Design Review Board Minutes 06/05/2017

Subject to Approval

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, June 5, 2017 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:  Jennifer Murnane, Anca Dragulski, Paul Lanza, and Jonathan Laschever.

ABSENT:  Ronald Perry.

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ALSO PRESENT:  Director of Planning and Community Development Jamie Rabbitt and Assistant Town Planner Michael Glidden.

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Jennifer 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 #17-20 of Jeremy Vearil, Applicant; Sandra Bourke and Marshall Epstein, Owners; for a Site Plan Amendment to change the location and size of the previously-approved proposed wine production building on the property located at 25 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 108, Lot 003). Zone R-40

Jeremy Vearil returned before the Board regarding this application.   He explained that the white color on the submitted drawing does not accurately reflect the color, noting that it will be the color red to match the barn.  Mr. Vearil noted the addition of a cupola to the plans and the change in the size of the windows to 24”x24”.  He noted that the color of the columns will be red.  Mr. Vearil pointed out the area of the main entrance, noting that one could either go left or right to access the public restrooms and that the doors straight ahead for the kitchen are for employees only.  It was noted that the sidelights on the main entrance would include mullions as opposed to plain plated glass.  Mr. Rabbitt reported that the applicant had indicated that while the fascia boards do not show well in the rendering, the pen and ink drawings reflect the fascia boards and other treatments more clearly.    

MOTION:  Ms. Dragulski, Mr. Laschever second, to approve Application #17-20 of Jeremy Vearil, Applicant; Sandra Bourke and Marshall Epstein, Owners;  for a Site Plan Amendment to change the location and size of the previously-approved proposed wine production building on the property located at 25 East Weatogue Street.  (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 108, Lot 003). Zone R-40, with the following recommendation:

1. The door sidelights have the horizontal mullions;

2.  All fascia and columns are painted red; and

3.  There shall be a wider 1”x6” board at the bottom of the front entrance; unanimously approved.

b.  Application #17-24 of Charlie Kaylor, Kaylor Real Estate, Owner, for a sign permit for RE/MAX Communities on the property located at 552 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G12, Block 132, Lot 032). Zone B-1.

Charlie Kaylor appeared before the Board regarding this application.  Ms. Murnane questioned whether the applicant understood the problem with the portion of the application regarding the rooftop sign.  Mr. Kaylor agreed that he had only recently learned that he would be unable to refurbish the roof sign.  He noted that although he only recently purchased this property, the rooftop sign had been there for eight years without any notice that it was in violation of the Regulations. Mr. Kaylor explained that he would like to seek approval for the existing sign out by the street at this meeting.  The Board then discussed alternatives such as a blade sign tucked under the eave, similar to those at the nearby businesses of Drake Oil and/or Ideal Weight Loss.  Mr. Rabbitt noted that this type of alternative, once submitted, could possibly be referred to staff for an administrative approval. 

It was noted that the street sign is a two-sided sign.  Mr. Rabbitt noted that the sign presently there is on one post but that the proposal includes utilizing two posts.  It was noted that the existing lights and existing landscaping will remain.  Mr. Kaylor agreed with the new posts being black as opposed to the current color of white.  Mr. Kaylor indicated that the 4”x4” posts and balls for the street sign are composed of wood and the sign itself is an Azek type product. 

The Board then briefly reviewed the portion of the Zoning Regulations relative to the applicant’s roof sign:  Article Ten, Section C.7.f (Sign Prohibitions).   Mr. Rabbitt explained that changing the contextual nature of the sign is not considered refurbishing.  He noted that the town’s Design Manual shies away from roof signs.  Mr. Rabbitt noted that given the architecture of the building, the applicant may want to consider two blade signs under the eave, with one on either side of the front center entrance door.  Mr. Kaylor was amenable to the idea of the two blade signs.  The Board discussed allowing Mr. Rabbitt to approve the design of those two signs administratively. 

MOTION:  Mr. Laschever, Mr. Lanza second, Application #17-24 of Charlie Kaylor, Kaylor Real Estate, Owner, for a sign permit for RE/MAX Communities on the property located at 552 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G12, Block 132, Lot 032). Zone B-1. Approval of the application is granted with respect to the post sign out by the road.  The portion of the application proposing a sign on the roof is denied.  Staff is given the authority to approve two hanging signs on the front of the building, to be worked out between the applicant and staff; unanimously approved.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS:

Mr. Rabbitt provided a status update on the former Hartford property at 200 Hopmeadow Street, the former Ensign mansion at 690 Hopmeadow Street, and the various memorial projects in town.

V.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 15, 2017 Regular Meeting:

MOTION:  Ms. Murnane, Mr. Laschever second, to approve the May 15, 2017 Minutes; unanimously approved.

VI.  ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION:  Ms. Murnane, Mr. Laschever second, to adjourn at 6:02PM; unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela A. Colombie

Recording Clerk