Special Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Second Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Theodore Pendleton, Chair, Tony Brodeur, Vice Chair, Susan Missel, Secretary., Anita Yust, Alternate and I Ben Aiken, Alternate.
Absent: Kingmon B. Snow, Jr.
Barbara D’Agostino arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Attendant Staff: Christine Costa, ZEO and Stella Beaudoin, Recording Clerk.
Mr. Pendleton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
III. DISCUSSION
A. “Max’s Place, LLC” Preliminary Review
Spencer Plains Road/Boston Post Road/Center Road West
Gateway Business B4 District
Attorney David M. Royston, Agent
Attorney David Royston, Dzialo, Pickett & Allen, P.C., presented as legal counsel for Max’s Place, LLC. Also present was Trevor Wright, Manager Kohl’s Architectural Department and Ron Lyman, property owner.
The applicant is looking for a modification to the originally approved 2005 site plan for Max’s Place. Attorney Royston stated that the purpose this evening’s meeting is to ensure that all of the details for approval are in place based on the requested changes that were made at the ARB meeting in early July.
Mr. Wright commented on the collection of suggestions for design detail and the elevation that were requested at the last ARB meeting. The design elements that were modified for the Board’s consideration include:
- The addition of cornice work were added across the top of the entryway;
- A curved element/arches were added to the front entrance areas along the trees/landscaping which are situated on either side of the Kohl’s sign;
- The addition of an eyebrow which wraps around the front and returns along the side.
Mr. Wright stated that the current Kohl’s image follows the same prototype across the country. Mr. Wright stated that the architecture proposed in the Old Saybrook building is a design above the prototype.
Mr. Brodeur stated that the Board has had the opportunity to look at pictures of Kohl’s stores across the country and it was determined that there are many Kohl’s storefronts with various design features. Mr. Brodeur stated that he would like to see the façade of this proposal reflect more of a New England feeling. Ms. D’Agostino stated that the proposed façade does not represent Old Saybrook.
Mr. Wright stated those designs referenced by the Board were all outdated due to various design flaws. Mr. Wright stated that there is however, some room for changes in the current design detail.
Mr. Brodeur suggested that the cornice be carried to the top of the sign.
Ms. Yust stated that she likes the canopy detail, however the proposed arch does not stand out. Ms. Yust suggested that some of the façade material be removed which would then create more of an arch.
Ms. Missel referenced a picture of an existing Kohl’s store and asked if something similar could be incorporated into this proposal in terms of breaking up the roof line.
Mr. Wright stated that the entrance can be built out with heavy gauge steel stud with a reduction in size and the addition of a setback peak.
Mr. Aiken suggested that bays be combined into the façade to give the impression of a series of smaller stores which would break up the box look. Mr. Aiken suggested that the front façade be comprised of five elements and fabricated from a faux brick. The installation of recessed lighting was suggested.
Mr. Wright suggested a flat roof with the cornice going all the way across the front of the store.
Mr. Brodeur indicated that he would like to see a concept of the roof peak. Mr. Brodeur further suggested the installation of a Pergola under the Kohl’s lettering.
Attorney Royston suggested that the Board reference the altered design on which Mr. Wright sketched-in all of the changes and suggestions made this evening. This rendering represents the changes which the Board feels is essential for its recommendation.
The Board has come to the consensus that the changes made on Exhibit A are the recommendations that the Board expects Kohl’s to make in order to receive a favorable recommendation at the time it makes formal application for the building, subject to the final building plans. The applicant will present before the ARB when the plans as discussed are finalized, prior to receipt of the Zoning Commission for the special exception application.
B. Correspondence~
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn at 9:10pm; MADE by G. Pendleton; SECONDED by B. D’Agostino; ABSTAINED: APPROVED by G. Pendleton, T. Brodeur, S. Missel and B. D’Agostino (4-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Stella C. Beaudoin
Recording Secretary
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Monday, August 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall, 302 Main Street
2nd Floor Conference Room
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