TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Architectural Review Board
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3131 FAX (860) 395-1216
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman David Wight called the regular meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
David Wight, Chairman Guy Pendleton
Jonathan Gibbs
Kingman Snow Attendant Staff
Frank Vinciguerra Janet Vinciguerra, Recording Clerk
Elizabeth Swenson, Vice Chair
(arrived at 7:55 p.m.)
III. OLD BUSINESS
A. “Bessoni Industrial Building” Special Exception, Site Plan, Elevations
90 Ingham Hill Road (Map 35 / Lot 12)
Industrial I-1 District
Applicant: Blue Point Inc. Agent: George Bessoni, Sr.
Mr. George Bessoni, Sr. and Mr. George Hollister were present. Mr. Hollister explained the updates to the building design. Three wall pack light fixtures will be added to the front of the building. The colors will be an evergreen for the roof and bottom half of the siding and Surry beige for the top half of the siding. Mr. Vinciguerra inquired about enlarging the middle cupola. Mr. Hollister explained that the middle cupola cannot be enlarged without making structural changes to the building. Because the cupolas are factory made, the eves cannot be enlarged as previously requested by Mr. Gibbs. Mr. Bessoni agreed to move the cupolas on both ends of the building 32’ toward the middle to create more balance on the roof. Mr. Snow
advised the lighting not to exceed 90 watts for the wall packs.
MOTION to recommend approval of the building design with the following stipulations:
1. the two outside cupolas be moved 32’ from the ends of the building
2. the wall pack light fixtures not exceed 90 watts
3. the colors of the building will be Evergreen and Surry Beige
MOVED by J. Gibbs SECONDED by F. Vinciguerra
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: E. Swenson. APPROVED: 4-0-1.
MOTION to amend the agenda to move Old Business items B, C and D to later in the meeting as requested by the applicant.
MOVED by K. Snow SECONDED by J. Gibbs
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. “Strategic Building Solutions” Sign
599 Middlesex Turnpike (Map 57 / Lot 32-10)
Restricted Business B-3 District
Applicant: SBS Properties, LLC Agent: Jonathan Winiker
Mr. Jonathan Winiker was present. Mr. Winiker explained that the new street sign will be moved slightly from the original location to accommodate the existing landscaping. Ms. Swenson suggested down lighting to prevent glare. Mr. Snow suggested two vertical fluorescent 10-watt bulbs on each side. Ms. Swenson also inquired about low plantings around the base of the sign, possible evergreens mixed with annuals or ornamental grasses. Mr. Gibbs would like to see a fully shrouded fixture without the bulb showing. Mr. Winiker offered to come back to the next meeting with lighting and landscape plans but requested that the Board review the sign structure at this meeting to allow him to proceed with ordering the sign.
MOTION to recommend approval of the sign structure with the stipulation that the total height of the sign be reduced to 5’ 6”. Lighting and landscape for the base of the sign will be tabled until the next regular meeting.
MOVED by J. Gibbs SECONDED by E. Swenson
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
III. OLD BUSINESS (resumed)
B. “U Store It” Sign
167 Elm Street (Map 39 / Lot 7)
Industrial I-1 District
Applicant: Arnco Sign Co., Inc. Agent: Jeremy Waycott
Mr. Waycott of Arnco Sign Company was present. Mr. Waycott assured the Board that the replacement awning will be installed below the roof line. He stated that the awning will have a 6’ fluorescent 90-watt high output bulb. Mr. Snow suggested that 60 watts should be plenty of light.
MOTION to recommend approval of the new awning as presented with a single 6’ fluorescent bulb not to exceed 60 watts.
MOVED by K. Snow SECONDED by F. Vinciguerra
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to recommend approval of the sign with the following stipulations:
1. the sign be a monument style with a one foot black metal clad base
2. the sign be reduced to 5’5” high so that the total height be no more than 6’5”
3. the size of the phone number lettering be reduced to 12” in height.
