10/05/2020 Design Review Board Minutes

Simsbury Design Review Board
Town of Simsbury
Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 5:30 P.M.
The public meeting was web-based on Zoom at:
https://zoom.us/j/2574297243
Meeting ID: 257 429 7243

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

ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden, CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community
Development
Jackie Battos, Board of Selectman
Bob Crowther, Economic Development Commission
Laura Barkowski, Land Use Specialist

I. CALL TO ORDER- Chair Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates
None required.

III. APPLICATIONS
1. Application #ZC 20-09 of Mark & Ieke Scully/ Solectran LLC for a Site Plan Approval to install solar carports at the property located at 690 Hopmeadow Street (G11 132 053), Zone SCZ – Postponed by Applicant

2. Application # ZC 20-10 of 9-15 Albany Turnpike, LLC, Owner; Kevin Solli, Agent for a Site Plan Approval for the development of 9-15 Albany Turnpike including a gas stations/convenience store and electric vehicle showroom, service component with associated parking (Zone B-3)

Attorney David Markowitz introduced Kevin Solli of Solli Engineering presented an overview of the site plan. The application is a proposed gas station/convenience use entirely in Canton and the electric vehicle showroom that has a portion in Simsbury. This is a two story, up to four different car manufacturer showroom with a service area and vehicle charging stations. Chris Milliard from Phase Zero presented the architectural design. It was clarified the town line splits the building from the two story from the single story portion of the building being in Simsbury. A roof terrace was also presented on the single story space being proposed as an additional green space.

Ms. Rice asked for clarification on the depth of the building and if there are plans to develop the rest of the property. Mr. Solli indicated that there have been conversations for a possible multi- family development on the property. Mr. Glidden confirmed that there will be phase two with the intent to develop deeper into the site.

Mr. Antonio inquired about the materials being used to construct the building. Mr. Milliard presented a simple metal panel broken up into a metal block pattern. A picture was shown depicting the grey metal cladding being proposed.

Mr. Antonio inquired as to what will be the view from the Best Buy parking lot. Mr. Solli indicated that they intend to keep that portion thickly vegetated. The retaining and fill wall will be constructed with concrete and earthwork material recovered on site. The maximum height of the wall will be approximately 20 feet.

Ms. Dragulski inquired if this is original design or a prototype requested by the owner.
Mr. Milliard explained that it is both and this is an origin site.

Ms. Lang inquired as to the elevation changes being proposed. Mr. Solli indicated that the elevation will be brought down somewhat however they are intending to keep as much of the rock face aesthetic as possible.

Mr. Antonio inquired as to light spill off site. Mr. Solli detailed the lighting plan. Two poles are proposed on the Simsbury side. The lighting is dark sky compliant and able to meet both towns lighting standards.

Mr. Antonio inquired as if a customer’s entering the site in the evening would cause headlight glare. Mr. Solli explained that he does not believe it will be a problem on the Simsbury side.

Ms. Rice inquired as to the proposed traffic signal. Mr. Solli explained they provided a comprehensive traffic impact study provided with the application.

Ms. Rice further inquired as to the vehicle fueling pumps on the plan. Mr. Solli explained that those are the proposed gasoline fueling stations that would be able to be swapped out for electric charging stations in the future. Mr. Solli explained that the vision of the property is to be multi-use. Those charging the vehicles would have access to the convenience store which would include different components including a coffee user, ice cream store and sandwich shop. Also the plan details include an outdoor seating and green space.

Ms. Dragulski commented that she likes the green terrace area above the vehicle service building. She expressed her hope that the vegetation remains to cover of the retaining wall as much as possible.

Ms. Lang made a Motion for a positive referral be made to the Zoning Commission for the presented plan. Motion was seconded by Ms. Rice. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Application # ZC 20-11ofTwenty Two GC 2012 LLC, Owner; Chris Milliard, Agent for a Site Plan Amendment for an addition to the existing Andy’s Plaza and site improvements (Zone SC-1)

Ms. Terri Hahn of LADA and Chris Milliard of Phase One were in attendance to present this application. Ms. Hahn opened the presentation by providing background on what is currently located on the property. It was further explained that this is a proposal for an upgrade to both street front facades (Iron Horse Boulevard & Hopmeadow Street) and a small addition to accommodate a drive thru restaurant. This will allow for a reconfiguration of what is currently a undefined loading area. The impervious surface will be reduced with this reconfiguration and addition of a sidewalk area. Ms. Hahn further detailed elements of the site plan that are being changed including pedestrian access by the addition of sidewalks, addition of green space, reconfiguration and restriping of parking areas including handicap spaces. Limited planting is being proposed associated with this plan. The existing light poles are to be replaced with LED lighting.

