Board of Architectural Review

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street South Vienna, Virginia 22180 p: 703.255.6341 TTY 7111 Meeting Minutes Board of Architectural Review Thursday, August 19, 2021 7:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS-VIENNA TOWN HALL Continuity of Government - Electronic Particiation BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW August 19, 2021 Draft Meeting Minutes The Board of Architectural Review met Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 7:30 pm in the Vienna Town Hall at 127 Center St S. and Via Zoom Webinar. Chairman Roy Baldwin, Michael, Patty Hanley, Paul Layer were present in Council Chambers or via Zoom. Ms. Linda van Doorn was absent. Principle Planner Kelly O’Brien and Board Clerk Sharmaine were present in Town Hall. Board of Architectural Review - Continuity of Government Resolution for Continuity of Government Second: Mr. Cheselka Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. van Doorn Roll Call Roll Call: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka and Ms. Hanley were present and Ms. van Doorn was absent. Approval of the Minutes Meeting minutes were accepted as submitted. Public Hearings Old Business 211 Mill St NE - Dulles Kitchen and Bath - Sign Item No. 1: Request for approval of a sign for Dulles Kitchen and Bath, located at 211 Mill St NE, Docket No. PF- 555101-BAR, in the CM Limited Industrial zoning district, filed by Mustafa Ozdemir of Dulles Kitchen & Bath. Mr. Mustafa Ozdemir was present to represent the application. Mr. Ozdemir stated the details of the sign that were listed in the application. Ms. Hanley inquired about the royal blue color sample that was submitted and the picture Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 showing a greenish color. Mr. Ozdemir stated it would be the same colors; Dulles and Design Build, kitchen would be the red color. Mr. O’Brien asked if the sample blue was the correct color and not the drawing color. It was determined that the sample color was the accurate color. Ms. O’Brien pointed out that the proposed sign would replace the two current signs. Ms. Hanley asked if it was a box sign. Mr. Ozdemir stated it was a box sign that is 3x30 feet. Mr. Layer stated that although the sign may fall under the allowable square footage for sign usage he felt it was too big. Mr. Layer asked for clarification for the sign size dimension, Ms. O’Brien clarified the dimensions. Ms. Hanley agreed with Mr. Layer as to the size of the sign, and asked if there were returns. Mr. Ozdemir stated the returns were black. She stated that if the sign was channel letters rather than a box it may not appear so large. Mr. Layer inquired about the Lumens and Kelvins, and Mr. Cheselka stated they were within the parameters the Board prefers. Mr. Cheselka stated he was not in favor of the sign as he felt it was too big and felt the temporary sign, without the website, was better. Mr. Baldiwn asked if there were different fonts on the sign. Mr. Ozdemir stated they were different fonts. Mr. Baldwin stated the kitchen and bath portion of the sign did not look as good as the Dulles portion. There was additional discussion regarding reducing the size of the lettering Ms. Hanley asked about the dimensions of the façade stating most signs fit inside with 3 to 4 inch offsets. Mr. Baldwin stated that with the questions regarding the sign that it may be better to defer the application to another meeting asked for a motion to defer the application. Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of a sign for Dulles Kitchen and Bath, located at 211 Mill St NE, Docket No. PF- 555101-BAR, in the CM Limited Industrial zoning district be deferred with the condition that the applicant investigate reducing the size of the sign to allow space of the architectural features above and below the sign, with 3 to 4 inches above the top and below the bottom, and consider using the same font. Ms. Hanley seconded the motion Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent : Ms. van Doorn Motion passes 4 to 0 435 Maple Ave W - Chahel Automotive - Sign Item No. 2: Request for approval of a new sign, for the Chahel Automotive, located at 435 Maple Avenue W, Docket No. PF-563525-BAR, in the C-1 Commercial zoning district, filled by John Martel, Complete Sign, Inc. Mr. John Martel was present to represent the application. Mr. Martel explained the only Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 change as follows: removal of front and back lit letters, changing them to push through letters that will only be edge lit. Ms. Hanley asked for the lumen and kelvin levels for the revision. Ms. O’Brien stated staff had inquired about the lumens and kelvins and they applicant responded expressing they would like to discuss those levels with the Board. Mr. Martel stated that since the sign will be edge lit they will not have a problem meeting the 3500-4000 kelvin. Mr. Cheselka felt the reduced kelvins would help soften the sign. Mr. Layer stated that with the sign not being lit allows the sign to be compatible with other colors. Mr. Baldwin stated his concern and desire for the sign to be on the side as the entrance was on the side, but understood that the code did not allow for the sign to be on the side. