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10/18/2021 Design Review Board Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, October 18, 2021

Simsbury Design Review Board

Town of Simsbury

Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval

Monday, October 18, 2021 at 5:30 P.M.

Via Zoom

 

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

 

ABSENT:                   None

ALSO PRESENT:    Jackie Battos, Board of Selectman

 Laura Barkowski, Code Compliance Officer

 Luke Florian, Agent

 Lawrin Rosen, Agent

 Lynda Laureano, Agent

                                   

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

           

  1. NEW BUSINESS 
    1. ZONING COMMISSION APPLICATIONS
    2.  Application# 21-22 - of the First Church and Ecclesiastical Society of Simsbury Inc., applicant; Lynda Laureano of ARTfx Signs, agent; application for special exception pursuant to Section 9.6 of the zoning regulations for the construction of new permanent signs for identification and public purposes at an institutional land use per plans provided. Zone R-40 located at 689 Hopmeadow Street.

 

Ms. Laureano presented the application to the Commission. The Commission inquired about the lighting techniques used for the main sign on Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Rosen provided the technical specifications on the lighting techniques and landscaping features used in their application. No public comments on the application were received. The Commission deliberated the application as presented with all commissioners approving. Chairman Antonio questioned the height of pollinator plantings referenced in the presentation for use around the base of the main sign. Ms. Beal joined the meeting and due to arriving part way through the presentation of application 21-22, she abstained from voting. Chairman Antonio made a motion for a positive referral of application 21-22 of the First Church and Ecclesiastical Society of Simsbury Inc., applicant; Lynda Laureano of ARTfx Signs, agent; application for special exception pursuant to Section 9.6 of the zoning regulations for the construction of new permanent signs and identification signs with the stipulation of low growth plantings below the main sign that will not obstruct the sign in any manner. Ms. Rice seconded.

 

MOTION: All in favor, no opposed, one abstention. (5-0-1)

 

  1. Application# 21-23 -  of the Iron Horse LLC and Co-Owner of Freedom Property LLC, Applicant; Luke Florian Agent; application for a site plan amendment pursuant to 4.2 of the Simsbury Center Code for the conversion of a motel to an apartment complex located at 969 Hopmeadow Street.

 

Mr. Florian proposed to the Commission to review the application packet and ask any questions that derive from that process due to parts of the project direction still being planned out. Ms. Rice requested a review of the plan compared to the existing structure on the property. Mr. Florian presented the landscaping, potential signage, and materials for the project. The Commission raised concerns regarding the screening plan for the application citing the heights of the proposed greenery and the ascetic of the fencing on the southern border of the property. The Commission requested Mr. Florian provide samples of the materials for the façade once available. Chairman Antonio inquired about the function of the proposed rock garden which would be used for ascetic drainage. Chairman Antonio recommended tabling application 21-23 and that Mr. Florian provides elevations for the evaluation of the property’s screening, colors and material samples for the exterior of the building and surrounding fencing, and any textures used for the plan to be presented at the next regularly scheduled meeting on November 15, 2021.

 

  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from September 20, 2021 regulation meeting

Ms. Lang made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from September 20, 2021 as submitted. Ms. Rice seconded. Ms. Dragulski abstained from voting with Ms. Beal voting in favor.

MOTION: All in favor, no opposed, one abstention. (5-0-1)

 

  1. ADJOURNMENT

At 6:31 P.M., Ms. Lang made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. Rice and the motion passed unanimously. 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Joseph Hollis

Acting Clerk