DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 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: John Stewart, Kevin Gray, William Gardner, John Carroll, Anthony Drapelick, and Richard Schoenhardt.
APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Mr. Carroll was appointed to serve for Ms. Kennedy.
Mr. Drapelick was appointed to serve for Mr. Naccarato.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE VOTE
a. Application of Thomas Pedrotty, President, Ensign-Bickford Realty Corporation, LLC – Owner, William R. Donohue, The Powder Forest Homes, LLC – Agent, for a Site Plan Amendment to the Meeting House located at 45 Ashton Circle in The Powder Forest and Signage for the entry to The Powder Forest on property located at 110 Bushy Hill Road.
Mr. William Donahue, Ensign Bickford Realty Corp. and program manager for The Powder Forest Homes Project, and Mr. Evan Cowles, RLA, Architect-Ferrero Hixon Associates, Inc.
The application is for an entrance sign to be located at the Bushy Hill Road entrance of the Powder Forest Homes, and for the site plan approval of the Meeting House.
Mr. Cowles and Mr. Donahue, using the elevation plans, explained the many features of the Meeting House itself as well as its’ extensive landscaping plan. Mr. Cowles explained the changes made from the first plan presented, noting that a white two-rail fence will be located near the front of the Meeting House adding a decorative element to the project. With the changes, the total building area has grown to 2,800 square feet.
Chairman Dahlquist acknowledged that the enlargement of the Meeting House is positive step, in that the Meeting House becomes larger in scale than the houses and becomes more of a the focal point.
Chairman Dahlquist asked if there is a co-op store in the Meeting House. Mr. Donahue explained that the area originally intended to function as a co-op is noted as office-co-op space on the plans, and its’ use is undetermined. Mr. Donahue noted that per the by-laws of the homeowners association, the area could possibly be run as a co-op.
Mr. Gray noted that the Meeting House architecture is different from the architecture of the houses, noting that cultured stone, used on the Meeting House was not used on the homes. He also asked whether shingling will be used. Mr Donahue stated that there aren’t any stone houses, but there are stone accent features used on certain house walls. As to the question of shingling, Mr. Donahue answered that there is also a possibility of shingling.
Mr. Stewart stated that the character of the fence located in the front of the meeting house does not lend itself to the surroundings, nor to the formal appearance of the site’s landscaping plan. He suggested they consider a high-end type fence or no fence at all. Mr. Cowles explained that their idea was to mimic the fence at the front entrance sign. Mr. Stewart expressed that the two fences don’t necessarily have to match. Mr. Donahue agreed that they will consider the Board’s recommendations.
Mr. Cowles showed the front signage layout to the Board. He explained that the front sign will be lit and will state “The Powder Forest Homes.” They are proposing a 4’high x 80’high brownstone retaining wall, and will implement low plantings. The 100’ white split rail fence will be located along the sides of the brownstone wall.
Chairman Dahlquist asked about the existing utility pole located at the entrance. Mr. Donahue stated that they discussed moving it, but there are many issues involved, besides it being cost prohibitive.
Chairman Dahlquist asked if there is curbing along the entrance. Mr. Cowles noted on the plans where the curbing will be. Mr. Cowles stated that some bituminus curb will be used, but along the island a granite belgian block curbing will be used. Mr. Stewart expressed that with all the work going into the front wall, using bituminous curbing sends the wrong message.
Mr. Gray asked about the address location. Mr. Donahue answered that the address of the neighborhood is 110 Bushy Hill Road, “The Powder Forest Homes.”
Mr. Gardner asked why the front fence is being used. Mr. Cowles answered that it is to give scale to the wall.
Mr. Carroll asked about dormers being built on the houses. Mr. Donahue said that there is no second floor, the dormers are only to add to the look of the houses.
Motion
Mr. Gardner motioned to approve the application with the understanding that the applicant will consider using belgian block curbing at the entrance, consistent with other materials being used, and that alternative style fencing, such as Chestnut Hill or Nantucket, be considered if fencing in front of the meeting house is to be implemented.
Mr. Stewart seconded with all in favor.
Chairman Dahlquist asked Mr. Donahue and Mr. Cowles whether some modifications are to make with regards to the driveways. Mr. Donahue said that they have had issues with the market’s interest concerning the issue of sharing driveways, and are still in the process of investigating how to make changes with regards to this.
b. Application of Simsbury Cemetery Association, Owner, Terri-Ann P. Hahn, LADA P.C. – Agent, for a Site Plan Approval for the future construction of access drives, pathways, and a pull-up area on Plank Hill Road for funeral processions on property located at the Simsbury Cemetery, Plank Hill Road.
