Design Review Board Minutes 02/05/2018

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 5, 2018 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall– Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:  Jennifer Murnane, Anca Dragulski, Anneliese Frank, and Ron Perry

ABSENT: Jonathan Laschever,

ALSO PRESENT:  Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Assistant Town Planner, Jamie Rabbitt AICP, Director of Planning

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Ms. Murnane called the meeting to order at 5:30PM.

II.  ROLL CALL:

1.  Appointment of Alternates.

No business discussed.

III.  APPLICATIONS:

1.            Discussion and Possible Action:

a.            Application #18-01 of Richard Schoendhardt, Trustee, Agent; Simsbury Free Library, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for expansion of the stair cover for the Simsbury Free Library on the property located at 749 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 203, Lot 002). Zone SC-1

Richard Schoenhardt presented the plans for the expansion of a stair cover for the Simsbury Free Library. Mr. Schoenhardt presented the Board pictures of the existing stair case and highlighted plans which illustrated the extent of the expansion proposed with the renovation. The proposal called for replacement of the existing feature with similar materials.

Commissioner Perry questioned whether a downspout adjacent to the proposal need be relocated. Mr. Schoenhardt stated that it would not.

Chair Murnane inquired whether the feature could be painted the same color as the building.

Jamie Rabbitt questioned whether the renovation was an exact replacement. He was concerned that the proposal was not matching existing conditions and that staff did not receive plans timely which clearly illustrate materials and scope.

Ms. Murnane asked any member had any further questions or comments on the application.

MOTION:  Mr. Perry, seconded by Ms. Frank to send of favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission on Application #18-01 with the condition that the covered stairway would be painted the same color as the building. Motion passed unanimously.

b.            Application #18-03 of Pattie Smith Jacobus, Agent; Loren (Andy) Andreo, Jr., Andreo Family Enterprises, Owner; for a Sign Permit for the replacement of the Simsbury Free Bike & CT Adaptive Cycling sign with new signage for Ironhorse Trikes & E-Bikes on the property located at 836 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H09, Block 227, Lot 001A-B). Zones SC-1, SC-3, and SC-4.

Ken Messier on behalf of Simsbury Free bike presented that application. The plans call for a replacement of the existing free wall mounted sign for the tenant. No changes in size are proposed, the sign will be an exact replacement with the exception of the coloring. A red border has been provided.

Chair Murnane asked whether any members had comments for the applicant. Hearing no comments, the Chair asked for a motion.

MOTION: Ms. Frank, seconded by Ms. Dragulski, to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission regarding application 18-03. The motion passed unanimously.

c.             Application #18-04 of Gerard G. Toner, Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation, Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the construction of two basketball courts at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex on the property located at 100 Old Farms Road. Zone R-40

Gerard Toner, Director of Culture, Parks, & Recreation presented the proposed construction of 2 basketball courts to be located at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex. Mr. Toner discussed the history of the site’s use and extent of renovations required.

Chair Murnane asked for clarification for the proposed courts location as it relates to the golf course and existing tennis courts. Mr. Toner clarified the location for the proposed courts as it relates to the other features.

MOTION: Ms. Murnane, seconded by Mr. Perry, to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission regarding application 18-04. The motion passed unanimously.

d.            Application #18-05 of Ronald Bomengen, PE, LEED AP, Agent; Simsbury Developers, LLC, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for entry signage at Aspen Green on the property located at 20 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map E18, Block 117, Lot 001-1B). Zone PAD.

Lindsay Cannavo of Fuss& O’Neill presented the proposed signage application. Ms. Cannavo discussed the details for the proposed sign as it relates to materials, location, and landscaping.

Jamie Rabbitt instructed the Commission look to having the sign lowered 6 inches similar other free standing signs approved so that the sign would be in keeping with the surrounding character. He also questioned by the grasses were chosen, stating that they would block sides of the proposed sign and should be replaced with lower growing plantings.

