Simsbury, CT - Design Review Board Minutes

Design Review Board Minutes

Regular Meeting- Tuesday February 13, 2007

Simsbury Town Offices- 5:30PM- Main Meeting Room

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: Linda Kennedy, John Stewart, Charles Stephenson, William Gardner, John Carroll, Anthony Drapelick, Mark Naccarato, and Richard Schoenhardt. Also present was Zoning Compliance Officer, Mr. Howard Beach.

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

John Carroll was appointed to serve for Mark Naccarato.

Chairman Dahlquist modified the agenda in that Mr. Sawitzke’s informal review was heard first.

III. INFORMAL REVIEW WITH RICHARD SAWITZKE, TOWN ENGINEER, ON DOOR AND SIDEWALK MATERIAL AT ENO MEMORIAL HALL. (continued from meeting of January 9, 2007)

Mr. Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, was present to discuss the project with the Board.

Mr. Sawitzke explained that Eno Hall is being refurbished due to the many requests being made to use the space, and the fact that the town’s Fire Marshall requires that the building be up to code. At the last meeting concerning this project, the Board made suggestions and recommendations regarding Eno Hall’s entry door. This meeting’s discussion focused on the replacement of the front sidewalk up to the door. Mr. Sawitzke brought in a sample of the slate stone proposed to replace the old.

Some Board members agreed that the front wall should be removed, and the area replaced with plantings and possibly another seating area that would complement the seating area to the north. Other Board members stated they would like to see the wall to remain, being that it has been a permanent town fixture for many years, and is seen as a gathering space. Board members recommended that a second bench area could be installed through contributed monies to fray costs.

The Board deliberated on the use of slate pavers. Mr. Stewart suggested that real bluestone be used, noting that it is much more durable, won’t crack, and gives this important place the distinction it deserves. Mr. Naccarato said that when the slate pavers recede and need replacing it will not be a priority.

Mr. Drapelick asked how much bluestone would cost. Mr. Sawitzke responded that it would cost twice as much as the slate. Chairman Dahlquist said that one only has to look at the good quality brick pavers used for the town’s sidewalks to see that using a quality product is worth the cost. Mr. Sawitzke agreed, adding that the town has had no problems with the brick sidewalks installed.

Chairman Dahlquist summarized the Board’s sentiments: Consider not repairing the wall, but instead use benches and landscaping, and use the money saved for a bluestone sidewalk.

Mr. Sawitzke thanked the Design Board members for their recommendations.

No motion was made. The review was for informational purposes.

A. Application of J. Fine, MIJI Avon, LLC, Owner, Allan Borghesi, Borghesi Bldg. & Eng. Co., Inc., Agent, for Site Plan Approval for a Men’s Warehouse (retail store) to be constructed on property located at 6 Albany Turnpike.

Mr. James Fine, MIJI Realty, and Alan Borghesi, Chairman Borghesi Building & Engineering Company were present to discuss the application.

Mr. Borghesi stated that before commencing the redesign, he recommended to Mr. Fine that the building not be rebuilt at its’ current location. The front entrance drive and parking at the front of the site are too close to Route 44 and the parking area and the side driveways behind the building are insufficient. He said the building and parking meet none of the setback requirements and he asked for and received from the Zoning Board of Appeals a variance change in the sideline setbacks for the building, parking and front line setbacks.

Mr. Borghesi explained that the building will be 5,000 square feet, and have 33 parking spaces, 14 in front, 19 in back, and there will be a driveway on the east side. He explained that a 32 square foot sign located near the entry off the property line is proposed. There will also be a sidewalk down the side for patrons parking in the rear. Mr. Borghesi stated that the on site dumpster will be screened by plantings. He subsequently explained the site’s lighting plan.

Mr. Borghesi explained the planting plan, noting the types, amounts, and locations of the plantings. Along the building there will be some yews between the sidewalk and the planting area. At the rear of the building, the trees currently in place will stay and the dumpster pad at the back will be screened. Mr. Stewart said that the plants near the walk will not work, they will outgrow the walk. Mr. Stewart made numerous suggestions about changes to make to the planting plan.

