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2013-06-06CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Design Review Board June 6, 2013 Jane Brusca Ellen Flannery, Karen Bebergal William Finch, Rachel Matthews Kirk Baker Kirk Baker Kirk Baker calls the meeting to order and introduces the first item on the agenda: 1. Sign —115 Cabot Street — Winfrey's Fudge and Chocolates The applicant proposes a wall sign and an awning. She describes the wall sign as being 9' long by 42" in height that will read "Winfrey's ". The text will be in white bold letters with yellow trim on a brown background. The wall sign is to be externally illuminated. The awning will be of blue fabric with dimensions being 19' in length by 38" in height and having a 4' depth. The text on the awning will read "Fudge Fine Chocolates" in 6" high white letters. The applicant notes that they have obtained the Zoning Official's signature certifying that the sign complies with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The DRB expresses concern that the wall sign is 31.5 square feet but also notes that Larry Demers in the Building Inspections office signed off on its dimensions. The applicant points out that the sign appears proportional to the building because the building is set back at a distance from Cabot Street. She also points out to the DRB members that she, at the City's request, agreed to remove the existing freestanding sign. Jane Brusca makes a motion to approve the application noting that the Building Department signed off on the dimensions. Karen Bebergal seconds the motion. Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 2 of 10 The Board votes unanimously to approve the sign and awning request. 2. Sign — Bogies Craft Beer and Fine Wine — 246 Elliot Street The sign contractor, Dave Battcock is replacing the existing freestanding sign -face and changing the existing wall sign (both of which currently read "Alexander's ") to "Bogie's -Craft Beer ". The Board notes that the wall sign exhibit in their packets says "Bogie's — Fine Wine / Craft Beer ". The owner, however, has decided that he only wants the wall sign to simply read, "Bogie's — Craft Beer ". The presenter tells the DRB that the reason for the name change is because the owner wants to use his dog's name instead of his own. The Board requests a new revised copy showing the signage with the requested modification. The "Bogies" in the wall sign will be internally illuminated but "Craft Beer" will not. Jane Brusca makes the motion to approve the application for the wall sign and the freestanding sign -face as presented. Ellen Flannery seconds the motion. The Board votes unanimously to approve the application. [Note: The revision depicting the proposed text modification, "Bogie's — Craft Beer" was submitted on June 10, 2013 with final approval being given on June 12 3. Sign — Timberline Lumber — 80 Colon Street The sign contractor, Dave Battcock states that the applicant is requesting to replace 3 existing signs — 2 wall signs and a freestanding sign -face — with new signs depicting the new business name. The Board asks for a clarification about whether the secondary wall sign is bigger than the original. The applicant states that, although the shape is different, the sign area is the same as the existing. Kirk Baker informs the Board members that Zoning Official has signed off on the application including a note that the sign locations and sizes are grandfathered. The Board questions as to which elevation will have the secondary wall sign. Dave Battcock says that it is on the side street facade facing Heather Street. Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 3 of 10 Jane Brusca raises a question about the conflicting exhibits where one sign graphic depicts a directional arrow. The applicant says that the one with the directional arrow is not applicable and should be removed. Jane Brusca moves to approve the proposed signs as submitted except for the one sign on the exhibit that has the directional arrow. Ellen Flannery seconds the motion. The Board votes unanimously to approve the motion. 4. Sign — Sew Creative /Creative Yarns —14 & 16 Elliot Street The applicant and business owner, Ms. Phyllis Vray, proposes to install two projecting signs for two separate but adjacent businesses located at 14 -16 Elliot Street, both of which are owned by her. The Zoning Official had signed -off on the application but noted that the proposed signs were slightly larger than the maximum allowed, and, that a total reduction of I" from either dimension would be sufficient. Ms. Vray agreed to the reduction and said that she would get the sign maker stated that the sign -maker to submit a revision. Both signs will be externally illuminated. The Board requested that Ms. Vray submit a revision for final approval. She stated that she will do so. Jane Brusca made a motion to approve the application pending the submittal of a revised sign exhibit showing reduced sign dimensions. Karen Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board unanimously approves the motion for approval. [Note: A revision per the DRB's request was submitted on June 19, 2013. Final approval was given on June 20, 2013.] 5. Sign / Fagade — The Green Papaya — 214 Cabot Street The applicant will discuss both the signs and the fagade improvements during the same hearing. Mr. Baker asks the applicant about whether the size of the proposed secondary wall sign compared to that of the original "China Buffet" sign is larger and noticeably disproportionate to the sign panel on that side. The applicant notes that it is the same size as the primary wall sign Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 4 of 10 on the Cabot Street facade. Mr. Baker responds that the old "China Buffet" sign was "grandfathered" in regards to it's size, therefore any enlargement would require approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The applicant agrees to send a revision for the Bow Street wall sign exhibit to the Planning Department sometime the following week. Discussion turns to the facade features. The applicant states that the clapboards of the fagade will be the "latte" color (as depicted in the submitted color palette sample on file) and, the trim will be the "saint martin sand" color. The applicant presents new drawings with color samples. The restaurant name will be in green, and the subtext, as decided jointly between the Board and the applicant, will be black. The double - hung window system will be white color with internal muntins. The Board asks about the siding and paneling composition. The applicant states that they are using Azek plastic building materials and assures that this is a high- quality, realistic material that is a good substitute for using actual wood materials. Jane Brusca makes a motion to approve the sign application according to the updated application information and, pending submittal of a revised exhibit with reduced dimensions for the Bow Street wall sign. Karen Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board votes and the motion is approved unanimously. Jane Brusca then motions to approve the facade exhibit depicting the color samples ( latte, saint martin sand, etc) which were provided by the applicant at the start of the meeting along with the use of the Azek plastic wood material for the siding /paneling. Karen Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board votes unanimously to approve the application for the fagade improvements. [Note: The requested revision depicting the smaller wall sign on the Bow Street facade was submitted on June 10, 2013 with final approval being given on June 12'.] 6. Sandwich Board Sign — Prides Deli — 644 Hale Street The applicant proposes an A -frame chalkboard sign 3' in height and 2' in width. The Board discusses the amount of space available for the sign on the sidewalk and agrees that there is sufficient room. Jane Brusca makes a motion to recommend approval of the sign to the City Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 5of10 Council. Ellen Flannery seconds the motion. The Board votes unanimously to approve the motion. 7. Sandwich Board Sign — Prides Osteria — 240 Rantoul Street The applicant proposes an A -frame chalkboard sign 3' in height and 2' in width. The Board discusses the amount of space available for the sign on the sidewalk. They determine that there is 13' from the building to the road and the sign will be 1' from the building. Ellen Flannery asks about the actual width of the sidewalk. Kirk Baker notes that the sidewalk is about 5' wide and then there is an 8' concrete area between the sidewalk and building. Ellen Flannery makes a motion to recommend approval of the sandwich sign to the City Council. Jane Brusca seconds the motion. The Board votes unanimously to approve the motion. 8. Sign / Fagade — Wild Horse — 392 Cabot Street The applicant is proposing installation of an awning sign and changes to the fagade. The Board asks the applicant about the wall sign depicted on the exhibit. The applicant states that no wall sign is proposed. The applicant proposes that the awning will be black. He says the exhibit page with the text font shows what the awning sign will look like. The applicant also clarifies that the logo of the horsehead will not be on the sign and the text will read, "Wild Horse" rather than "Wild Horse Cafe". Because the facade improvements have already been completed, Kirk Baker shows the Board members a recent picture of the facade appearance. The Board members express satisfaction with the quality of the improvements made to the building. Jane Brusca motions for approval of the sign and facade application with the exception that the horsehead logo, the word "cafe", and the wall sign will be crossed out from the exhibit. 9. Site Plan Review — New Office Building and Parking Garage — 50 Dunham Road Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 6 of 10 Stephen Drohosky of Cummings Properties described the project and stated they are currently going through site plan review. He showed the layout plan to the Board members. He says the new 5 -story building and parking garage is a speculative project intended to take advantage of the anticipated market. They still have space in the existing building to lease but the developer wants to get ahead of the market demand for office space. He shows the architectural elevations that depicts a style which conforms to that of the existing buildings. The garage roof will eventually be used for solar panels. The applicant states that it is his intent for this building to have "all front and no backs" The applicant shows the landscaping plan. The Board members express satisfaction with the landscaping details. The applicant provides details about the proposed bio -swale which serves not only to retain and treat water but adds to the visual softening by the landscaping. Mr. Baker tells the applicant that there have been some calls from concerned residents living in the Dunham Castles condominiums. Mr. Drohosky states that they have held open house meetings with the ad j acent property owners and heard the same concerns. The applicant says that they persuaded most of the opposition to the merits of the project. Mr. Baker points out that the proposed building is mostly being constructed over existing parking area, and, as it appears on the site plan the intent of the applicant seems to be that the existing vegetated buffer will be preserved. Mr. Drohosky states they do intend to preserve the vegetation. Mr. Drohosky elaborates that border is currently heavily wooded despite some previous tree removal in that area. He states that there are several factors involved in reducing the visual impact between the properties. First of all, there is a vernal pool located just south of the proposed garage next to the western property line that has a 100 -foot no- disturb buffer zone around it. Moreover, the residential buildings of concern are approximately 300 feet away and, as the site plan indicates, the existing vegetation along the boundary will be preserved. Furthermore, changes in elevation between the two properties will further reduce the visual impact made by the proposed development. Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 7 of 10 Ms. Flannery asks what the opponents at the open house were concerned about. Applicant states that they mistakenly thought they were associated with the new interchange. Discussion about the interchange project follows. The Board requests that the applicant discuss the lighting for the site. He proposes they will use directional fixtures that are night -sky compliant. The roof area will have parking but will be screened by "solar- support structure" which screens the lights and the cars from view. Jane Brusca asked the applicant about the timetable. Mr. Drohosky stated the project should commence late 2013 and hopefully be completed sometime early 2014. Jane Brusca makes a motion to recommend to Planning Board to approve the architectural, lighting, and landscaping elements as depicted on the submitted site plan. Karen Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board votes and unanimously approves the motion. Old Business: 10. Sign — Cost Cutters - 242 Elliot Street The sign contractor Dave Battcock presents a revision of the sign exhibit per the DRB's recommendations at the April 4', 2013 meeting, which said to reduce the size of the wall sign by 15% or 20 %. This new version has been reduced by the recommended amount using the interpretation that the area of the sign that comprises the text only constitutes the actual area of the sign. Mr. Battcock asserts that the sign has been reduced to a size proportional to the other signs on the building and which is smaller in area than the required maximum 20 square feet. The Board votes to unanimously approve the revised version of the wall sign. 11. Awning Sign - Salernos Italian Pub and Eatery — 73 Cabot St e The applicant is requesting an amendment to the applicant's previous sign /awning request to the DRB that was considered at the May 2n meeting. The applicant is proposing: Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 8of10 1. To increase the size of the text on the awning sign. 2. To add the text "Italian Pub and Eatery" after the " Salerno's" business name. 3. To add a logo (12" wide and 24 ") in height which looks like a half man /half red pepper wearing a top -hat. The applicant stated that he was uncertain if the code allows the logo but would like the DRB to consider it. Jane Brusca states that she agrees that increasing the size of the original text sounds like a good idea and that she also has no problem with the addition of the proposed text. Ms. Brusca does raise the question to planning staff of whether the logo is allowed by the City's Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Baker responds by citing Zoning Ordinance Section 38-26.A.5 that states, "a sign may incorporate no more than one registered trademark, logo or identifying symbol provided that the ... symbol must be for an establishment only and not for a commodity or product sold by the establishment." The Board members interpret this language to mean that trademarked logos like "Pepsi" or "Coca- Cola" were not allowed per this provision but that a symbol for the establishment itself is allowed. Mr. Baker then cites Zoning Ordinance Section 38- 26.13.1.1) which states that "one awning sign is permitted for each groundfloor use provided that letters are painted or integral to the awning fabric and are no more than 6" in height." Based on the information from the Zoning Ordinance, the Board agrees that the logos are not explicitly prohibited. Jane Brusca states that she feels more comfortable with the use of the logo in this situation primarily because of the relatively large distance of the building from the public right -of -way. Ms. Brusca made a motion to amend the May 2n DRB Salerno's awning sign approval to 1. To include the increase in the size of the awning sign text 2. To add new text which says "Italian Pub and Eatery" 3. To allow the addition of the proposed logo Karen Bebergal seconded the motion. The Board voted to unanimously approve the motion. Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 9 of 10 12. Sign — Cape Ann Waldorf School at 701 Cabot St Mr. Baker presented this as the final business of the night that was previously considered by the DRB at its April 4' meeting, at which, Bill Finch and Karen Bebergal were the members present. Mr. Baker states that the DRB previously requested revisions and that the new submittal contains the suggested revisions. Mr. Baker asks if Ms. Flannery and Ms. Brusca feel comfortable with voting on it. Ms. Brusca asks what the suggested revisions were. Mr. Baker lists the proposed revisions: 1. The first sign proposal had the the sign being too close to the road so that it would potentially impair visibility in the sight triangle; 2. The first sign at 11' was too tall and should be reduced to 9'; 3. The height dimensions of the both changing -panel signs needs to be reduced. Mr. Baker points out that the suggested revisions are included in the new submittal. Karen Bebergal makes a motion to approve the revised sign exhibit as presented. Ellen Flannery seconds the motion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the amendment to the sign exhibit. 13. Minutes The Board discusses whether it is appropriate to approve the meeting minutes from May 2nd Design Review Board meeting considering that only Karen Bebergal and Kirk Baker from Planning staff were present at the meeting. Mr. Baker states that he felt it was inappropriate for him to vote on the minutes from that meeting since he wrote them. Jane Brusca and Ellen Flannery both agreed that those members present at the current meeting could vote to accept the meeting minutes. At that time, Ellen Flannery made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from the May 2, 2013 DRB meeting. Karen Bebergal seconds the motion. The Board votes to accept the meeting minutes with Kirk Baker abstaining. 14. Adjournment Design Review Board Minutes June 6, 2013 Page 10 of 10 The meeting is adjourned at 9:15 p.m.