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for approval of a new sign, for the Chahel Automotive, located at 435 Maple Avenue W, Docket No. PF-563525-BAR, be approved as submitted with the condition that the kelvin levels be at 4000. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Hanley Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent : Ms. van Doorn Motion Passes : 4 to 0 215 Center St S - Vienna Police Station - Fence Item No. 3: Request for approval of a revision to the gate for the new police station located at 215 Center Street S., Docket No. PF-20-20-BAR, in the RM-2 Multi-Family Residential zoning district; filed by Roderick Williams, Project Architect, Dewberry, and James "Jim" Morris, Chief of Police, Town of Vienna. Mr. Roderick Williams was present to represent the revision to the previously approved application. Mr. Williams stated the paneling on the gates has not changed, but previously there was solid paneling, but due to wind loads a solid panel will degrade the motors on the gates. The change is a standard 2x2 panel infill mesh that will allow additional visibility for police officers. Mr. Cheselka asked if there was a way to soften the look of the gate. Mr. Williams stated the gate will be set back and a metal panel infill will be in between helping obscure view and soften the fence and gate. Mr. Williams also pointed out the location of trees on the site that would help soften the gate. Mr. Layer asked if brick was flanking the gate or metal verticals. Mr. Williams stated that instead of the verticals there will be on horizontal and then the infill mesh breaking up in the midst and the fold. There was some discussion about the manufacturers picture that was stated was an exampled of the construction of the gate. Mr. Layer asked if there was any additional black material in the project to blend with the black mesh on the gate. Mr. Williams stated there was some black metal as a part of the project. Mr. Layer asked about the color of the brick to which Mr. Williams stated it was red with flesh tones. He then asked about the coating system for the finish, after some discussion it was stated it would be powder coat. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 Ms. Hanley asked if the posts on the outside of the gate were round steel posts. Mr. Williams stated they were rectal-linear. Ms. Hanley asked if they were the square block shape. Mr. Williams said they would look like that from the front, but when the gate opens it will act as protection. Ms. Hanley also inquired about the bollards. Mr. Layer asked if the louvers set into the brick were black, Mr. Williams stated yes. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the request for approval of a revision to the gate for the new police station located at 215 Center Street S., Docket No. PF-20-20-BAR, be approved as submitted. Mr. Layer seconded the motion. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Mr. Layer Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. van Doorn Motion passes 4 to 0 New Business 515 Maple Ave E - Truist Bank - Signs Item No. 4: Request for approval of signage for the Truist Bank located at 515 Maple Avenue E, Docket No. PF-593924-BAR in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Gary Brent, MG Permits LLC, project agent. Mr. Gary Brent was present to represent the application. Mr. Brent stated the signs approved last year for the first re-imaging of the bank was coming before the Board to be replaced with Truist Bank signs. Mr. Brent explained the types of signs that were submitted with the application packet. Mr. Baldwin stated his concerns about the color and design. Mr. Brent stated it was the logo and color for all the locations nationwide. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the request for approval of signage for the Truist Bank located at 515 Maple Avenue E, Docket No. PF-593924-BAR, as submitted. Ms. Hanley seconded the motion. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. Hanley Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. Van Doorn Motion to pass 4 to 0. 