Downtown Design Review Board

DOWNTOWN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD March 5, 2015 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The March 5, 2015 Downtown Design Review Board meeting was called to order in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton at 7:00 pm. On a roll call, the following were: Present: Paula Barrington Nathan Bossenga Craig Farnsworth Tracy Jones Kevin Maguire (7:35 pm) Steph McGrath (7:05 pm) Absent: None City Staff: James P. Kozik AICP, Director of Planning & Economic Development II. ELECTION OF A CHAIRPERSON Ms. Jones moved and Mr. Farnsworth seconded a motion to elect Paula Barrington as chairperson. On a voice vote, all voted aye. III. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 27, 2010 Ms. Jones moved and Mr. Bossenga seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the April 27, 2010 Downtown Design Review Board meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. V. NEW BUSINESS – 100 N. Hale Street – Rooftop Deck Property owner Mary Kay Riordan was in attendance for a review by the Downtown Design Review Board because her building permit application to construct a rooftop deck on her building was denied due to the determination that the proposal was not in full compliance with Wheaton’s Downtown Design Review Guidelines. Mr. Kozik Stated that item number 4 of the “Additional Guidelines for the Traditional Core Area” states that “Outdoor dining or display areas should occur either within the public right-of-way in front of buildings, subject to City approval, or beside or behind buildings.” The construction contemplated by the owner of the building calls for the construction of a rooftop deck to be used for outdoor dining. Ms. Riordan stated that her property has no space either beside it or behind it that could be used for outdoor dining. Because the buildings restaurant tenant is located on the second floor, she stated that utilizing the public right-of-way for outdoor dining is difficult from an operational perspective. Ms. Riordan stated that strict adherence to the guidelines, which would not permit usable outdoor dining, is unreasonable, and that she believes that the design solution being proposed is compatible with neighboring properties, will not detract from the appearance and function of the building, and will enhance the character of the Downtown. Ms. Riordan stated that the design of the proposed rooftop deck, which includes a decorative metal railing and wooden trellis, in all other respects, complies with the Downtown Design Guidelines. Ms. Jones questioned whether vines will be planted to grow on the arbor. Ms. Riordan stated that that it her intent. Mr. Farnsworth question the type of flooring that will be used. Ms. Riordan stated that it will be wood on top of the precast decking. Members of the Committee then discussed the color and style of the fencing being proposed, and whether a darker color might be more appropriate. Mr. Farnsworth stated that his preference would be a dark color fence. Mr. Frank Kohout, a Downtown business and property owner stated that he feels the proposed rooftop deck is a good idea. Hearing no further questions or comments, Ms. Jones moved and Mr. Maquire seconded a motion to approve the, approved the design of the rooftop deck in conformance with the attached plans prepared by Atanu Mazumber dated 2/12/15 entitled “Il Sogno Roof Deck, 100 North Hale Street, Sheets A-0 thru A-10 and with the attached renderings provided to the Board with the further condition that the fence being painted white and the posts for the trellis be painted or stained the same color as the trellis itself. The motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning & Economic Development