Design Review Board Minutes 07/06/2020

Simsbury Design Review Board
Town of Simsbury
Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval
Monday, July 6, 2020 at 5:30 P.M.
The public meeting was web-based on Zoom at:
https://zoom.us/j/2574297243
Meeting ID: 257 429 7243

PRESENT: Steven Antonio, Anca Dragulski, Polly Rice, Katherine Beal

ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden, CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community
Development
Jackie Battos, Board of Selectman
Bob Crowther, Economic Development Commission
Laura Barkowski, Land Use Specialist

I. CALL TO ORDER- Chair Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates

III. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION
1. 894 Hopmeadow Street – Site redevelopment
Henry Withers, Cynthia Reynolds and Tristan Wallace CR3 and David Goslin from Crosskey Architects presented the application.

Mr. Withers gave a summary of the property and surrounding location. This parcel is approximately 1.23 acres and is located in SC-1 and SC-4. The proposal is for a mixed use building with approximately 40 apartment units and 5,000 square feet of retail space with 72 parking spaces and 2 motorcycle spaces. Mr. Withers identified a wetlands area at the east side of the property.

Ms. Rice requested clarification on details of the project. Mr. Withers indicated that the proposal is for a three story building with a garage underneath with the majority of parking unseen from Hopmeadow Street and Iron Horse Blvd.

Mr. Goslin explained this proposal is for a podium building, specifically a wood framed structure over a concrete floor deck and parking garage. The purpose is to utilize the site topography. The portion of the building fronting Hopmeadow Street will be a three story building and portion fronting Iron Horse Boulevard would have an additional story for parking. The third story is under the gable of the roof in an effort to match surrounding Hopmeadow Street structures.

Mr. Withers explained the design aspects to the commercial portion that would Hopmeadow Street specifically the intent to put patios in front of the commercial space. The proposal includes continuing the sidewalk from Vincent Funeral past Simsbury Townshops and to match the existing sidewalk. Also discussed were four parking spaces on Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Withers indicated that the State has approved of the proposed street parking with the caveat those spaces would not be maintained by the State with respect to snow removal. The residential portion was also discussed with the northeast corner containing the entrance to the apartments, with a fenced in area near the entrance to the apartments. The streetlights proposed would match existing downtown standard and a total of 22 bike racks are proposed on site.

Ms. Beal inquired about the grade and is requesting a visual as to how it relates to the street view.

Ms. Dragulski inquired how the commercial area would be serviced. Mr. Withers indicated the entry was for a service drive would be off Iron Horse Boulevard.

Chair Antonio clarified the purposes the Design Review Board and the two main tasks:

1. Does the site plan fit with that area of town?
2. Is it drawing upon its heritage, is it compatible and consistent with the neighbors? Complementary to existing structures in place.

Mr. Withers further explained how they attempted to create a space that meets this.

Ms. Rice inquired if any lawn area is available to the tenants and expressed concern over the lack of green space on the property and that it may overpower surrounding buildings.

Ms. Dragulski felt that the proposed building is overbuilt. This is a prime location in Simsbury center and people will pay attention to what is to be built there and loss of the meadow behind the current structure. The commercial front is too much for the surrounding area is getting very close Hopmeadow Street. Ms. Dragulski suggested that the building could be recessed to allow for more open space and to break the volume into smaller pieces.

Ms. Beal stated concern over the massing of building and the commercial portion would not be filled in but also likes the patio seating. Ms. Beal said she liked the general aesthetic of the façade but suggested more recessed pockets to make it feel less imposing.

Mr. Goslin did explain that the second floor has been pulled back to give interest to the roof line. Ms. Rice noted that impact is not as significant to her on the second floor and suggested it would have more impact on the ground level.

Mr. Glidden suggested that it may be beneficial to the Board to have a street view of the proposal, including landscaping, public improvements to see how it interacts with current structures.

Chair Antonio inquired about the material proposed and color scheme. The proposal is in preliminary stages but they anticipate using brick or masonry at the store fronts with aluminum panels and glazing. The upper would be some form of siding with asphalt shingles on the roof. Chair Antonio inquired about the 4 foot vinyl fence and requested it be detailed on the plans.

Mr. Goslin explained a challenge of the location was the two street fronts. The Iron Horse Boulevard front was used to disguise the service areas of the building and highlighted the outdoor space for the tenants.

Mr. Withers explained the grade change from the front to the back of the building was a challenge for commercial spaces. Ms. Reynolds detailed the ramps and landings for pedestrian access to the back of the building. Ms. Reynolds further explained that possibility of an ADA walkway connecting to Iron Horse Boulevard. Mr. Withers detailed the plantings currently proposed.

Chair Antonio discussed the possibility of having stone accents similar to Town Hall and Vincent’s Funeral Home. Ms. Rice clarified that it is red sandstone.

Ms. Dragulski is requesting elevation on Hopmeadow Street to illustrate the relationship between the current structures and the proposed volume

Chair Antonio indicated sign details would be needed and suggested breaking up the commercial frontage of glass.

Ms. Beal is requesting the possibility of engaging Iron Horse back as commercial space to engage a new area of town. Chair Antonio also suggested the possibility of signage on that side.

Ms. Rice requested a rendering of the north elevation and further planting plans.

Chair Antonio thanked the presenters for the preliminary review.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the June 15, 2020 regular meeting
The minutes were tabled until the next regular meeting

V. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Antonio, Seconded by Ms. Rice. Unanimously Passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Barkowski
Acting Clerk