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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998_12_17 Board of Architectural Review Minutes AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK DECEMBER 17, 1998, IN THE SENIOR CENTER, TOWN CENTER 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK Present: Edward Z. Jacobson, Chairman Robert M. Immerman O IWt Pamela T. Washington E. Robert Wassman REe.015)99 Absent: Anthony Spagnola + 19 FEB 2ot�oc�° Also Present: Ronald A. Carpaneto, Director of Building voCANIceNEcll CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jacobson at 8:03 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Jacobson asked if members of the Board had reviewed the Minutes of the previous meeting, and if there were any additions or corrections. There being none, upon a motion made by Ms. Washington, seconded by Mr. Wassman, the Minutes of the November 19, 1998 BAR meeting were unanimously approved. © Prior to the start of the meeting, Mr. Carpaneto informed board members that the applicant for the following applicant requested an adjournment to the next meeting: LARCHMONT ACRES EAST/Christopher Harris-Palmer Avenue&Richbell Road-Block 408 Lot 86 - sign (adjourned 10/15/98; 11/19/98) Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: 1-800-FLOWERS/Spectrum Signs - 1370 Boston Post Road - Block 410,Lot 1 - signs; facade Steve Vallen, for Spectrum Signs, John Notaro, for Notaro Grupp Architects, the architect representing the client, and Brian McGee, for 1-800-Flowers, appeared. Mr. Notaro said the location is the old Kentucky Fried Chicken building on the Boston Post Road, and submitted photos of different views. Mr. Notaro said no major renovations are being made to the building. The color red, that is currently on the building,will be replaced by earth-tone colors. An olive green color will be used on the base. The canopy will be repaired and painted a beige color that works with the existing brick. There will be an accent stripe in the same olive green that is proposed to be used for the base. The rear door will also be painted. The only addition to the premises will be a walk-in cooler box,painted to match the color of the brick, which will be hidden by a new decorative fence which wraps to face the residents in the rear. He stated it is about 25 ft. from the residential property line. Ms. Washington asked about the green window frames shown in the rendering. They are presently silver. Mr. Notaro said it is just artistic license. He believes they will remain silver. Mr. Immerman asked if there were color samples of the paint. Mr. Notaro said he did not have samples, but he can make them available, if necessary, and can leave a rendering as well. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 2 For clarity, Mr. Immerman asked if the green on the sample is the green that will be used on the top, the sides and on the base. Mr. Notaro said that is correct. A discussion followed about the lack of need to paint the brick work and brick repair. Mr. Immerman said on the Winthrop Avenue side, the applicant has to replace several of the dead shrubs. Mr. Notaro said at this time of year that may be difficult,but he will landscape the site for the year-round season. Mr. Immerman said the shrubbery should be filled in, so there is a consistent line. He said one of the trees to the right of the drive needs to have the suckers pruned at the bottom. Mr. Notaro said obviously because of the type of business, landscaping will be done and different types of flowers will be planted all summer long. Mr. Jacobson asked if there were any more comments about the building or the site. There were none. Mr. Jacobson asked if the application on the building is a separate issue. Mr. Carpaneto said yes. After some discussion, on a motion made by Ms. Washington, seconded by Mr. Wassman the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: ® WHEREAS, 1-800-Flowers/John Notaro has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to close existing storefront window with like masonry materials,paint building and roof canopy as noted, add new storage cooler in rear of building, replace chain-link fence with new decorative fence; and WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such permit on the grounds that the review by the Board of Architectural Review is required; and WHEREAS, 1-800-Flowers/John Notaro submitted an application for approval to the Board; and WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, inspected the site, reviewed the application and has heard all persons interested in this application; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the subject application be and the same is GRANTED, subject to the following conditions: 1. The building be approved as submitted with the change that the brick will not be painted unless necessary. 2. The patching will be done with brick to match. 3. The patching around the lights will be done with brick to match. 4. The planting will be upgraded, restored and maintained. ar 5. The olive color is the same color as the sign. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 3 Mr. Wassman said he thought the applicant said they would be putting in new lights. Mr. Jacobson said if new lights are installed on the facade, that will have to be approved. Mr. Carpaneto verified same. The Board then took up the matter of the two signage applications. Mr. Jacobson commented that the logo signage is beautiful, but he has concerns that the scale of the signage on the roof with 1-800-Flowers and two small logo signs is too much signage for such a small building. He said the logo sign would make a beautiful monument sign. Mr. Vallen said in defense of the presentation that automobiles traveling north cannot see the sign, they will not be able to signal and make a left onto the side street nor into the parking lot. The trees in the photograph are not on 1-800-Flowers property, but on the adjacent property, DOCS. That will propose a problem in itself. Mr. Jacobson reiterated his thoughts on the monument sign, and too much signage on the roof. Mr. Wassman said a monument sign would be attractive. Mr. Vallen said traveling south on the Post Road you don't see the sign facing the Post Road, because of the way the building is angled. Mr. Jacobson said he has a problem with the whole notion of the 1-800-Flowers with the two little logo © signs on each side. It's just too much signage. Ms. Washington suggested instead of have 1-800-Flowers with two logos on each side, have one logo sign on each facade. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed logo sign being a ground monument sign, and the fact that there is no ground surface for same and how that could achieved. Mr. Vallen said he would like to drop one of the logos off each side and create that into a monument sign. Mr. Jacobson said having only one of the logos on the roof beside the 1-800-Flowers will look odd. Mr. Vallen said in 90% of the cases, the sign is done with the name and one large logo. Knowing the Town is not receptive about large signs, they opted for the second choice, that the sign is bookended with two small logos, which is done in 10% of the cases, . Typically the logo would be twice the size as the proposed letters in height. In both case, it does look just as attractive being a single logo versus a double logo. What generally is done on the front elevation, the logo goes to the right side. On the side elevation, the logo goes to the front of the building. Further discussion continued regarding a monument sign, Ms. Washington's suggestion about placement of the contents of the sign and adjustment of the spacing. Mr. Immerman asked if the ends of the triangular piece of the signs can be masked to avoid looking at the supports, and make a return back to the mansard so it isn't so tenuous. Mr. Vallen said he will have to ask John Notaro, the architect. They could put the same colored aluminum, close it in and it will look like a box. Mr. Vallen said there is one spot where a monument sign could fit. Looking at the front of the building, it would be just to the right of the front door,just before the sidewalk. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 4 Mr. Jacobson said if it weren't for the landscaping the only site that makes sense is close to Winthrop Street, but it is not possible because of the plantings. Mr. McGee asked if the three Arborvitae were relocated, could a monument sign be put in that location? The Board answered in the affirmative. Mr. Jacobson said his proposal was that the sign on the roof be 1-800-Flowers only and that there be a single double-faced monument sign with the beautiful colored flowers on it. Mr. Jacobson asked if Mr. McGee was accepting his proposal. Mr. McGee said he just wants to get a little further explanation on the proposal before he agrees, as to how big the proposed monument sign will be. Mr. Carpaneto said the monument sign can be 30 sq. ft. Mr. Vallen said the only other question is, what is the likelihood of a vandalism problem with it? The Board indicated that there was little evidence of that. Mr. Vallen said if it could be agreed that the sign can go in the location noted as above, he will delete the two logos on each side of the building, and put a 6 ft. x 5 ft. monument sign on the ground. Mr. Vallen said a rendering will be submitted to the board. After further discussion, on a motion made by Mr. Jacobson, seconded by Mr. Immerman, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, 1-800-Flowers/Steve Vallen have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to install two(2)logo sign cabinets and one(1)illuminated channel letter with raceway, one on the side and one on the front at 1370 Boston Post Road; and WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such permit on the grounds that the review by the Board of Architectural Review is required; and WHEREAS, 1-800-Flowers/Steve Vallen submitted an application for approval to the Board; and WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, inspected the site, reviewed the application and has heard all persons interested in this application; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the subject application be and the same is GRANTED, subject to the following conditions: 1. A monument sign conforming to the maximum dimensions allowed by code be substituted for the four (4) logo signs that are presently shown on the roof of the building. 2. 1-800-Flowers will be the only signage on two (2) faces of the building, the front and side face. 3. A drawing of the monument sign will be submitted to the Building Department for distribution to the Board of Architectural Review, prior to the fabrication of that sign. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 5 Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: MING'S CHINESE BUFFET, INC.IEdward A. Davidson - 1265 Boston Post Road -Block 412 Lot 449 - signs; facade Ronald Getland, the landlord and owner of the property, Mark Mustacato, the architect for the project and Nick DeGiacomo of Neptune Signs, appeared. Mr. Mustacato said the site is the current Nathan's restaurant property. Ms. Washington asked if there were photographs of the property, which Mr. Carpaneto supplied. Mr. Mustacato said the building presently has a green awning that comes around the front and to the back of the original portion of the building,which was at one time open then closed. The applicant is proposing to remove the awning and build a mansard roof, continue the pitch which will wrap around. A small section of the center of the front facade will be brought out creating a gable. In the front, the windows will be moved forward slightly. The shingles will be Timberline Asphalt Shingles, the color being Weathered Wood. The stucco will be beige. The mullions/piers between the windows will be finished. The facade of the building will be stucco. A new roof will be built over either entrance on each side of the building, of which the face and the columns will be stucco. Mr. Jacobson asked if there will be any trim color