100 Maple Ave E - Somerset Trust - Signs Item No. 5: Request for refacing of existing signs for Somerset Trust on a commercial structure and monument sign, located at 100 Maple Avenue E, Docket No. PF-596222-BAR, in the C-2/C-1A Commercial zoning districts; filed by George Marino of The Sign Machine. Mr. George Marino was present to represent the application. Mr. Marino stated they would be re-using the cabinet signs, but would be re-painting them Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 the original color, as well as replacing the lamps and ballasts. Mr. Cheselka asked if “Vienna Banking Center” was necessary for the sign as it made it look crowded. He also inquired about the three fonts on the sign. Mr. Marino stated that since Somerset Trust Company does not indicate in their name they are a bank, they wanted to have something on the sign showing they were a bank. They also have multiple offices so this would differentiate it’s the Vienna Banking office. Somerset wanted different fonts, so the name of the bank did not blend with the rest of the parts of the sign. Mr. Baldwin asked if the landscape part of the logo was typically brown mountains. Mr. Baldwin continued stating that introducing green may make the sign more dramatic. Mr. Marino stated the first sign had the green mountains and background with a gold/yellow sun, but they had chosen to go with the dark brown due to other signs in Vienna. He stated that if the Board would prefer the colors, that Somerset Trust would be willing to change. Mr. Marino stated one of the bank executives had messaged him during the meeting stating they would be happy to use the green mountains. Mr. Layer inquired about the green that was with the material samples. Mr. Marino stated it is the actual green that would be used in the sign. The Board was amenable to the green color. Ms. Mala Persad stepped up to speak regarding the Somerset sign. Ms. Persaud stated she thought the sign as presented was a pretty sign. Mr. Baldwin stated the proposed sign was three colors and adding the green would only make it four colors. Ms. Hanley asked Mr. Marino which sign was his preference. Mr. Marino stated he believed the bank would prefer the green. Ms. O’Brien asked if the bank executive would like to speak since he was present for the meeting. Mr. Chad Grimes of Somerset Trust Company stated they would be thrilled to add the green into the sign. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for refacing of existing signs for Somerset Trust on a commercial structure and monument sign, located at 100 Maple Avenue E, Docket No. PF-596222-BAR, as submitted with the condition that the mountains be the hunter green sample that was included in the materials, but was not presented on the application. Seconded by Mr. Cheselka. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Cheselka Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. Van Doorn Motion to pass 4 to 0 140 Church St NW - Trace - the Zero Waste Store - Sign Request for approval of a sign for Trace – the Zero Waste Store, located at 140 Church Street NW, Docket No. PF- 593771-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 district, filed by Padmala Persaud of Trace – the Zero Waste Store. Ms. Mala Persaud was present to represent her application. Ms. Persaud gave a brief presentation about the purpose of a zero-waste store. She also stated that it would be the first of its kind in Fairfax County. Ms. Persaud stated her the purpose behind her desire for a different type of sign. She stated it was not necessarily a sustainable material and could not be re-used. Mr. Cheselka expressed that he felt the original signs were nice, but he understood her reasoning behind the desire for a different type of sign. Ms. Persaud stated her sign, although a slightly different color, would be able to be re-used by a business that would come after her. Mr. Layer stated there was a master sign plan for that shopping center with the sign boards being similar with only changes in the fonts. Ms. Persaud stated the carving would be deep. Mr. Layer stated he was in favor of the de-mountable letters with a similar background. Ms. Persaud stated she was proposing a similar background made from MDO plywood rather than the redwood or cedarwood, the only difference was no boarder on the sign. Ms. Persaud stated they could add the boarder, but it would not necessarily match the color of the letters, but that of the other signs. Mr. Layer discussed with Ms. Persaud the potential for using sign board rather than the MDO. Mr. Layer asked how the letters would be de-mountable, Ms. Persaud stated the sign company would screw them into the sign. Mr. Layer inquired about the letters being screwed into the sign and if they next businesses letter would match, and it would show the holes. Ms. Persaud said the sign company stated it would be reusable and that other businesses have done this with signs. Mr. Layer stated that she could keep consistent with the master sign plan by putting the border on the sign and just make her individuality with the