Design Review Board Minutes 10/02/2017

Subject to Approval

Simsbury Design Review Board

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, October 2, 2017 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:  Jennifer Murnane, Anca Dragulski, Anneliese Frank, Paul Lanza, Jonathan Laschever and Ronald Perry. 

ABSENT:  None.

ALSO PRESENT:  Director of Community Planning & Development, Jamie Rabbitt.

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Jennifer Murnane called the meeting to order at 5:31PM.

II.  ROLL CALL:

1.  Appointment of Alternates.

No business discussed.

III.  APPLICATIONS:

1.  Discussion and Possible Action:

a.  Application #17-47 of Scott Brace, PDS Engineering & Construction Co., Inc., Agent; Mitchell Auto Group, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for an addition to the existing building on the property located at 384 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map F14, Block 145, Lot 001-2) and 416 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map F14, Block 143, Lot 003). Zone B-2.

Scott Brace of PDS Engineering & Construction Co., Inc. appeared before the Board regarding this application. 

Mr. Rabbitt reminded the Board that there had been a Special Meeting on site with Board members and the applicant.  It was agreed that the rendering depicting the ACM panels does not allow one to adequately envision how it will actually appear.  Mr. Brace reviewed the changes to the building, the landscaping aisle, lane changes, lawn area and utility plan.  It was noted that there would be only one added light above the door.

Discussion ensued regarding possibly relocating the overhead cable or phone wires to underground.  It was noted that this is indeed possible to complete.

MOTION:  Mr. Perry, Mr. Laschever second, to make a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission regarding Application #17-47 as presented; unanimously approved.

b.  Application #17-51 of Phil Gelineau, Agent; Tom Ryan, Simsbury Town Shops, LLC, Owner; for sign permit for L Designs Hair Salon on the property located at 926 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H09, Block 227, Lot 002). Zone SC-3.

Neither the agent nor the owner appeared before the Board regarding this application.

Mr. Rabbit explained that there were three or four signs for the Taekwondo as well as signage on a canopy.  He noted that the applicant had indicated that the canopies would be redone void of any insignia or signage.  It was noted that the proposal is consistent with the Town Center Code.  There will be the removal of one and placement of another not requiring unified sign plan.  It was noted that there will be no additional lighting.  The canopies will be redone in a black canvas.

MOTION:  Ms. Dragulski, Ms. Frank second, to approve the new sign and the replacement of the canvas on the canopies without any signage in the matter of Application #17-51 of Phil Gelineau, Agent; Tom Ryan, Simsbury Town Shops, LLC, Owner, property located at 926 Hopmeadow Street; unanimously approved.

c.  Application #17-52 of Lawrin Rosen, ArtFX, Agent; Mitchell Auto Group, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for changes to the unfied sign plan on the property located at 384 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map F14, Block 145, Lot 001-2). Zone B-2.

No representative from the applicant sign company was present for this meeting.  Staff comments were reviewed at which time it was noted that the owner has done a nice job with signage on site thus far but that there was a little concern with this one.  Mr. Rabbitt indicated that this proposed sign is not like the other signage in terms of reflectivity and color choice, noting that it is very different from the sign that’s there.   The proposed sign would be visible from the trail.

Mr. Rabbitt explained that from a Zoning perspective, a unified sign program needs to be submitted. 

MOTION:  Mr. Laschever, Mr. Perry second, to table Application #17-52 to the next regularly scheduled meeting; unanimously approved. 

IV.  GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINES:

1.   Informal Discussion.

a.  942 Hopmeadow Street – St. Mary’s Campus Connection.

Hugh Pearson of Moser Pilon Nelson Architects, accompanied by St. Mary’s Church Campus Connection Staff Member Bill Heiden and Building Committee Member Dave Carter, appeared before the Board to again gain feedback on preliminary drawings of a proposed addition between St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s School.  Mr. Pearson noted the modifications made since the last meeting, including carrying the brick façade up to the second-floor window sill on the side of the building facing Hopmeadow Street.  Decorative brick arches around the windows was added.

The consensus of most of the Board was that they were pleased with the modifications made to the design after their last meeting.

Further refinements with the reveal were noted as something that may want to be looked at.

V.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 18, 2017 Special Meeting:

MOTION:  Mr. Laschever, Ms. Dragulski second, to approve the September 18, 2017 Minutes; unanimously approved.

VI.  ADJOURNMENT:

MOTION:  Mr. Laschever, Mr. Lanza second, to adjourn at 6:30PM; unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela A. Colombie

Recording Clerk