Ms. Rice inquired if this plan meets the standard for lighting on Hopmeadow Street. Ms. Hahn explained that they seem to be close in appearance to the one currently on the property and that Hopmeadow Street has a wide array of lighting fixtures.

Mr. Milliard presented the architectural details of the property with a main goal of providing a drive thru for tenant use. The proposal is to break the current single tenant into multi tenant building with a restaurant with drive thru, retail and office space. A new entrance is being proposed for office spaces in the back of the building. The intent is to refresh the façade and to make it more pedestrian friendly and inviting. Renderings were showed to illustrate the new vision of the property. The existing red brick is to be painted, add new cornice around the building, replace visible peaked roof with standing seam metal roofs. The concrete block base set around the building will remain. Fabric awnings are being proposed with black and white stripes including new gooseneck type light fixture. The current liqueur store will remain but will be updated as well.

Ms. Lang inquired if the proposal includes a change to the footprint on the side opposite to the addition. Mr. Milliard confirmed that the only change is the drive thru addition that was previously a dry cleaner. The back of the building introduces a new entry way and trellis to the office space. Back metal roofing is being proposed with a potential mural on wall on the back of building. Windows are being proposed above the dumpster area and new dumpster enclosures.

Ms. Antonio inquired as to the materials being proposed. Mr. Milliard detailed page 11 of the presentation which displayed this.

Mr. Antonio polled the Board and members were in support of the overall aesthetic. Ms. Beal inquired if the drive thru will generate a significant amount of traffic and if it will interfere will the office use. Ms. Hahn explained the design indicating that the office space will have limited employee use but that was reasoning for extending the sidewalk. The stacking queue is fourteen cars which is highest level that DOT uses as to not interfere with crossing traffic.

Ms. Rice made a motion for a positive referral to the Zoning Commission. Seconded by Ms. Dragulski. Motion passed unanimously.

IV. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION
1. Chris Nelson of Nelson Construction for Re-development 32 Iron Horse Boulevard

Mr. Nelson presented a proposed new residential development Barbara Cove on Iron Horse Boulevard. The location is 32-36 Iron Horse Boulevard which is currently Simscroft-Echo Farms. The previous use was a construction yard and they are currently doing environmental remediation. Mr. Cifolelli of Allies Architecture, LLC detailed the five residential buildings being proposed on site with two different types. Building A & B are on Iron Horse Boulevard, three story slab on grade which house with a combination of studio through three bedroom units composed of brick, vinyl and PVC trim. The proposed building setback is 55-60 feet to accommodate landscaping in front. Behind buildings A and B are three proposed podium type buildings which are three stories residential over an enclosed parking garage. The architectural features were detailed in the presentation. The podium buildings will house studio through two bedroom units with the garage will have 32 parking spaces. Lighting plan was explained. The proposal included a leasing office, fitness center, café and gathering room along with smaller business rooms. An amenity building, pool house, storage and dog wash, larger gathering area with firepits and grill stations, maintenance building, trash enclosure and dog runs are also being proposed. The parking included 96 spaces in the parking garage with 1.7 spaces per unit .

Mr. Antonio asked about the multipurpose event fields clarifying it is building land. It was inquired if the event fields will be maintained or wild. Ms. Dragulski indicated concern it may be over built. Ms. Beal commented that she was interested in seeing more unique features rather than looking it looking like all the other units. Ms. Rice appreciated the green space being proposed. Ms. Lang indicated that she would be interested in seeing something with more unique and flair and that mimicked the existing town center. Mr. Antonio indicated that the sandstone look is consistent throughout the town. Mr. Antonio expressed that the meeting is out of time and apologized for the rushed nature.

It was suggested by Mr. Glidden that Board comments be emailed to staff and they will forwarded along to the developers to revisit the proposal at a later date.

IV. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Antonio made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Rice seconded; Unanimously approved

Meeting adjourned 6:59 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Barkowski
Acting Clerk