Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Leslie DiCarlo; Chris Bennett; Richard Martin; Cynthia Corbett; Leslie Mechem STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the January 3, 2018 meeting. B. POSSIBLE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the intent of a consent agenda is to identify any application that appears to be “approvable” without need for further evaluation or discussion. If anyone wishes to further discuss any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the “consent agenda” and dealt with individually. 1. 2017.117 MECHANICAL TESTING PORCH RECONSTRUCTION, 70 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of a commercial porch renovation within the Urban Residential-3 District. – Moved to the regular agenda. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated correspondence was received from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation concerning this application. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will remove this application from the consent agenda items and place it on the regular agenda. 2. 2017.118 EXCELSIOR SPRINGS SIGNAGE, 47 Excelsior Avenue, Architectural Review of a monument Sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 3. 2014.079.3 CITY CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE EXTENSION, 522 Broadway, extension of Architectural Review approval granted June 1, 2016 for a multi-level parking structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone on the Commission had any questions or comments on Items #2 and #3 on the Consent Agenda. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on the consent agenda items. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Excelsior Springs Signage, 47 Excelsior Avenue, and the City Center Parking Structure Extension, 522 Broadway, that we approve both applications 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 C. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2017.117 MECHANICAL TESTING PORCH RECONSTRUCTION, 70 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of a commercial porch renovation within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Brian and Sharon Venn Mr. Venn stated they are proposing to replace a crumbling foundation around the base of the stairs entering the building. We will be replacing the front steps as well, along with the installation of a new railing to code. We will be going back to wood for the platform and stair replacement. Chris Bennett questioned the use of lattice below the platform. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated on the original plans submitted it shows trex on the floor of the porch. Mrs. Venn stated originally that was their plan. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any one in the audience who wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation thanked the applicants for listening to the recommendations of the Foundation in using appropriate materials for the porch renovations. We appreciate you investing in your building. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Mechanical Testing Porch Reconstruction, 70 Lake Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions. Repair with historically accurate materials. Wood balusters to be painted to match the building. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. 2017.119 18 LAKE PORCH ROOF, 18 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of exterior stairs within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 2 of 11 Applicant: Melissa Pacquet & Joe Panessa Agent: Mike Perry, Architect Mr. Perry stated they will be removing the current roof and will replace with a new roof including a roof over the ingress stairs to the property. The new roof will cover the steps. We will replace all the wood with hemlock and they will be the same color. 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. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated these homeowners contacted the Foundation. as a result of the WAIT BEFORE YOU RENOVATE brochure guidelines. This definitely helped the design. Thank you to the homeowners for investing in their property. Leslie Mechem made a motion in the matter of the 18 Lake Porch Roof, 18 Lake Avenue 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 3. 2017.115 ONE ROOF ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION, 58 Henry Street, Historic Review of exterior Modifications within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Lindsey Halsey, Kastleman Solar Ms. Halsey stated our plans are to install 34 roof mounted solar panels on the One Roof Holistic Health Center at 58 Henry Street. They will be installed on the south side of the building. 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 One Roof Rooftop Solar Installation at 58 Henry Street, that the application be approved as submitted. 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; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 4. 2017.110 MANEY MULTI-FAMILY TOWNHOUSES, 38 Marvin Alley & 18 Cherry Street, advisory opinion to Planning Board on proposed demolition of existing 4-unit home at 18 Cherry Street and construction of 8 townhouses within the Urban Ressidential-3 District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 3 of 11 Applicant: Anthony Maney Agent: Jon Lapper, Attorney; Ben Nassivera, Architect; Jeff Anthony, Landscape Architect Mr. Lapper stated following the last appearance before the DRC we heard several comments from the Commission and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and we have made some substantial changes; especially the comments concerning the garages facing on the alley. This was a dramatic change to the site plan and the buildings. The garages are now on the alley. On Cherry Street, where it would not be appropriate to back onto Cherry Street, we kept the garages on the inside. The facades have been articulated to be more interesting and also to minimize what was going on upstairs. We feel it is important to have the rooftop terraces because there is no area on the site for this