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Newtown Design Review Board
Town of Newtown Connecticut
Meeting:
Date: 25 May 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Town Offices Fairfield Hills – Conference Room 3
Agenda:
- Introduction of new members and discussion of DRB procedures & operations.
- Review and discussion of 2,4,6 & 8 Riverside Rd. the villa.
- After a review of the Sandy Hook Design District guidelines the DAB believes that the application complies with the spirit of the SHDD.
- The proposal as presented represents some substantial improvements over the preliminary designs previously presented to the DAB.
- SITE: The relocation of the entrance drive further up Riverside Rd. provides a much safer condition and improves sight lines for oncoming traffic. The road curves slightly and also rises at this location and moving the curb cut further up the road is a desirable improvement. The vehicular circulation between the various buildings has also been improved by removing Drive-up teller traffic away from the street side of the building. The internal circulation for the drive-up and ATM is better in the final application. The overall location and detailing of the parking and planting is well done and substantial.
- The proposal has addressed pedestrian approaches to the bank in a sensitive manner and continues the interconnectedness desired in the SHDD. The change in grade is handled by providing two sets of stairs so that the impact of a retaining wall on the street is minimized. The paving and fixtures comply with the spirit of the design district.
- The DAB would recommend that a catch basin be installed at the second curb cut (entrance) to the daycare building to prevent property runoff from draining into the street.
- The plans show a trash enclosure approximately two-hundred feet from the bank. The DAB feels that this may represent some difficulty for the bank and suggests that another enclosure be located closer to the bank.
- BANK: The proposed bank building has been relocated closer to the street and moves the parking moved away from street sight lines. This new location enhances this critical intersection by recognizing the bank as part of a gateway collection of buildings that reflect and respect the neighboring buildings at this location. The design philosophy reflects the architects’ research of the surrounding area. The most dominant buildings in the immediate area are the two old mill buildings and general store. The direct and straight forward detailing of these industrial buildings is reflected in the bank detailing. The façade will be a red brick with recessed panels, brick arches, corbelled friezes, and copper roofs at entries with bracketed details. The massing of the facades is balanced by using setbacks to break up the overall mass of the
building in sympathy with smaller residential structures in the district. The windows are reminiscent of the windows found on the lower of the old brick general store as well as the mill buildings. The overall effect of the bank building is one that will greatly enhance the quality of design with the district and in particular at this critical central location.
- DAYCARE BUILDING: The daycare structure is located at the opposite end of the site and establishes a relationship with the Village Restaurant. This structure is far enough removed from the intersection resulting in a greater need to relate to the restaurant. The overall design and materials of the daycare building reflect the residential character of homes up Riverside Rd. and the hip roofs relate to the restaurant. The location of this building to the far end of the site provides a safer and more secure location for the children attending the facility. The traffic pattern further contributes to the safety and limits thru traffic from the commercial structures. The building is well proportioned and the detailing of the elements indicates a higher level of design usually found in this type of use.
Given the improvements to the final design over the preliminary proposal the DAB recommends that the P & Z Commission favorably consider the application as presented.
Respectfully submitted,
George Reichert
Chairman DAB
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