Design Review Board Minutes 04/16/2018

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - Subject to Vote of Approval

Monday, April 16, 2018 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall– Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:  Jennifer Murnane, Anca Dragulski, Anneliese Frank, Ron Perry, Elaine Lang

ABSENT:    None

ALSO PRESENT:  Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Assistant Town Planner , James Rabbitt ACIP Director of Planning

I.             CALL TO ORDER:

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

II.  ROLL CALL:

1.  Appointment of Alternates.

Chair Murnane welcomed new member Elaine Lang to the Board

III.  APPLICATIONS:

1.            Discussion and Possible Action:

a.            Application #18-18 of Matthew Wittmer, Phase Zero Design Inc., Agent; E & A/ I & G Simsbury Commons Limited Partnership, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for Stop & Shop façade improvements on the property located at 498 Bushy Hill Road (Assessor’s Map B20, Block 508, Lot 001-B). Zone B-3

Matthew Wittmer of Phase Zero Design Inc. presented the application for façade improvements on behalf of Stop & Shop. Mr. Wittmer reviewed the proposed changes with the Board along with some modifications which have been made since plans for first drafted.

Chair Murnane stated that the current proposal is scaled by from the original changes that were planned.

Ms. Frank felt that the proposed renovations were unattractive and did not match the surroundings. She felt the cape feeling was gone from the structure and new look was stark and uninviting. Mr. Wittmer stated the site has a barn theme and the cape themed structure is more like the Granby store location.

Mr. Perry stated that he is not a fan of the proposal. He asked staff whether the proposed renovations met the design guidelines. Mr. Rabbitt explained that he felt the regulations were subjective and it was the role of the Design Review Board to make that determination.

Ms. Lang felt the multi-colored grey brick branding was busy and if the façade coloring was consistent one color that it may be more appropriate.

Mr. Perry agreed with Ms. Lang and felt the pattern in the proposal was too busy.

Mr. Rabbitt explained to members that there is time for the Board to act. They do not have to act on the application tonight. The applicant is looking for feedback if the Board does not feel comfortable to act. Mr. Rabbitt noted that the conversation has provided the applicant feedback which they could use in developing plans. Chair Murnane asked whether the Board can act without the revised plans and send recommendations. Mr. Rabbitt explained the nature of the changes and suggested that it would be prudent to wait for revised plans.

Motion:  Mr. Perry made a motion to table Application 18-18 to the next meeting May 7 2018. Ms. Frank seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

b.            Application #18-19 of Kelly Holmes, Agent; Robert Holloway, Owner; for a Sign Permit for Revive Boutique Consignment on the property located at 1384 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map I05, Block 439, Lot 004D). Zone B-2.

Mr. Rabbitt explained to the board members that the application is for the replacement of existing sign. There are no changes to size, coloring, or location for the signage. The proposed signage conforms to the unified sign plan for the location.

Motion: Mr. Perry made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-19. Ms. Frank seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

c.             Application #18-20 of T. J. Donohue, Agent; Simsbury Free Library, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the addition of a patio and memorial plaques on the property located at 749 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 203, Lot 002). Zone SC-1.

Attorney Donohue presented to the Board the proposal regarding construction of a monument for Martin Luther King in front of the Simsbury Free Library. Attorney Donohue explained that the monument is similar to what was proposed across the street on the Simsbury Historical Society property.

Ms. Lang asked about the coloring of bricks along the walk way to the monument. Attorney Donohue explained that the bricks will be one color.

Ms. Lang asked whether the proposal was the same size as what was proposed for the Historical Society property. Attorney Donohue stated that the proposal is a 10 percent reduction of the overall size.

Motion: Ms. Frank made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-20. Ms. Lang seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

d.            Application #18-21 of Gail Korten, Agent; Robert Sturgis, Owner; for a Sign Permit for Second Chance Shop on the property located at 12 Station Street (Assessor’s Map H10, Block 2015, Lot 001). Zone SC-3.

Ms. Korten presented that application to the Commission for replacement of existing signage for the tenant location at 12 Station Street.

Ms. Dragulski asked for clarification on the change to the background coloring of the sign. Ms. Korten explained the color would match the blue in the logo for the business.

Motion: Ms. Frank made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-21. Mr. Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINES:

1.            Preliminary Discussion:

a.            690 Hopmeadow Street – Ensign Mansion

Mark Scully addressed the Commission concerning proposed changes to the structure at 690 Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Scully explained that he is the new owner of the building and are planning a new project for the property which differed from the previously approved plans. He presented plans for renovating the existing mansion and annex to accommodate a restaurant on the first floor, and 5 apartments above in the mansion. Mr. Scully presented plans to the group for some improvements such as patios, gazebo, and new roof.

Chair Murnane thanked Mr. Scully for the presentation and asked when the Board should anticipate a formal application. Mr. Scully stated that they are shooting to submit formally to Zoning and DRB for the May 21 meeting.

Motion: Ms. Lang made a motion to add to the agenda signage for Valley Liquors and 8 Plank Hill Road. Ms. Frank seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

                b. Signage for Valley Liquors

Mr. Rabbitt presented plans for changes to signage for Valley liquors to the Board. He explained that the current signage was installed without the benefit of approval and that the applicant is preparing to modify the signage.

Chair Murnane stated the proposed changes look better than existing signage.

Mr. Perry preferred the signage’s font to match instead of having different styles.

Mr. Rabbitt informed the Commission that this application for modification to signage should be back before the Commission for the May 7th meeting.

                c. 8 Plank Hill Road

Mr. Rabbitt informed the Board that an application for changes to the second floor of the structure at 8 Plank Hill Road has been submitted. The changes are strictly interior and no application would be forward to the Board for recommendation. The item was for informational purposes.

V.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

MOTION:  Ms. Frank made a motion to approve the April 2, 2018 Minutes as presented. Ms. Dragulski seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0-1 with Ms. Lang abstaining).

VI.  ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION:  Ms. Murnane, Mr. Perry, second, to adjourn at 6:45PM; Motion passed unanimously

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Glidden CZEO, CFM

Assistant Town Planner