Design Review Board Minutes 09/19/2016
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
MINUTES FROM REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chairman Ron Perry opened the Regular Meeting of the Design Review Board at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room at the Town Offices. Also present were Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning and Community Development; Michael Glidden, Assistant Town Planner; Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties.
II. ROLL CALL
Board Members and Alternates in attendance included Ron Perry, Jonathan Laschever, and Paul Lanza.
1. Appointment of Alternates
A quorum was present and no alternates were appointed.
III. APPLICATIONS
1. Discussion and Possible Action:
a. Application #16-41 of Ronald Bomengen, PE, LEED AP, Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., Agent; Simsbury Developers, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment to change the curbing type from “cast in place” concrete curb to “extruded” concrete curb on the property located at 20 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map E18, Block 117, Lot 001-1B. Zone PAD.
Chairman Perry read Application #16-41 into the record.
Mr. Bomengen, the Agent representing the developers for the Garden Homes project on Hopmeadow Street requested approval to use a different type of curb construction on the property. The Agent indicated the material would remain concrete and have the same appearance; the change would be to use an “extruded” concrete curb, rather than “cast in place” concrete. Mr. Rabbitt noted the Town standards contain recommendations for curbing type and material; the original approval for the project was for full depth concrete. The Agent verified they would have to replace the curbing on the property when it is damaged. The Board Members noted curbs would be easier to replace and are on a private road, and the Board’s concern is primarily aesthetic.
Board Member Lanza made a motion to approve Application #16-41.
Board Member Laschever seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
b. Application #16-42 of Dave Carpenter, Carpenter Electric/Baystate Energy Solutions, Agent; Simmac Enterprises, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a lighting retrofit plan on the property located at 22 Albany Turnpike (Assessor’s Map A20, Block 503, Lot 002-B) and Albany Turnpike (Assessor’s Map A20, Block 503, Lot 002C). Zone B-3.
Chairman Perry read Application #16-42 into the record.
Mr. Rabbitt explained that the Applicant’s representative in a conversation today requested Application #16-42 be tabled.
Board Member Laschever made a motion to table Application #16-42.
Board Member Lanza seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
c. Application #16-43 of Xi Yang, Agent; E and A/I and G Simsbury Commons, LP, Owner; for a Sign Permit for Khagan Mongolian Grill & Sushi on the property located at 530 Bushy Hill Road (Assessor’s Map B20, Block 508, Lot 001-B). Zone B-3.
Chairman Perry read Application #16-43 into the record.
Ms. Yang, the Agent, requested approval for the proposed sign with standard reverse halo lighting, white LED, and black letters. Mr. Glidden noted the location near Chili’s has been vacant for about 10 years. Mr. Rabbitt verified the sign was reviewed by Staff and is consistent with Design Review Guidelines.
Board Member Lanza made a motion to approve Application #16-43.
Board Member Laschever seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Mr. Rabbitt suggested the Board move IV. to the V. position on the Agenda.
Board Member Laschever made a motion to move IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS to V. on the Agenda.
Board Member Lanza seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
IV. INFORMAL PRESENTATION
1. 200 Hopmeadow Street (i.e., the former The Hartford site) – Presentation – Concept Layout
Attorney T.J. Donohue represented the Silverman Group, who will be the future applicant, and requested comments from the Board regarding this informal presentation for the 40-acre property in the HSBC zone on the northern site. Mr. Donohue reviewed they have spent a lot of time with Town Staff in order to develop a very detailed plan.
