Regular Meeting
Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Lower Level Cafeteria
302 Main Street
Theodore (Guy) Pendleton, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m.
Present
Theodore (Guy) Pendleton
Jonathan Gibbs
David Wight
Kingmon Snow
I. Ben Akin
Anthony Brodeur
Absent
Arcangela Claffey
Attendant Staff
Kathleen Noyes, Recording Clerk
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. “First Niagra Bank” Sign
20 Main Street, (Map 40 / Lot 61-2)
Central Business B-1 District
Applicant: Sign Lite, Inc.; Agent: John Detulio, Sign Lite, Inc.
John Detulio reviewed photos of the proposed signs with ARB members. He noted that the proposed 12 square foot freestanding sign on Main Street is smaller than the existing 16.2 square foot sign. Only the letters and the logo will be lit, not the background. It will be a brushed aluminum color.
The sign in the back, #002, is located by the canopy. ARB members felt this sign looked too crowded. They recommended a box sign instead of individual letters that would fit in the existing space. After discussion, the ARB and the applicant agreed to a sign with a 6 foot 6 inch length and a 16-inch height.
J. Gibbs asked about the ATM sign adjacent to the night deposit box, #003. He said he felt it looked awkwardly placed and crowded, and he would recommend putting more space around it, but because it is replacing the existing sign, J. Gibbs and ARB members agreed that the sign was acceptable.
J. Gibbs was concerned about sign #004c above the ATM. There was much discussion about the size and height of the decal on the ATM sign and the black field around the lettering. J. Gibbs wanted to be sure that the decal be sized to fit within the existing frame as shown.
MOTION to recommend approval of signs as presented for “First Niagra Bank”, 20 Main Street (Map 40/Lot 61-2) Central Business B-1 District; Applicant: Sign Lite, Inc.; Agent: John Detulio, Sign Lite, Inc. with the stipulation that sign #002 on the back of the building be 6 feet 6 inches wide, the same as the existing sign, and the height should not exceed 2 feet 2 ½ inches. Sign #003 should be the same dimensions as the existing sign (as shown), and the decal on sign #004c on the ATM should match the existing decal size.; MADE by D. Wight; SECONDED by A. Brodeur; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, D. Wight, J. Gibbs, K. Snow, B. Akin, A. Brodeur. (6-0-0).
B. “Saybrook Wealth Group” Sign
97 Elm Street, Unit 4 (Map 36/Lot 90)
Shopping Center Business B-2 District
Applicant: Saybrook Wealth Group; Agent: Stephen Norton
Stephen Norton explained that he was adding his sign to an existing sign that would not be internally illuminated. The dimensions for the proposed sign are 6 feet wide and 24 inches high for a total of 12 square feet which meets code.
J. Gibbs asked about sign color. The proposed sign has dark blue lettering on a white background. J. Gibbs asked if the applicant would consider instead white lettering on a dark blue background.
S. Norton explained that he couldn’t consider this because it would be inconsistent with the corporation’s logo.
ARB members were suggesting that the sign be drawn to scale with white space added to the ends.
MOTION to continue “Saybrook Wealth Group” Sign, 97 Elm Street, Unit 4 (Map 36/Lot 90) Shopping Center Business B-2 District; Applicant: Saybrook Wealth Group; Agent: Stephen Norton, until the next regularly scheduled ARB meeting of Monday, April 11, 2011, when the applicant can bring in a drawing that is drawn to scale. ARB members recommended clear white space on each end with a minimum of 6” and a maximum of 10” on each end, and that the logo and text be rescaled to match the sign size.;; MADE by D. Wight; SECONDED by A. Brodeur; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, D. Wight, J. Gibbs, K. Snow, A. Brodeur, B. Akin. (6-0-0).
