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03/07/2022 Design Review Board Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, March 7, 2022

SIMSBURY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING – SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

MONDAY, MARCH 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

 Michael Knisely, Agent

 David Ziaks, Agent

 Justin Hopkins, Agent

 Jeffery Wyszynski, Agent

 Michael Cegan, Agent 

 Kenneth LaForge, Agent

 Michael Luzietti, Agent

 Cynthia Jensen, 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

 

II.        NEW BUSINESS

  1. Referrals from the Zoning Commission
    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 introduced the application to the Commission. Mr. Knisely described the changes to the exterior design including the use of concrete fiber board along the base of the buildings to break up the design. The front fascia of the buildings would utilize Rockwood Terracotta for the lower portion of the buildings, and would alternate between Classical White and Rockwood Clay for the upper sections. Ms. Rice noted the end of the building visible upon entering the cul-de-sac lacked character and recommended the use of fake shutters to add depth to the design. Ms. Dragulski inquired about the coloration of the cement board and recommended they use pre-pigmented boards to minimize future building maintenance. Chairman Antonio asked about dumpster enclosures on the property. Mr. Ziaks stated the plan for the presentation was outdated and the plan would include one dumpster enclosure by the above-ground garage and the other in the adjacent parking lot. Mr. Ziaks continued to state that the waste removal plan for the development would happen on a daily basis outside of each unit and the dumpster enclosures would only be for larger items. Chairman Antonio inquired about the material used for the enclosures on the property. Mr. Knisely noted they would be cladded with the same lap siding as found most predominantly on the main buildings. Chairman Antonio opened the floor to public comment. No public comment was received. Chairman Antonio made a motion to approve application 21-30. Ms. Lang seconded.

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

 

  1. Application #22-05 of the Town of Simsbury, Applicant; Jeff Wyszynski, Agent; application for a Site Plan Approval and Special Exception to section 6.3 of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for the renovation in the floodplain to Latimer Lane School including an expansion to the existing building, new parking, circulation improvements, accessible sidewalks, and general landscape improvements for the property located at 33 Mountain View Road. Zone R-40.

 

Ms. Jensen described the proposed plans to the Commission including the to new additions to the main building, improvements to the landscaping, and new accessible pathways throughout the property. Ms. Jensen highlighted the improved play areas and outdoor classrooms the plans featured such as, the outdoor amphitheater, a separate play area for Kindergarten, and two areas for Grades 1-3 play. Ms. Jensen described the plantings that were encompassed in the landscape plan with most of the plantings being of a native variety. Mr. Hopkins provided the Commission with an overview of the floorplan including a comparison of the existing footprint to the proposed footprint. The new plans feature the addition of a new gymnasium and additional classrooms that enclose the outdoor classrooms. Mr. Hopkins noted the new rendering showed the improved separation between the bus drop-off and parent pick-up/drop-off areas outside of the building. Mr. Hopkins provided a material summary for the additions including brick veneer, formed metal wall panels, glazing curtain walls, polycarbonate panels, and metal-clad wood soffits. Chairman Antonio asked about the safety concerns raised at the last meeting. Mr. Hopkins stated the glazing surrounds used have been proven against a variety of intrusion tactics. Ms. Lang inquired about the egress for the two outdoor courtyards as it related to safety codes. Mr. Hopkins noted that each courtyard featured multiple egress points through the surrounding classrooms. Mr. Hopkins continued to state that the location of the courtyards was integral in the design as they were centralized within the security perimeter of the school. Chairman Antonio questioned the drainage for the courtyards. Ms. Jensen noted that each outdoor courtyard featured 4 drains. Chairman Antonio opened the floor to public for comment. No comment was received. Chairman Antonio made a motion to approve application 22-05. Ms. Beal seconded.  

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

 

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from February 07, 2022 regular meeting

 

Chairman Antonio made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Ms. Lang seconded.

 

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

 

IV.       GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS 

  1. None

 

The Commission discussed going back to in person meetings. The Commission tabled the discussion until the next meeting.

 

 V.       ADJOURNMENT

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

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

 

Chairman Antonio adjourned the meeting at 6:27pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Joseph Hollis, Acting Clerk