Design Review Board Minutes 06/19/2017

Subject to Approval

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, June 19, 2017 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:  Jennifer Murnane, Anca Dragulski, and Ronald Perry. 

ABSENT:  Jonathan Laschever and Paul Lanza.

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ALSO PRESENT:  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 #17-25 of Graphic Impact Signs, Inc., Agent:  Berkshire Bank (16 Albany Turnpike LLC), Owner; for a sign permit for Berkshire Bank on the property located at 16 Albany Turnpike (Assessor’s Map A20, Block 503, Lot 001). Zone B-3

John Renzi of Graphic Impact Signs appeared before the Board regarding this application.  He explained that Berkshire Bank is bringing a new design to this high-tech location for the interior that is going to allow for interactive tellers as well as regular tellers.  Mr. Renzi presented renderings for the sign facing one of the main roads that will feature a halo illuminated design so that the face of the signs do not light up.  He noted that the corporate colors for Berkshire Bank are charcoal gray and black.  Mr. Renzi explained that the light will shine back on the building allowing a reverse halo effect and were designed around what the regulations allow.  Ms. Murnane questioned whether there was enough frontage for the amount of signage proposed.  Mr. Glidden confirmed, noting that there is frontage along Route 44 and Bushy Hill Road.   Mr. Glidden noted, however, that the illuminated lane signs are not allowed pursuant to the regulations.  Mr. Renzi agreed and indicated that those will be made to be aluminum and be charcoal with white letters.

Mr. Renzi noted that there is an ATM sign with the bank’s logo colors around it. 

MOTION: Mr. Perry, Ms. Dragulski second, to forward to the Zoning Commission Application #17-25 of Graphic Impact Signs, Inc., Agent:  Berkshire Bank (16 Albany Turnpike LLC), Owner; for a sign permit for Berkshire Bank on the property located at 16 Albany Turnpike with a positive referral noting the following condition:

1. The applicant send back to town staff, for administrative approval, the revisions to the lane signs, to match the clearance sign; unanimously approved

b.  Application #17-26 of Thomas J. Donohue, Jr., Agent; 16 Albany Turnpike, LLC, Owner; for a site plan amendment for the landscaping plan on the property located at 16 Albany Turnpike (Assessor’s Map A20, Block 503, Lot 001). Zone B-3.

Attorney Thomas J. Donohue, Jr. appeared before the Board regarding this application.  It was noted that while the use for the parcel was approved by the Zoning Commission through a site plan review, approval had not yet been secured for the landscaping plan and the signage plan.  Attorney Donohue noted that his client has agreed to the recommendations made by staff.  Mr. Glidden explained that the plans include deciduous trees along the frontage of Route 44 and the western boundary with McDonald’s along with understory. 

MOTION:  Ms. Murnane, Mr. Perry second, to forward to the Zoning Commission Application #17-26 of Thomas J. Donohue, Jr., Agent; 16 Albany Turnpike, LLC, Owner; for a site plan amendment for the landscaping plan on the property located at 16 Albany Turnpike with a positive referral, noting the following conditions:

The applicant will provide a revised landscaping plan for the issuance of a zoning permit to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director who is authorized to act on behalf of the Design Review Board, with the following changes incorporated:

1.  Four (4) to eight (8) deciduous trees plus understory along Route 44 and Bushy Hill Road frontages and the western boundary with McDonald’s;
2.  That the dumpster enclosure and screening will be achieved with appropriate landscaping means; and
3.  That the landscaping plan, incorporating the approved signage plan, be reviewed and approved by staff; unanimously approved.

Attorney Donohue reminded the Board that there had always been plans to include a stone wall on the point of this property and that his client may return with a design for this in the future. 

c.  Application #17-27 of Mark Deming, Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for a site plan amendment for the construction of a ticket booth at the Performing Arts Center on the property located at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard (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.

Mark Deming appeared before the Board regarding this application.  Mr. Deming explained that the proposed ticket booth will be a permanent structure with a frost wall foundation.  He noted that it will be a seasonal building, utilized from April through October.  Ms. Murnane questioned whether the temporary booth brought in for the symphony would go away.  Mr. Deming confirmed.  The location was noted as thirty to fifty feet north of the playground and will occupy approximately four of the current parking spaces.  He noted that it is set back sufficiently from Iron Horse Boulevard as required by the State.  Mr. Deming explained that the design of the ticket booth was done with the intent of replicating a railroad station.  Ms. Dragulski praised the design and questioned the material proposed for the siding.  Mr. Deming noted that the booth will include a shiplap siding and architectural shingles.      

MOTION:  Mr. Perry, Ms. Murnane second, to forward to the Zoning Commission Application #17-27 of Mark Deming, Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for a site plan amendment for the construction of a ticket booth at the Performing Arts Center on the property located at 22 Iron Horse Boulevard with a favorable recommendation; unanimously approved.

d.  Application #17-29 of Sheldon Crosby, Agent; Nord E. Christensen, Manger, EAY Properties LLC, Owner; for a site plan amendment for modifications to the existing Meadow Asian Restaurant on the property located at 532 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G12, Block 132, Lot 027).  Zone B-2.

Architect Sheldon Crosby of L’ARC Architects appeared before the Board regarding this application.  He was accompanied by the property owner, Nord Christensen.  Mr. Crosby explained that Meadow Asian Restaurant Owner Sam Lynd is seeking to add a small bar and revise the entry to the restaurant.  He noted that three car spaces will also be added.  Drawings of the site were shared.  The Board recalled a recent addition of a bump serving as a cooler.  Mr. Crosby reported that in working with the Planning Department, his client is looking to push the parking out further towards Hopmeadow Street allowing for plantings.  Ms. Dragulski opined that the redwood stain color of the columns and the new additions to the building will conflict with the colonial characteristics of the present building.  Mr. Crosby noted that the proposed colors will be of the same palette as what is there presently, except for the columns.  Mr. Christensen explained that the color of the columns was the suggested color provided by Planner Jamie Rabbitt.  The new roof will be charcoal gray, according to Mr. Crosby. 

The trim around the door was discussed.  It was noted that the roof sign of Blue Rhino would need to be removed with the replacement of the roof. 

Ms. Dragulski reiterated her opposition to the stain color of the columns.

MOTION:  Mr. Perry, Ms. Murnane second, to forward to the Zoning Commission Application #17-29 of Sheldon Crosby, Agent; Nord E. Christensen, Manger, EAY Properties LLC, Owner; for a site plan amendment for modifications to the existing Meadow Asian Restaurant on the property located at 532 Hopmeadow Street with a favorable recommendation subject to the following condition:

1. The relocation of the Blue Rhino sign is to be addressed with the Planning Department; Motion passed with Ms. Murnane and Mr. Perry voting aye while Ms. Dragulski was opposed.

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS:

No business discussed.

V.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 5, 2017 Regular Meeting:

MOTION:  Ms. Murnane, Ms. Dragulski second, to approve the June 5, 2017 Minutes; unanimously approved.

VI.  ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION:  Mr. Perry, Ms. Dragulski second, to adjourn at 6:15PM; unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela A. Colombie

Recording Clerk