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Architectural Review Board Minutes 08/25/2014

MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, August 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street

I.      CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Pendleton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II.     ROLL CALL

Attendant Members                                       Absent Members                
Theodore Pendleton                                      I Ben Akin
Anthony Brodeur
Susan Missel                                            
Anita Yust
Jennifer Hoben                                          
Barbara D’Agostino arrived at 7:04 p.m.                                                       
        
Attending Staff  
Christine Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Susie Beckman, Director Economic Development
        Stella Beaudoin, Recording Clerk

        Mr. Pendleton called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.

III.    REGULAR BUSINESS

  • Minutes of July 28, 2014
Review and approval of the July 28, 2014 meeting Minutes.

The following amendment was suggested: Addition to the North Cove application: “A stone wall will be installed at a sitting height along the front of the property where the existing split rail fence is located. The Board recommended the landscape architect look for trees and shrubs more salt tolerant.”

MOTION to approve of the July 28, 2014 Minutes as amended; MADE by T. Pendleton; SECONDED by A. Yust; OPPOSED: None; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, B. D’Agostino, S. Missel, A. Yust; ABSTAINING: A. Brodeur; (4-0-1).

  • Correspondence & Announcements
No correspondence and no announcements.

  • Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Ms. Missel reported on a proposal for Enterprise Rent-a-Car Design Review                                                                                         which came before the Board at the July 28, 2014 meeting. At that meeting it was suggested that the applicant investigate with the Department of Transportation the feasibility of installing low grasses along the perimeter of the property so as to obscure the cars in the lot.  Ms. Missel distributed pictures of landscaping on the surrounding properties.  Ms. Costa stated that it is a good idea to get ideas of businesses front landscaping and noted that there are other ways to encourage landscaping on the site. Ms. Costa suggested that members review the most recently updated design standards.

IV.     CONTINUED BUSINESS  
        
  • “Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development – 186 Units (110.78 acres)                                                                                         7 North Main Street,                                                                                                                                  Map 40/ Lots 5+6-1 and Map 39/Lot 9                                                                                                                                            Shopping Ctr Bus. B-2 District, Ped Node, Incentive Hsg. IH Zone (Multi-Family MF Subzone)                                                                                                        Applicant:~Eastpoint, LLC, contract purchaser / Owner:  Jandin Realty, LLC~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                      Agent: Edward M. Cassella, Esq.
Attorney Ed Cassella representing Eastpointe Incentive Housing introduced Bill Finger, Consultant; Bruce Reinheimer, Landscape Architect and Timothy Wentz, Consultant.  Attorney Cassella stated that the site plan related to this proposal has been further developed to include the articulation of the clubhouse area and the landscaping.  Attorney Cassella stated that the applicant is seeking the Board’s review of the actual site plan and the structure.
Bruce Reinheimer registered landscape architect presented. There are 186, one to two-bedroom apartment units planned in 8 buildings. The northwest corner of the site will be utilized for onsite sewage treatment.   The septic system will be located under the northern parking area.  There will be a maintenance facility and dumpsters situated in southwest corner of the site. Site amenities include a clubhouse with locker rooms, social areas and administrative offices.  There will be an outdoor pool and an auxiliary terrace with grilling stations for outdoor dining, an outdoor fireplace and a gas fire pit in the center portion of the green.  The southern corner of the property is proposed to be a dog park.  There is a proposed bike loaner station where residents would be able to borrow bicycles.  There will be a mail station across from the clubhouse and there will be pedestrian walkways that connect the site internally and with the Town and the train station.  There is a 24-foot paved emergency access at the southeast corner of the site.  
There is an existing forest on the site which is comprised of Maple and Northern Red Oak trees. A band of existing trees along the cemetery will be preserved.  Mr. Reinheimer proposes the installation of additional Maple and Oak trees which will tie together to scale down and soften the buildings.  
Ms. Missel stated that there are few, if any trees along the northern wall of the cemetery.  Ms. Missel stated that a better buffer is needed and repair of the walls is necessary. Ms. Missel stated that there is an existing ten foot buffer and Ms. Missel stated that she would like to ensure that the view from the cemetery is undisturbed. The signage on the cemetery lists the various rules and regulations.  There is a broken wall on the north side of the cemetery and on the west side there are woods in which there are existing grave sites.  On the other side of the cemetery, there is a broken wire fence.
David Tiezzi, Manager of the Cemetery Committee presented.  Mr. Tiezzi stated that the Cemetery Committee would like a black chain link fence installed, separating the cemetery from the Eastpointe property.  Mr. Tiezzi suggested the installation of trees behind the fence with a 10 foot buffer.  Mr. Tiezzi stated that the Cemetery Committee cut the trees down many years ago.  This cemetery is an historical site which needs to be preserved and Mr. Tiezzi suggested the installation of a fence all the way around the cemetery property.
Mr. Pendleton recommended the installation of a different type of galvanized fence versus a chain link. William Finger, Eastpointe consultant stated that the applicant will work with the Cemetery Association to create a plan for fencing and trees.  
Mr. Pendleton suggested, in addition to the Maple and Oak trees, the installation of Zelkovea trees.  Mr. Pendleton suggested the installation of a black stockade fence with a row of Emerald Arborvitae trees to be planted in front of the fence. Ms. D’Agostino suggested the installation of a mix of Evergreen trees which will offer camouflage during the winter months.
Ms. Missel suggested that the applicant meet with the Cemetery Association to create an acceptable plan and once that is accomplished, present again to the Architectural Review Board.  
Mr. Brodeur questioned the proposed location of the dumpster which will be situated at the dead end of the property, noting that this location will create a log jam of traffic.  Mr. Brodeur suggested smaller dumpster units spread out throughout the site.   