or other contrasting color. Mr. Mustacato said there will be no contrasting colors, because there are mostly windows on the facade. © Mr. Immerman asked what the fascia board is. Mr. Mustacato said the fascia wood board will be painted beige. Mr. Jacobson said he wants to applaud the fact that signage will not be put on the building, but will be limited to the two (2) monument sign locations. Mr. Jacobson said the board probably has more questions regarding repair of the building and site issues, before discussing the signage. Mr. Immerman asked about the roof-top equipment and asked if Mr. Mustacato tried site-line studies, to be sure the new mansard is going to hide it. Mr. Mustacato said the only place one may be able to see it is if you are up in the Trader Joe's parking lot. Evaluation is still necessary to determine what is in working order and what isn't in working order. Mr. Immerman said the three dormers closed off with plywood show when one is in the parking lot across the street and do not look nice. Mr. Jacobson wondered whether the dormers are still necessary or could be removed. Mr. Getland said there are offices and storage area upstairs. He said he will make sure that the new tenant understands the requirements being placed on them while making improvements, to make the entire building aesthetically pleasing on all sides. .� Mr. Immerman said the dormers in the front are blocked off with plywood. Mr. Getland said it can be repaired and replaced. He said he doesn't think anyone will see it, because of the roof. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 6 Mr. Getland said he will try to do his best. The discussion continued regarding same, with Mr. Immerman suggesting the applicant try to make the clock work, if possible. Mr. Immerman said it seems the globe lights at every mullion have been ignored, and would like to know Mr. Mustacato's intention regarding same. Mr. Mustacato said he wasn't planning on having lighting on the facade, only in the soffits. Mr. Immerman said then Mr. Mustacato is removing existing lights and not installing anything new, with which Mr. Mustacato agreed. Mr. Jacobson asked how Mr. Mustacato plans to light the walkways, steps, etc. Mr. Mustacato said the lights from the parking lots generally light the walkways. There currently are lights at the entrance, which lights the ramp. Mr. Wassman said there is a residential area behind the site, and lighting is currently in the parking area. There aren't any complaints that he knows of. Mr. Mustacato said one advantage is that the neighboring properties are considerably higher. Mr. Immerman asked if everything will be repainted that is not mentioned on the drawings, the top of the windmill, the back service area where the wall is, and the stucco as well. © Mr. Mustacato said yes. A discussion ensued regarding trees on the side of the property. Mr. Getland said he is not opposed to trees. He has been involved with the property since 1980, operating Cook's and Nathan's. When improvements were made and at previous meetings with the Town Board, there was a Police Department traffic concern about trees along the road visually inhibiting the view of entrance and exit to the property. Mr. Wassman said he did not recall that. There is long range planning for the Town, the Planning Board, for the village and the Town,always incorporated the idea of having trees along the curbside. All the other properties along the Boston Post Road, save this one and the Castro Convertible, have had tree plantings appended to their application. Mr. Mustacato said it is his understanding that the Town is planning to redo the sidewalks for that project. Mr. Jacobson said he has an additional concern about the view from driver height under the trees. He also said there is a long expanse of parking lot where cars are very exposed with nothing to soften that look. That raises the issue of doing something with planting, in addition to the trees on Mr. Getland's property which would mask the look. A discussion ensued regarding that area, and the vast visible zone of parked cars on both sides. Mr. Immerman said the angled parking is where the rock doesn't impose on the dimension of the paved area. There is a possibility of planting three(3) trees in the parking lot in the vicinity of the light poles. Mr. Jacobson said it is an opportunity to do something significant in this area. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 7 Mr. Jacobson said the shrubbery in front of the building is done well, and asked if Mr. Mustacato could consider doing something like that in front of the cars.. Ms. Washington suggested restriping that side, make it diagonal parking and put the triangles on the right side, too. Mr. Mustacato said he has more spaces than needed by law, but does not want to give up spaces. Mr. Immerman said he thinks the applicant should return with a landscape plan. Mr. Mustacato said it will give him an opportunity to discuss the landscaping with his client and the landlord. Mr. Carpaneto suggested, while the board reviews the signage, he may be able to look for the plans on the Post Road for the board to review, which he did. Mr. Jacobson said there seems to be ample room to plant on Mr. Getland's property. On a motion made by Mr. Immerman, seconded by Mr. Wassman, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, Ming's Chinese Buffet Restaurant/Mark Mustacato have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to remove existing awning,build new asphalt shingle mansard roof, build new gable and front facade, build gable roof over two side entrances, finish the exterior surfaces with a stucco finish; and O WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such permit on the grounds that the y the Board of Architectural Review is required; and WHEREAS, Ming's Chinese Buffet Restaurant/Mark Mustacato submitted an application for approval to the Board; and WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, inspected the site, reviewed the application and has heard all persons interested