DRB Minutes 12.03.2020CITY OF BEV9ZLY
PU BU C M EEn NG MINUTES
BOARD ORCOM M ISSION: Design Peview Board
DATE
December 3, 2020
LOCATION:
Virtual Meeting
MBVIBE SPRESENT
Sandra Cook (Chair), Joel Margolis (Vice Chair), Blen Flannery, Emily
Hutchings, Caroline Baird Mason, Matthew Ulrich
M BVI BE SABS3VT:
Rachel Poor
STAFF PRESENT
Chelsea Zakas
RECORDER.
Eharlyne Woodbury
Chair Cook calls the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Cook describes how, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Governor Baker has issued an order to suspend
all public meetings and gatherings, and has permitted virtual meetings with certain conditions. Tonight's
meeting will be held on Google Hangouts. Cook describes the ground rules for the meeting and how the
meeting will be recorded by the City of Beverly, and takes roll of Board members and staff.
1.236 Cabot Street Coastal Window and Bderiors
The sign maker, Bill Nelbasafrom 9gn -a -rama, returnsto the Board representing the applicant. He
describes how they reduced the height and length of the sign to be under 25 square feet to comply with
the Ordinance. The sign design remains the same, blue on white with 6" lettering. Mason asksabout the
previous submission and the condition made when the Board previously recommended the Zoning
Board of Appealsapprove the sign. Hutchings confirms the amended sign is permitted by right and
describesthe condition made with the DRB's recommendation on the sign application at the previous
meeting. Hutchings further describes the zoning requirements and how the applicant would need to
come into compliance if the business' use of the building and facade length were to change.
There being no further commentsor questions regarding the matter:
Flannery: Motionsto approve the sign as presented. Margolis seconds. The motion carries
6 -0.
2. Modification to Site Plan: Ste Plan Review #141 -19 108 Bridge Street
The applicant David Cutler returns to the Board for approval of the minor modifications. Project
architect Dan Rociarelli is also present. They review the design plans, calling attention to the elevations
and describing where windows were added to all building sides, added gables, and a list of proposed
materials. The list of materials includes and are not limited to vinyl siding, dark onyx asphalt shingles on
the roof, and corner boards. Rociarelli states the materials will be consistent throughout the building,
and notes door was added to the Bridge Sreet fagade on the right side.
The Board reviews the updates and expresses their concerns that the design plans not on par with the
original submissions. The Board agrees the building, which will be prominently located, requires strong
presence and connection to the neighborhood. Members and the design teamsfurther discussthe
updates and configurations, and the Board notes they are not confident with the updated details to the
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Design Review Board
December 3, 2020 Meeting Minutes
roof and windows, noting the door on the Bridge Btreet entrance isawkward. Ulrich states he is not
impressed with the updates, and the building still does not create a strong street presence.
Cook analyzesthe previously approved design assubmitted bythe prior property owners. Cook points
out the changes in floor plan, which led to the window placement looking out of sync. 5he notesthe
Board specifically requested more windows and describes how the number and placement of windows
differ between the two designs. The Board expressestheir concern about the different elevations, and
notes how the design haschanged from what was previously approved. Rannery statesthat in the
previousdesign the homeslooked more individual, asopposed to the updated concept wherethe
homes resemble a solid block. Rannery agreesthe prior plans had higher quality detail and design.
Hutchings reviews the design fagade by fagade in an effort to convey where improvements may be
made to the design. The Board notesthe entry on the Bridge Street fagade looks like an add -on or shed,
not atrue entrance, and that the door needsto be in the main part of the building. Hutchings compares
the previously approved plans and the current plans. When the Board asks about the change to the
gables and slope of the roof, Hutchings adds the staff note that the roof was altered to make it solar -
ready. The Board askswhen solar panelswill be installed, and Hutchings clarifies that making a roof
solar -ready does not mean solar panelswill be immediately installed. Outler confirmsthat he will not put
solar panels on the roof, but future owners might.
Cook statesthat thoughtful detailsthat provide character are missing, and should be added back to the
design. The Board commentsthese plans resemble a modular design where cost is typically a driving
factor. Ulrich recommendsthe applicant review the previously approved elevations and bring the spirit
of that back. The design team reiterates and confirms the concerns oft he Board. Board members note
they are still concerned with parking for the fourth unit. Cutler statesthat part of the conditions for
Panning Board approval required parking reconfiguration. Rcciarelli inquiresto the role of each board
they will present to, and Hutchings provides clarification on the roles of the Design Faview Board (DRB)
and Parking and Traffic Commission (P &TC) as recommending bodies to the Panning Board, and what
the Panning Board will address in their review, including the recommendations of the DRBand P &TC
There being no further commentsor questions regarding the matter:
Cook: Motionsto continue to the January 7, 2021 meeting. Margolis seconds. The
motion carries 6 -0.
3. Modification to Site Plan: Ste Plan Review #145 -19 5 West Dane Street
Ben Carlson returns tot he Board to discuss the minor modification. The only change in the siding color.
Carlson explains the previously adjusted color, heathered moss, was not available when he went to
purchase the siding. The new colors selected are grays, with Carlson noting they are the same colors
that were approved for the building at 2 Hardy Street. Board members discuss and agree the
replacement color is appropriate.
There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter:
Cook: Motionsto recommend the Panning Board approve the minor modification.
Rannery seconds. The motion carries 6 -0.
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December 3, 2020 Meeting Minutes
4. New / Other Business
a. Draft meeting minutes
November 5, 2020 minutesto be reviewed at next meeting.
b. Introduction of new Associate Ranner Chelsea Zakas
5. Adjourn:
Cook: Motions to adjourn. Rannery seconds. The motion carries 7-0.
Meeting adjourned 7:29 pm.
Next meeting Jhnuary 7, 2021.
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