06/05/2023 Design Review Board Minutes

Meeting Date: June 5, 2023

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, June 5, 2023 at 5:30 P.M.

PRESENT: Elaine Lang, Anca Dragulski, Steven Antonio, Polly Rice and Joleen Benedict

ALSO PRESENT: Planning and Community Development Director George McGregor and Commission Clerk Jackie Lachance

I.          CALL TO ORDER – Mr. Antonio called this meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

MOVED: Ms. Rice moved to move Zoning Compliance Review of Spoonful of Britain right after Appication ZC#23-02. Ms. Lang seconded the motion.

VOTE: No opposition.

Motion passed.

II.        OLD BUSINESS

            Referrals from the Office of Planning and Community Development

Application ZC# 23-02 of Gradbros Hopmeadow LLC, Owner, for a ± 21 sq. ft. wall

sign at 730 Hopmeadow St. (Assessor’s Map G10 Block 227 Lot 002), Zone SC-1.

John Grad of Right Step Mortgage presented this application. Mr. Grad indicated the sign size and shape will remain the same and presented the Board with 4 options that are being considered with the maroon and blue options as the top choices. The Board agreed that the blue with white lettering was the one they like and suggested not to make the border too wide. 

MOVED: Mr. Antonio moved to give a positive referral for this application with an additional acknowledgment that the blue color and reversed lettering is favored with a thin white border. Ms. Rice seconded the motion.

VOTE: Lang – aye; Dragulski – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.

Motion passed 5-0-0.

III.       NEW BUSINESS

            Referrals from the Office of Planning and Community Development

            Zoning Compliance Review of Tom Ryan, Owner, Spoonful of Britain, Applicant, for a

± 160 sq. ft. wall sign at 914 Hopmeadow St. (Assessor’s Map H09 Block 227 Lot 002-2L), zone SC-1.

Carly Kyd and Natalie Brown presented this application. The Board questioned the size of the font on the sign.

MOVED: Ms. Benedict moved to give a positive referral on this application. Ms. Rice seconded the motion.

VOTE: Lang – aye; Dragulski – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.

Motion passed 5-0-0.

Application ZC# 23-21 of GPF Drake Hill, LLC, Owner, Neeraj Gupta, Applicant, for a

± 25 sq. ft. wall sign and a ± 2 sq. ft. freestanding insert at 710 Hopmeadow St. (A.K.A.

712 Hopmeadow St.) (Assessor’s Map G10 Block 227 Lot 001+2) associated with a

Special Exception pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations to permit

a ± 1,187 sq. ft. liquor store in Simsbury Center Zone 1.

Neeraj Gupta presented this application and indicated the sign is in compliance with

the other signs in the plaza being black and white.

MOVED: Ms. Lang moved to give a positive referral for this application. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion.

VOTE: Lang – aye; Dragulski – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.

Motion passed 5-0-0.

ZC 23-18 30 Dorset Crossing Referral from Zoning Commission to Modify the

Dorset Crossing PAD Master Plan

David Ziaks of FAH & Associates and Attorney Tom Fahey presented this

modification. Mr. Ziaks went over the background of the already approved plan and gave

an update as to the current status and problems with occupancy. Mr. Ziaks has agreed to

make 10% of the apartments affordable housing and has indicated that it is anticipated to

have less traffic and less net footage then the previous plan. There will

be green space and benches for residents. The Board asked that ques from the

surrounding businesses are considered and added into this project such as the red

sandstone, different hues on the buildings and options with walk out patios. It was suggested to add a centerpiece statue to bring it all together.  

Application ZC# 23-24 of Prospect Enterprises, LLC, Owner, Paul Vitaliano of VHB, Applicant, for a ± 11,600 sq. ft. retail building, a ± 2,400 sq. ft. restaurant, a ± 2,325 sq. ft. restaurant, and a drive-up ATM at 1263 Hopmeadow St. formerly Wagner Ford (Assessor’s Map I05 Block 403 Lot 018), zone B-2.

            Greg Nanni of Prospect Enterprises indicated that the existing buildings will be

demolished. Paul Vitaliano of VHB discussed the layout, what business are anticipated to go in and landscaping. Mike Barago and Doug Grunert of BKA Architects discussed materials used. The Board asked that ques from the surrounding businesses are considered and added into this project such as the red sandstone, crab apple trees, etc. It was suggested to also think about a shading pergola or something similar. The Board has asked that this applicant come back with renderings with elevation, etc.

IV.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES

            May 15, 2023 regular meeting -

MOVED: Ms. Lang moved to accept the May 15, 2023 regular meeting minutes as submitted. Ms. Benedict seconded the motion.

VOTE: Lang – aye; Dragulski – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.

Motion passed 5-0-0.

V.        GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

• The Planning Commission will be hosting its second public hearing on the draft POCD on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Simsbury Public Library.
• The Board and staff discussed the lack of samples by applicants during the meetings.
• The next meeting will be a special meeting on June 21, 2023.

VI.       ADJOURMENT

            MOVED: Ms. Lang moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m. Ms. Rice seconded the

motion.

VOTE: Lang – aye; Dragulski – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.

Motion passed 5-0-0.