in this application; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the subject application be and the same is GRANTED, subject to the following conditions: 1. Approve the changes to the building as submitted with the clarifications that items that were not identified will be carried out as agreed to at this meeting as follows: a. All the surfaces of the wall will be finished with the same stucco; b. The windmill will be repainted and restored; c. The currently existing lighting fixtures will be removed, not to be replaced with other lighting fixtures; d. All of the masonry work on the entrance stairways and ramps will also be restored; e. If possible, the clock shall be made to operate; Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 8 f. The dormer windows will be made to look as if they really are windows, or at least look like part of the finished building; g. A landscape plan will be submitted for review and approval. Mr. Getland asked the date of the next meeting. Mr. Jacobson said the meeting is the third Thursday every month. Mr. Jacobson asked if the signs are double-faced. The application refers to the signs as having a total of 30 sq. ft., and asked if that is just for one face? Mr. DeGiacomo said a monument sign can only be 30 sq. ft. by code. If it has two faces, it doesn't matter. Mr. Carpaneto returned to the meeting with the Town plans for trees and plantings, which the board reviewed and discussed. After some discussion, Ms. Washington suggested making planting beds that extend on both sides. Mr. Jacobson said the matter has to be taken up with the proper individuals in the Town, before progressing with this matter. Mr. Wassman expressed concern that the Board has not been given the opportunity to review the Town's planting plan for the Post Road. OA discussion ensued regarding this matter. Mr. Immerman said he objects to the red lettering of the sign.. Mr. DeGiacomo said the base will be similar to the stucco building and the cabinet will be painted the same color beige. Mr. Immerman said he would like the lettering to be white and the strokes to be thinner. Mr. DeGiacomo said there will be little contrast and was concerned about the legibility. Mr. Immerman said lettering on the sign is going to be illuminated. After further discussion, Mr. Jacobson asked the board to break this matter into two separate issues, (1) the width of the stroke of the letter, and (2) the issue of the color. Mr. DeGiacomo said maybe number (1) Ming's and Restaurant, can be changed to Helvetica, medium, and keep the "Chinese Buffet" bold. He used Trader Joe's and CVS as an example of red signage in the area. The board felt that "Chinese Buffet" in bold is the worse part. Ms. Washington asked if Mr. DeGiacomo had a sample of what is looks like not in bold. Mr. DeGiacomo said that the signage is in bold on every other restaurant owned by the applicants. After further discussion, Mr. DeGiacomo asked what the board is suggesting. Mr. Jacobson said the board is suggesting Helvetica, medium, as stated above. Ms. Washington said to space it out a little more. Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 9 Mr. Mustacato asked if he could agree to do as suggested, subject to confirming same with the proposed tenant. The Board agreed. Mr. Carpaneto asked if the board would like the applicant to send a copy of the lettering to the Building Department, to be forwarded to the board. The Board agreed. Mr. DeGiacomo said, upon the tenants approval, the words Ming's and Restaurant will be changed to Helvetica, medium. The Board, along with Mr. DeGiacomo, proceeded to discuss the colors to be used for the signage. On a motion made by Ms. Washington, seconded by Mr. Wassman, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, Ming's Chinese Buffet, Inc./Edward A. Davidson have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to remove two existing signs, install new monument signs; and WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such permit on the grounds that the review by the Board of Architectural Review is required; and WHEREAS, Ming's Chinese Buffet, Inc./Edward A. Davidson submitted an application for approval to the Board; and OWHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, inspected the site, reviewed the application and has heard all persons interested in this application; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the subject application be and the same is GRANTED, subject to the following conditions: 1. The color of the sign be accepted as presented; 2. The letters, Ming's and Restaurant, will be changed to Helvetica, medium, in red. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Jacobson informed the Board that he sent a memo to Elaine Price regarding the lighting issue of the Coughlin building signage, expressing the concerns of the Board. He called Ms. Price and was told the issue has been past on to Steve Altieri for consideration. Ms. Washington asked if it has been communicated to the Coughlins? Mr. Jacobson said he did not know. Mr. Carpaneto said he has not seen the memo. Mr. Carpaneto informed the Board that Mr. Coughlin will be returning to the BAR next month to elevate the front side. The Board can address this issue at that time. air Board of Architectural Review December 17, 1998 Page 10 O Mr. Wassman said the relevance of the residential areas adjacent to the lighted sign and being so visible, should be recognized. More restraint should be used. Mr. Wassman said Mr. Coughlin should be asked to correct it. Ms. Washington said there are sites in the Town, using the Staples lot as an example, where the plantings are ragged. Perhaps sometime in the New Year a letter can be sent to everybody to be sure that their plantings are going to be up to snuff by the time next summer comes, especially to do some planting in the front. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the BAR will be held on January 21, 1999. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:30 p.m. ett-e A Marguerite Roma, R ording Secretary 0 0