MOVED by E. Swenson SECONDED by J. Gibbs
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
C. “U Store It” Sign
45 Schoolhouse Road (Map 27 / Lot 0001)
Gateway Business B-4 District
Applicant: Arnco Sign Co., Inc. Agent: Jeremy Waycott
MOTION to recommend approval of the sign without internal illumination with the following stipulations:
1. the sign be a monument style with a one foot black metal clad base
2. the sign be reduced to 5’5” high so that the total height be no more than 6’5”
3. the size of the phone number lettering be reduced to 12” in height
4. the lighting be a fully shrouded fixture providing down light such as a linear gooseneck with a high output bulb.
MOVED by J. Gibbs SECONDED by F. Vinciguerra
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
D. “U Store It” Sign
124 Mill Rock Road (Map 041 / Lot 0006)
Industrial I-1 District
Applicant: Arnco Sign Co., Inc. Agent: Jeremy Waycott
Mr. Waycott stated that this sign is slightly smaller than the other two signs, approximately 4’x 8’.
MOTION to recommend approval of the sign with the following stipulations:
1. the sign be a monument style with a one foot black metal clad base
2. location of the sign to be 10’ from the driveway
3. the size of the phone number lettering be reduced to 12” in height.
MOVED by F. Vinciguerra SECONDED by K. Snow
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
IV. NEW BUSINESS (resumed)
B. “Mobil” Façade Renovation
399 Boston Post Road (Map 57 / Lot 32-10)
Gateway Business B-4 District
Applicant: Aldin Associates Agent: JSP Land Development
Mr. Jeff Pechulis of JSP Land Development was present. Mr. Pechulis informed the Board that there will be no structural changes to the Mobil canopy. The only changes will be to add a blue decal stripe on the canopy and to move the existing word “Mobil” closer to the corner to approximately 1 ½ to 2 ft from the edge. The size of the lettering will not change. Mr. Gibbs stated that he prefers the existing white canopy because the blue decal is more obtrusive. Mr. Gibbs also stated for the record that if the blue stripe is considered part of the brand image, then he believes the Zoning Commission should consider the blue decal as part of the entire signage. Mr. Vinciguerra brought up the fact that the town is trying to encourage
more colonial architectural features. Mr. Pechulis replied that he will forward this information to Aldin Associates so that such features can be addressed if Mobil decides to rebuild their canopy in the future. Mr. Vinciguerra requested that the minutes reflect that colonial architecture was discussed and deemed inappropriate for this particular application.
MOTION to recommend approval of the façade renovation as presented.
MOVED by E. Swenson SECONDED by K. Snow
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: J. Gibbs. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 4-1-0.
C. “Michael Boucher CPA” Sign
33 Main Street (Map 37 / Lot 48)
Central Business B-1 District
Applicant/Agent: Michael Boucher
Mr. Michael Boucher was present. The sign will be 10’ x 18” with no lighting. Mr. Boucher confirmed with Mr. Gibbs that the sign will be centered with equal distances from all four windows.
MOTION to recommend approval of the sign as presented.
MOVED by J. Gibbs SECONDED by F. Vinciguerra
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
D. “Vinnies Saybrook Fishhouse” Sign
99 Essex Road (Map 58 / Lot 134)
Residence A District
Applicant: Lamont Ladings, LLC Agent: Stephan Sheehan
Mr. Stephan Sheehan was present. Mr. Sheehan submitted new sign design packages to the Board. The new contemporary design of the signs is based on a sculpture being given to Mr. Baker as gift from his father. The two building signs will have gooseneck down lighting on each side and will be made of carved wood. The street sign will include existing signs from neighboring businesses and will be 10’ from the street. Mr. Sheehan stated that the existing signs of the other businesses may be reconstructed but he does not believe the designs will change. Mr. Vinciguerra stated that he would like to see the same type of piling bundles as shown in the original drawings.
MOTION to recommend approval of the signs as presented with the following stipulations:
1. gooseneck fixture for the street sign not to exceed 90-watt incandescent bulb
2. triple piling bundle in the middle and double piling bundles on the sides.
