Design Review Board Minutes 05/21/2018

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, May 21, 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 AICP Director of Planning

I.             CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Murnane called the meeting to order at 5:35PM.

II.  ROLL CALL:

1.  Appointment of Alternates.

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.

Ms. Lang asked whether the lighting was directed downward. Mr. Wittmer stated that it would be.

Chair Murnane stated that she liked option “A”.

Ms. Dragulski explained how the proposal appeared contemporary to her and did not like the modifications. She felt that the design lacked the colonial elements and details.

Motion:  Ms. Lange made a motion to grant a favorable recommendation for application 18-18 to the Zoning Commission. Mr. Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-1) with Board member Dragulski opposing the motion.

b.            Application #18-25 of Solectran, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for a change of use on the property located at 690 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G11, Block 132, Lot 053). Zones SC-1 and SC-3

Mark Scully presented the application to the Board. Mr. Scully explained how the Board saw preliminary drawings for the conversion of the existing structure and addition of gazebo with deck. The plan is for the first floor to be converted into a restaurant with office space. The second and third floors of the mansion would be converted into 5 residential apartments.

Chair Murnane inquired whether windows were added to the rear of the annex portion. Mr. Scully reviewed the plans to the area. Chair Murnane asked the applicant why the roof design for the gazebo was chosen. Mr. Scully explained that the roofline was chosen after the applicant had discussions with the State of Connecticut Historic Preservation Office.

Ms. Lang felt that the roofline for the gazebo should mirror the mansion’s rooflines.

Mr. Rabbitt stated overhangs could be added to match the mansion’s roofline. He felt the Board could table the application for the next DRB meeting in 14 days.

Ms. Lang stated that the gazebo doesn’t really bother her because the proposal speaks more to a garden feel or theme.

Ms. Dragulski explained that she liked the shape of the proposed gazebo.

Motion: Ms. Lang made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-15 with the condition that the applicant work with staff to redesign roofline of the proposed gazebo. Mr. Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

c.             Application #18-27 of Sign Techniques Inc., Agent; Twenty Two GC 2012 LLC, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a Sign Permit for Valley Super Liquors on the property located at 828 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H09, Block 227, Lot 001A-1B). Zone SC-1.

Mr. Rabbitt informed the Commission that an application has been filed for changes to the existing sign for Valley Liquors at the Andy’s Plaza which was constructed without the benefit of approval. He explained how the applicant revised the plans for a new sign to incorporate changes discussed by the Board.

Ms. Lang noted the changes to the font.

Mr. Perry asked staff whether the sign met design guidelines. Mr. Rabbitt stated it met size for zoning regulations. Mr. Rabbitt noted the lighting for the proposed sign does not meet zoning regulations. He said that lighting needs be directed downward.

Motion: Mr. Perry made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-27 with the condition that lighting for the sign be directed downward. Ms. Lang seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

d.            Application #18-28 of Darin Sonna, Hartford Sign & Design, Agent; E and A/I and G Simsbury Commons LP, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a Sign Permit for TCBY Frozen Yogurt on the property located at 530 Bushy Hill Road (Assessor’s Map B20, Block 508, Lot 001-B). Zone B-3.

Lisa Arnold owner of TCBY presented the application for the installation of a new sign for the franchise at Simsbury Commons.

Mr. Rabbitt noted that sign plans state the proposed sign is to be internally lit which is not allowed by the Zoning Regulations.

Motion: Ms. Murnane made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-28 with the condition that the sign will not be internally lit. Mr. Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously

e.            Application #18-30 of Town of Simsbury, Owner, for a Sign Permit for Town of Simsbury Meadows on the property located at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard (being shown as Assessor’s Map H09, Block 226, Lot 003A and Assessor’s Map H09, Block 226, Lot 004). Zones SC-3 and SC-4.

Missy DiNunno, executive director of Performing Arts Center, presented the plan for several permanent free standing signs to be located at the Performing Arts Center. One of the proposed sign will be an identification sign for the park and not used for event signage. The other signs would be for event related signage.

Ms. Lang stated she liked the design. She was curious whether signage details could reflect fence post details adjacent to the proposed location.

Motion: Ms. Murnane made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for application 18-30 subject to the condition that sign details are changed to reflect fencing details. Ms. Lang seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINES:

1.            Informal Discussion:

a.            42 Hoskins Road – Cambridge Crossing Development

William Ferrigno of Sunlight Construction presented 3 additional house designs for Cambridge Crossing Development. Mr. Ferrigno reported that the project is proceeding with construction and wanted to provide additional building styles for prospective buyers. Mr. Ferrigno also explained that he wanted to discuss with the Board potential for modifications such as screened porches or other features that may be specialty requests from buyers.

The consensus of the Board members present was that the new designs were consistent with the approval and Mr. Ferrigno can proceed with changes.

V.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

MOTION:  Ms. Lang made a motion to approve the April 16, 2018 Minutes as presented. Ms. Dragulski seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

VI.  ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION:  Ms. Lang made a motion to adjourn at 6:50PM. Mr. Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Glidden CZEO, CFM

Assistant Town Planner