HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012_01_23 Board of Architectural Review Minutes
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
MONDAY JANUARY 23, 2012
PRESENT: Edward Jacobson, Chairman
Ken Ricci
Donald Meeker
ABSENT: Diane Neff
Also Present: Jaine Elkind-Eney, Liaison
Recording Secretary: Francine M. Brill
CALL TO ORDER at 8:15p.m.
Application No. 1 616 Fifth Avenue Emerald Blue Inc. Site Improvement
Diego Villareale, of JMC Consulting, addressed the Board representing Emerald Blue the owner of 616
Fifth Avenue. He gave a brief explanation of the application, stating that two thirds of the property is
commercial and the rear one third is residential.
Mr. Villareale showed photos of the property as it currently is to the Board. The intention is to repair
and maintain the graveled lot, place a six foot chain link fence around the property and landscape the
perimeter. Mr. Villareale stated that they have been before the Planning Board for site plan approval
and hope to get approval at the next hearing in February. He further stated the owner intends to lease
the property to the Acura dealership on Palmer Avenue, Larchmont for the storage and sale of vehicles.
Acura will be responsible to obtain an application for signage and will appear before the Board for
approval.
Mr. Villareale stated that the applicant is looking at options for the residential lot such as a single family
residence.
No erosion controls are required.
When the street trees are matured they will be large, they will be planted at 4-6 inch diameter.
No site lighting proposed. No security is proposed, other than a locked gate.
Chairman stated that the planting plan looks like a nice effort.
Mr. Meeker stated that this is an industrial pass thru area, and he feels a vinyl fence would look better
than a galvanized fence.
The placement of the plants along the street will be on the outside of the fence to provide screening.
Maintenance of the Town property and retaining the gravel on the property was discussed. Acura will
maintain this area
The asphalt entrance was discussed and the Board stated it should be repaved.
On motion of Mr. Meeker, seconded by Mr. Ricci the application of 616 Fifth Avenue was approved as
proposed with the addition of finished landscaped, continuous lawn along the street in front of the
proposed plantings.
Ayes: Jacobson, Meeker, Ricci
Nays: None
MINUTES
On motion of Mr. Jacobson seconded by Mr. Ricci the minutes of July 25, 2011 were approved.
Ayes: Jacobson, Ricci
Nays: None
Abstain: Meeker
On motion of Mr. Meeker, seconded by Mr. Jacobson the minutes of September 19, 2011 were
approved.
Ayes: Jacobson, Ricci, Meeker
Nays: None
The Minutes of October 17, 2011 were discussed and corrections made. The matter was tabled to the
February meeting.
The minutes of November, 2011 were tabled to the February meeting.
DISCUSSION
Mr. Ricci suggested that rather than the word “stated” the word “suggested” should be used in the
minutes when a Board member discusses the application.
Mr. Meeker stated the landscaping plan at the T-Mobile site is disappointing.
Mr. Ricci stated the Board always seems to be disappointed with the execution of the plans submitted
by applicants.
Mr. Meeker stated that the Board has to let the property owner know that there are expectations to be
met.
Mr. Jacobson stated that regarding T-Mobile the scale of the planting is off as it is a large vacuous area.
Mr. Meeker stated he had wanted more buffer area and less asphalt. This was provided Mr. Ricci
stated that the applicant did not break any law and that did what the plan stated.
Mr. Ricci asked if there should be a set of guidelines regarding the scale of plantings in certain areas.
Mr. Meeker stated that a professional should be hired to put a plan together for the Town.
Mr. Ricci stated that the BAR upholds aesthetic subjective dimension as to what looks good, he feels
they need to look at some guide lines, a mission statement, and develop a vision of the future by
establishing criteria for the distinct different business areas. A consultant to help develop a plan would
be a plus.
Mr. Meeker stated that he had walked the Town business area a number of years ago to better
understand the character of each area and photo’d all facades. The sign ordinance is old and needs to
be updated. KR could have a session to talk through what the vision is a matter of public debate.
Mr. Jacobson stated that ordinances are difficult to administer because they don’t fit all situations. The
BAR has flexibility and can push what the members feel is appropriate for each application. It is most
successful when applicant is on the same page.
Mr. Ricci stated the point is the BAR needs to establish guidelines. We want to encourage business
owners, and not be anti- business. He further stated that the BAR needs to strengthen its charter.
It was suggested that the Town should hire a Planner to propose design standards for distinct areas of
the business district.
Mr. Jacobson concluded that the Board needs to be brought up to full roster and asked the members if
they have any suggestions.
Mr. Jacobson stated that the Board was severely handicapped with only four members, and that
everyone’s help is needed to find a fifth member.
Ms. Elkind-Eney stated that she knows an architect who may be interested; she will speak to him and
provide Mr. Jacobson with contact information.
Mr. Ricci stated the Board needs a mission statement to guide it in doing its work.
Mr. Jacobson stated that 25 years ago or, when the Board of Architectural Review was formed there was
a mission statement, and that members should read it to decide if it needed updating.
Mr. Jacobson asked Ms. Brill to send a copy to each member.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Mr. Jacobson seconded by Mr. Meeker the meeting was adjourned at 9:25P.M.
Minutes prepared by
Francine M. Brill