Design Review Board Minutes
June 24, 2008
Regular Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Dahlquist called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Richard Schoenhardt, John Stewart, Rita Bond, Anthony Drapelick, Charles Stephenson, Mark Naccarato and John Carroll. Also present were Mr. Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, and Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk.
II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Chairman Dahlquist appointed Commissioner Carroll to serve in the absence of Commissioner Gardner and Commissioner Drapelick to serve in the absence of Commissioner Gray.
III. PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of Joel D. Weisman for 7 Deer Park Road, LLC - Owner, Richard Mercer, Agent, for Site Plan Amendment for a mechanical room expansion at 7 Deer Park Road.
Richard Mercer stated that he is now the co-owner of this property. Although he was not able to attend the last meeting, he did read the minutes. He stated that they have taken the Board members suggestions, although they will not be discussing signage tonight; they will be back before this Board at a later time to discuss that issue.
Regarding the landscaping, Mr. Mercer stated that the Board members should have received a packet, which should have included a numbered map along with corresponding pictures depicting the landscaping. Regarding the new landscaping, Mr. Mercer stated that they have buffered the residential tenant very well.
Chairman Dahlquist questioned where the residential dwelling was on the map. Mr. Mercer showed the Board where the house was and also pointed to where it was on the map along with corresponding numbers 8 & 9 and pictures of the plantings for the buffer. He also questioned if they would be supplementing the landscaping that is currently there. Mr. Mercer stated that they would also be putting in additional landscaping in the front of the building and underneath the overhang.
Commissioner Schoenhardt questioned if any of the existing landscaping would be destroyed. Mr. Mercer stated that nothing would be destroyed.
Commissioner Stewart questioned what type of Rhododendron would be used. He stated that the Rhododendron would be bigger than the other plantings. He stated that there is a chance that it will get big enough to cover up the windows. He suggested that they consider using only one type of species in this area.
Regarding the lighting on the site, Mr. Mercer stated that they do have a lighting plan. No lighting will spill over into the residential areas or into the street. The lighting under the pole will be at 3.4 or less. He then distributed handouts regarding the description and specifications of some of the proposed lighting and poles. He stated that the old plan showed bollards in the front of the building. They are now proposing 15' black poles. They are also proposing five lights that will be on brackets which will be installed on the building and on the garage. There will also be lighting the entrance for security purposes. Chairman Dahlquist questioned what the source of the light would be. Mr. Mercer stated that they would be metal halide.
Commissioner Carroll questioned what the hours of operation would be for this business. Mr. Mercer stated that they would be open until 9-10 p.m. at the latest. In order to go "green", he stated that he is planning to turn off the lights in the far lot if they are not needed at night. He will also be installing a timer to turn off the lights to help save on utility costs.
Commissioner Stewart suggested that Mr. Mercer consider changing the light poles from a black to a dark green. He believes this will look better. Mr. Mercer stated that the brackets on the building will be black and they had wanted everything to match, although they will keep that consideration in mind.
Regarding the architecture and elevations, Mr. Mercer stated that there have been several changes. He showed the plans depicting the elevations to the Board. He showed the existing roof line and stated that they have already gotten approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals. They will be building that up with cinder blocks and the overhang will be on that. The roof will be asphalt and will be black. He then showed the Board samples of the stucco for the exterior and a sample of the beams and rafters.
Chairman Dahlquist questioned if the only addition would be the mechanical room. Mr. Mercer stated that they would also be adding to the entrance area also. He then questioned if there would be any mechanical equipment on the roof. Mr. Mercer stated that there would not be anything on the roof; that is why he is expanding the mechanical room.
Commissioner Naccarato questioned what type of material would be used for the window frames and what color they would be. Mr. Mercer stated that they would be metal with vinyl coating. They are currently getting bids for the windows. They would like to get energy efficient windows because of the temperature inside the studio. He stated that the windows, on the exterior of the building, would be white.
The Board members stated that they thought the applicant did a thorough job with the changes that were made and that it would be a nice addition to the Town.