letters. Ms. Persaud expressed her concern about the border as she didn’t think it would match the letters, but that it would match the other signs. Mr. Layer stated the backgrounds for all the signs were the only items that were similar. Ms. Hanley asked about the depth of the grooves in the original signs. Ms. Persaud stated her letters were 3/8”, but she wasn’t sure what the dept for the originals were. Ms. Hanley and Ms. Persaud discussed additional sustainability potential with the old signs, but it was determined, by the sign company, that there could be safety issues with attempting to sand down the signs that already had grooves in them. Mr. Baldwin asked if the color of the background was the same as the other signs and if the letters would stick out from the sign 3/8”, Ms. Persaud said yes. He then asked about the material of the letters, and she said they would be acrylic. Mr. Baldwin discussed the dark gold color of the letters with Ms. Persaud. Mr. Layer asked why the sign company wasn’t using the same gold as the other signs, Ms. Persaud stated is was due to the material. He then said since she was using the same sign company as the other signs, then the gold color would be the same or relatively close. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the request for approval of a sign for Trace – the Zero Waste Store, located at 140 Church Street NW, Docket No. PF- 593771-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district, with the condition that the background including gold border with same coloring as the existing sign plan. Motion: Ms. Cheselka Second: Mr. Layer Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. Van Doorn Motion to pass 4 to 0 410 Maple Ave E - Vienna Gas & Auto - Signs Item No. 7 - Request for approval of signage, for Vienna Gas & Auto located at 410 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-591957-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Heejin Chang, Creation Sign, LLC, project agent. Ms. Heejin Chang was present to represent the application. Ms. Change stated they request was to reface the gas price sign with the name, she continued detailing the information that she had submitted in her application. Mr. Layer asked if the Vienna Gas Auto Care sign illuminated. Ms. Chang said yes, as was the previous sign, but the previous sign was old and faded. They would keep the current illumination condition, just refacing. Mr. Cheselka stated he felt the two signs were not very harmonious with each other on that site. He also inquired about the 620 lumens. Ms. O’Brien stated the applicant revised the lumens to 150 lumens. Mr. Baldwin commented on the improvement of the pylon sign and asked if the sign was double sided. Ms. Chang stated it was double sided and the other side was identical. The discussed the visibility of the sign due to the overgrowth of trees and brush, but Ms. Chang was not aware, at the time, who the trees covering the sign belonged to. Mr. Baldwin also felt the colors were not very harmonious. Mr. Baldwin asked if there would be a request for a new paint job that would come before the Board that would be harmonious with the new sign. Ms. Chang stated it may be an option for the owner as they are in the process of making changes. Mr. Cheselka stated that keeping the red in the signs and taking away the yellow could eliminate the need for a paint job. Ms. Change stated that the owner had picked the colors. Ms. Caroline Chung, owner of Vienna Gas & Auto, was present to speak about the application. Ms. Chung stated they too would like harmonious colors and felt that it does appear to not match and would cooperate with the Boards requirements and change to the red color. There was some discussion regarding a difference in the colors. Ms. Chang clarified the reason for the blue color in the sign was to differentiate between the sign and the canopy. Mr. Baldwin stated they could keep the application as is, or make some changes, they just need to explain what they would like to do so the Board can make a decision on their application. Mr. Layer stated he understood their concern of the red on red with the canopy and understood that they pylon proposal may look a little busy. He stated the digital letters / numbers would need to be red as they couldn’t be changed, but the rest of the sign could be blue. Ms. Chang asked which parts could be blue. Mr. Layer stated where it states “Regular” and “Premium” and Ms. Chang stated they could change it to blue. Mr. Cheselka stated he still felt the red would still be a contrast. Mr. Layer agreed, unless the canopy was painted. A motion could be crafted stating the rectangles in the pylon could be changed to blue. Ms. Hanley agreed with the changes and stated using the same color as the original for the canopy would not need to come before the Board as it is maintenance. She did also state the “swoosh” on the sign may look nice on the canopy. Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for approval of signage, for Vienna Gas & Auto located at 410 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-591957-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, with the condition that the red rectangles in the pylon sign, and the sign that says “Premium” be changed to blue of the adjacent sign. Ms. Hanley seconded the motion. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, and Ms. Hanley Nay: Mr. Cheselka Absent: Ms. Van Doorn Motion to pass 3 to 1 The Board took a five minute break 131 Patrick St SE (260-280 Cedar Ln SE) - Cedar Park Shopping Center - Exterior Modifications Request for approval of proposed exterior modifications and added site amenities for the recently renovated Cedar Park Shopping Center located at 131 Patrick St SE (260- 280 Cedar Ln SE), Docket No. PF-598763-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Emily Kleidman of First Washington Realty, representative of the property owner. Emily Kleidman was present to represent the application as well as Joseph Serreuya and Francesca Franchi from RDC Architect team. Ms. Hanley asked which piece of furniture would be at the circle section. Ms. Kleidman stated it would be a low table with seating around. Mr. Cheselka asked about the lighting in Section D and if it was cable. Ms. Franky stated the lighting was to animate the sitting area with 2-inch diameter posts at the planters. Cables will be hung so suspend the lights. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for approval of proposed exterior modifications and added site amenities for the recently renovated Cedar Park Shopping Center located at 131 Patrick St SE (260- 280 Cedar Ln SE), Docket No. PF-598763-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, as submitted. Ms. Hanley seconded the motion. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. Van Doorn Motion to pass 4 to 0 200 Maple Ave E -Chit Chat Café (Mobil Gas) - Signs Request for approval of new signs on a commercial structure, located at 200 Maple Avenue E, Docket No. PF-592380-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by applicant’s engineer Pooja Rakesh of The Plan Source, Inc. Ms. Pranisha Karanjit was present to represent the application. Ms. Karanjit stated they were proposing to replace the food mart signs with Chit Chaat Café box sign and a Beer and Wine channel letter sign as wells as some additional details Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 1/12/2022 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 from the application regarding the sign revision. Mr. Layer asked if the convenience was being replaced. Ms. Karanjit stated it would still be a convenience store with Indian street food as well. Mr. Layer stated the lettering for the sign a bit thin and may be hard to read. Ms. Karnajit stated the store operator stated it was a detail they had wanted. Ms. Hanley agreed with Mr. Layer and stated if a color that was more contrasting to the white might make the lettering more legible. Mr. Baldwin asked what “Chaat” in the sign meant and Ms. Karanjit stated it was a popular Indian street food. Mr. Baldwin agreed with Mr. Layer and Ms. Hanley regarding the lettering size and color. Mr. Cheselka commented on the effect of the ultra violet rays on the yellow of the sign potentially making it harder to read. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for approval of new signs on a commercial structure, located at 200 Maple Avenue E, Docket No. PF-592380-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district as submitted. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Cheselka Ayes: Mr. Layer, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Cheselka, and Ms. Hanley Absent: Ms. Van Doorn Motion to pass 4 to 0 Meeting Adjournment Mr. Baldwin expressed to the Board members that residents praised the Board for the expertise and their handling of the work session for 444 Maple Ave W. He continued with his appreciation of the Board. Ms. Hanley inquired about the temporary fencing at Green Hedges as she believed there was a deadline. Ms. O’Brien stated staff would follow up with Green Hedges regarding a revision to their application or removal of the temporary fencing. Mr. Cheselka inquired about the temporary signs being used by the new car wash. Ms. O’Brien stated that most fall under the emergency ordinance, but those that do not are being addressed by the zoning compliance officer. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Hanley seconded the motion. With no objections the meeting adjourned at 9:29 Respectfully Submitted, Sharmaine Abaied Board Clerk THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 1/12/2022