Mr. Borghesi discussed the building style and materials used. Along the building’s façade, brick will be installed 3+ feet from the bottom, windows above that, then hardy board planking, and above that a drivet system will be implemented. The windows will be clear glass with white mullions and muttons.

Mr. Stephenson asked about rooftop mechanicals. Mr. Borghesi said the equipment will be screened.

Mr. Schoenhardt recommended that the front gable roof should extend 12 feet, double the proposed depth.

Mr. Borghesi explained that the proposed building’s colors are beige, light tan for the hardy board, and reddish brown for brick. Chairman Dahlquist expressed that the Board needs to see samples of proposed colors and materials.

Chairman Dahlquist asked where deliveries will be made. Mr. Borghesi said deliveries will be at the rear.

The lighting scheme was discussed Mr. Borghesi said there is one light in the front, two lights in the sofit, and two lights in the rear. The front sign will be internally lit, and there is also one freestanding sign. Mr. Beach stated that Zoning does not permit internally lit signs.

Mr. Borghesi said the lights are on a 20-foot pole. The Board stated that the poles need to be shorter, the wattage needs to come down, and the photometrics for the wall packs need to seen. Mr. Stewart said Mr. Borghesi should contact the police department to inquire about requirements for parking lot foot-candles.

The Board expressed that before a decision can be made on this application, more information is needed on signage, building colors and materials, landscaping changes, lighting changes, pole height, wattages, photometrics, new plans showing the elevation roof extended back 12-feet, and information showing the screened for the rooftop mechanicals.

Mr. Fine thanked the Board for their input.

The Board expressed that the new building will be an improvement to the site, and will be a nice addition to the neighborhood. Chairman Dahlquist stated it is more beneficial to the applicant to first come in for an informal review.

No motion was made. The applicant will be on the February 27, 2007 agenda.

Chairman Dahlquist received a letter from Mr. Girard of Girard Brothers regarding the Planning Commission having rescinded the approval of the special areas section of the plan of conservation. Mr. Girard expressed that he would like the land on the east side of Iron Horse building be considered part of the Simsbury Center Zone. Chairman Dahlquist said that the Planning Commission is having a meeting tonight at Eno Hall if any board members would like to attend.

Chairman Dahlquist received a newsletter Share regarding an FOI request to the DOT on the Konover Development.

Mr. Carroll met with Mr. Vincent regarding the status of alternate position definition. At some point, there will be a meeting with the Board of Selectmen about rewording the formation of the Design Review Board to eliminate the alternate position, thereby having ten regular members. Mr. Carroll said that member terms should be concurrent with those of the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Dahlquist said he has written letters to Mr. Vincent.

Mr. Carroll said that Konover Development made a presentation at Government Relations Committee meeting regarding the site plan for Target, and that the application is close to being on the Design Review Board agenda. Conservation Officer Beach discussed the new plan for the site, stating that other businesses on the site are close to being named. He noted that applications will be coming in within one to two months. He also stated said Mr. Hiram Peck has drafted changes to the plan and the draft has been sent to the town attorney. Chairman Dahlquist said that based on the SHARE information, the proposal is in excess of 1.3 million square feet of development. Mr. Beach said the amount has changed to 1 million, adding that the biggest building is 165,000 square feet. As for the parking, it will be shared. Mr. Beach said that the plan must be very detailed and if Konover needs to modify anything, they must come back. If they do not come back to discuss modifications, the permit can be pulled.

Mr. Naccarato asked if the Board would have a chance to hear the Lowe’s plan in Canton. Mr. Beach said that since the project is located in Canton, Canton is only required to inform the Town of Simsbury of the plan.

Mr. Carroll asked about West Side Storage’s signage, stating that the temporary sign has the phone number on it. Mr. Beach said he will check into this.

Mr. Beach stated that in some towns, many of the Boards and Commissions have been combined, and this has led to many problems.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF January 9, 2007

Mr. Gardner made a motion to approve the January 9, 2007

Mr. Drapelick seconded with all in favor. Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Naccarato, and Mr. Stewart abstained.

Mr. Drapelick made a motion to adjourn at 7:00pm.

Mr. Gardner seconded, with all in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,

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Kevin Gray, Secretary