C. “Middlesex Hospital Primary Care & Behavioral Health” Special Exception
154 Main Street (Map 37/Lot 127)
Business B-1 District
Applicant: Middlesex Hospital; Agent: Gary Dayharsh
Joe Wren, PE, presented along with Gary Dayharsh. Also present was Tom Kaufmann representing Middlesex Hospital.
J. Wren explained that the site plan submitted tonight had some changes from the plans submitted previously which ARB members received in their packets. He said the revised plan takes into account feedback from Town Hall staff.
One parking space has been removed from the front of the building because it would protrude into traffic. A stop sign and stop bar will be put in the driveway. The stamped brick sidewalk will be connected. The south side has no landscape at all, and the plan proposes a 4-foot landscape strip with moon glow cypress, evergreen trees, which will max out at 4 feet high, and grasses which will be maintained for a 2-car travel width.
T. Pendleton recommended putting in evergreens, but J. Gibbs had concerns about dampness around the brick from the evergreens and safety if the evergreens grew too thick. This led to an in depth discussion about potential choices for trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs. T. Pendleton suggested a sunset maple or red flame maple in the rear island and a line of homestead elms bordering the property.
B. Akin suggested, and ARB members agreed, that the island near the dumpster should be shortened for parking lot safety.
There was no new lighting proposed. Existing lighting will be used. There are 4 wall packs existing at 150 watts, they will be removed and replaced with 4 100-watt sharp cut off lights, 3 on 1 side and 1 in the rear.
Regarding sign lighting, there will be gooseneck lighting over each sign. J. Wren explained that because the building is in a B-1 district, they are allowed 2 signs on the building. They have deleted the rear sign and instead are installing a ground-mounted sign. The plans for the ground-mounted sign have not been drawn up yet.
Suggestions were made for the sign on the front of the building so it would look more proportional. ARB members suggested teal letters on the brick, dark on white in this case. They would like the sign to read “Behavioral Health” on 1 side, “Primary Care” on the other side with “Middlesex Hospital Old Saybrook” in the middle. Both the applicant and the ARB agreed this would look nice.
G. Dayharsh noted the RTUs (roof top units) which are heating units that need airflow. He is proposing a small vinyl fence to screen it.
There was discussion about the new portico in the back. J. Gibbs said he felt it did not reflect the art deco style of the rest of the building with its Greek style columns. He said if they were more round or square, it would be better. He suggested that the portico be detailed in art deco style more consistent with the detail that exists on the building with square piers in lieu of round columns. The cornice work should reflect that on the building and other patterning. One thought to consider would be Greek spiral or 2 octagons over the piers.
MOTION to recommend approval of the site plan for “Middlesex Hospital Primary Care & Behavioral Health” Special Exception, 154 Main Street (Map 37/Lot 127) Business B-1 District; Applicant: Middlesex Hospital; Agent: Gary Dayharsh with the following recommendations: The island near the dumpster must be shortened. The signs are to be teal or black lettering on a white brick background. The sign layout is to be wider but less high. The wording on the sign on the front of the building should be changed to read “Behavioral Health” on one side, “Middlesex Primary Care” on the other side and “Middlesex Hospital Old Saybrook” in the middle. There should be three groups of text, 2 lines high with teal lettering on a white background. The
portico cornice should be similar to the existing and should have smooth fascia with the octagonal motif that exists on the front which should be repeated and centered over the square piers “in lieu of the round columns”. The square piers should still be paneled. The recessed paneled square piers should reflect the art deco architecture of the rest of the building. We recommend approval of the lighting plan and the landscaping plan with the sunset maple and homestead elm in the back. The applicant should come back to the ARB with a ground sign.; MADE by J. Gibbs; SECONDED by A. Brodeur; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, D. Wight, J. Gibbs, K. Snow, A. Brodeur, B. Akin. (6-0-0).
D. “Saybrook Soup & Sandwich Company” Special Exception & Site Plan Review
745 Boston Post Road (Map 36/Lot 86)
Shopping Center Business B-2 District
Applicant/Agent: Thomas Hopkins c/o BLP Enterprises
Presenting for the applicant were Tom Metcalf, surveyor and engineer, Tom Hopkins, applicant for BLP, and Steve Lloyd, project architect.
