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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999_05_20 Board of Architectural Review Minutes AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK MAY 20, 1999, IN THE SENIOR CENTER, TOWN CENTER 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK Present: Edward Z. Jacobson, Chairman Anthony Spagnola Pamela T. Washington11 �•i� Absent: Sue Ellen Commender :� 4 Robert M. Immerman RECEIVED 1% E. Robert Wassman JUN 18 1999 Also Present: Ronald A. Carpaneto, Director of Building G pAik �TnWt�C R10 MAM ARMECK CALL TO ORDER 40 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jacobson at 8:06 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Jacobson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the March 18, 1999 Minutes. After some discussion and corrections made, on a motion made by Ms. Washington, seconded by Mr. Spagnola, the Amended Minutes of the March 18, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved. Chairman Jacobson said that the next item on the agenda was the COUGHLIN GROUP, INC./John M. Coughlin - 178 Myrtle Boulevard - Block 133 Lot 627.2 - sign (adjourned 1/21/99;2/18/99;3/18/99). Mr. Jacobson read a letter received from the Coughlin Group requesting that the matter be withdrawn, which is a part of the record. Mr. Jacobson said there is still the outstanding issue of the brightness of the sign on the side of the building, and the Board needs to discuss what action should be taken in that regard. This will be done at the end of the meeting. Chairman Jacobson read the next 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) Mr. Jacobson advised those present that only a quorum was present this evening. He said it will take a unanimous vote by those members present to approve an application. If there is concern about that, the application can be held over to the next meeting, if so desired. Mr. Fodera, from L S Signs, appeared before the Board. He said there are two issues outstanding, the wall signs and the directory sign. He apologized and explained the reasons for the postponement at the last meeting. Mr. Carpaneto explained to Mr. Fodera that he had not received any information to send to the Board for their review regarding the signage for the cleaner and the liquor store. Mr. Fodera said he did not have anything finished in time for submission to the Board beforehand. He said he had the landlord and the Sports Club sign affidavits that everything is going to be carried out. Mr. Jacobson asked what Mr. Fodera wants to present to the Board this evening. Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 2 Mr. Fodera said he would like to get the wall signs approved. He doesn't mind coming back for the directory sign, if necessary, even though he has a new drawing ready for the Board. Mr. Jacobson said the Board can make an allowance and look at the directory sign also. Mr. Fodera said the two wall signs were already approved, the stripes were taken off and the brightness of the letters was toned. Ms. Washington asked if the transformer box, as seen on the back, is going to be buried in the facade or applied to the facade whereby each individual letter will therefore stick off the building the depth of that transformer box. Mr. Fodera said it will be exactly as shown. The box will be painted to match whatever color the building is, as done in Stamford. Ms. Washington asked if Mr. Fodera had any photographs that the Board can look at, which Mr. Fodera supplied. Mr. Spagnola asked what the proposal is for the other two signs on the building. Mr. Fodera said the color of the letters is going to be changed. Mr. Spagnola asked if Mr. Fodera is saying they are replacing the signage for "cleaners" and "wines and liquors". After further discussion, Mr. Fodera said they will be illuminated channel letters. Another application has to be made for these signs. The cleaners has agreed to make an electric sign for themselves. Mr. Jacobson said the Board was under the impression that New York Sports Clubs was going to be generous and deal with this matter. Mr. Fodera said New York Sports Clubs is not willing to spend $10,000 to $12,000 to change the signs to all channel letters. Box signs are being proposed for the other two tenants. The issue was to adhere to the color. Mr. Jacobson said it was both. Mr. Spagnola said he would like someone to look at the whole building elevation and make a formal presentation for all three signs to have some consistency, as it is an important corner. Mr. Spagnola said he is not accepting it as presented. Mr. Jacobson said that he agrees with that. Mr. Fodera asked if he could proceed with the side sign. Ms. Washington said it is difficult to approve one sign on the whole building,when the technology on the front might be different. Mr. Jacobson reiterated eliminating the transformer box. Further discussion ensued, at which time Mr. Jacobson informed Mr. Fodera that the Board would like him to come to the next Board meeting and make a presentation as discussed. Mr. Spagnola explained for the record, that the Board is now asking to see an elevation study of both sides with the proposed signage and would like the owner and sign company to consider it a continuous building Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 3 with some consistency to it. Mr. Spagnola said currently