Design Review Board Minutes 03/16/2015
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MINUTES
MARCH 16, 2015
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Secretary, John Carroll called the Design Review Board Regular 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: John Carroll, Anthony Drapelick, Ron Perry and Paul Lanza. Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Planning; Janis Prifti, Clerk; and other interested parties.
III. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
No alternates were seated.
IV. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
2. Application #15-07 of Canton Sign Shop, Agent; Donald M. Muszynski, Owner; for a sign permit for Headdress Beauty Lounge on the property located at 1348 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor's Map I05, Block 439, Lot 0041). Zone B-2. (received 03/16/2015; decision must be rendered by 05/20/2015)
Application #15-07 was read into the record.
Town Staff explained Application #15-07 proposed moving an existing sign to the center of the building which has 40 feet of frontage; the proposed 28.75 sq. ft. sign is well within the 40 feet available. Questions regarding lighting and the Design Guidelines were discussed regarding a sketch submitted with the Application showing two alternatives with downward goose-type fixtures; preference was for 5 lights shining down on the natural wood sign reducing spill, at a maximum of 75 watts for each light.
Board Member Anca Dragulski joined the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Board Member Lanza made a motion to accept the five light scheme, not to exceed 75 watts, for Application #14-47 of Canton Sign Shop, Agent; Donald M. Muszynski, Owner; for a sign permit for Headdress Beauty Lounge on the property located at 1348 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor's Map I05, Block 439, Lot 0041). Zone B-2.
Board Member Drapelick seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
1. Application #15-06 of Robin Messier Pearson, Esq., for K&K Developers, Inc., Agent; Infinity IV, LLC, Owners; for a site plan approval on property located at 34 Hopmeadow Street (Map E18, Block 117, Lot 001). Zone PAD. (received 03/16/2015; decision must be rendered by 05/20/2015)
Application #15-06 was read into the record.
The Applicant's landscape architect presented the development details for the residential first phase component of the Master Plan basically as proposed with slight modifications, including: 1) all 3-story town homes are now located in one area of the site; 2) carports and garages will border the property line as a structural buffer; and 3) dead-end parking is eliminated with access provided to the roundabout. The landscape architect noted the club house with amenities anchors the site center; flex lawn spaces with depressions act as storm water management areas; native tree-lined streets and agricultural/architectural field grass bands with meadows throughout; understated site furnishings, e.g. simple picket fences, that do not detract from the site; and black shepherd's hook simple lights. The architect confirmed two site access points with nothing on the Avon side; CL&P's roadway would also be accessible from this phase.
The Applicant's architect noted the number of townhouse buildings have been changed to two 5-unit buildings and one 3-unit building between them, but still containing the same number of units; garages are along both sides of the site; Board Members were shown the view facing Hopmeadow Street for these buildings incorporating the same design as previously shown to the Board and incorporating handicapped access at single-story north and south ends of the townhouses with townhouse heights moving from 3 stories, to primarily 2 1/2 stories toward the center, to 1 story at the ends; ridge site line view remain the same; first-floor patios have privacy fences. Various elevations were shown to the Board. Materials included: stone on the lower level; vinyl clapboard siding and gable accent shingles; vinyl corner boards and trim on the porches. Floor plans were shown to the Board with condensers on the first floor located mostly at building ends; and a gas meter shed with roof.
Town Staff clarified prior to going before the Zoning Commission, the Applicant returned to keep the Board informed with as much detail as is available at this time and to show building and perimeter changes; this Application is only for the residential first phase of the development. The Board wanted to assure there was no deviation in the previously approved elevations and the Applicant reiterated their understanding from the last meeting that they are locked into those building heights. The Applicant confirmed that all of these units would be rentals with 10% affordable units.
Regarding garage design, the Board recommended blending the doors in color to reduce their visibility, as opposed to the white color shown. The architect noted the windows would be white vinyl double hung with insulated glass and 4-inch vinyl trim; front doors in embossed steel - the Board commented that steel doors rust; fiber glass composite columns; composite vinyl railings; 2-ply architectural roof shingles; a colored concrete base to ground level in stone shapes; colored paneled garage doors to match front doors; and other specified materials.
Board Member Drapelick made a motion for Application #15-06 of Robin Messier Pearson, Esq., for K&K Developers, Inc., Agent; Infinity IV, LLC, Owners; for a site plan approval on property located at 34 Hopmeadow Street (Map E18, Block 117, Lot 001). Zone PAD, that it is approved as presented and that Town Staff will verify the elevations are the same.
Board Member Lanza seconded the motion, and it was passed with 4 in favor and 1 opposed.
V. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Staff discussed upcoming revisions to Zoning Regulations and requested Board comment on significant items including: signage, lighting, etc. The Board will be advised when the public meeting is scheduled. Town Staff explained a goal is for Zoning Regulations language to be both uniform and easy to understand.
Regarding the Big Y, Town Staff noted they are currently working on traffic approval from DOT and construction is anticipated to begin as soon as weather allows.
Regarding the recently purchased Hudson property near the Old Bridge, the Board Secretary discussed a meeting today with Town Staff to review the positives/negatives about the building. Board Members were invited to attend a meeting scheduled for Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the Library to discuss how to potentially use this property and whether it should be a river park with/without the building; it could be an ideal stop for river canoers and kayakers and it was recalled that the Charrette consultant indicated usage of the river through the center of Town has not been optimized. Town Staff noted funding has not been determined with structural issues still to be addressed. The Board Secretary reviewed remediated areas of the structure and noted historic usage of the property center by the Hartford Canoe Club with Stratton Brook 15-20-feet feet from the house.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from February 23, 2015
Board Member Drapelick made a motion to approve the February 23, 2015 minutes, as written.
Board Member Perry seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Board Member Drapelick made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Board Member Perry seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
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John Carroll, Secretary