DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MOTIONS
REGULAR MEETING – TUESDAY, September 13, 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, John Carroll, and Anthony Drapelick.
APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Mr. Carroll was appointed to serve for Mr. Gardner.
Mr. Drapelick was appointed to serve for Mr. Mr. Naccarato.
Mr. Stephenson was appointed to serve for Mr. Stewart.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of Martha J. Hickey, Owner, for Sign Approval on property located at Doggie in the Window, 1522 Hopmeadow Street.
Ms. Hickey and her sister Ellen were present to discuss the application with the Board.
They explained that the Doggie in the Window business located a 1522 Hopmeadow Street is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Hopmeadow Street and Wolcott Street. They are proposing three signs, one located on the west front face, and one for both the north and south sides of the building. Also proposed is a 6’ white vinyl barricade fence along the north side, to be used as a screen for yard for the dogs, and some low plantings using perennials and annuals.
The side door on the north side will be used as an access to the dog area. The parking area currently has 14 spaces plus a handicapped space, and the main door is ramped for handicapped access.
As for the signage, the three components, the dog in the window picture, the Doggie in the Window name, and the phrase “your pet’s home away from home” will be attached to the building, The board members liked the signs and felt it was well done.
The board asked that the address of the building be identified with a number. Ms. Hickey said that they could put the number on the door.
The board asked about the sign’s lighting. Ms. Hickey said that they wish to use two bracket lights. The board asked to see a picture of the lighting to be used for the signs.
The board questioned the amount of signage with respect to the size of the building. It was determined that per the memo from Zoning Compliance Officer, Howard Beach, the signage complies with the applicable zoning requirements with regards to size, and there is nothing in the regulations limiting the number of wall mounted signs above and beyond the issue of square footage.
The board discussed the number of signs to be placed on the building, their size, and their placement. It was asked if the use of a freestanding sign was considered. Ms. Hickey explained that due to the proximity to Hopmeadow Street and the issue of visibility, they decided not to have a freestanding sign.
The board discussed whether “ your pet’s home away from home” should be placed only on the main façade. Ms. Hickey said that if that was the board’s decision they would like to have only two signs with all three components on the Hopmeadow Street side and the Wilcox Street side only
For the next meeting the board members asked the applicants to bring in a picture of the vinyl fence and where it is located on the site plan, the location and types of materials to be used for the plantings, the lighting plan, and the parking layout plan.
No motion made, applicants will return with more information.
At 6:05 Mr. Carroll recused himself for the next application.
b. Application of Richard Wagner, Owner-Wagner Nissan, Robert P. Mocarsky, Agent-Schoenhardt Architects, for a Site Plan Amendment for modification to existing signage on property located at Wagner Nissan, 1313 Hopmeadow Street.
Mr. Bob Mocarsky, Schoenhardt Architects, Mr. Richard Wagner, and representatives from Wagner Nissan were present to discuss the application.
Mr. Mocarsky explained they wish to modify the Nissan signage and the center pillon signage. No work will be done to any signage south of the pillon sign On the Nissan signage they are proposing white for “Wagner” and red for “Nissan”, with the style of letting will remain the same. They are also proposing eliminating “Peugeot” from the pillon sign. Mr. Morcarsky noted that currently the dealership is allowed 86 square feet of signage and the existing Nissan signage covers 86.59 square feet. The proposed signage would be a reduction, as the Nissan signage will cover 70.5 square feet on the Nissan building. There is no change in the lighting; the signs are lit through ambient lighting from the site.
The board asked if the street number of the building is located on the site. Mr. Mocarsky said he did not know, but added that the number could be put on.
The board asked about the lettering. Mr. Mocarsky stated that the lettering will be made of metal, and will be attached individually.
Motion
Mr. Drapelick motioned to approve the application in accordance to the site layout plan dated 8/22/05. It is understood that the photograph entitled “Proposed Nissan Sign-(Sign A)” located in the upper right corner of the plan is incorrect, as the sign will not be located on the south side as indicated. It is understood that the reference for the sign, the other three signs, and the pylon sign are as based on the lower portion of the plan.
Mr. Gray seconded with all in favor.
Chairman Dahlquist made a design note.
It is understood that there will be no changes to the lighting, the proposed signs will neither internally nor externally lit, but instead will rely on ambient light.
At 6:15 Mr. Carroll rejoined the meeting.
c. Application of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Owner, Richard E. Schoenhardt, Agent-Schoenhardt Architects, for Sign Approval on property located at Presbyterian Church, 124 Old Farms Road.
Mr. Jaime Hill, elder for the Presbyterian Church was present to discuss the application.
Mr. Hill explained that they wish to add “The Barn” to the top of the existing 13.36 square foot church sign, making the total square footage 30.25 square feet. The sign is wooden with gray shingling and the block style lettering for “The Barn” will be red cedar. The lighting will remain the same.
The Board asked how far Old Farms Road is from the building. It was determined it is about 20 feet from the sign to the edge of the road.
The board asked if the houses in the back are part of the Church. Mr. Hill acknowledged that they are.
The board stated that the design of the sign is nice with the arched top.
Motion
Mr. Gray motioned to approve the application as submitted.
Mr. Drapelick seconded with all in favor.
Mr. Schoenhardt joined the meeting at 6:25PM.
CORRESPONDENCE/DISCUSSION
a. Hopmeadow Place invitation for Thursday September 15, 2005.
b. The board discussed the Hopmeadow Place landscaping along West Street which did not comply with plans. Chairman Dahlquist said that the approved plan had wanted them to use some plantings screen the parking lot from the street. The town is trying to get them to comply with the plan.
The board voiced their concern that the town should hold them to the approved plan and discussed the issue of follow-through.
It was asked whether the town has the ability not to issue a certificate of occupancy as long as the plans were not met. Chairman Dahlquist said that they could and that discussions are taking place.
c. The board discussed aspects of the charter revision.
STAFF REPORTS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of July 12, 2005, and July 26, 2005
Mr. Drapelick motioned to approve the minutes of July 12, 2005
Ms. Kennedy seconded. All in favor, with Mr. Carroll abstaining.
Mr. Stephenson motioned to approve the minutes of July 26, 2005
Ms. Kennedy seconded with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Carroll motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:35PM
Mr. Drapelick seconded with all in favor.
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