DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING – TUESDAY, July 12, 2005
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES - 5:30 P.M – MAIN MEETING ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
Emil Dahlquist, Chairman, called the Meeting of the Design and Review Board to order at 5: 30 PM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Linda Kennedy, Charles Stephenson, Kevin Gray, William Gardner, Anthony Drapelick, Mark Naccarato, and Richard Schoenhardt. Also present was Howard Beach, Town Conservation Officer for the informal presentation.
APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Mr. Stephenson was appointed to serve for Mr. Stewart.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of KWT Realty, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment to change the siding on building on property located at 225 Hopmeadow Street.
Mr. Ed Keelson, Owner of KWT Realty was present to address the board, and handed out pictures of the building. He stated they wish to replace the siding of the building with slate blue hardie plank siding and also update the signage. The asphalt shingles of the roof will remain the same, a light brown color. He acknowledged that the idea for the colors was his own idea.
The Board discussed the pros and cons of different color combinations, Monterey gray and Colonial gray, or Navajo white and Khaki brown, and also recommended that he see a building done in those colors as well as receiving input from his architect, Kenyon & Cutler. The applicant expressed that he is open to recommendations.
As to the signage, it needs an update and he will use the same color as the trim on the building. The sign will be of the same height, size, and location, and the sign will be ground lit.
Motion
Mr. Gardner motioned to approve the application with the changes in material accepted as proposed. It is understood that the applicant will choose either blue tones, Navajo white and khaki brown, or colonial gray and Monterey gray for the color. It is understood that the applicant has chosen a slate blue as the trim color. The Board highly recommends the applicant receive the architect’s input on these color choices. With regards to the signage, it is understood that the signage is basically unchanged other than maintenance repairs and a change in the colors to match the building selection with contrasting letters. Mr. Stephenson seconded with all in favor.
b. Application of Thomas C. Pedrotty, President & COO, Ensign Bickford Realty Corporation – Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for The Powder Forest on property located at Bushy Hill Road and Stratton Brook Road.
Mr. T.J. Donahue, and Mr. Chris Ferrero were present to discuss the application. The first change to the plan comprises of a change in the main entrance road as it intersects with Bushy Hill. The State Traffic Commission has mandated that it not be more than 10 feet wide. The second change consists of a revision to the location of the mailbox station in neighborhood “A”. It was explained that this change reduces the pavement area and creates a larger town green. The third change consists of a revision to the orientation of the homes numbered 63, 64, 65, and 66, which as explained reduces pavement and also saves more exiting trees.
Mr. Donahue updated the Board on the project. He explained that EB has decided to be the developer for the site. The first phase is expected to be open in January.
Chairman Dahlquist asked Mr. Ferrero to discuss the change to the mailbox station location. Mr. Ferrero explained that it was originally designed to have it’s own pull off with its’ own separate entrance. They felt that it was a redundancy with the pavement at the meetinghouse. Chairman Dahqluist said that the location makes more sense. Mr. Gray asked why the mailbox was not put on the side of the meetinghouse. Mr. Ferrero expressed that they wanted it to be its’ own separate entity and not interfere with the activities going on at the meetinghouse.
Mr. Stephenson stated that there are 15 trees not shown in the new revised proposal that were drawn in the original plan. Mr. Ferrero assured the board that the trees will be planted and that the revised plan was only to show the revision.
Mr. Gardner asked about the revised entrance. Mr. Ferrero explained the idea behind the revision.
Motion
Mr. Gray motioned to approve the application as presented on drawing dated 7/12/05 and entitled modified site plan. It is understood that the initial traffic circle will include the trees that were in the original drawing. Mr. Gardner seconded with all in favor.
Motion
Mr. Gardner made a motion to modify the agenda to include an informal presentation by Simsbury Self-Storage located at 1280 Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Gray seconded with all in favor.
INFORMAL PRESENTATION
a. Application of Simsbury Self Storage, 1280 Hopmeadow Street for a unified sign plan
Mr. Mark LaSerre, owner of Classic Sign Graphics, and the applicant were present to discuss the application. Also present was Mr. Howard Beach, Conservation Officer. Photos were handed out to the Board. Mr. Howard Beach expressed that there is no modification to the site plan except the signage change.
The sign is to be replaced by a new sign. The sign will be located on an island of 30 inches on the property. It will be hand-carved and colored dark green with gold leaf lettering. The sign itself will be 4.5 feet high by 7 feet across, and 9 feet from the ground. The sign will be lit from above.
The board discussed the placement of the sign as relates to the road, and possible visibility problems for cars exiting the site. Mr. Schoenhardt expressed that an eight-foot sign would be a more appropriate proportion, adding that it brings the sign down to eye level.
Mr. LaSerre stated that per the design review “regulations” the applicant would like to add landscaping under/around the sign, but there is not much space to do so and they border another property. Chairman Dahlquist expressed that the landscaping is more of a zoning issue.
The board and Mr. LaSerre discussed the issue of sign scale and height, and lighting possibilities and recommendations were made.
The board requested to see a more detailed drawing with the lighting included, a cut sheet showing the lighting and an end view of the sign.
The applicant asked if their website address could be put on the sign. Chairman Dahlquist answered no.
No action taken. The applicant will return on the July 26, 2005 meeting to discuss the sign plan.
CORRESPONDENCE/DISCUSSION
A letter from Dean Johnson concerning the Ironhorse Blvd Lighting. The Simsbury Center theme lighting was not put.
A letter from Mr. Sawitzke concerning the letter from Mr. Johnson explaining the reason for the change in lighting.
The board discussed the Ironhorse site and expressed that the site seems to be done piece meal, and it seems that a master plan should be drawn up for the site. Mr. Stephenson expressed that the town should be encouraged to come before the boards in order that their input may be given.
Chairman Dahlqust stated that he will speak with Mr. Sawitzke about the issue of keeping the board appraised of future town projects/issues.
c. Maria Eckert sign. Mr. Beach explained that the sign was brought back to the sign designers. It ended up the way the board wanted the sign.
STAFF REPORTS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of June 14, 2005
Ms. Kennedy motioned to approve the minutes of June 14, 2005.
Mr. Gardner seconded. All in favor with Mr. Schoenhardt abstaining.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gardner motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 PM.
Ms. Kennedy seconded with all in favor.
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