Commissioner Stephenson motioned that the following referral be made to the Zoning Commission. That the Design Review Board finds this application in its current form to be generally consistent with the Guidelines for Community Design and recommends approval by the Zoning Commission with information as presented on Elevation Drawings dated 6/24/08; Site Plan dated 8/2003; Architectural Lighting Plan dated 6/19/08; and Planting Plan dated 6/24/08 with the recommendation that the owners reconsider the proposed planting scheme to have all one type of mass planting which would be evergreen in nature. Commissioner Drapelick seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
As a Design consideration, Chairman Dahlquist stated that the Design Review Board appreciates the cooperation of the owners going through the informal process and for responding in a very positive way to the comments. He feels that the project benefited with that exchange in dialogue. He stated that he found that their presentation was full and complete. The recommendation for the planting and also to reconsider changing the black poles to a dark green color is also something that the Board would like the owners to consider, although their decision is not contingent on this.
b. Application of W. F. Curtiss, Owner, A. N. D. Management, LLC, Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment for a proposed Convenience Store on property located at the Sunoco Gas Station, 125 West Street. B-2 Zone.
Ramise Khoda stated that at the last meeting, the Design Review Board members had given them many suggestions, which he took into consideration. He distributed a packet for all Board members including maps and drawings for the site. Regarding the landscaping, Mr. Khoda stated that they will be using low height and low maintenance evergreen shrubs on the site, which he feels will compliment the building nicely.
At the last meeting, there was a question regarding more detail on how the canopy fascia would be installed. Mr. Khoda stated that the structure would be steel with a brace on the cross beam to hold up the fascia. Previously, they had indicated that the canopy would be white. They are now proposing the canopy to be off-white.
Mr. Khoda stated that this building will be handicapped accessible with handicapped parking including a ramp and 6' door in the front of the building.
Mr. Khoda stated that the existing elevations were documented for the Commission on a plan that was in the packet which he handed out. He stated that the current design incorporates field stone. Many buildings in Town, including the Town Hall, have this same type of stone. Also, he believes that the field stone will compliment the building next door, which is red. He feels that all of the buildings in this area will tie in nicely together.
Regarding the comments made at the last meeting regarding the walk-in cooler, Mr. Khoda stated that they will be painting the exterior the same color as the building
Mr. Khoda discussed the canopy installation; detailed information was given in the packets. He stated that the lighting for the canopy would only illuminate that area under the canopy. They would also be putting lights on the exterior of the building. These would be diffused up and down, only illuminating the stone of the building at night.
Chairman Dahlquist stated that on the canopy detail, the downspout is dumping water directly on to grade. He questioned if they could take the canopy water retention underground to a storm drainage system. Mr. Khoda stated that he would look into this and take it into consideration. He stated that there are 2" discharge lines that discharge into the sewer.
Commissioner Drapelick stated that this site was located on West Street, which has a 1960's feels to it; there are many brick buildings there. He did not feel that the proposed brown stucco and stone would fit into this area of Town. He questioned if Mr. Khoda had considered leaving the metal panels that are currently on the building. Mr. Khoda stated that he had considered this, although the other parties involved in the decision making did not want that.
Commissioners Stephenson, Stewart and Schoenhardt all agreed that the changes made to this plan were positive, although they felt that a red brick would look better than the field stone. Chairman Dahlquist stated that the brick should not be a solid red color, but a red blended with blacks.
Commissioner Naccarato stated that the fenestration on the front of the building was a nice solution to what they were proposing at the last meeting. He asked if the applicant would consider eliminating the medallions. Commissioners Schoenhardt and Bond stated that they liked them on the front of the building, but not on the sides.
Chairman Dahlquist questioned if there would be anything up on the roof. Mr. Khoda stated that there would not be, except for the chimney that is currently there. They will be covering that because it will no longer be used.