The Project Manager presented to the Board the proposed site plan outlined in form based code for the 40-acre site separated north/south by Minister Brook. He described a mix of town houses, apartments, an assisted living building, and commercial buildings in front; the main entry point is midway along the front and provides the grand development view, secondary access is to the north; the entry would be flanked by commercial buildings on each side; the environment would be walkable and urban; the road continues up to the clubhouse with pool; the loop road system is bisected north/south with rear roads for parking in back of town houses; smaller alley way roads and entry points to more isolated points to create a sense of presence; parking would be kept away from the front; pedestrians would see the building architecture and connectivity to the sidewalk. Regarding site visitor parking, he indicated there are 2.1 spaces per unit to provide ample parking without designating visitor parking; there would be street parking around the perimeter and they would work to assure sufficient parking for each area. A larger sidewalk in back connects to the path for bikers/joggers; they are working to stay away from wetlands and flood lines with some work to do for storm water in back.
Given the plan’s congested appearance, Board Member Lanza asked whether they had Fire Chief approval. The Project Manager confirmed this plan has not yet been reviewed by the Fire Chief; there are some alleys that do not connect back to the main road that will require their approval. The commercial buildings currently in the plan are based on the number of residential units. Regarding impervious cover, he noted it was 52% and 60% is the required maximum. Board Member Laschever asked why the entry way and club house appeared not centered on the green and whether there is leeway to line it up. The Project Manager believed it was centered and that there is some play and they will take a look. Attorney Donohue added that one of the design imperatives was to create that entry to frame the iconic view of the Tower and they intend this to be the final Master Plan which their zoning code allows them to submit for approval and then they would return with site plans. Mr. Rabbitt noted as they develop the Master Plan they have to consider all of the aspects associated with the zoning regulations for the Hartford Code property; some components are 100% complete and others are a work in process. Mr. Rabbitt added that this one-dimensional presentation changes substantially given the project’s significant dimensions once it is rendered. The Board Members were concerned about the preserving the view for passersby from the road and the view line over the building tops to the cliff. The Project Manager indicated they are still working on that and the site is relatively flat. Chairman Perry reiterated the Board’s concern about preserving line of site; Attorney Donohue responded that it is a significant concern to the developer as well and as they preserve quality views the quantity of views will go down for this site. Board Member Lanza asked if there would be enclosed parking; the Project Manager responded that there would be for the town houses and apartments underneath. Regarding the setbacks and building heights in relation to Hopmeadow Street, he responded it would be about 220-240 feet before reaching the first apartment building.
Regarding the architecture, the Project Manager showed various front elevations/options to the Board of the 3-5 unit town houses, which have varied features and are about 42 feet high; final exterior materials might include hardy plank and some stone on the bottom; the architect will present more detail next month. Attorney Donohue indicated there would be a total of 281 units consisting of sixty 4-unit town houses, sixty-five 5-unit town houses, four 32-unit apartment building, and one 28-unit apartment building. Board Member Laschever commented that the apartment buildings look well-proportioned, but the town house units currently look very tall. Regarding the River Walk units to the north, Mr. Rabbitt believed the scale to be similar, and the renderings will show how they sit on the lot in a streetscape, which may require more streets to be tree lined. Chairman Perry expressed concern about the building heights and their affect when viewed from the street and the need to view renderings. Board Member Laschever echoed concern about what the selective views would be.
V. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Commission Education/Workshop
Mr. Rabbitt was appreciative of feedback at last month’s workshop from the Board regarding a refinement in judgment about what is acceptable today as he talks with national tenants about potential developments and redevelopment. He asked if the Board would prefer to see more 3D renderings; the Board responded that if they are near finalizing a plan, that would be helpful. The Board discussed the importance of line of site, especially for this historically open field and whether the taller building, view blockers, could be further back and the shorter buildings more forward.
Regarding the Webster Bank building, Staff indicated it is for sale and they are working on vetting developers and/or investors.
2. Adoption of the Proposed 2017 Meeting Schedule
Chairman Perry tabled discussion of the meeting dates to the next meeting.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the July 25, 2016 Regular Meeting
Board Member Lanza made a motion to approve the July 25, 2016, Regular Meeting Minutes, as written.
Board Member Laschever seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Board Member Laschever made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:23 p.m.
Board Member Lanza seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.