Design Review Board Minutes 01/05/2015

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MINUTES

JANUARY 5, 2015

REGULAR MEETING

I.          CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson, Jennifer Murnane called the Design Review Board meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. 

II.        ROLL CALL

The following Board Members were present:  Jennifer Murnane, Jonathan Laschever, Ron Perry, John Carroll, Anthony Drapelick, and Paul Lanza.  Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Planning; Janis Prifti, Clerk; and other interested parties.

III.       APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Chairman Murnane appointed Commissioner Laschever to serve as an alternate for Anca Dragulski.

IV.       DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

a.         Application #14-47 of Landworks Development, LLC, Agent; Ensign-Bickford Realty Corporation, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the Highcroft development on the property located at 225 and 275 Powder Forest Drive (Assessor's Map F14, Block 103, Lot 005-5). Zone PAD. (received 11/17/2014; decision must be rendered by 1/21/2015)

Application #14-46 was read into the record.

The Applicant's representative reviewed that the Board had looked favorably on their site plan package in general and they have worked to respond to the Board's questions and comments regarding:  1) exterior light fixtures which will be similar to Mill Commons/Crossing as shown on the 11x17 Exhibit page; 2) examples of colors were shown to the Board demonstrating an arts/crafts style with Simsbury brownstone and cedar impressions in the same pallet - color mixtures were  demonstrated on page 2 of the new Exhibit; and 3) a roofing sample was shown to the Board.  The Applicant's representative indicated they would pick garage door colors complementary to the brownstone.  The Board noted a previous concern that the colors not all be in the same family and the Applicant's representative indicated customers prefer warm colors and they would use creamy white trim - the Board was shown actual color samples.  The Board agreed that the colors presented were consistent with the Design Guidelines and appreciated the change in the windows to be more vertical.  Regarding utilizing the standard lights shown in the Design Guidelines on Page 18, the Applicant's representative indicated there are limited LED options and what they have selected would be a nice, decorative option.  The Board suggested possibly adding LED options to the Guidelines.  The Board expressed appreciation for the Applicant having achieved general consistency with the Guidelines.

Board Member Drapelick made a motion that Application #14-47 of Landworks Development, LLC, Agent; Ensign-Bickford Realty Corporation, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the Highcroft development on the property located at 225 and 275 Powder Forest Drive (Assessor's Map F14, Block 103, Lot 005-5). Zone PAD, be approved with no modifications based on the Plans dated 12/29/2014 and the Exhibit dated 1/5/2015.

Board Member Perry seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

b.         Application #14-49 of Ed Lally and Associates, Inc., Agent; Asian Relish LLC, Owner; for the site plan amendment and sign permit portions of the application on the property located at 570-572 Hopmeadow Street (Map G12, Block 132, Lot 038). Zone B-1. (received 1/5/2015; decision on SPA and sign permit must be rendered by 3/11/2015)

c.         Application #14-50 of Ed Lally and Associates, Inc., Agent; Chen & Gao Realty LLC, Owner; for the site plan amendment and sign permit portions of the application on the property located at 568 Hopmeadow Street (Map G12, Block 132, Lot 037). Zone B-1. (received 1/5/2015; decision on SPA and sign permit must be rendered by 3/11/2015)

Application #14-49 was read into the record and the Applicant's representative requested that Application #14-50 be considered consecutively.

The Applicant's engineer reviewed that a new restaurant is proposed to be built at 568 Hopmeadow Street to the south of the Applicant's existing Green Tea Restaurant at 570 Hopmeadow Street, which would also be modified.  In response to the Board's previous comments, the Applicant's engineer indicated the Green Tea Restaurant overhang would be removed and replaced with an overhang similar to the overhang proposed for the new building with external terraces for both buildings; the parking lot would be reconstructed with new landscaping; and new names selected for both restaurants.  The Board was shown renderings of both building designs with similar roof shingles, brownstone apron, colors and siding extending all the way around; the existing building would have a paver patio new entrance away from Hopmeadow Street with parking in back via a serpentine road into the property; each building would have a delivery vehicle entrance also.

Regarding landscaping and lighting, the Applicant's engineer described the addition of street trees which they would maintain and plantings along the sides; the pavement would be cut about 1 1/2 feet off the property line and a curb added; water would infiltrate and go into a double catch basin with site runoff reduced; pavement that currently extends onto neighboring property to the east would be removed is planned to be discussed at the 2/2/2014 Planning meeting; they would also like to tie the bike path into the site.  They would narrow the entrance way with an island in the center; two dumpsters would be enclosed in the same stone as the building apron; the sign would be moved a little further back from state property with 32-foot signs on either side with one name and logo for each of the restaurants; the logo would be halo backlit. 

The Applicant's engineer indicated Phase I includes all rehabilitation to the current restaurant, utilities, and modifications to the parking lot with proposed contours slightly higher than existing contours; Phase II would follow in a reasonable length of time and include the new building as described in the written plan.  The Applicant anticipates beginning construction in June. 

Regarding the closeness of the two buildings and the flow of storm water, Town Staff confirmed that variances were received from ZBA and the Town Engineer will review it closely.  The Applicant's engineer indicated the drainage report analysis addresses both the storm water rate of flow and volume of water, which would not increase.

The Applicant's representative showed the Board the specific colors and materials for the buildings which would have non-white trim and vinyl clad windows; the pergola would be natural cedar.  The Board complimented the Applicant on the improved design for the site.  Due to financial issues, two applications were submitted by the Applicant. 

The Applicant's engineer described a potential colonial-style 12-foot tall light as dark-sky compliant and high quality and the Board discussed the need to approve the final lighting selection. 

Board Member Drapelick made a motion that both Application #14-49 of Ed Lally and Associates, Inc., Agent; Asian Relish LLC, Owner; for the site plan amendment and sign permit portions of the application on the property located at 570-572 Hopmeadow Street, and Application #14-50 of Ed Lally and Associates, Inc., Agent; Chen & Gao Realty LLC, Owner; for the site plan amendment and sign permit portions of the application on the property located at 568 Hopmeadow Street be approved as submitted on the Plan dated 12/19/2014, amended to allow the Applicant to change the lighting as submitted to Town Staff for approval.

Board Member Laschever seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

V.        CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Town Staff noted projects moving forward include:  1) the Webster Bank building; 2) Pool Barn application; and 3) Big Y which typically plans to have new stores open by October with additional projects in that area anticipated to come in.  Town Staff will meet with the Vincent's Sports Shop owners regarding the porch removal on the historic building.  The Board discussed the town of Plainville, MA which is being redeveloped with significant 1800's style architectural standards and the unique opportunity Vincent's building could provide to set a significant standard in Simsbury.

VI.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES from December 15, 2014

Board Member Laschever made a motion to approve the December 15, 2014 minutes, as written.

Board Member Drapelick seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

VII.     ADJOURNMENT

Board Member Laschever made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Board Member Drapelick seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

_____________________________

John Carroll, Secretary