The Board discussed the plantings in the island area. Commissioner Stewart stated that he would not recommend the proposed plantings because they tend to grow big. This would, over time, be an issue regarding the site lines coming in and out of the property. He suggested that the island be planted with perennials, which would still not require any maintenance. Also in the wintertime, the snow could be plowed in that area of the island. Commissioner Stewart also suggested that the Junipers along the property line be planted closer together in order to get more definition to them. Commissioner Bond recommended that the applicant reconsider the island area and get some professional guidance regarding getting the appropriate plants for that area.
Commissioner Stewart motioned that the following referral be made to the Zoning Commission. That the Design Review Board finds this application in its current form to be generally consistent with the Guidelines for Community Design and recommends approval by the Zoning Commission based on the information presented in the package fronted by Site Plan dated 6/20/08, drawing #S-1 and all attached drawings, including the 8 ½" x 11" sheets that are attached to the package with the following modifications: 1) Regarding the field stone veneer on the building, the Design Review Board recommends that it be replaced with a brick veneer of color, texture and size reflecting the structures surrounding the site; 2) the landscaping should be modified to eliminate the proposed plantings in the central island and
plant the island with a low perennial and also revise the perimeter planting. The Design Review Board recommends that the applicant retain a qualified Landscape Architect to advise them on the types of plantings that would be appropriate for this situation; 3) the canopy drainage should be managed in an underground way so as to eliminate the outfall onto the pavement; and 4) the canopy lighting as proposed should be modified and/or changed to a full cut off fixture eliminating the glare and reduce the wattage of the proposed fixture to a lower wattage to the minimum acceptable legal level. Commissioner Stephenson seconded the motiion, which was unanimously approved.
As a Design consideration, Chairman Dahlquist stated that the Design Review Board appreciates the willingness of the applicant to work with them to find the best solutions. All of the changes will benefit the project in many ways.
IV. CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION AND DESIGN OF TOWN GATEWAY SIGNS
Chairman Dahlquist handed out information which was given to him by LADA, which is working in conjunction with Main Street Partnership. This information was presented to the Sign Committee.
They are currently searching for locations for the Gateway signs to be at the primary entrances of Town at Route 10, north and south, and Route 185. The Board looked at several options regarding the monument signs. One had an oval sign that was 3'-4' long with black metal work over the top to give it support. The base of the sign was brownstone with a battered base. The other sign was a pier option, a vertical monument that was 3' square at the bottom and was 9'7" tall.
Chairman Dahlquist asked the Board members for comments and suggestions that he could take back to the Mr. Hensley and the Sign Committee.
The Board discussed whether or not the State DOT would allow this sort of sign on a State road.
Commissioner Bond and Stewart agreed that, regarding the vertical column sign, they feel that the base of 3' is not wide enough. Chairman Dahlquist stated that LADA would be using Photoshop and drop in each sign at each location in order for them to see how they would look, which he felt would be very helpful. Commissioner Stewart suggested that they Photoshop the sign with a 4' base rather than the 3' base. Commissioner Stephenson stated that it almost looks like another vertical sign would be needed on the other side of the road to make the look complete. Also, he feels that the lettering is too small. Commissioners Stewart and Naccarato agreed.
Regarding the framework around the sign, Commissioner Bond stated that she liked the change in the framework. Commissioner Schoenhardt felt that the frame still needed more depth.
Commissioner Carroll stated that he has always been an advocate for the Town seal on the sign. It is a matter of being repetitious throughout the Town. Although some may think that the writing is too small, he feels that it should be kept.
Chairman Dahlquist stated that they are also considering a Club sign. He stated that they want identification, not on the Gateway signs, but possibly on the Village sign.
Chairman Dahlquist stated that he will be taking all of these comments and suggestions to the Sign Committee for their review.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
There was none.
VI. STAFF REPORTS
There was none.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of June 10, 2008
Commissioner Schoenhardt made a motion to approve the June 10, 2008 minutes as written. Commissioner Stephenson seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Stephenson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m. Commissioner Drapelick seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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