Design Review Board Minutes 04/15/2019

Simsbury Design Review Board

Town of Simsbury

Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval

Monday, April 15, 2019 at 5:30 P.M.

Simsbury Town Hall, Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:                 Steven Antonio, Anca Dragulski, Elaine Lang, Katherine Beal,        

                                    Anneliese Frank, James Pennington

ALSO PRESENT:     Mike Glidden, CFM CZEO, Director of Planning & Community

                                    Development

            I.          CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

James Pennington appointed for vacancy.

II.         ROLL CALL

            III.        APPLICATIONS

                        1.         Discussion and Possible Action:

                                    a.         Application #19-18 of Natalia Balashova, Agent; George  Markatos, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for a change of use to accommodate the proposed business Luscious Breeze LLC day  spa on the property located at 10 Jim Gallagher Way (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001A+RR). Zone SC-3.

Mr. Glidden advised the Board that the only thing the Board was reviewing is the sign package proposed. Mr. Glidden also advised the Board that the total area of the signs conforms to the zoning regulations, and that staff fully supports granting approval for site plan amendment and sign permit, with the only concern on the request being that the coloring of the sign should match the other signs in the plaza.

Natalia Balashova spoke on behalf of Application #19-18, answering questions about color and design of the signs.

Ms. Dragulski suggested that the sign shape be redesigned to match the curve of the arch above the entrance-way. The Board agreed that the shape of the sign would be more aesthetically pleasing.

Motion: At 5:38 P.M., Ms. Lang made a motion to give positive recommendation for signage with the suggestions to work with the designer on the top of the sign to match the arch of the building entry. Motion was seconded by Ms. Frank. Motion passed unanimously.

            IV.        REFERRALS

                        1.         Zoning Compliance Review Application of Simsbury Town Shops LLC, Owner for window replacement on the Eastern facade/rear of the building on the property located at 928 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H09, Block 227, Lot 002). Zones SC-3 and SC-4.

Mr. Glidden advised the Board that the application is for replacement of windows and awnings. The applicant would like to replicate the design of L Design. Signage will be removed from the awnings (L Design) and approval for any future signage will need to come back to Design Review Board and Zoning Commission.

Motion: Ms. Frank made a motion to give positive recommendation on the windows and awnings to be more in line with the ones on the other side. Motion was seconded by Ms. Lang. Motion passed unanimously.

V.         GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

1.  Requests for Informal Discussion:

a.  McLean

Attorney T.J. Donahue, Killian & Donohue, LLC, spoke on behalf of McLean. Attorney Donohue discussed plans in progress to enhance the McLean facilities at Sarah Lane in Simsbury, Attorney Donohue introduced Thomas Daly, PE, Senior Project Manager of Milone & Macbroom and Erik Dalen, partner of One Point Partners. Concepts discussed were size, scale, location and requirements for an expected application. Aerial photos, site plans, architectural elevations and plans were shown.

Board members asked questions about design of property, regarding footprint, colors and landscape design. Board members discussed concerns about visibility from golf course, other homes and streets. Attorney Donohue explained how the golf course would border the golf course, 5th hole.

b.  Antonio’s Restaurant

Chairman Antonio excused himself for the discussion, as he is the owner.

Discussion was had about plans to change the facade of Antonio’s Restaurant located at 1185 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Mr. Chris Milliard from Phase Zero presented the design changes to the Board showing illustrations of the new design. Plans included adding space to the vestibule where customers walk into the restaurant. Mr. Milliard advised the Board that design inspiration was taken from the Mark Twain House in Hartford. The Board asked questions about what materials will be used for the facade change. The Board made suggestions to Mr. Milliard regarding the design, specifically the faux Tudor “xx” design. Questions were asked about the upper space/void at the top of the A-frame, and the possibility to store off-season decorative items there. There was also discussion about plans to have outdoor seating on a patio area.

            VI.        APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: At 5:23 P.M., Ms. Lang made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from March 18, 2019 as is. Motion was seconded by Ms. Frank. Motion passed unanimously.

            VII.       ADJOURNMENT

Motion: At 5:23 P.M., Ms. Frank made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. Lang. Motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kimberly Rathbun

Clerk