02/07/2022 Design Review Board Minutes

SIMSBURY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING – SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 at 5:30 P.M.

Via Zoom

PRESENT:                Steve Antonio, Polly Rice, Katherine Beal, Anca Dragulski, Elaine Lang

ABSENT:                    None

ALSO PRESENT:    Laura Barkowski, Code Compliance Officer

 Thomas Hazel, Assistant Town Planner

 Jeff Rowling, Agent

 T.J. Donohue, Agent

 Jimmy Constantakis, Agent

 Michael Knisely, Agent

 David Ziaks, Agent

 Justin Hopkins, Agent

 Jeffery Wyszynski, Agent

 Michael Cegan, Agent 

 Heather Goetz, Commission Liaison

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:30pm

1. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
   1. None

1. NEW BUSINESS

1. Referrals from the Zoning Commission
   1. Application# 21-27 – of SL Simsbury LLC, Applicant; T.J. Donohue, Jr., Killian & Donohue, LLC, Agent; Type 3 application pursuant to the Hartford Form Based Code related to changing the commercial zone to residential and constructing a 15-unit residential building on the property located at 250 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map F17, Block 154, Lot 009-3-2) Zone HS-FBC.

Chairman Antonio read the application to the Commission. Mr. Donohue introduced the application and the changes his team had made to address the concerns the Commission had after their last presentation. Mr. Rowling described the changes in design, scale, and color scheme of the proposal since the last meeting. Mr. Rowling stated the height was consistent with the previously approved plan and that the roof lines were changed to create more detail in the building. Mr. Rowling continued to discuss how the lower level of the building could be easily converted to commercial use through the use of glass panels and other details if the market leaned toward commercial in the future. Ms. Beal inquired about the color scheme of the building and roofing. Mr. Rowling explained the colors in the rendering did not accurately represent the colors chosen, however the colors would mirror those of the existing development. Ms. Dragulski questioned the use of space inside the main roof of the building. Mr. Rowling explained the space could be used for vaulted ceilings in some of the units, however some of it would be vacant. Ms. Dragulski stated the originally approved elevation of the structure differed greatly from the new proposal and that the volume within the roof should have been utilized in a more efficient manner. Ms. Rice inquired about the impact to slight lines to the Heublein Tower given the mass of the building. Mr. Rowling stated the adjacent building had the same height and mass as the proposed and as such the view would be obstructed similar to when that was constructed. Ms. Lang emphasized how important the view of the ridgeline is to the residents of Simsbury and that the roof should be lowered due to the space being mostly vacant. No public comment was received. Chairman Antonio asked about the materials proposed for the roofing. Mr. Rowling confirmed the project would use a combination of asphalt shingles and standing metal seam roofing. Chairman Antonio stated the square footage of the proposed was 8750 versus 8000 of the original proposal. Chairman Antonio continued to inquire about the parking layout of the project. Mr. Donohue stated the parking exceeded the requirements as shown in documents provided with the application. Mr. Rowling expressed the parking standards were 1.85 spaces per unit and the proposed plans were for over 2. Chairman Antonio made a motion to provide a positive referral to approve application 21-27. Ms. Beal seconded.

MOTION:  Two in favor, three opposed, no abstentions. (2-3-0) Motion denied.

1. Application# 21-30 – of Dorset Crossing LLC, Applicant; David S. Ziaks P.E., Agent; Sign Plan Approval for the construction of two multi-unit residential housing buildings on the property located at 115&130 Casterbridge Crossing (Assessor’s Map H04, Block 403, Lot 13A-G) Zone PAD.

Chairman Antonio read the application to the Commission. Mr. Ziaks presented the application to the Commission and explained the proposed sight plan was smaller than the original. Mr. Knisely presented the architectural plan to the Commission and stated the proposed plans included 3 floors of 2-bedroom flat units with den spaces and exterior decks. Ms. Rice asked about a patio space for the first-floor units as there was nothing in the renderings. Ms. Lang recommended the project utilize harmonious materials found in other buildings throughout Simsbury including red stone. Ms. Beal stated the project should incorporate more variety in the architecture to improve the overall aesthetic of the building. Ms. Dragulski agreed with the comments made by Ms. Beal citing there should be more variety in building layout. Chairman Antonio inquired about the Fire Marshal’s comments on the greenway on the landscaping plan. Mr. Ziaks stated the Fire Marshal

advised the building should elevate the fire protection systems to the highest level in order to leave the greenway as is. The applicant received the board comments and will represent at the next regularly scheduled meeting in March.

1. Application #22-03 of Simsbury Public Schools c/o Jason Casey, Applicant; SLR International Corporation, Agent; Special Exception and Site Plan Amendment pursuant to sections 3.4 and 6 of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for development in the floodplain related to the reconstruction of the existing grandstand and press box for the property located at 34 Farms Village Road (Assessor’s Map F11 Block 148 Lot 016). Zone R-40.

Chairman Antonio read the application to the Commission. Mr. Hazel noted the proposed plans considered the abutting properties when drafting this proposal including site visits to ensure abutter satisfaction was met. The plans include bolstering the vegetative screening on the property while replacing previously damaged plantings. Mr. Hazel described how the concrete building in the existing structure would be removed allowing for a more open façade. The grand stands would be shortened and lengthened to allow for ADA access ramps to be installed along with privacy fencing to lessen the impact on the abutting properties. Chairman Antonio inquired about the color scheme for the press box and recommended it be painted a dark blue to match the school colors. Ms. Lang asked about any proposed changes to lighting for the stands. Mr. Hazel stated there were no plans for changing the lighting at the site. Chairman Antonio asked about the screening materials proposed. Mr. Hazel noted the plans were for a dark fabric screening that could be easily replaced if it was damaged. Chairman Antonio made a motion to approve application 22-03 with the conditions that the special exception is not valid until the notice of grant is filed with the Simsbury Town Clerk and that the site development is subject to these conditions: an administrative zoning permit is required for construction, the Commission authorizes the Staff to approve minor changes to the approved plans such as landscaping, grading, etc. said changes are to be made in writing to Staff and approved prior to implementation and that the color of the press box would be dark blue. Ms. Lang seconded.

MOTION:  All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (5-0-0)

1. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION
   1. 33 Mountain View Drive - Latimer Lane School Renovations

Mr. Cegan provided an overview of the plan including updating the landscaping for the site and creating more outdoor learning spaces. Mr. Cegan stated the project would include an outdoor amphitheater and an outdoor classroom within the site layout. The renovation plan included a heavy importance on outdoor play areas for the students through both grassy and paved sections of the property. Mr. Cegan also described the efforts for separation and screening that were included around the play areas that border the roads. Ms. Rice left the meeting. Mr. Hopkins stated that the plan also features an accessible pathway out to the recreation field to improve the site mobility. Mr. Hopkins reviewed the materials utilized in the plans including brick veneer that mirrors the existing color, and a mixture Ironspot black and beige brick for the Gymnasium. Mr. Hopkin continued by stating the proposed plans also used formed metal wall panels, glazing curtain wall systems, polycarbonate panels, and metal-clad wood soffits throughout the building. Ms. Beal questioned the security concerns for the cafeteria glazing surround. Mr. Hopkins stated they would review the security protocols and incorporate school guard layers within the glazing

assembly.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from January 03, 2022 regular meeting

Chairman Antonio tabled the approval of the minutes from January 03, 2022 until the next regularly scheduled meeting.

1. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS 

1. Appointments to Design Review Board

1. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Antonio made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Beal seconded.

MOTION:  All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (4-0-0)

Chairman Antonio adjourned the meeting at 6:51pm.