These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 2000
1. CALL TO ORDER
Emil Dahlquist, Chairman, called the Regular Meeting of the Design Review Board to order at 5:46 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Kevin Gray, Charles Stephenson, William Gardner, Linda Kennedy, John Stewart and Matthew Koch.
2. INFORMAL DISCUSSION (continued)
a. Trinity Church, 20 Church Street, Tariffville
Chas King stated that he redesigned the parking lot which eliminates the need for retaining walls. He stated that the landscaping plan has been revised and includes 54 rhododendrons and 3 three inch sugar maples. He noted the detail provided on the proposed lighting fixture, which complies with the new lighting fixtures chosen for town.
Chairman Dahlquist questioned the number of lighting fixtures. Mr. Stewart noted that the new parking lot configuration is more condensed than in the previous design and the steeper grade has been removed so the number of fixtures could be reduced by two. He pointed out that a lot of the issues from the previous design were eliminated with the new design.
Mr. Stewart moved to recommend to the Zoning Commission, with regard to the proposed parking lot on the residential land to the south of Trinity Church, that the plan be accepted with the following modifications: (1) the quantity of lights be reduced by two and the remaining fixtures be repositioned as discussed, and (2) the south end of the parking lot be reconfigured to allow an 8 or 9 foot back-out area. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gardner and carried unanimously.
3. INFORMAL DISCUSSION
a. Simsmore Square, Hopmeadow Street - Sample Temporary Sign Frame
Chris Feriesen, Simsbury Health Club, presented a prototype for temporary signage at Simsmore Square and throughout Simsbury. She stated that the structure would be a white vinyl sandwich board with hooks and velcro for changeable signs. She reviewed the blue, green and white colors proposed for the sign. Chairman Dahlquist noted that the sign would be a permanent structure with rotating graphics. Mr. Stewart suggested that an off-white background would reduce glare.
Chairman Dahlquist stated that the Design Review Board is concerned with signs for advertising versus identifier signage. Mr. Gray noted that there is a difference between a permanent sign as an identifier and a temporary sign for advertising. Members of the board expressed admiration for the sign design. Chairman Dahlquist stated that the Zoning Enforcement Officer supports consistent signage and he noted that it reinforces sign uniformity in town.
Mr. Koch questioned who would enforce rotating use of the signs. Ms. Feriesen stated that enforcement would be up to the owner, and in the case of Simsmore Square she will be the enforcer. She noted that Rich Correia, Simsbury Town Shops, is also interested in this type of signage. Chairman Dahlquist questioned the location of the 2 signs at Simsmore Square. Ms. Feriesen assured the board that the signs will not interfere with the sight lines. Mr. Gray questioned how many retail areas would have 2 signs. Ms. Feriesen stated that the number of signs would have to be discussed with the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Mr. Gardner moved to recommend to the Zoning Commission, with regard to Simsmore Square, Hopmeadow Street, temporary sign, that the design be approved as presented with the suggestion that the background white color be reviewed to reduce glare and possibly an off-white, non-glare material be considered. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stephenson and carried unanimously.
4. PRESENTATION - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of Thomas Earl, Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, for a Special Exception and Site Plan Approval for Proposed Construction of Two Dormitories and an Athletic Center in Spring 2001
Tom Earl, Westminster School Business Manager, stated that this proposal is the next phase in the master plan and includes the construction of 2 dorms and an athletic center which will house a pool, a fitness area and a heating plant.
Michelle Carlson, Fuss & O’Neill, presented the site plan and noted the building locations. She stated that the new dorms will replace existing living space. She noted that one existing house will be relocated and another will be demolished. Ms. Carlson stated that the landscaping will be done by Jack Curtis and will remain natural, similar to the landscaping at the Squash Pavilion.
Ms. Carlson addressed the additional parking. She stated that approximately 12 parking spaces will be added across the street from the Squash Pavilion and 6 parking spaces will be added at each of the new dorms. Mr. Stewart suggested that a curb cut be reduced at the first dorm and that parking spaces at the second dorm be moved to the access road. In response to Chairman Dahlquist, Mr. Earl stated that none of these structures are visible from abutters.
Maria Dunn, Graham Gund Architects, presented photographs of the Edge House and stated that the new dorms will use the Edge House as a prototype. She stated that they will have an exterior of stucco, wood trim, a red stone base and a shingle roof. Ms. Dunn presented drawings of the proposed athletic center and stated that the materials include wood trim, stucco, red stone, shingle roof, and sky lights to allow natural light into the pool area. She noted that the roof shingles will have red terra cotta tones and will follow the existing color scheme. Ms. Dunn stated that there will be minor changes at the entrances to differentiate the dorms.
Chairman Dahlquist noted that the proposal is a continuation in development of the village setting concept and the architecture is consistent with the buildings existing at the site. Mr. Stephenson stated that the board’s suggestions regarding parking should only be considered if the change works with the function of the facility. Ms. Carlson stated that the elimination of the curb cut and the condensing of the parking should not be a problem as long as the Fire Marshal agrees.
Mr. Gardner moved to recommend to the Zoning Commission, with regard to Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, for a Special Exception and Site Plan Approval for the proposed construction of two dormitories and an athletic center in Spring 2001, that the plan be accepted as presented with the suggestion that the applicant consider removing the curb cut at dormitory one and possibly combine the two areas of parking behind dormitory two. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stephenson and carried unanimously.
Chairman Dahlquist stated that the Design Review Board commends the efforts put into the architecture and site plan development which is high quality and consistent with their work in the past. He stated that as a result there will be a strengthening of the overall campus in appearance and it will be a fine addition to the Town of Simsbury. He noted that the board understands that the material choice and color are consistent with those used to date.
5. REVIEW OF DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chairman Dahlquist stated that he will meet with Mr. Stephenson to work on the guidelines. He requested that Mr. Stewart and Mr. Ossias work on the landscaping issues. Mr. Gray noted the board’s previous discussion regarding providing landscape screening plans within their guidelines. Mr. Stephenson stated that Dean Johnson has completed some landscape graphics for the Town. Chairman Dahlquist suggested a goal of completing the Design Guidelines by the end of 2001.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
Chairman Dahlquist read the letter he received regarding the Town’s website and the posting of the board’s minutes. He suggested that eventually the Design Guidelines be posted on the website. Chairman Dahlquist noted receipt of the article regarding sprawl provided by Mr. Gardner. He stated that he will work further with staff to have additional information provided to the board prior to presentations by applicants.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of November 28, 2000
Mr. Gardner moved to approve the minutes of the November 28, 2000 meeting, as amended. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kennedy and carried unanimously, with Chairman Dahlquist and Mr. Koch abstaining.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gardner moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stephenson and carried unanimously.
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Kevin E. Gray, Secretary
Design Review Board
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