Design Review Board Minutes 10/15/2018

Simsbury Design Review Board

Town of Simsbury

Regular Meeting Minutes – Subject to Vote of Approval

Monday, October 15, 2018 at 5:30PM

Simsbury Town Hall, Main Meeting Room

933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT:                             Anca Dragulski, Katherine Beal, Annaliese Frank, Elaine Lang, Steven Antonio,                                                    Ron Perry

ABSENT:                               James Pennington

ALSO PRESENT:                 Robin Newton, Code Compliance Officer

I.             CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:32PM.

II.            APPLICATIONS

1.            Discussion and Possible Action:

a.            Application #1850 of Christopher J. Smith, Esquire, Agent; Thomas R. Evans, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a package store on the property located at 132 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map F18, Block 154, Lot 006). Zone B-1.

Mr. Evans presented the application for the proposed changes to be made to the property. He briefly highlighted square footage, design vision and possible building uses (single use retail), as well as the intended usage as a liquor store.  Mr. Cutler was also present to elaborate on design and building materials.

Ms. Frank clarified with Ms. Newton that the board should only be concerned with the design, not the intended use.

Mr. Perry asked if signage was included in design. It was clarified by Ms. Newton that signage would need to be revisited.

Ms. Dragulski made suggestions on building materials, Mr. Evans noted the quality of the building materials that would be used.

Color of the building was discussed briefly amongst the entire board, the applicant and applicant’s representative.

Ms. Newton clarified that building materials are not currently listed on the application. Mr. Cutler agreed to list the building materials on updated elevation plans, to be submitted and approved by staff.

Motion: Ms. Lang made a motion to give a positive referral to the Zoning Commission for application 18-50 for architectural elevation, pending future consideration of materials, colors and sign specifics. Motion seconded by Ms. Frank. Motion passed unanimously.

The board suggested that the parties wishing to make comments and voice their concerns attend the public hearing scheduled with Zoning Commission at 7PM.

b.            Application # 18-60 of Solectran LLC, Owner, for a Sign Permit for Metro Bis on the property located at 690 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map G11, Block 132, Lot 053). Zones SC-1 and SC-3.

Mr. Scully presented the application for Sign Permit at the Ensign house.  He elaborated on the plans for the ground floor of the brownstone to become a restaurant (Metro Bis), and the second and third floor will become apartments and offices. Mr. Scully noted that the signs intended for this property will equal the square footage of the previously approved existing signs.

Mr. Perry referred to staff to clarify if the signs qualify within their signage allotment. Ms. Newton advised that the site has a unified sign plan for this property and the signs requested are the within the same square footage previously approved in that sign package. The application requested updating the existing signs.

Ms. Frank asked about the sign materials to be used. Mr. Scully clarified that the signs would be a combination of plastic and painted wood.

Ms. Dragulski asked about the location of the signs and if the applicant would like to spread the signs farther apart.  Mr. Scully does not plan to move the existing signs. Ms. Frank asked how much distance between the signs, and Ms. Newton clarified the distance being around 40 feet.

MOTION: Ms. Frank made a motion to give favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission on signage as well as color. Motion was seconded by Ms. Lang.  Motion passed unanimously.

III.           GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

1.            Follow up on Dunkin Donuts Correspondence

a.            Review of agreement between Mr. Antonio and the Board/staff from previous meeting.

Chairman Antonio recused himself, as he is the property owner. Ms. Lang became Acting Chair.

Ms. Frank stated that she received the emailed updated design (including previously agreed upon changes) for review. Staff has already signed off, bond was posted to complete work, and the follow up was only to update the Design Review Board.

Mr. Antonio returned to the meeting as Chairman.

2.            Concerns at Saint Mary’s

a.            Ms. Dragulski brought up concerns with the building at Saint Mary’s being closer to Hopmeadow Street than originally presented. Request was made to review the site plan to see if the distance of the addition to the street is compliant with the original plans.

Ms. Newton agreed to review the site plan. She mentioned that the site plan had some changes to the entrances and exits due to issues that arose with Department of Transportation. She did not feel this would have changed the addition.

IV.          APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the October 1, 2018 Regular meeting.

1.            Change noted by Chairman Antonio included line 41, which should read “Mr. Glidden informed the Commission that Mr. Kreiger was also on the agenda for the Zoning Commission, clarifying dimensions of sign.”

2.            Ms. Frank noted Line 9, “Elizabeth Beal” should be corrected to Katherine Beal.

 Chairman Antonio made a motion to approve the minutes with the changes noted. Mr. Perry seconded the motion. Motion passed Unanimously.

V.            Adjournment:

Motion: Ms. Lang made a motion to adjourn at 6:05PM. Chairman Antonio seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kimberly H. Rathbun

Planning and Zoning Commission Clerk