Design Review Board Minutes 01/06/2014 ADOPTED
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD - SPECIAL MEETING – 5:30 PM
ADOPTED MINUTES - JANUARY 6, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman, Jennifer Murnane, called the special meeting for the Design Review Board to order at 5:35 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were present: Anthony Drapelick, Ronald Perry, John Carroll, Anca Dragulski, Jonathan Laschever, and Paul Lanza. Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Planning; members of the Zoning Commission, Robert Pomeroy, Chairman and Dave Ryan, liaison; and other interested parties.
II. MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS
Chairwoman Murnane took attendance. All members were present.
III. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
- Adoption of Revised Meeting Dates and Times
Commissioner Carroll moved to approve the Proposed Amended Regular Meeting Dates for Year 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Drapelick and was unanimously approved.
- Application #13-58 of Marc Lubetkin, Agent for George Markatos (Spiro Markatos), Owner, for a sign permit to replace the existing building sign on the property located at 10 Jim Gallagher Way (Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001A-RR). Zone SC-3.
Mr. Marc Lubetkin, Owner, Red Stone Pub, 10 Jim Gallagher Way, is requesting approval for a new sign at 10 Jim Gallagher Way and an update to the approval for the sign on Rt. 10 that is being renovated in order for both signs to match. Mr. Lubetkin provided the Commission with documents showing the new sign. The Commissioners were concerned how two lights will fit on top of the sign. The Commission recommends two lights be installed from the ground and include a boxwood landscape. Mr. Lubetkin added that The Courtyard sign will be removed since it is blocked by a tree. The other Courtyard sign facing Iron Horse Boulevard will remain.
Commissioner Carroll made a motion to approve the proposed free-standing sign at 10 Jim Gallagher Way to be acceptable and make a positive recommendation of the sign to the Zoning Commission. It should be noted that the sign will be a maximum of 16 sq. ft. in total size, as defined by the Town Center Code, Sec. 6.4.7, excluding the address. Also, the sign may not be erected in the established street right-of-way as determined by the Town Engineer. Further, lighting shall be installed so that it shines up from the ground. The lighting shall include a boxwood landscape appropriate to the site. The applicant will submit lighting and landscape designs to the Chairman and staff for approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Drapelick and was unanimously approved.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Discussion of ongoing Town consulting projects: Village District Study in Weatogue; Marketing Study –Town Wide; The Hartford Land Use Study status
Mr. Peck stated that information for the Village District Study in Weatogue will be provided at the next meeting. The Marketing Study is available on the Town website and includes types of businesses the town is trying to attract. As for The Hartford Land Use Study status, a copy of the draft zoning code was just received. Mr. Peck also provided handouts to the Commission pertaining to Concepts of Form-Based Codes. He pointed out the following three most important aspects of Form-Based Codes:
First, to provide transitions of use from one type of development to another (for example, remove barriers between residential and business developments.) Second, offer more housing choices, such as town houses, apartments or duplexes in a neighborhood. Third, the public streets have to contribute to the development. Mr. Peck defined the term “complete streets” as a street that satisfies needs of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
III. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
- Informal discussion regarding possible development at 690 Hopmeadow Street.
Mr. David Quisenberry, Principal of Quisenberry Arcari Architects, Farmington, addressed the concern of the owners to preserve the property and restore the mansion to its original design. Mr. Quisenberry presented a residential concept where the mansion will be converted into five condominium units. Eight single-family homes plus two duplexes will be added to the property. The former ATM/Drive-Through Teller building will be removed. Three two-car garages will be added for the residents of the mansion. Plans include restoring original landscaping; view of the historic front lawn will be preserved. Mr. Quisenberry added that the property will be attractive to empty nesters, small families and single professionals that are active and plan to use the bike trail, walk to the center of town and have access to the river. The architectural design of the additional residences will be based on the mansion.
The Commission complimented the design of the site plan and look forward to a formal presentation. The consensus of the Commission was that the designs of the residences should be changed so that they don’t look alike.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of December 10, 2013
Commissioner Drapelick made a motion to approve the minutes from Dec. 10, 2013. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Perry and was unanimously approved.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Drapelick moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 pm. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Perry and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk