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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999_06_17 Board of Architectural Review Minutes • AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK JUNE 17, 1999, IN THE SENIOR CENTER, TOWN CENTER 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK Present: Edward Z. Jacobson, Chairman Sue Ellen Commender 011", Robert M. Immerman Anthony Spagnola ,y E. Robert Wassman RECEIVED Absent: Pamela T. Washington OCT 28 199 Also Present: Ronald A. Carpaneto, Director of Building pATRIGIA A.aGIOGC!0 �� rP $ TOWN CLERK fFMARONEGK hy.Y. CALL TO ORDER b The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jacobson at 8:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Jacobson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the May 20, 1999 Minutes. After some discussion and corrections made, on a motion made and seconded, the Amended Minutes of the May 20, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved. • Chairman Jacobson read the application as follows: NEW YORK SPORTS CLUBS/Anthony Fodera - 13-19 Madison Avenue-Block 132 Lot 469 -sign (adjourned 2/18/99;3/18/99;5/20/99) Anthony Fodera, of LS Signs, and Ned Ferrarone, the building and property owner, appeared. Mr. Fodera reiterated the concerns of the Board at the last meeting. He has been working with Mr. Ferrarone, the other tenants and New York Sports Clubs. New Yorks Sports Clubs has agreed to pay part of the costs for the signs for the other tenants. He then discussed the type of design, the tenant logo and having some kind of continuity. Mr. Ferrarone said they are presenting two alternatives which were submitted June 14, 1999; (1) illuminated letters mounted on raceways, (2) non-illuminated letters with goose neck lighting. After some discussion regarding these two alternatives, Mr. Ferrarone pointed out the various signage in Town that have a box behind it. Mr. Ferrarone said that the raceway will be painted the same color as the building, and will be unobtrusive. Mr. Ferrarone said the building will be repainted the same color it currently is. Mr. Spagnola asked if all the letters are red. • Mr. Fodera said yes, everything will be the same, including the logos. Mr. Ferrarone said that he got permission from the other tenants to change their colors, so everything will be coordinated. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 2 • After further discussion regarding the color of the signs, in clarification Mr. Jacobson said the Board is dealing with two proposals;one with the internally illuminated letters, the other with the goose neck lamps. It is his feeling that somehow the goose neck lamps are not in keeping with the building. He asked what the Board would think of not including the oval signs that say "Jay's" and "Tennyson" above "Wines & Liquors" and "Cleaners" and suggests this be moved to the side. Mr. Ferrarone said the tenants will not agree to the changes without those names being included. Mr. Immerman said they were not talking about the names,just the oval. Mr. Fodera explained that the store front was not long enough to allow the oval beside the sign text, that is why the oval was placed on top. After further discussion regarding the oval sign, Mr. Spagnola questioned the size of the letters. Mr. Fodera said the letters will be the same size. Ms. Commender said she had asked Mr. Carpaneto for clarification on the signage. Mr. Carpaneto said when you have more than one sign, the two signs cannot add a total height of what would exceed one sign. Therefore, 24 in. would be the maximum height of the letters in one sign, and in this case would have to be 12 in. The logo with the signage extends over 32 in. in height. Mr. Jacobson asked if Mr. Carpaneto is inferring that the signs suggested don't comply with the code. • A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the size of the letters, the height of the sign and the placement of oval. Mr. Carpaneto said when there are two lines of signage, they can't exceed the limitation of one line. Ms. Commender questioned the logo, and asked if the maximum height on the logo is 24 in. also. Mr. Carpaneto said the maximum height of the sign can be 32 in. Ms. Commender asked if the side street is a separate frontage. Mr. Carpaneto said each side is a separate frontage and read the related code regarding 50 ft. footage. A discussion ensued regarding the number of applications presented for the signage. On a motion made by Mr. Immerman, and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, New York Sports Clubs have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to remove existing 3 ft. by 37 ft. illuminated box sign/replace will illuminated logo and letters; 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, New York Sports Clubs 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 Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 3 • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the subject application be and the same is APPROVED, subject to the following conditions: 1. The application for fascia signage is accepted as amended; moving the logo to the left of each lettering line and the elevation be adjusted to the spacing of New York Sports Clubs elevation and uniform across. Mr. Jacobson said at the last meeting the Board requested certain changes if the directory sign was wanted. Mr. Fodera said the sign is definitely wanted, as the building is setback so far, is not visible from the street and will help to identify that location. The sign is already in that location, it is being cleaned up and updated. It is the same size sign being replaced. Mr. Jacobson said that the issue was raised because it was felt that given the scale of the letters and the location of the directory, the sign couldn't be read until one is relatively close to it. Mr. Fodera said the building is blocked by the restaurant, and the pole sign will be able to be seen from three or four blocks away. Mr. Spagnola said it cannot be seen on the far