there are two things going on, possibly even three. Mr. Fodera said, in the meantime, he wished he could have some kind of identification. After further discussion, Mr. Jacobson said that the Board cannot entertain a sign on the building at this point in time. Mr. Fodera asked about a temporary banner. The Board agreed that they did not have any problem with a temporary banner. Mr. Carpaneto asked if Mr. Fodera was referring to a temporary banner similar to the one used before. Mr. Fodera said that was what he was referring to. Mr. Carpaneto said he did not have a problem with that, as long as it is only temporary. Regarding the directory, Mr. Jacobson said the sign is 6 ft. high and 5 ft. wide, and asked the size of the existing directory sign. Mr. Fodera said the original directory was 4 ft. by 6 ft. At the last meeting one of the Board members recommended making it wider, so it can be read easier. Ms. Washington asked if pictures were available of it. Mr. Fodera said yes, and supplied same. Mr. Jacobson asked how the Board feels about the bordering. Ms. Washington said she wished it had red and black. Mr. Fodera said he would like to make "Larchmont" black and the border black. Mr. Jacobson asked how it became red. Mr. Fodera said he was trying to match what was on the building. Mr. Jacobson said the it was black the last time Mr. Fodera was before the Board. Mr. Spagnola asked if it is a non-illuminated sign. Mr. Fodera said yes, but would put overhead lighting on it. After further discussion, Mr. Fodera said the pole will be kept with the wrought-iron decoration along with the arm. Mr. Jacobson said he prefers the sign be black and white. Mr. Spagnola asked if the edges are painted red. Mr. Fodera said it is a sand-blasted, wooden sign. Mr. Jacobson asked how thick it is. Mr. Fodera said probably 4 in. thick and the letters would be raised. Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 4 Mr. Spagnola said the presentation is not a consistent package, and does not see how it is improving anything. Mr. Jacobson said he would find this directory sign less aggressive if it were black letters on white and without a lot of the striping. Mr. Spagnola said the Board does not know if the landlord is going to pay to light this directory. If it is not lit, he does not know what purpose it would be serving. In making improvements on this piece of property, the money should go into the study of what's on the facade of the building, on both sides and try to get everything consistent in size; the messages inside the box, have 2 ft. boxes for everyone in the same width and height, possibly different lengths. Mr. Spagnola said they should concentrate and spend the money on the building, which needs painting, landscaping and many others things. Someone has to suggest to them the priorities on how to improve the property. It is possible that the sign may not be needed and can be taken away. At this point in time, Mr. Jacobson suggested that if the landlord feels very strongly about keeping the directory sign, he should come before the Board and make an argument for it. Mr. Fodera said the landlord is not spending the money. New York Sports Clubs is paying for the sign. Mr. Spagnola said the money can be put toward buying a bigger box. The tenants should be made aware of the size of the wine and liquor store on the directory, and the fact that there is an opportunity to put its name clearly on the building. No one is looking at this as a total picture, which should be done. Mr. Fodera said that the only difference is that the name "Jay's" isn't on the big sign. Mr. Jacobson raised one more issue, the brightness of the letters. The Board looked at the brightness with the lights turned down in the meeting room and asked if it is significantly less bright than it was before. Is there any way that it can be known that it isn't brighter than it should be or used to be. Mr. Fodera said it is a very standard letter and demonstrated. After the demonstration, Mr. Jacobson said it is significantly dimmer with the vinyl layer. Ms. Washington said that the color is richer, she likes the idea of the directory sign, even though she doesn't like some of the things on it. Mr. Jacobson asked Mr. Fodera if the Board has made clear what they are looking for with respect the directory sign and what the Board is looking for with respect to the signs on the building in terms of coming back and making another presentation. Mr. Fodera said he understands. Mr. Jacobson said it is important that there be consistency. Mr. Washington said for each sign, the Board would like to know not only the size of the box but also the size of the letters. A discussion ensued regarding the depth of the various box signs, the color of the building and signs and the importance that there be consistency. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 5 FOOT LOCKER OUTLET/Robert Lewis -2444 Boston Post Road - Block 503 Lot 137 - sign Bob Lewis, from White Plains Sign, appeared before the Board. Mr. Lewis said the proposal is to install a set of individual channel letters, the same colors as the old sign of X-Press Outlet. The upper case letters being 20 in. in total height, the lower case letters being 12 in. There is also a black and white non- illuminated troth detail on the lower right-hand side of the sign. Mr. Jacobson asked how the size of these letters relate to what is being removed. Mr. Lewis said the existing letters were 18 in. in height and the "X" was 30 in. Mr. Jacobson said that the lower case letters proposed will be smaller than the ones being removed. The capitals will be just a little larger, with which Mr. Lewis agreed. Mr. Lewis said the length is less. The length of the existing sign is 23 ft., the new sign is 20 ft. Mr. Jacobson asked how it is being illuminated from the back without having a transformer box running the length of the letters behind. Mr. Lewis said each letter will have a self-contained transformer inside the letter. Ms. Washington asked what the size of Mrs. Green's Natural Market sign and the others are in comparison to the proposed sign. Mr. Lewis said the upper case of Mrs. Green's is 28 in., the Natural Market 12 in. Mr. Jacobson said he is bothered by the black and white band below. He thinks it is jarring in the context of the building and would prefer to see the signage without the band below. Mr. Lewis said the band below is part of the Foot Locker image. Mr. Jacobson said in this shopping center deviations from the red theme are jarring, and the black and white striping on the bottom is a problem. A discussion ensued regarding the size of the letters and the finish of the letters, that being mat black on the side. Mr. Spagnola said that the goal is to keep everything red on that building. After further discussion regarding the band on the bottom, Mr. Spagnola said if it is done, it should be done with the understanding that the signs coming down and the new signs going up that the holes will be repaired and painted, as it wasn't done and still hasn't been done on Mrs. Green's. Mr. Lewis said it will be done. Mr. Jacobson asked Mr. Carpaneto how the Board can see that the repairs are done. Mr. Carpaneto said he can issue a violation and write a letter. Mr. Spagnola said in the proposal it states the building will be painted and washed. On a motion made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded by Ms. Washington, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 6 WHEREAS, Foot Locker Outlet/Robert Lewis has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to remove existing Athletic X-Press sign and change name to Foot Locker Outlet; 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,Foot Locker Outlet/Robert Lewis 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 black and white band at the bottom be removed. 2. The remaining letters on the sign have a return edge of red, so it is a solid red letter. 3. The holes in the building from the old sign be repaired, patched and painted. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: CLOCK TOWER BUILDING OFFICES/Robert Stanziale-2 Madison Avenue-Block 133 Lot 602- facade Robert Stanziale, the architect, and Lewis Grosso, the individual representing the owner, appeared. Mr. Jacobson informed Mr. Stanziale that he had a discussion with Paul Ryan, the Town Supervisor. Mr. Ryan informed Mr. Jacobson, who is informing the Board simultaneously,that the Town has hired a design master planner for the lower Myrtle Boulevard area. Mr. Ryan was aware that Mr. Stanziale would be attending this evening's meeting requesting facade changes. Mr. Ryan suggested that the Board make a distinction between the window changes and the facade change for that one tenant, as there may be some issues that ought to be coordinated with the efforts of the master planners. Mr. Jacobson said that Mr. Ryan asked that the Board defer judgment action on this particular element and have Mr. Stanziale get in contact, through Steve Altieri, with the master planner to discuss same. Mr. Jacobson said the work on the windows and the entrance can be acted upon this evening. Mr. Grosso said the presentation has been in the planning stages for seven or eight months. The reason they stepped back from the previous meeting was that they could not get approval for the canvas awning from Mr. Flood. Mr. Jacobson said the Town has requested the Board create the opportunity for Mr. Stanziale to touch base with the master planners. Mr. Jacobson asked if there is any economic hardship to the Flood organization, if this was held over for another month. Mr. Stanziale said no. Mr. Grosso said the cornice goes out 12 in. from the building, and that Mr. Flood is anxious for this to be completed. Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 7 Mr. Jacobson said personally he does not see an issue that is going to negatively impact the master planners' task. However, the Board needs to honor the request by the Town Supervisor. Mr. Jacobson said after reviewing the submission and looking at the building, he could not approve the design this evening and explained his reasoning. Mr. Stanziale said it is just a bump on the face of the building to allow a background for some signage. Mr. Jacobson said no matter what Mr. Stanziale might say, there is nothing that could make this design acceptable. It will take a unanimous vote by the Board to approve the application. Mr. Spagnola asked the reason for installing the bump as previously referred to. Mr. Grosso said that Mr. Flood wants his presence known on the street. He is an insurance agent and feels that he needs identification on the building, more than the small lettering that is there now. Mr. Stanziale said he is proposing