Ms. Terri-Ann Hahn, was present to discuss the application with the Board.
The application is for the expansion of land to be used for cemetery plots in the Simsbury Cemetery. She stated that there are two parcels of land to consider for this application. The first parcel is on the south side. On this parcel, which is flat, but for a steep slope, substantial regrading will be done. They have requested for a special exception from Zoning due to the amount of material being removed and the fact that the cemetery will be located in a residential (R-40) zone. Ms. Hahn showed on the plans where the location for cortege area, as well as other areas to be used. The second parcel, a small property located between the church and existing maintenance garage, will be regraded in a similar fashion to hold a few burial plots. She noted that the application includes the grading,
planting and erosion control plans.
Ms. Hahn explained that there will be stone entry accent pillars will be located at the entrances.
Mr. Drapelick questioned whether the steep south area will be developed further. Ms. Hahn stated it would not, noting that the slope is a 2-1. She added they wish to develop terraces in this area, tying into the existing grade. She added that they require a permit for work in the 100- foot upland review area.
Chairman Dahlqust asked whether the applicant met with town staff/staff for review. Ms. Hahn said they had many meetings with the town.
Chairman Dahlquist asked whether the 2-1 slope requires any stabilization. Ms. Hahn answered that erosion control measures will be in place. The area will be netted, seeded, and vegetation (meadow mix/grasses) planted. The plantings will be placed by the pull-off area and along the steep slope.
Chairman Dahlquist asked whether lighting will be implemented. Ms. Hahn there is no lighting currently, and are not contemplating any lighting.
Chairman Dahlquist asked whether other materials other than soils are being removed. Ms. Hahn stated that the 12’ diameter oaks, maples, and hemlocks along Plank Hill Road will be removed, and the woods on the hillside will also be removed. They will replace the trees with memorial trees.
Mr. Schoenhardt questioned whether other alternatives were considered to removing the tress along Plank Hill. Ms. Hahn stated they discussed other options, but grading became an issue. She added that they will replace with other trees in the same areas.
The Board discussed the issue of the trees. Many members were concerned that the trees will be removed, breaking up some of the trees, looking at the contours. The applicant stated that the proposed replacement trees won’t grow to be enormous and be liabilities, and able to be maintained.
The board asked the applicant to reconsider the question of saving the trees along the road, and the possible relocation and length of the cortege area.
Motion
No action taken. The applicant will reevaluate parts of the application and will return at a future meeting.
c. Application of Application of Mary Vincent, Vincent’s Funeral Home – Owner, David Eveleth, Associated Architects – Agent, for a modification to a previously approved Site Plan Approval on the proposed addition to the Vincent’s Funeral Home on property located at 880 Hopmeadow Street.
Mr. David Eveleth, Architect-Associated Architects, was present to discuss the application. Also present was Ms. Mary Vincent.
Mr. Eveleth explained that because of budget constraints, there are have been changes made to the previously approved plan. The changes made concern the prep room, the chapel, and the front entryway staircase. He noted that the changes are not substantially different than previous approved.
Chairman Dahlquist asked whether there is wheelchair access. Mr. Everleth answered yes.
Mr. Everleth noted on the drawings the changes made to the elevations, and explained the look of the building.
Chairman Dahlquist asked whether the black iron fence is to be located along the service drive. Mr. Everleth stated that at the service drive there will be no fence, but the area will instead be landscaped.
Mr. Carroll asked about if the stair risers could be built out farther. Mr. Everleth stated that there is not enough space.
Mr. Gray asked if the new roof over the stairs a continuation of the old. Mr. Everleth said that the old roof will be married to the new.
Motion
Mr. Gardner motioned to approve the application as presented.
Mr. Carroll seconded with all in favor.
DISCUSSION
a. Design Guidelines as relating to principles, development types, and tools (continued from special meeting held on October 20, 2005).
Tabled until next meeting.
STAFF REPORTS
Approval of 2006 regular meeting schedule.
Mr. Gray motioned to approve the 2006 regular meeting schedule.
Mr. Gardner seconded with all in favor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of October 11, 2005
Mr. Gray motioned to approve the minutes of October 11, 2005
Mr. Drapelick seconded with all in favor. Mr. Schoenhardt and Mr.Gardner abstained.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gray motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7PM
Mr. Stewart seconded with all in favor.
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