Simsbury, CT - Design Review Board Minutes

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: Charles Stephenson, Kevin Gray, John Carroll, and Mark Naccarato. Also present was Zoning Compliance Officer, Mr. Howard Beach.

III. INFORMAL PRESENTATION by Anthony Giorgio, Managing Director, The Keystone Companies, LLC, on a proposed mixed use development called Dorset Crossing, on property located at 1507 and 1515 Hopmeadow Street (continued from April 24, 2007.)

Present to speak on the proposed project were Mr. Anthony Giorgio- Managing Director, The Keystone Companies, Mr. David Quisenberry-Architect, Quisenberry & Arcari Architects, Mr. David Zyacks- Engineer, President F.A. Hesketh & Associates, Mr. Henry Withers and Mr. Jeff Gebrain-Landscape Architects-CR3, Tom Fahy-Attorney, Keystone Companies, Mr. David Kreznak- Principal, Kresnak Williams Company, and Dawn Borando-Cumberland Farms.

Using the site map, Mr. David Zyacks familiarized the Board with the neighboring areas surrounding the proposed site, the property lines, the site’s slope and topography, and roadway access. He stated that as part of the land transaction, they are proposing a possible town road, which would line up with Wolcott Road.

A 100-foot vegetative buffer area is proposed between the edge of the brook and the paved area of the development to enable them to enhance the corridor along the brook.

Mr. Henry Withers, landscape architect, discussed the buffer area, the natural/green areas proposed for the site, and building frontages. Mr. Stephenson expressed that when considering the placement of buildings, roads, and open space on the site some major features on the site should be taken into consideration. Mr. Giorgio noted that one of the tobacco barns is to be saved and placed elsewhere on the site. Mr. Withers said they would look at the site’s natural features along the Route 10.

Mr. Quisenberry stated that by developing a village type atmosphere, the site will have better placement to Route 10. Chairman Dahlquist expressed that by implementing the four-strip road the project has deviated from the village type atmosphere.

Mr. Zyacks clarified that the landscaped median strip to be constructed on Route 10 will be maintained by Dorset Crossing’s property owner. He also noted that a sidewalk is proposed from Dorset Crossing out to the Route 10 intersection. A four-way traffic light at Wolcott Road is proposed as the main entrance/egress. On the south side on Route 10 a second entrance is proposed, but will not have a traffic light.

Chairman Dahlquist stated that the way the project addresses Route 10 has changed. He expressed that an open space area should be used as the organizing feature. He stated that the applicant will find that the Planning Commission and the Wetland Commission will be hesitant to approve the location of the gas station, given its proximity to the brook. Chairman Dahlquist said if the gas station were removed and the buildings moved into more of a U-shape with a center green space, it would help with circulation, would address Route10 much better, and the development would be less rigid looking.

Mr. Stephenson asked whether they looked at activity (café, walkways, etc.) along the brook. Mr. Zyacks said that he did not think the Wetlands Commission would be amenable to seeing activity close to the wetlands.

Mr. Naccarato said that the concept for the site is good, but he has concerns about the density, it is too crowded, and the fact that the buildings follow the road makes it look too rigid. Mr. Giorgio said that it is a challenge not to create the site in a grid pattern.

Chairman Dahlquist said that he does not have a problem with the density, and stated that he likes the size of the buildings. Mr. Naccarato expressed that he would like to see another row of residential and another of retail to the back. Discussed was the location of retail and living spaces in the mixed-use area, and the pedestrian friendly atmosphere of the environment.

Mr. Stephenson said the diversity and complexity of the architecture please him. He expressed concern about the number of cupolas, saying that too many of them could cheapen the look the applicant is attempting to achieve. He also expressed concern that some roof shapes are too similar. Chairman Dahlquist agreed, adding that the look of the smaller buildings work well. It was expressed that given the site is a live-work area, the idea of implementing a soccer field should not be discounted.

Mr. Carroll expressed that it still does not seem like a mixed-use development. He asked about garages for the homes. Mr. Giorgio said that the rental units will not have garages, all other homes will.

Mr. Giorgio expressed that he values the Board’s ideas, and thanked them for their input. Chairman Dahlquist said that progress has been made. The applicant will possibly return at the next scheduled meeting.