Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998_01_15 Board of Architectural Review Minutes AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK JANUARY 15, 1998, IN THE SENIOR CENTER, TOWN CENTER 744) WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK Present: Edward Z. Jacobson, Chairman 1n Ir Robert M. Immerman Lucian J. Leone 77. A� Anthony Spagnola T , C''tO E. Robert Wassman ' Pamela T. Washington ./2 1898 rdadeftei Also Present: Ronald A. Carpaneto NY Director of Building CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jacobson at 8:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES After some discussion, upon a motion made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded by Mr. Wassman, the amended Minutes of the December 18, 1997 meeting were unanimously approved. Chairman Jacobson read the application as follows: SATURN OF LARCHMONT-2517 Boston Post Road-Block 504 Lot 101 and 121-Robert Lasagne - signs/lighting (continued from December 18, 1997) Mr. Jacobson commended Mr. Lasagne for lowering the footcandle level along the perimeter on the lighting plan,particularly adjacent to the residential property, from 50 footcandles to 16 or 17 footcandles. Mr. Jacobson said under the canopy the lighting level is approximately 70 footcandles, which is very bright, and suggested that the number of fixtures under the canopy be reduced to drop the lighting level consistent with the surrounding area. Mr. Lasagne said the canopy will be illuminated to approximately 8:00 p.m., the close of business. It can then be shut down, or half the lights can be illuminated on the canopy timer to reduce the illumination. Ms. Washington asked the purpose for the current brightness under the canopy. Mr. Lasagne said the property previously was a gas station, the brightness under the canopy was existing and the only illumination for the property. Ms. Washington asked if it will be an active business, selling cars, or a storage lot in the evening. Mr. Lasagne said it will be an active business, selling cars, in the evening until 8:00 p.m. Upon Mr. Jacobson's suggestion,Mr. I asagne then restated the accommodations Mr. Lasagne will make for the record; all the lights will be illuminated until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, at the close of business on Friday at 6:00 p.m. the lights will be reduced to half on the timers, that being the only illumination under the canopy. In the evening half the outside perimeter lamps will be on timers for security reasons and screening purposes. Board of Architectural Review January 15, 1998 Page 2 Mr. Immerman said the light fixture is different from what was previously submitted and asked Mr. Lasagne to reiterate the comments previously requested on the pole and color. Mr. Lasagne said the fixture will be a 20 ft. height, the color will have the same as previously agreed upon; i.e. gray, to match the sign box and monument sign color; the lamp type is a different company but has the same requirements. Mr. Jacobson suggested discussing the landscape plan, and asked if the Board has any questions. Mr. Lasagne explained the landscape plan stating the front area has been cleaned up, the back will be cleaned up and grass will be planted. In the front on the existing property there are Taxus, which will be continued around to keep the area uniform. Some of the current shrubs will be removed and replanted in the back. Ms. Washington asked if there is a fence at the edge of the property abutting the adjacent Saturn property. Mr. Lasagne said there is a fence, but it will be removed this week, the property will be cleaned up and merged together. Mr. Immerman asked if some kind of screening along the rear property line might be desirable, due to the fact that it is a residential area abutting a commercial area and asked if the Board received any comments from the residents. ® Mr. Jacobson said no comments have been received from the adjacent properties. There being no further comments, on a motion made by Ms. Washington, seconded by Immerman, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, Robert Lasagne for Saturn of Larchmont has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans for a canopy sign and landscaping plan (continued from the December 18, 1997 meeting); 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, Robert Lasagne for Saturn of Larchmont 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 lighting plans are accepted as amended to include the lighting on timers during the off hours. © 2. The planting plan is approved as submitted, with the verbal agreement to improve the existing planter in the rear by installing extra plantings on the property in that area and maintaining the grass in good order. Board of Architectural Review January 15, 1998 Page 3 Chairman Jacobson read the next matter as follows: RAY CATENA LEXUS - 1435 Boston Post Road - Block 411 Lot 249 - lighting review At the December 18, 1997 meeting, the Board members had been requested to review the lighting in the evening at the Dealership. Mr. Jacobson asked for comments from the Board. Ms. Washington said the lighting can be seen through the plantings,and even with the leaves from the trees gone Ms. Washington feels the neighborhood has been respected by Mr. Catena's plantings. Mr. Spagnola said the plantings neutralize the effect of the site lighting, almost completely screening the lighting even in the current winter season. Mr. Jacobson said in this season the luminaires can be seen, but the light does not stray out of the lot. Mr. Wassman said the lamps are all concealed and uniform. Dr. Davidson appeared to hear the Board's comments regarding the lighting. Mr. Leone said the lighting is controlled, it is a site adjacent to a commercial site. Ray Catena has done whatever can be done to control the lighting. It is better with the leaves on the trees, but it is still covered by the evergreens. The lighting can be seen, but is still controlled. © Mr. Immerman said there were two light sources to be considered. One, a series of luminaires, and second, the reflected light from the cars, which at this time of year is as bright as the luminaires themselves. The new sign does not even show through the evergreens, because the evergreens cut that line of site to the sign Ray Catena Lexus which was a modification to the previous sign that just said Lexus. Dr. Davidson stated that the Board appears to be in agreement that the lighting and screening is fine. Mr. Jacobson said the Board feels that the luminaires, the lighting fixtures, are reasonably shielded, that the light from luminaires does not come into the neighborhood and is appropriate for that situation. Dr. Davidson then presented her comments which relate not to the lighting from the high density flood lights which have been turned down to what they were initially, although the shield screening that they offered to put on was never added. Mr. Jacobson said the purpose for discussing the lights was to review the effect and quality of the lights as they currently exist and the Board wants to limit their discussion to that purpose. If Dr. Davidson has something to add as to the lights themselves, the Board will be delighted to listen. If Dr. Davidson wishes to comment on another subject, the Board cannot entertain that at this time. Dr. Davidson said the only comment regarding the lights as they currently exist is that the timer is set so all lights, as informed by the Zoning Board of Appeals, should be off by 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. The timer, as Mr. Williams has informed Dr. Davidson, is currently set to be off later than agreed, that being at 10:00 p.m. Ray Catena's name is on until 11:00 p.m. Dr. Davidson asked that the lights be enforced to be turned off when they should or not later than 10:00 p.m. Mr. Jacobson asked Dr. Davidson to check the records with the Building Department, who is empowered to enforce the situation. Dr. Davidson presented a large photograph to the Board regarding the view of the Lexus property, and said the other issue is a fence that is required between the adjacent commercial and residential neighborhood which the Village of Larchmont tried to erect in great haste. Dr. Davidson discussed her concerns about the illumination reflected from the ground, and asked who addresses this issue. Board of Architectural Review January 15, 1998 Page 4 Mr. Wassman recommended that Dr. Davidson direct this issue to the Town Supervisor and Town Counsel. Mr. Jacobson said the Board feels the luminaires are appropriately angled and do their job in a reasonable way. On a motion made by Mr. Immerman, seconded by Ms. Washington, the Board reviewed the lighting at the Ray Catena lot and found NO CHANGES NECESSARY, 5-1. Mr. Immerman feels Mr. Catena should be approached to see if he is willing to put up a fence, as he noticed the illumination reflected from the ground was as strong as the luminaires. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the BAR will be held on February 19, 1998. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Marguerite Ro , Recording Secretary a 0