type of amenity. On Cherry Street we pushed the living area on the fourth floor all the way to the back and mixed it up on the alley. Due to the narrowness of the alley we do not think it will be visible. We also moved it away from the sides in the back. These are the most substantial changes along with the some materials. Mr. Nassivera stated mass and scale was a comment which was made at the last meeting and was well received. Mr. Nassivera reviewed all elevations and the terraces proposed noting the craftsmen elements on the Cherry Street side and roof elements. This is more in kind with the Franklin Square Buildings. Streetscape views were also provided from all elevations. A proposed color scheme was provided for the Boards review noting a stone base and a grey building. Cynthia Corbett stated buildings 2 and 4 on Marvin Alley have very steeply pitched roofs; typically the building roofs in this area are wider. The other issue is with the pergolas on Cherry Street, the way those come out it jars the symmetry of the building. These type of buildings have articulation on top of the mansards. Leslie Mechem stated she likes the way the building looks on Cherry Street. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the changes made are much more appropriate to the neighborhood. Well done. A photo of the project with stone on the building was provided. They will be using manufactured slate. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the Advisory Opinion which was requested of the Commission concerning the project in context of the neighborhood as well as the context of its proximity to the historic district. Mass and scale and how this fits into the neighborhood as a whole. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he does have some concerns regarding the overall height of this project. One other item which I feel is a little awkward on units 1-5 which is response to having the garages face the alley. It sets up an awkward rhythm with the overhead doors not being in the same rhythm with the window bays above them. In units 1, 2, 3 and 5 the center bay window appears in the center pier of the garage doors which appears awkward. Chris Bennett spoke concerning the massing of the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated she appreciates the change in the orientation of the garages on the alley. The cues that you took definitely are an improvement. However, she is concerned regarding the height of the buildings. Photographs provided to the Commission noting the height of the buildings. She is concerned regarding the visibility from Franklin Square and she suggests the Commission reviews the height of these buildings. Ms. Bosshart stated she feels these buildings will loom over the smaller buildings in this area especially in this oldest Historical Residential District. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated in the past the Commission has requested balloon floats for projects where height is a concern. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 4 of 11 Chris Bennett stated if it’s a well put together building and it is an attractive building the height doesn’t make it inherently bad. Mr. Lapper stated the applicant has tried to be responsive to the suggestions and recommendations of the Commission. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested a balloon float. One balloon on the terrace floor, one on the roof level of the 4th floor,. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation spoke concerning the windows. Perhaps the amount of mansard above them is too high. Also stated the use of faux stone doesn’t seem consistent with the materials used in the proximity to the historic district. Her major concern is the height. Mr. Lapper stated the applicant will make the balloon float happen as quickly as possible. We will coordinate with the Planning Board as well. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated as soon as you can make this happen we will do our best to turn this application around. RECUSAL: Board Member Leslie DiCarlo recused from the following application. 5. 2017.114 CLEARY RESIDENCE WINDOWS REPLACEMENT, 127 Van Dam Street, Architectural Review of proposed windows replacements within the Urban Residential-3 District. Applicant: Kathleen and Robert Cleary Mrs. Cleary stated they are proposing a replacement of windows in their home. Several years ago on the east side of the home kitchen and bathroom windows were replaced during a renovation. Those were Pella Designer Series windows. In addition to replacing those five windows there was a back porch over the foundation without windows. We had French doors and windows put in that section. All the casement windows including the 3 stained glass windows on Wells Street side, a stained glass window in a bathroom on the south side, the Van Dam Street side and casements in the stairwell on the east side will not be replaced. They have permanent plexi-glass windows on the outside to protect them. They are not opened. We are proposing window replacement on the south side, the west side and the north side of the house. Most of the windows are weather beaten and cannot be locked. We are totally committed to historical preservation; we have owned this home for 32 years. Our home is a 100 year old home; we have done a lot of work on it and have won several awards from the Preservation Foundation. Our major concern besides the state of the windows is that we live on Van Dam Street and we are bombarded with truck traffic all day long. We have constant problem with terrible noise and vibration. We really want to go with a triple pane window to help with the noise reduction. The trucks start at 4:00-5:00 AM and the constant noise and vibration and the soot from the diesel trucks and roadway comes through the old windows. We feel a triple glazed window will resolve all of these issues. In addition we have chosen the top of the line Pella Architect Series windows which are all wood. Downstairs would be cottage style windows. Our house is 40% top and 60% bottom. The top would be 6 muntins over a plain window. Upstairs would be a standard 50-50 split. We believe this is a superior product. There will be no changes in the trim. These will be replacement double hung windows. