie DiCarlo seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - Page 8 of 9 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 The Commission reviewed 246 West Avenue project submission concerning zoning problem concerning the height. Steven Rowland, Chairman provided a visual view of the project submitted for administrative review. Steven Rowland, Chairman preferred to Review information with the Commission. Discussion ensued among the Commission regarding the options provided. It was the consensus of the Commission to approve Option#1. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Meeting, Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 6/21/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – March 15, 2017 - Page 9 of 9