to maintain a cement stucco finish as existing on the building,possibly a shade darker or lighter. The small projection would have a metal cap matching the colors of the spanish tiles, along with a base as well that would match the colors. The windows are all existing. The existing storefront is there. The letters will not be illuminated, but will be pin-mounted in either black or bronze duranodic to match the storefront. Mr. Stanziale said he is showing wall sconces that aren't even necessary. It looks like a major impact on the building,but in an overall scheme it really isn't other than giving Mr. Flood an entrance to the building. The other street level tenant is an art gallery that is in there now. Regarding the art gallery, Mr. Jacobson said there is a canopy under the overhang of the building,and it seems odd. Mr. Spagnola said he doesn't understand that at all. Mr. Stanziale said it is for identification, rather than just a sign on the wall. Ms. Washington asked if the windows presently have arched tops Mr. Stanziale said yes. Mr. Spagnola asked if it is a new door or existing door. Mr. Stanziale said it will be a new door. It is currently a window, it will be lowered and be the same width of the door at the entrance. Referring back to the Flood entrance, Mr. Jacobson said the cornice does not relate to the building. The building has a very clear nature to it, a long facade and the cornice is a separate element. It doesn't alter the architecture. If it were possible to do a canopy given the scale of the facade, a longer canopy might have been a very dramatic and effective element. It seems awkward and is not a part of the building, which is a modern building. Maybe something that doesn't contradict that would be more appropriate. Mr. Jacobson asked the Board to separate what the Board can deal with at this time, and suggested Mr. Grosso get in touch with Mr. Altieri to discuss the rest of the matter even if it causes the delay of another month. Mr. Jacobson said he cannot approve the design as it is now presented. Mr. Jacobson asked if the Board has any problem with the windows, to which the Board said no. Mr. Stanziale asked if approval can be granted at least for the installation of the gallery doors and will make another presentation for the other matters. Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 8 After further discussion, on a motion made by Ms. Washington,seconded by Mr. Spagnola, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED as amended: WHEREAS, Clock Town Building Offices/Robert Stanziale have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to provide a new surround about an existing office entry, add new exterior door to an art gallery, and add and replace windows on first floor level; 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, Clock Town Building Offices/Robert Stanziale 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 window changes and doors for the art gallery are approved as presented. 2. The canopy over the gallery entrance and the Flood entrance design be held over to the next meeting. Mr. Stanziale said he will get in touch with Steve Alfieri, as suggested. Mr. Grosso thanked the Board. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Jacobson said that Sue Ellen Commender had commented about the garbage accumulating behind the building of New York Sports Clubs. Mr. Carpaneto said they have an application to rework the downstairs. Part of the plan is to redo the stairways, with an exit in the corner Mr. Commender is talking about. That issue can be addressed at that time. Mr.Jacobson said in discussion with Mr. Carpaneto, they believe the Coughlins strategy is to avoid coming before the Board to deal with the issue of the lighting intensity on the sign and the differing heights. Mr. Carpaneto said in speaking with Mr. Coughlin,Mr. Coughlin felt if he were to come before the Board to raise the sign, he would then be subjected to doing something with the lighting. He would rather just not come. Mr. Carpaneto feels the intensity level should be measured. If it exceeds what it can be, then it is definitely a violation. The only way this can be dealt with, is to have the sign man attest to the fact that it is 20 foot-candles at 25 ft. In this particular case, it is still objectionable. It will have to be worked through. Mr. Carpaneto brought to the Board's attention the fact that all the pole signs on the Boston Post Road are starting to disappear. Letters are being written to the owners asking for removal. Summons are being issued. One was issued today to Nautilus Diner and the VFW. Home Fair Camera said they need a little time. Their lawyer has been in touch with the department, and they are looking for a place to put a monument sign. Augie's sign is also down. Board of Architectural Review May 20, 1999 Page 9 Mr. Jacobson said he will write a memo to Mr. Carpaneto stating that the Board is concerned that the Coughlin Group has not come before the Board to deal with the issue of the brightness of the sign and something needs to be done. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the BAR will be held on June 17, 1999. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion made by Ms. Washington, seconded by Mr. Spagnola, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:30 p.m. 191Marguerite Ro , J Recording Secretary