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the quality of the replacement windows is incredibly high. All the wood trim will remain. Cynthia Corbett stated this is not in a historic district but it is in a state and national register district. It is a contributing structure. It is a fairly unique house for the whole town and this makes it a difficult decision. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated when have entertained window replacements in the past we always look for a high quality window and you are almost all the way there. Not doing simulated divided lights would be a mistake. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 5 of 11 Ms. Cleary stated from the street and driving by you will not notice the change in the windows. The storms will be gone and it will look much cleaner. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated this is a contributing structure to the local state and national Historic Register. A letter was received from the Saratoga Springs Historic District concerning this application. Ms. Cleary stated she was not aware they needed to appear before the Commission since they are not in a historic district and window replacements do not require a building permit. So, we have already contracted for these windows and they are ready and waiting in the warehouse. We postponed installation following our appearance before the Commission. Our windows are very high quality windows. It does not have profile muntins, however, it still will look the same from the outside. Discussion ensued regarding the window muntins being placed in between the glass. Richard Martin spoke concerning the windows and felt the applicant’s choice of windows was a good one and they are replacing their windows for all the right reasons. Chris Bennett stated the Commission knows his position on replacement windows in a Historic District. This is not in a Historic District. The windows are purchased, these are not vinyl windows. This is a very difficult situation. Leslie Mechem stated the wooden trim on the exterior is being maintained. 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. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated she appreciates what the applicants have done for their home. I understand the challenges. I do feel this is a particularly special home. I know it is not in the historic district but I feel it is one of the most unique craftsman bungalows in the entire city. I know it is a difficult decision. The primary façade of this home is critical to the character of the home. I feel strongly that the profile needs to remain on that ribbon on the four windows on the front façade. I urge the Commission to maintain this major defining feature of the home. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman questioned if the applicant for the four windows in question would consider a double hung window with exterior muntins, versus the type of window originally proposed. The remainder of the windows be replaced as purchased. Mrs. Cleary stated that room is the most impacted. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested the applicant speak to the manufacturer to see if muntin can be applied to the exterior of the triple pane windows. Mike Tuck, architect and citizen we have used the triple pane Pella Windows and there is no ability to apply the muntins to the exterior of the windows. The only thing you can do with these windows is an interior grill. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated you have an application as presented as well as several options which have been presented. To move any decision you need four affirmative votes. Perhaps a straw poll can be taken to see if the motion moves this application forward, we do have a member recused and we can arrange for an alternate to be seated on the Commission if the application would like to table this. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning this application. Steven Rowland, Chairman suggested the applicants speak to Pella and ask about laminated glass windows. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 6 of 11 These are very effective in noise reduction. You probably will be able to have double pane laminated glass windows with the muntins on the outside for these four front façade windows. This maybe a possibility. Mrs. Cleary stated we can speak to them. Leslie Mechem questioned if the applicant could move forward with the window replacement of the majority of the windows and return before the Commission for a determination on the front four façade windows at a later date. Mrs. Cleary stated this would be very acceptable. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Cleary Residence Windows Replacement, 127 Van Dam Street, that the application be approved with the following conditions – the windows can be replaced except the four windows on the second floor primary façade to include displaying exterior profiles of the muntins and pending further review. 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 Board Member Leslie DiCarlo resumed her position on the Commission. 6. 2017/087.2 24 CAROLINE APARTMENTS, 24 Caroline Street, Architectural review of new in-fill, Mixed use building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Michael Tuck, Melissa Clarke, Balzer & Tuck Architects Mr. Tuck stated we were before this Commission for Lead Agency Status for SEQRA determination. Since that time we have returned before the Planning Board and received full approval with some conditions. We are back before the Commission this evening presenting the project with the objective of receiving full approval of the design as developed. Melissa Clarke provided a visual presentation of the proposed site and existing survey, noting the two parcels. A lot consolidation is in process. Ms. Clarke provided a visual presentation of the existing two story masonry building with wooden stairs, as well as all elevations. We are at the corner of Putnam and Caroline Street. 26 Caroline was destroyed in a fire. A view from the corner as well as from the south side which houses the two story addition and stairwell which is proposed for demolition. The east side views were shown for the Commission’s review. The new project we are proposing is an addition to the existing building which shows Hamlet & Ghost, the current tenants. We will then take some of the 68 Putnam Street parcel and the entire 24 Caroline Street parcel and put in a connection which would tie the proposed addition at 68 Putnam to the new building on the upper floors. On the first floor approximately 800 square feet of commercial space and the second floor approximately 900 square feet of commercial space. The third floor we have two apartments making four apartments in the old building and on the other side a new apartment on the third floor. The fourth floor would house one apartment in the new building with a roof terrace in the old building, which will be accessed by the tenants only. HVAC system proposed is a minivac system so no ductwork is needed. Six to 9 units are proposed for this area. Condensers located on the roof are very small and will be located 10 feet off of any wall for safety and visual purposes. Roof plans were reviewed as well. A review of all elevations was provided for the Commission’s review. On the west elevation four new windows are proposed in the existing building. We are proposing to complete the pattern to assure light and air in the apartments. Ms. Clarke reviewed the proposed hyphen area connecting the old building to the new. This area will be recessed about two feet using black metal siding. We have pulled the roof to create differentiation between the old and the City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 7 of 11 new. Ms. Clarke provided information on the new building height which is 6’7” taller than what previously existed. Also the Commission previously voiced concern regarding the windows and fenestrations. We have reversed the smaller windows. There was concern regarding the cornice area being weak so we have more detail and we have added more projection to it. Banding was brought up to reinforce the 3 story portion along the street façade. The north elevation was reviewed. This is the street front area and we are proposing to preserve the old doorway and we have in filled it with wood and glass and detailing to provide the appearance of the door. East and south façades were reviewed for the Commission. Materials and samples as well as color schemes were provided for the Commission’s review. The hyphen area was reviewed as well using corrugated metal, low key, including a bench and/or seating area which was requested by the Planning Board. There is also a recessed courtyard. A trash closet is proposed within the building to keep trash off the street. The courtyard area was reviewed as well. Lighting was reviewed with down lighting and will be dark sky compliant. Mike Tuck spoke regarding information received from the Department of the Interior concerning additions to historic buildings. This information was reviewed with the Commission and their intent with this building. Discussion ensued regarding proposed materials and color schemes. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated it is nice to see infill development. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned thoughts from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation spoke regarding the new construction cornice and feels the size maybe too small for the size of the building and perhaps should be more pronounced. Rumara Jewett spoke regarding the project. Give some thought to the vertical black stripe. A heavy black stripe draws the eye right to it. This is a very social neighborhood. Right across is the very strong, wide, vertical, dark, industrial element to the building. Something that has a more garden flavor to match the neighborhood. What is proposed is remarkably strong. I think the new building is great. The size of the windows are great. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the band on the building and the color scheme as well as the color of the hyphen and materials proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned the south façade. Mr. Tuck stated he will provide more information concerning the south façade and materials proposed. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the 24 Caroline Apartments, 24 Caroline Street that the application be approved with the following condition – revised south elevation drawings to be submitted for administrative approval. 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; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 7. 2017.077 146 SOUTH BROADWAY MIXED-USE BUILDING, 145 South Broadway, Architectural Review of a new 2-story, mixed use building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 8 of 11 Applicant: Russ Faden Agent: Bob Flansburg, Dreamscapes Unlimited Mr. Flansburg stated they were before the Commission back in October 2017. We have made some revisions based on the input from the Commission. We have reduced the size of the front entrances portico’s and where the signage will be placed. We have brought the height down about a foot and reduced the size of the band widths. The size of those is determined by by the entrance glass. The columns are 30 inch square and we want them to have sufficient mass. We were able to reduce the height of the columns. We also have a new color scheme. What we have reflected here is the new Subway logo. That is accurate in terms of color and size. We want to control the size of the signage on the building. There is professional space in the lower left half of the building. Signage is proposed on the white panel similar to that of the Subway signage. Other decisions which were made are a grey standing seam roof. The cornice has remained as was previously reviewed. We spoke about brick and we entertained that thought, however, his client prefers stone over brick. Storefront will be grey in color. Mr. Flansburg reviewed all elevations and noted the parking spaces provided. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he still feels the crown of the building feels too heavy. Discussion ensued concerning the crown of the building. It was the consensus of the Commission that this area is not quite right and there are some concerns regarding the cornice area. Mr. Flansburg stated he could minimize the size of the crown. The sign panels will remain as proposed. The Commission provided some recommendations and thoughts concerning the front façade of the building. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development questioned if the Commission was in agreement about the windows, the number of them and their placement and size. Discussion ensued regarding the size of the windows and number, as well as the front façade of the building, cornices and their size and placement as well as fenestrations and signage. Richard Martin questioned the parapet and penetrations as well as lighting fixtures and internal drainage system on the roof. as well as dumpster location. Mr. Flansburg stated he will make the adjustments and return before the DRC for full approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the applicant will be placed on the next DRC at the next meeting scheduled for January 3, 2018. 8. 2016.054 EXCELSIOR PARK PHASE 2A, Gibson & Whistler Courts., Architectural Review of a residential Townhomes within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Tom Brazille, Megan Patrick, Witt Construction Mr. Brazille stated we had some partial approvals concerning Mass and Scale on four of the buildings. Since that time we have submitted the 3rd building for approval. Stamped plans from the architect were provided to the Commission. There were some issues regarding venting and penetration placements. Penetrations were moved and all penetrations will be on the backside of the buildings. Larger design boards were provided to help visualize what the project will look like with the changes requested at the September 21, 2016 meeting. Ms. Patrick stated on the new drawings engineering denoted every penetration. Furnace vents, bathroom vents and attic venting. Furnaces are placed in the basement and venting is out the rear of the building. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 9 of 11 Mr. Brazille stated there will be no penetrations on the front of the buildings; some were placed on the sides of the building. A review of the buildings was provided for the Commission. There are fire places in these units and the end units have penetrations out the side. The buildings provide drive in parking garages behind the building on the first level. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned how many buildings and units are we discussing this evening. Mr. Brazille stated there are five buildings. We are here this evening for final approval for Buildings 1, 2, 4 and 5, and full review of Building 3 which has five units and has received no approvals yet. There will be 18 units total in all five buildings. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we are having difficulty with the network files this evening, partially because the files are so large and it is difficult to ascertain what building is portrayed. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs explained to Mr. Brazille the type of information the Commission needs to review a project unless specific information is requested. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there are numerous penetrations through the walls. Many of which have been concentrated on the secondary facades. Mr. Brazille stated a stucco finish will be applied to the concrete basement walls. A materials board was provided for the Commission’s review at the last appearance in September 2016. Discussion ensued regarding the gable end treatments and the use of big timbers. Richard Martin questioned the Commission if they are happy with the details of all the materials. Final approval is difficult to approve without the details being provided. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning proposed materials. Chris Bennett stated it is a very complicated application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated we are overwhelmed with the materials provided. Leslie Mechem questioned if the applicant could return before the Commission with one file and providing two dimensional drawings with the colors and elevations. Physical samples of the materials would also be helpful. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs requested cut sheets on the following items, rail systems, porches and decking, windows and door, garage doors and lighting. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated since we have not seen Building 3 we would like to see it. Mr. Brazille stated Building 3 is a single family townhome. A review of all the buildings was provided for the Commission’s review. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning Building 3 and the size of the front façade windows and door. It doesn’t read like the front of the house. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the entryway is lacking any features. Perhaps try to extend the porch perhaps stone around the building. Windows do not line up in any uniformity or symmetry. Information and suggestions were provided by the Commission to the applicant’s agent. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested more information from the applicant and return appearance before the Commission. following a review and perhaps some changes. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 10 of 11 COMMENTS FROM STAFF Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development discussed with the Commission upcoming workshop and meetings agendas. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Meeting, Wednesday, January 3, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 1/3/18 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – December 6, 2017 - Page 11 of 11