01/18/2023 Design Review Board Minutes
DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting Date: January 18, 2023
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
SPECIAL MEETING – SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023 at 5:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Elaine Lang, Polly Rice, Joleen Benedict, Anca Dragulski, Katherine Beal and Steven Antonio
ALSO PRESENT: Planning and Community Development Director George McGregor, Code Compliance Officer Laura Barkowski and Commission Clerk Jackie Lachance
I. CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Lang called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
Mr. Antonio recused himself from the panel for the first application
II. NEW BUSINESS
Referrals from the Office of Community Planning and Development
1. Application ZC#22-42 of Steven Antonio 5 Ants LLC, Applicant, for a site plan amendment for the construction of a ±116 sq. ft. vestibule and façade improvements for the property located at 1185 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map I05 Block 412 Lot 001) Zone – B2.
Lisa Antonio presented this application indicating that the improvements are being scaled back from the last time they were in front of the Board. Mrs. Antonio and the Board discussed the glass enclosure of the vestibule, signage, façade clarifications and the clock.
MOTION: Ms. Rice moved to give a positive referral on this application as presented. Ms. Benedict seconded the motion.
VOTE: Lang - aye, Rice - aye, Benedict - aye, Beal - aye, Dragulski – aye
Mr. Antonio was seated
2. Application ZC#23-02 of Gradbros Hopmeadow LLC, Owner, for a ±15 sq.ft. wall sign at 730 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10 Block 227-002). The property is in the Center Zone, SC-1, SC-2.
The applicant was not present. The Board discussed the lack of cohesiveness with the businesses in the same plaza. The Board was concerned with the shape/corners of the sign, the lack of borders, the font used, coloring. The Board would suggest stacking the logo, adding borders and a dark background.
MOTION: Mr. Antonio moved to defer action on this application and directed staff to communicate with the applicant. Ms. Rice seconded the motion.
VOTE: Antonio – aye, Lang - aye, Rice - aye, Benedict - aye, Beal - aye, Dragulski – aye
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from January 4, 2023 regular meeting
MOTION: Ms. Benedict moved to approve the Minutes from the January 4, 2023 regular meeting. Ms. Beal seconded the motion.
VOTE: Antonio – aye, Rice - aye, Benedict - aye, Beal - aye, Dragulski – aye, Lang – abstain
IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
• The POCD meeting will be on January 30, 2023 at HJMS
• CT Bar Association Land Use Seminar on March 11, 2023
V. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Antonio moved to adjourn this meeting at 6:12 pm. Ms. Rice seconded the motion.
VOTE: Antonio - aye, Rice - aye, Benedict - aye, Beal - aye, Dragulski – aye, Lang - aye