09/20/2021 Design Review Board Minutes

Simsbury Design Review Board

Town of Simsbury

Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval

Monday, September 20, 2021 at 5:30 P.M.

Via Zoom

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

ABSENT:                  Anca Dragulski

ALSO PRESENT:   Jackie Battos, Board of Selectman

 Laura Barkowski, Code Compliance Officer

1. CALL TO ORDER:  Chairman Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. 

1. ROLL CALL 

1. APPLICATIONS
   1. Discussion and Possible Action:
2. Zoning Commission Applications
   1. Application #21-19 of 34 Hopmeadow Street Realty Co. LLC; owner, David Ziaks PE, Applicant; Application for Special Exception pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Zoning regulations, Special Exception is for the expansion of the existing medical marijuana production facility per plans provided, at the property located at 34 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor MapE19, Block 117, Lot 001C) Zone PAD

David Ziaks presented the application for 40,000 square foot addition to the existing medical marijuana production facility.  The addition will provide an additional grow area.  The addition is to be approximately 380 feet from Hopmeadow Street and the current tree lined buffer will remain.  Other site improvements include the restriping of the parking area and inclusion of ADA compliant spaces on the east side of the building. 

Rich Kaiser of CHK Architects of 573 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury explained the expansion plans for the production space including eight new grow rooms and associated facilities.  The new building will be 32 feet in height and the mechanical equipment will be located on the roof and screened.  Mr. Kaiser presented the proposed metal panel system which varies the color and texture for the building exterior.  The lower level will consist of a band with a wider texture and beige in color, intermediate level is smooth and dark in color giving the appearance of an overhang and upper panel is a narrow profile texture consisting of a fine grain look and green in color. Above the panel and setback 10 feet from the roofline will be a perforated metal roof screen.  Mr. Kaiser stated the goal was to design a building that does not draw attention to itself. 

Ms. Rice inquired if the height included the mechanicals and roof screen.  Mr. Kaiser clarified that to the top of the roof screen the building will be approximately 42 feet in height.  Ms. Rice further inquired if the color scheme works with existing building.  Mr. Kaiser explained that the beige panel being the height of the existing building makes it seem like continuation.  No modifications will be made to existing building. 

Chair Antonio inquired if the applicant would be willing to add evergreens as additional landscape screening.  Mr. Ziaks was favorable to the recommendation.   

Ms. Rice inquired about additional proposed lighting and Mr. Kaiser detailed the lighting plan.  With no questions or comments from the public Chair Antonio polled the Board. 

Ms. Lang made a motion for a positive referral of Application 21-19 with the recommendation that additional landscape screening be incorporated to the site plan.   Seconded by Ms. Rice.  Unanimously approved. 

1. Approval of Minutes from July 19, 2021 regular meeting

Chair Antonio made a Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on July 19, 2021 as submitted.  Motion seconded by Ms. Lang and Ms. Rice abstained. Motion passed 3-0-1

1. ADJOURNMENT

At 6:01 P.M., Ms. Lang made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. Rice and the motion passed unanimously. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Barkowski

Acting Clerk