Design Review Board Minutes 07/24/2017 SPECIAL MEETING
Subject to Approval
Simsbury Design Review Board
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 24, 2017 at 5:30PM
Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut
PRESENT: Jennifer Murnane, Anca Dragulski, Jonathan Laschever, Anneliese Frank, and Paul Lanza (left at 6:30pm).
ABSENT: Ronald Perry.
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ALSO PRESENT: Assistant Town Planner Michael Glidden and Director of Planning James Rabbitt
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 #17-31 of Andrew Quirk, PE, Kratzert, Jones & Assoc. Inc., Agent; Antonios LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment and Sign Permit for Dunkin’ Donuts on the property located at 1225-1245, 1261 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map I05, Block 403, Lot 019). Zone B-2
J.Rabbitt discussed changes to submission that applicant met with staff. Staff recommended approval subject to those changes presented. Scott Fanning of Dunkin’ Donuts was presented and acknowledged that he was in agreement with the changes as presented to the Board.
MOTION: Chair Murnane, Commissioner Laschever second, to forward to the Zoning Commission with a positive referral on Application #17-31 of Andrew Quirk, PE, Kratzert, Jones & Assoc. Inc., Agent; Antonios LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment and Sign Permit for Dunkin’ Donuts on the property located at 1225-1245, 1261 Hopmeadow Street noting the following condition:
1. Applicant shall incorporate all of staff recommendations as presented to the Board:
a. Remove the awnings and provide new window treatment (i.e. strong head and apron/skirt)
b. Canopy for drive thru to be changed to architectural feature as presented
c. The rear of building (western elevation) will provide for texture to blank wall with feature such as lattice work and extending cedar shingling lower on elevation than what was shown on the submitted plans
d. Gable end of building facing Hopmeadow Street will have strong columns introduced to building exterior at entry square
Motion passed unanimously.
b. Application #17-34 of Marek L. Kement, P.E., L.S., Anchor Engineering Services, Inc., Agent; Wolf Restaurant, LLC, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the construction of an addition to Abigail’s Restaurant on the property located at 4 Hartford Road (Assessor’s Map G15, Block 145, Lot 001). Zone B-1.
M. Kement and M. Montana presented the proposed addition to Abigail’s Restaurant.
The Board expressed concerns with the height and design of the proposed addition. Some were concerned that the design as presented did not match the historical features of the main building.
MOTION: Commissioner Laschever, Commissioner Lanza second, to table Application #17-34 of Marek L. Kement, P.E., L.S., Anchor Engineering Services, Inc., Agent; Wolf Restaurant, LLC, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for the construction of an addition to Abigail’s Restaurant on the property located at 4 Hartford Road
The Application is tabled for a special meeting to be held on Monday August 7, 2017 at 5:30 pm in the Main Meeting Room at the Simsbury Town Hall (933) Hopmeadow Street.
Motion passed unanimously.
c. Application #17-36 of Kerrianne Cannon, GHA Architecture/Development, Agent; E&A/I&G Simsbury Commons, LP, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a sign permit and façade changes for Chili’s on the property located at 530 Bushy Hill Road (Assessor’s Map B20, Block 508, Lot 001-B). Zone B-2.
J.Rabbitt discussed the revisions to the proposed façade and signage changes to the existing Chili’s restaurant at 530 Hopmeadow Street. M. Glidden clarified that the lighting for the proposed signage is reverse halo-lit which is permitted by the Zoning Regulations.
MOTION: Chair Murnane , Commissioner Laschever second, to forward to the Zoning Commission Application a positive referral on Application #17-36 of Kerrianne Cannon, GHA Architecture/Development, Agent; E&A/I&G Simsbury Commons, LP, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a sign permit and façade changes for Chili’s on the property located at 530 Bushy Hill Road
Motion passed unanimously.
d. Application #17-37 of Chris Milliard, Phase Zero Design, Agent; Lisa Natcharian, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment to change the existing residential use to commercial per the Simsbury Center Code, SEC. 4.2. ALLOWED USE TABLE for Storytellers Cottage on the property located at 750 Hopmeadow Street
C. Milliard of Phase Zero Design presented the application to the Board. Mr. Milliard explained how the application was an interior change of use of the area of the building located at 750 Hopmeadow Street which historically was used as a residence. The only exterior “improvements” was repairing and locating the dumpster enclosure which serves the facility. The current dumpster location is within the right of way for Railroad Street. Mr. Milliard explained how the applicant is currently working with the Town of Simsbury to legalize the placement of the dumpsters.
MOTION: Chair Murnane, Commissioner Frank second, to forward to the Zoning Commission a positive referral on Application #17-37 of Chris Milliard, Phase Zero Design, Agent; Lisa Natcharian, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment to change the existing residential use to commercial per the Simsbury Center Code, SEC. 4.2. ALLOWED USE TABLE for Storytellers Cottage on the property located at 750 Hopmeadow Street noting the following conditions:
1. Design to include gates for pedestrian and truck access to the enclosure.
Motion passed unanimously.
IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS:
1. Deepwater Wind Solar Project
a. Referral from Lisa Heavner, First Selectwoman
First Selectwoman Lisa Heavner spoke to the Board regarding the request for input from the Town of Simsbury’s Boards/Commissions regarding the Ct Siting Council Petition on behalf of Deepwater Wind Solar Project. Ms. Heavner explained how the petition is not subject to local land use approvals and therefore input from the Boards/Commissions that would otherwise review the application is requested.
J. Rabbitt explained the Application to the Board. Commissioner Laschever pointed out the proposed screening contained within the application and how it would look from the public right of way.
Motion of Commissioner Laschever seconded by Commissioner Frank that the Design Review Board makes the following recommendation regarding CT Siting Council Petition of Deepwater Wind:
The fencing screening along Hoskins Road not be monolithic height. A greater emphasis is inclusion of evergreen clusters or extended deciduous tree canopy to over time grow in and continue to shield the fence. Some kind of combination of fence and vegetative berm be used where ever possible so that they actually come in with a plan that addresses the very real concern of the sight lines of the travelers and residents in that area.
Motion passed unanimously
First Selectwoman Heavner thanked the Board for their input on the Petition and explained that this will be extremely helpful for the Board of Selectmen as the process proceeds.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 19, 2017 Regular Meeting:
MOTION: Commissioner Dragulski, Chair Murnane seconded, to approve the July 19, 2017 Minutes; unanimously approved.
VI. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Chair Murnane, Commissioner Dragulski second, to adjourn at 6:50PM; unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Glidden CZEO CFM
Assistant Town Planner