corner, due to the trees in the way. He said the reason the Board is questioning this sign is because it seems so fussy, has goose neck lamps not in keeping with the building, has three types of topography on one little sign panel, borders and gold leafing. • Mr. Ferrarone said they would rather have a red and white sign, and would rather not have the goose neck light but would like a fluorescent light. Mr. Spagnola said the Board is looking at this as two applications legally, but the Board is looking at this as a total piece of architecture on the street. The front of the building has been resolved. In light of that decision, Mr. Spagnola doesn't think the directory sign is appropriate with this decision. Mr. Spagnola said he does not want to approve it as presented. After further discussion, Mr. Jacobson suggested making the sign as understated as possible. The Board continued discussing the possibilities for the sign; take out the horizontal lines and the "mouse chews" on the sides, paint the sign white or the cream color of the building with black lettering, the illumination,being the horizontal bar, the same color as the background of the sign, no banding, no gold leaf. Mr. Jacobson brought up the Coughlin issue with respect to lighting,and is concerned about the brightness of this sign. Mr. Ferrarone said this does not face any residences, it is perpendicular. A discussion ensued regarding the lighting of the directory sign. Ms. Commender said the previous minutes stated Mr. Ferrarone is going to look into the garbage problems in the back corner of the property and asked if it could be cleaned up as soon as possible. Mr. Ferrarone said he can't say how many thousands of dollars has been spent on garbage enclosures in III that area and the Town trash men ruin it by backing into it and smashing it. It cost$12,000.00 to rebuild the fence the last time. One week later, the Town trash men backed the trucks into it again. It is not a lack of effort on Mr. Ferrarone's part. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 4 • Mr. Jacobson said that does not seem to be the issue. The issue referred to is that there is a lot of debris in the area. All the trash needs to be in the enclosure. Mr. Ferrarone said the trash men will not pickup as they should. Mr. Jacobson said that Mr. Ferrarone should make that known to the Town, as it is an eyesore. On a motion made by Mr. Immerman, seconded by Mr. Wassman, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, New York Sports Clubs have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to remove existing free-standing sign/utilizing the same pole/erect new sign; 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, New York Sports Clubs 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 APPROVED, subject to the following conditions: • 1. The directory sign become a clean rectangle. 2. There be no black borders. 3. All lettering be in black, readjusted for the additional space. 4. There be no designation such as Larchmont Shopping Center. 5. Illumination supplied by a rectangular box fluorescent fixture on either side. 6. The background painted to match the building and the light fixture. Mr. Carpaneto asked Mr. Ferrarone if he has a number for the paint color to be used. Mr. Ferrarone said it is going to be the same color as before, #10308. Mr. Jacobson informed the Board that the following application has asked for an adjournment: CLOCK TOWER BUILDING OFFICES/Robert Stanziale-2 Madison Avenue-Block 133 Lot 602- facade (adjourned 5/20/99) Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: RAY CATENA LEXUS - 1435 Boston Post Road -Block 411, Lot 249 and 280 - site improvement Frank Williams, the general manger, appeared for Ray Catena. He said Ray Catena is proposing to install a fence to block some lighting for the neighbors in Flint Park. Mr. Jacobson asked if Ray Catena has been getting criticism. Mr. Williams said Ray Catena has been getting complaints. He informed the Board that the Flint Park Association hired a lawyer, Mr. Futterman. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 5 • Mr. Williams said that Ray Catena is willing to comply with the request, and said that possibly Mr. Futterman might be able to better address this issue. Mr. Jacobson asked if the eight foot high fence will solve whatever problems exists. Mr. Futterman said they think it will. He presented pictures taken in March from Birch Lane and explained these pictures to the Board which show the illumination from the lights that is a disturbing commercial intrusion on what is a tranquil and beautiful neighborhood. Mr. Futterman said when signage was approved for Ray Catena Lexus some time ago, one of the conditions was that a good faith effort be made to evaluate screening and to approve it. He said that the foliage,particularly in the winter, does not do the job. Even in other seasons, it is not sufficient. Mr. Catena has been very cooperative and has agreed to erect the proposed fence to alleviate the problem and has given Mr. Williams a series of letters residents have signed reflecting their interest in having this done as quickly as possible. It is seen as a very serious problem and the residents are very appreciative of the dealership dealing with it. Mr. Futterman said he is supporting the application as strongly as he can. Mr. Spagnola asked about the color to be used. Mr. Futterman said they are interested in providing blocking for the residents with an opaque stockade fence, similar to the one on Birch Road that screens the Village Yard and the back of the Volvo property which is natural. A discussion ensued regarding the location of the fence and the proposed fence screening. • Mr. Jacobson asked if there were any questions or comments. Mr. Immerman said he is delighted that Lexus is going to accommodate the neighborhood and that the neighborhood is satisfied with the proposed solution. On a motion made by Ms. Commender, seconded by Ms. Spagnola, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, Ray Catena Lexus has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to construct a wood stockade fence, 8 ft. high with 6 in. opening for drainage. This fence will be approximately 128 lineal feet for the purpose of screening the rear car lot from the view of residents in Flint Park neighborhood; 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, Ray Catena Lexus 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 APPROVED, subject to the following conditions: • 1. The application is approved as submitted. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: Board of Architectural Review • June 17, 1999 Page 6 • JOYCE MOOCK - 1 Washington Square - Block 133, Lot 449 - site improvement Mr. Jacobson recused himself from commenting on this application, since he is acquainted with the applicant. He asked Mr. Immerman to act as chair for this matter. Mr. Immerman asked that individuals identify themselves before speaking for the record. Joyce Moock, the applicant, appeared. William Hogan, DBA Custom Architectural Remodeling, also appeared. Mr. Immerman said the Board has copies of the drawings and asked if Mr. Hogan would like to explain the project. Mr. Hogan informed the Board that currently Ms. Moock's property, at 1 Washington Square, Apt. G, is enclosed with an aluminum, screened enclosure. There are enclosures on her building above her apartment which range from aluminum screened enclosure to sliding, by-passing patio doors made of windows mulled with wood, sided aluminum and structures made of storm windows. The structures made with storm windows are dangerous, because the storm window sections can come out and fall to the ground. Mr. Hogan wants to make sure that enclosure will provide some energy efficiency. The design proposed uses five panes on the long side, two sections on the short side, double hung windows with a fixed light panel above and a tempered glass kick panel below the sill. There is tempered glass, a minimum 36 in., from the concrete floor, the bottom of the terrace. A discussion ensued regarding the fixed light panel above. • Mr. Immerman asked if it is going to be transparent top to bottom, which was verified. Mr. Hogan said virtually all of the porches, except the top floor in that particular rise, have been enclosed. Many of the others have also been enclosed on the building, some with four sections, some with six sections. There is basically no continuity. Mr. Immerman said there will not ever be continuity in this whole building. Mr. Hogan continued his presentation regarding the proposed windows, explaining the weight of the windows, the difficulty in operating the window if it only had four panels because of the weight of such on the elderly tenants. By putting five panels across the front it has balanced sides, with the two panels at the end that comply. Mr. Hogan explained the crowded look if there were six panels and said that the glass space would be reduced. A discussion ensued regarding using four sections or six sections, with Mr. Immerman stating there are three other apartments in that line that have six divisions. In that corner, the third floor, fifth floor and sixth floor are divided in six panels, nothing is divided in five. After further discussion, Mr. Immerman said each time an application is before the Board on this building the Board tries to make it consistent with the corner it is in. Ms. Commender asked the size of the glass if it is made six units. Mr. Hogan said with six units across the glass is 2 ft. across, with five panels across the glass is 3 ft. • Ms. Commender said there are a couple of units that are screened and will probably be turned over in time. There are two with six panels across made out of prefabricated aluminum which the building considers unsafe and/or undesirable. It is not clear why that situation is being matched, giving up window space. Ms. Commender said she is not sure what is being accomplished. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 7 • Mr. Immerman asked what is the likelihood of the others being changed in the near future. Mr. Hogan said they are attempting to be constrained by the existing design of the building, but the aluminum units as seen are really not an acceptable solution. Mr. Immerman said that the Board is here to talk about this proposal, not what may happen in the future over which the Board has no control over. Ms. Moock said it seems the Board is looking at the situation and one could guess as the building upgrades they will turn to the direction of what is being proposal. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the proposal, the existing enclosures and future submissions regarding the physical construction. On a motion made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded by Mr. Immerman, the following resolution was ADOPTED, 3-2; there was one abstention, and one recused: WHEREAS, Joyce Moock has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to glass enclose pre-existing screened terrace on ground floor of co-op building. Roof and supports already existing; 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, Joyce Moock 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 APPROVED, subject to the following conditions: 1. The application is approved as shown on the color xerox as presented; the proposed five section window and two side window units, with fixed light panel on the top and fixed tempered panel on the bottom. Mr. Immerman said this may be the beginning of a standard for the building. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: JUNE NAILS/Sung Hyun Byun - 1262 Boston Post Road - Block 407, Lot 192 - sign Sung Hyun Byun of June Nails appeared. Mr. Spagnola asked if the proposal is for the words "June Nails" to be illuminated or the whole sign face be illuminated. Mr. Byun said the proposal is for the whole sign to be illuminated. • Mr. Spagnola asked what is currently there now. Mr. Byun said a temporary sign is currently there. He said there is a timer that goes on 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., when it is dark. During the daytime the illumination will not be noticed. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 8 • Mr. Carpaneto said that the sign was hung as a misunderstanding. Mr. Byun does know he is subject to the Board's decision. Mr. Jacobson said he knows the background of the sign is a spanish blue and asked if that will be illuminated when the light is on. Mr. Byun said he believes so. Behind the sign is an enclosed 8 ft. light bulb that will glow at night. Mr. Spagnola raised the concern about the color continuity. He said there are four stores to the right of Trader Joe's; the pharmacy, the bagel place, June Nails and the chocolate store. The pharmacy and the bagel store have basically a brown sign box with rear illuminated white letters. Mr. Spagnola asked about the signage on the chocolate store. Mr. Byun said the sign is a white face with brown letters. Mr. Spagnola asked if that sign lights up. Mr. Byun said they never turn it on. Mr. Spagnola said the Board is trying to get some consistency on all the buildings in the front and is raising the question of whether the face of this sign should be illuminated in bright blue when the others are not. After further discussion, Mr. Jacobson said the sign is beautifully done, but the color is an issue. • Mr. Immerman said he would like to see the sign brown, like the other two signs to the right. Mr. Byun said if the color is changed, the script might be uglier than what currently exists. Mr. Immerman said that the brown should not be illuminated, only June Nails. Ms. Commender said the building code states that the signs should be consistent within the same shopping center. Mr. Byun reiterated that every store has different colors on them. Mr.Jacobson said many stores had existed before. The Board has no choice but to lean toward consistency and suggested making the background of the sign brown. After further discussion regarding the signs in the shopping center, the Board said the theme of the signs in the shopping center should be carried through. Ms. Commender asked about the small illuminated sign in the window. Mr. Carpaneto said it was not noticed, but it will have to come down. Mr. Carpaneto informed the Board that he also requested that Ming's remove a neon sign. Mr. Byun asked if it will be suitable if he changed the face of the sign with the same script and brown background. The Board said that would be suitable. • Mr. Byun said he will have that done within the next week. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 9 • On a motion made by Ms. Commender, seconded by Mr. Spagnola, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, June Nails/Sung Hyun Byun has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to replace front light box/face change only; 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, June Nails/Sung Hyun Byun 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 APPROVED, subject to the following conditions: 1. The sign presented be amended with a brown background and white script as it appears. 2. The smaller neon sign be taken down. 3. The directory sign is accepted as presented and erected. 4. The color brown should match the color used by the other stores. Mr. Byun said it will be done in two weeks. Mr. Immerman said everyone should be as cooperative as Mr. Byun. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Jacobson informed the Board there were two items of new business to discuss. The first has to do with the Coughlin Agency sign. He informed the Board that Mr. Carpaneto faxed Mr. Jacobson a report from Envirospace,Inc. who has measured the footcandle level of the sign. They reported that at a distance of 25 ft. the meter registered two footcandles, at 18 ft. closer it registered four footcandles. The light emitted is significantly below what is allowed. The sign conforms to the ordinance, but is exceedingly bright and disturbs the neighbors. Because of the problem it has created, Mr. Jacobson said he will write a letter to Paul Ryan and inform him that in spite of the fact that it complies with the code, it is still too visibly bright at night. The Town has to look into its standards, as it could be ten times brighter. Mr. Jacobson said the second item has to do with 2 Madison Avenue. At the last meeting when Mr. Stanziale came before the Board with his proposal for changes to that building,he passed on the request, by Paul Ryan, that the Board not act on changes to the face of the building because the Town has hired a master planner to study lower Myrtle Boulevard. He said that Paul thought perhaps there could be some relationship with what was happening on the face of the building and what the master planner might be thinking about with regard to the street environment. Mr. Jacobson said that he received a letter from Stephen Altieri which says that is not the case. What the master planner is getting into really has no relation to what is going on with the face of the building and the Board should proceed with this • submission. Mr. Immerman informed the Board that he will not be present next month, but will be on vacation. Board of Architectural Review June 17, 1999 Page 10 • Mr. Jacobson said there is the issue of whether or not the Board should adjourn for one month in the summer as other Boards do. He does not know if legally the Board is allowed to do that and will check into it. He asked the Board for their input. The Board informed Mr. Jacobson of their intended vacation schedule. Mr. Jacobson said the Board will consider adjourning in August, as several members of the Board will be away. He will inform the Board members of the final decision, after checking into this matter. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the BAR will be held on July 15 , 1999. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded by Mr. Immerman, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:45 p.m. 2/k) CI Marguerite Ro i Recording Secretary • •