Mr. Timothy Wentz, GATE Architecture stated that the management would like a single location for the dumpsters as the trash trucks have very loud beepers which can be disruptive to the tenants.  

Ms. Missel suggested the installation of bicycle racks and benches throughout the site.  

Mr. Brodeur suggested a community garden on site.

Mr. Wentz presented a visual plan for the building and stated that the roof structure will be a gambrel style with a steep slope, starting mid-point on the third floor and will come up to an angle to the 28 foot height, and then becomes almost flat which will not be visible from the ground.  The roof is proposed to be a combination of shed dormers and gable dormers.

Mr. Wentz stated that the materials utilized on the building will be cultured stone which will be used at the base of the building creating a distinct break from the first to the second floor. The second and third floor will be lap siding. The windows will be three feet by six feet, single hung with trim boards.  Every unit will have its own balcony and most of the apartments will have two windows per room.  Each building will be a different color.  The access for the building will be situated in the front of the building with no egress or entry from the back of the buildings.  Mr. Wentz stated that the national code allows four units and 10,000 feet with one means of exit.  

Mr. Wentz stated that the focus of the lighting will be in the parking lot and pathway lighting will be installed and wall sconces will be installed on the exterior decks.
Ms. Hoben stated that safety of the apartment buildings is not being addressed with appropriate lighting. Ms. Hoben suggested that the foot candle level could be matched with that of the train station.  The Board requested that Mr. Reinheimer prepare a photo metrics plan.

The clubhouse will be 3600 s.f. with a kitchen, a café and a fitness center.  There will also be a leasing center which will accommodate a full time staff.  The required bathrooms serving the clubhouse and the pool deck will also be situated in the clubhouse.  The clubhouse will be comprised of cultured stone, vinyl siding and asphalt, shingle roof.

The Board asked the applicant to come back with a more detailed plan on the materials to include a sample board with the actual materials and color scheme proposed to be utilized in the construction to include the garage structure and the dumpster enclosure.  The Board requested a photo metric plan and spec sheets on all of the exterior lighting and a detailed plan for the proposed signage. The applicant will prepare a landscape plan identifying what trees and shrubs are existing and what trees and landscaping is proposed to be installed along with details on fencing around the pool and around the dog park. The Board requested that the applicant address the fencing and landscape plan with the Cemetery Association.  The Board suggested that the applicant create a plan to maximize the green space for the best possible use to consider a community garden. The Board suggested the reconsideration of the proposed dumpster location. The Board suggested the installation of a playground for children and the installation of bicycle racks and benches throughout the site.

MOTION to table approval of “Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development Design Review, 7 North Main Street, Map 40/ Lots 5+6-1 and Map 39/Lot 9, as presented pending the modifications suggested at this evening’s meeting; MADE by T. Pendleton; SECONDED by A. Yust; OPPOSED: None; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, B. D’Agostino, S. Missel, A. Yust, T. Brodeur; ABSTAINING: None; (5-0-0).

  • “The Tarot Card and Palm Reader”  2 Signs
40 Elm Street
Map 36/Lot 109
Central Business B-1 District
Applicant:  Julia Mitchell

Bob Mitchell presented on behalf of this application.  Mr. Mitchell stated that this is an application to install a non-illuminated 127’ x 18’ wall sign in the preexisting location on the building.  There is existing ground lighting which the Board suggested be directed toward the sign. The road sign will be 4’ by 4’ and situated in the preexisting location.  Both signs will be a burgundy background with gold-colored lettering.  The Board suggested two goose neck lights mounted in the middle of the double-sided, 4’ x 4’ encased road sign.

MOTION to recommend approval of the signage “The Tarot Card and Palm Reader” 2 Signs, 40 Elm Street, Map 36/Lot 109 as presented: MADE by T. Brodeur; SECONDED by B. D’Agostino; OPPOSED: None; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, B. D’Agostino, S. Missel, A. Yust, T. Brodeur; ABSTAINING: None; (5-0-0).
  • “Primp” 2 Signs                                                                                             839 Boston Post Road,                                                                                                                                  Map 36/ Lot 3                                                                                                                                            Shopping Center Business B-2 District                                                                                                       Applicant: Judith Kane-Church
Judith Kane-Church presented.  Ms. Kane-Church proposes a 24” by 82” wall sign and a free standing 12” x 60” freestanding sign.  The color of the signs will be green background with black lettering. Ms. Kane-Church stated that she would eventually like to install a window sign and she will present that plan to the Board prior to the installation.  

MOTION to recommend approval of “Primp” 2 Signs, 839 Boston Post Road, Map 36/Lot 3 as presented; MADE by B. D’Agostino; SECONDED by S. Missel; OPPOSED: None; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, B. D’Agostino, S. Missel, A. Yust, T. Brodeur; ABSTAINING: None; (5-0-0).
        
        Mr. Brodeur and Ms. Hoben left the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

VI.     ADJOURNMENT

MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m. to the regular meeting to be held on Monday, September 9, 2014 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, 2nd floor conference room, 302 Main Street at 7:00 p.m.; MADE by T. Pendleton; SECONDED by B. D’Agostino; OPPOSED: None; APPROVED by T. Pendleton, B. D’Agostino, S. Missel, A. Yust; ABSTAINING: None; (4-0-0).

Respectfully submitted,

        Stella Beaudoin
        Recording Secretary