06/21/2023 Design Review Board Minutes - DRAFT

Meeting Date: June 21, 2023
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
SPECIAL MEETING – SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2023 at 5:30 P.M.

PRESENT: Elaine Lang, Steven Antonio, Polly Rice, Katherine Beal 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 5:31 p.m.

II. OLD BUSINESS

Referrals from the Office of Planning and Community Development

Application ZC# 23-24 of Prospect Enterprises, LLC, Owner, Paul Vitaliano of VHB,
Applicant, for a ± 11,600 sq. ft. 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 I05Block 403 Lot 018), zone B-2.

Paul Vitaliano of VHB went over the updates to the site plan. Mike Barago and Doug Grunert of BKA Architects went through the materials proposed with samples for the Board to view. The Board inquired about the illumination for each building as well as site lighting, different heights of the buildings with the suggestion of a height difference in the roof of the Starbucks building and the native plantings.

MOVED: Ms. Beal moved to give a positive referral for this application subject to the recommendation of the articulation on the roof of Starbucks. Ms. Rice seconded the motion.
VOTE: Lang – aye; Beal – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.
Motion passed 5-0-0.

III. NEW BUSINESS

Referrals from the Office of Planning and Community Development

Application ZC #23-26 of Raising Cane’s Restaurant, LLC, Owner, T.J. Donohue, Applicant, a site plan for the construction of a ± 3,284 sq. ft. restaurant at 530 Bushy Hill Road (Assessor’s Map B20 Block 508 Lot 001-B), zone B-3.

T.J. Donohue introduced this application. Jeff Bord of Bohler Engineering gave the background of the site and the native plantings proposed. Dan Wise of ADA Architects discussed the materials that are proposed. The Board inquired about the mechanics, plantings and traffic flow.

MOVED: Mr. Antonio moved to give a positive referral on this application. Ms. Benedict seconded the motion.
VOTE: Lang – aye; Beal – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.
Motion passed 5-0-0.

Preliminary Review Applicant Presentation: Hartford South/Ridge at Talcott Mountain South

T. J. Donahue introduced this application. Paul Vitaliano of VHB presented the history of the property and this application. Laura Crosskey went through the different types of buildings. The Board inquired about the total dwellings, affordable housing, height of apartment buildings, mechanicals. The Board suggested shutters or flower boxes and reductions in the roof heights.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

June 05, 2023 regular meeting -
MOVED: Ms. Benedict moved to accept the June 05, 2023 regular meeting minutes as submitted. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion.
VOTE: Lang – aye; Beal – abstain; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.
Motion passed 4-0-1.

V. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

- The next meeting will be on July 17, 2023.

VI. ADJOURMENT

MOVED: Ms. Lang moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m. Ms. Rice seconded the
motion.
VOTE: Lang – aye; Beal – aye; Antonio – aye; Rice – aye; Benedict – aye.
Motion passed 5-0-0.