T. Metcalf explained that the proposed plan is to convert a portion of the existing building into a restaurant, and to leave the other portion as an office. The entire site is paved. The parking area is undefined, and pavement encroaches over the property line.
The plan is to change the entrance off of Boston Post Road because the standard size entrance should be 24 feet, and it is currently 21 feet. This entrance will also be pushed to the east so landscaping can be added as well as a stop sign.
A brick terrace will be built in front of the building with a couple of tables for seating and large planters to protect the area from vehicles. New sidewalks will be built along Boston Post Road and Lynde Street.
The building has an existing brick façade that’s been painted white. The applicant would like to sandblast the paint off and return the brick to its natural color. They are planning to install energy efficient windows and to eliminate the rotting dental molding along the edge of the roof.
Islands in the parking lot are proposed. There was much discussion about types of trees for these islands as well as the trees that will be planted along Lynde Street and Boston Post Road. The applicant submitted a color chart with photos of all of the proposed trees, flowers and shrubs.
T. Pendleton suggested eliminating one island off of the Lynde Street entrance and instead adding a large tree to the middle island.
In regards to signage, on the side of the building, there are single letters raised that are not on a plaque. The front sign is decaled to the window in the vestibule. (As part of the plan, a new vestibule is being built to replace the old one). The size of the sign is within that permitted by the Zoning Code. The freestanding sign will be illuminated on either side with gooseneck lighting.
There will be a 6 foot tall gray PVC fencing around the back with dark green PVC fencing to screen the dumpster.
B. Akin had concerns about both tenants sharing the restrooms. He requested that the applicant check with the building inspector to be sure both tenants will have full access to the restrooms.
S. Lloyd presented the lighting plan. He said they are proposing 4 new 14 foot LED light poles, and 2 – 8 foot 6 inch tall light posts to illuminate the terrace.
MOTION to recommend approval of “Saybrook Soup & Sandwich Company” Special Exception & Site Plan Review, 745 Boston Post Road (Map 36/Lot 86) Shopping Center Business B-2 District; Applicant/Agent: Thomas Hopkins c/o BLP Enterprises with the following changes: Remove 1 zelkova tree on Lynde Street on the south side entrance and instead plant a large, mature tree that will reach 50 to 60 feet tall (i.e. a sugar maple) in the center position on the Boston Post Road. Replace the zelkova tree next to the patio with a kousa dogwood to match what is on the west side. Use gooseneck lighting on the freestanding sign instead of ground lighting. Be sure the setback of the ground sign is in compliance with Zoning Code. Be sure the sidewalks conform to what’s required by the
Sidewalk Commission.; MADE by T. Pendleton; SECONDED by J. Gibbs; APPROVED by D. Wight, T. Pendleton, J. Gibbs, K. Snow, A. Brodeur, B. Akin. (6-0-0).
A. Meeting Minutes
A letter was submitted on 3/24/11 from Attorney Ed Cassella re: “Retail” Site Plan 1657-1687 Boston Post Road. E. Cassella had suggestions for the ARB re: a request for modification of their motion for approval from the 3/14/11 ARB meeting. Members read and discussed the letter and voted to approve the minutes as presented with no amendments or corrections.
MOTION to approve the minutes of 03/14/2011 as presented; MADE by J. Gibbs; SECONDED by D. Wight; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, D. Wight, J. Gibbs, K. Snow, A. Brodeur, B. Akin. (6-0-0).
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 11:36 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of Monday, April 11, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall, 2nd floor conference room, 302 Main Street; MADE by J. Gibbs; SECONDED by D. Wight; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, D. Wight, J. Gibbs, K. Snow, B. Akin, A. Brodeur. (6-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Noyes, Recording Clerk
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