Commissioner Frank agreed with the concern of the ornamental grasses. Ms. Cannavo did not object to either suggestion by staff.

MOTION: Ms. Frank, seconded by Ms. Dradulski, to send a favorable reccomendation to the Zoning Commission with the conditions:

i.              The sign be lowered 6 inches

ii.             No ornamental grasses be used instead said plantings would be substituted with low growing evergreens

Motion passed unanimously.

e.            Application #18-06 of Landworks/Highcroft Phase II LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for modifications including detached garages, relocation of Grill Area 4, conversion to a covered Grilling Pavilion, bicycle storage sheds, and detailing of handicap parking on the property located at 225 Powder Forest Drive (Parcel 5), also known as 100 Highcroft Place, 300 Highcroft Place, 400 Highcroft Place West, 500 Highcroft Place West, 600 Highcroft Place West, 700 Highcroft Place West, 800 Highcroft Place West, and 900 Highcroft Place West (Assessor’s Map F14, Block 203, Lot 005-5). Zone PAD

Ron Janeczko of Landwork LLC presented the plans for some changes to the approved site plans for the Highcroft Development. The changes involved new detached garages, storage sheds, and locating of a grilling pavilion. Mr. Janeczko explained what was originally approved and why the changes were proposed to members of the Board.

Jamie Rabbitt expressed his concern that the new garages will have large portions of the northern elevation with exposed concrete. Mr. Rabbitt informed the Board of options that he felt were appropriate for addressing the elevation. Mr. Janeczko explained that they would treat the elevations just like others within the site and simply lower the siding on the foundation so that the exposure of concrete would be limited. Mr. Janeczko pointed to other locations within the site that this measure was implemented. The members present felt the modification to siding height was appropriate.

Commissioner Perry voiced his preference in this case of lowering the height of siding as a mean to mitigation visual exposure.

MOTION: Ms. Murnane, seconded by Mr. Perry, to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission on application 18-06 with the condition that siding on the rear of the 3 garages is lowered. Motion passed unanimously.

f.             Application #18-10 of Marc Lubetkin, Red Stone Horse & Carriage, LLC, Agent; The Simsbury Historical Society, Inc., Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a service business in the Simsbury Center providing horse and carriage rides for entertainment on the property located at 800 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001). Zones SC-1, SC-3 and SC-4. 

Marc Lubetkin presented the site plan amendment for the locating of carriage services based out the rear of the Simsbury Historical Society property at 800 Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Lubetkin discussed all the organizational steps he has coordinated to establish the use. Mr. Lubetkin stated the carriage operation would be Thursday thru Saturday 4:00 pm to 9:00pm with a historic tour Saturdays 9:00am to 3:00pm. There will be a water trough and waste bucket at the site of the Historical Society.

Jamie Rabbitt requested authorization that if the applicant need a more permanent structure for waste or water, that a historically appropriate feature be added. He suggested the Board authorize staff to work with the applicant to develop such a feature.

Mr. Lubetkin described the signs which will be used along the route to indicate pick up location. Mr. Rabbitt stated in his opinion this signs were considered off-site signage and were not allowed by current regulations. Mr. Lubetkin stated he would work with Mr. Rabbitt to address the compliance concerns introduced.

Motion: Mr. Perry, seconded by Ms. Frank to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission on Application 18-10 with comments that the design of the offsite signage is appropriate however Zoning Commission must review and that staff is authorized to work with staff to develop a more permanent temporary structure for waste storage/hay/water that is appropriately design to historical character of surrounding properties.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINES:

Staff had no additional business for the Board.

V.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

MOTION:  Ms. Frank, Mr. Perry second, to approve the January 08, 2018 Minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

VI.  ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION:  Ms. Murnane, Ms. Dragulski, second, to adjourn at 6:30PM; Motion passed unanimously

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Glidden CZEO, CFM

Assistant Town Planner