MOVED by E. Swenson SECONDED by J. Gibbs
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
E. “Guilford Savings Bank” Special Exception, Site Plan and Sign
Boston Post Road & Orchard Street (Map 36 / Lot 164-165)
Shopping Center Business B-2 District
Applicant: The Guilford Savings Bank Agent: Point One Architects
Greg Nucci and Rick Staub of Point One Architects and landscape designer John Cunningham were present. Mr. Nucci explained that the building is two stories totaling 6,000 sq.ft., 3,300 on the first floor for the bank and 2,700 on the second floor for another tenant. After a traffic study, it was determined that the curb cut on Boston Post Road will be an exit only and the curb cut on Orchard Street will be both entrance and exit. The exterior materials will be painted clapboard or Hardy board and the roof will be asphalt shingles. There will be a cupola on top of the drive thru roof and a clock on the south side of the building opposite a concrete seating wall. Mr. Snow suggested that they keep in mind that the town would like to install sidewalks along
Boston Post Road in the near future. The rest of the Board agreed and suggested that Mr. Nucci and Mr. Staub contact the Planning Commission Sidewalk Committee on this matter.
In terms of the signage, Mr. Swenson would prefer down lighting rather than fixtures mounted from the ground as proposed. She would also prefer carved wood material for the front door sign rather than the proposed plexiglass. The Board felt that the drive-thru ATM sign should be considered a third sign and therefore not allowed. Mr. Vinciguerra stated that the piers on the street sign are too large and overpowering. Mr. Cunningham agreed and said that they could reduce the size to around 24” with steeper coping on top. The back property line will have a tan vinyl fence with a row of medium evergreens to act as a buffer from the neighboring house. Two existing trees along Boston Post Road will remain. Another tree in the northeast
corner will be planted to match the other trees. There will be three matching shade trees along the parking area by the front entrance and there will be a set of two stone pillars at each curb cut to be lit at night. Mr. Vinciguerra suggested the possibility of a freestanding stonewall along the perimeter. Mr. Gibbs suggested that a picket fence could work as well. Mr. Cunningham will come back to the next meeting to show alternative landscape plans.
MOTION to recommend approval of the building design as presented.
MOVED by E. Swenson SECONDED by K. Snow
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to recommend approval of the signage with the following stipulations:
1. the drive-thru ATM machine is a third building sign therefore the words Guilford Savings Bank should be removed
2. reduce the width of the piers on the street sign and raise the pitch of the caps
3. the building sign over the front entrance to be carved wood or other similar material.
MOVED by E. Swenson SECONDED by K. Snow
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
The lighting and landscape plans will be resubmitted and reviewed at the next meeting.
V. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Meeting Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes of 09/26/05.
MOVED by F. Vinciguerra SECONDED by K. Snow
IN FAVOR: J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra. OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINED: D. Wight and E. Swenson. APPROVED: 3-0-2.
B. Correspondence - none
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
1. J. Vinciguerra will create ARB application packets for the Land Use office that will include a complete set of the design review guidelines for future applicants. She will also be responsible for maintaining a supply of these packets. Also, F. Vinciguerra handed out copies of a review record that was used in the past by this Board. The current Board members decided they would like to use this document again as a part of their design review of each application from now on. A review record will be attached to each application in the future.
2. K. Snow brought in the plaque for Dr. Bette Del Giorno. K. Snow and E. Swenson will work together to figure out when and how to present the plaque to Dr. Bette.
MOTION to reimburse K. Snow in the amount of $53.40 for the cost of the plaque for Dr. Bette Del Giorno.
MOVED by E. Swenson SECONDED by F. Vinciguerra
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra. OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINED: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 24, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street.
MOVED by F. Vinciguerra SECONDED by J. Gibbs
IN FAVOR: D. Wight, E. Swenson, J. Gibbs, K. Snow and F. Vinciguerra.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINED: none. APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Janet S. Vinciguerra, Recording Clerk
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