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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999_11_18 Board of Architectural Review Minutes • AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK NOVEMBER 18, 1999, IN THE SENIOR CENTER, TOWN CENTER 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK Present: Edward Z. Jacobson, Chairman Sue Ellen Commender �� Robert M. Immerman Anthony SpagnolaPR,FIVFLAbsent: Pamela T. Washington E. Robert Wassman DEC 30 1999 PATRICIA A.DICIOCCIr TO✓✓N CLEM Also Present: Ronald A. Carpaneto, Director of Building CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jacobson at 8:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Jacobson asked if there were any additions and/or corrections to the Minutes of the October 21, 1999 meeting. After some discussion and corrections made, upon a motion made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded • by Mr. Immerman, the Amended Minutes of the October 21, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved. Chairman Jacobson read the application as follows: CLOCK TOWER BUILDING OFFICES/Robert Stanziale-2 Madison Avenue-Block 133,Lot 602- facade (adjourned 5/20/99;6/17/99;7/15/99;8/19/99; 10/21/99) Mr. Jacobson said that the applicant will not make a presentation this evening. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: VFW Post 1156/Nick DeGiacomo - 1288 Boston Post Road - Block 407, Lot 165 - sign (10/21/99) Nick DeGiacomo appeared and apologized for not making the meeting last month due to a conflict. He said comments were made about lowering the sign and did a revision dropping it from 24 in. to 18 in. Mr. Jacobson said there were questions raised about exactly where the sign is located. Mr. DeGiacomo said he submitted a site plan with the application. The sign will be opposite where the existing sign currently is, but up to the wall. He said according to the new code, the sign must be kept under 6 ft. In order to do that,all the shrubbery would have to be cut down if a two-faced sign was made. That is why a single-faced sign is proposed, parallel with the road. Mr. Jacobson asked how much of the shrubbery Mr. DeGiacomo is intending to remove. • Mr. DeGiacomo said approximately 8 ft. to 9 ft. of shrubbery will be removed. Mr. DeGiacomo said that the sign will be a little higher than the hedge, but the hedge can be shaped down. Board of Architectural Review November 18, 1999 Page 2 • Mr. Spagnola asked if the sign can be lowered to meet the top of the hedge, as it might look silly higher than the hedge. Mr. DeGiacomo said they are taking down a double-faced sign,which is much easier to see than a single- faced sign driving down the Post Road. They have to somehow compensate, hence the proposal made. Mr. Jacobson asked about the other issue the Board was concerned about. Mr. DeGiacomo said that was the incandescent lighting as opposed to an internally fluorescent lamps. Mr. Jacobson said that the Board did not say incandescent lighting,but external lighting. Mr. DeGiacomo said the problem with external lighting is that when the applicant is not there the sign is not lit. If lighting comes over the top of the sign, they will be broken by children and there possibly will be lawsuits. Mr. DeGiacomo said he is trying to keep it simple, keeping the lights inside and gave the light hours of the various lamps. Mr. Jacobson said if the whole surface is internally lit on this large sign, it will be very bright. Mr. Spagnola said he doesn't have a problem with the graphics as much as his concern about how the sign is going to sit where proposed. He asked Mr. DeGiacomo if something can be done to alter the looks by landscaping behind it and doing something in the front also. Mr. Spagnola asked again if the height of the hedge can be the height of the sign. Mr. DeGiacomo said it can be cut in, pruned in. • Mr. Spagnola said that 18 in. is a variable number, it could be 17 in. or 12 in., it won't make any difference. What is more important is that the height of the sign is the height of the privet. A gentleman from the audience asked if the Board had seen the two big signs on the pole where the Hommocks School is advertising the skating rink. The Board said they had seen these signs. He said the VFW is a veteran's organization, all old people and they need to have illumination to see the sign. As the Ordinance states, a civic organization does not need to have a permit. Mr. Jacobson said that is only for temporary signs. The gentleman said they are going to put up a nice sign and want it visible. Mr. Jacobson thanked the gentleman for his comments. After further discussion, Mr. Jacobson said it is the job of the Board to make those kinds of judgments. Mr. Jacobson said, internally illuminated, the sign is too bright. The Board would prefer the sign be exterior illuminated. Mr. DeGiacomo mentioned McDonald's and IHOP and said their signs are as bright, if not brighter, than what is proposed for the VFW. Mr. DeGiacomo said that red, white and blue are the perfect colors. Mr. Jacobson said that no one is questioning the colors. He also said that McDonald's is not in the Board's jurisdiction. Mr. DeGiacomo said they are trying to keep the sign simple. • Mr. Jacobson said he does not see the relevance of Mr. DeGiacomo's comment to the sign, internal versus external illumination. Mr. DeGiacomo said a point was made before that the external illumination was much more subject to vandalism. Board of Architectural Review November 18, 1999 Page 3 • A gentleman from the audience said that with the number of children going in and out of school, last year they took the signs off the Post Road that said no parking on this side of the street and left them there. If there is outside illumination, the children will come and break them. Mr. Immerman said the question is what is the choice of the fixture, which could be a very secure fixture as opposed to goose neck. Mr. Immerman said it could be a horizontal box on the ground, with a cage over the top. Mr. DeGiacomo said than the people in the apartment house will complain about the light. Mr. Jacobson said the Board doesn't think that will be the case. Mr. Jacobson asked for basic aspects for the sign to be resolved and then the Board will deal with the landscaping. Mr. DeGiacomo asked the Board to advise what they want and it will be done. Mr. Jacobson said the colors are fine. The Board would like Mr. DeGiacomo to propose a sign externally illuminated rather than internally illuminated. Mr. DeGiacomo asked what will be gained by doing the sign like that. Mr. Jacobson said the Board feels the sign will be too bright if internally illuminated. Mr. DeGiacomo said it should be a bright sign. A gentleman from the audience said all the others have a bright signs. The VFW sign will not be lit up • more than 10 hours a month, if that much. It will only be lit up when there is an affair going on. He does not understand why it can't be on the inside, so it will not be vandalized and made reference to the GAP sign vandalism. The IHOP sign is red, white and blue, and lit 24 hours a day. The VFW is asking for about 10 hours the most a month. He does not understand why it cannot be done. They are all veterans. Mr.Jacobson said the Board is simply talking about the sign,and asked that the veteran issue be put aside. He,said that the Board would prefer to see the sign externally illuminated. The Board thinks there is a way to do it so it won't be vandalized, if it is set back from the edge of the wall. Mr. DeGiacomo said that the wall is 20 ft. from the curb. Mr. Jacobson said it is a huge sign and feels there will be no problem seeing it. A gentleman asked how far back. Mr. Spagnola said not that far back, if a light is put in front of it. The gentleman said about 5 ft. back. Further discussion followed regarding the placement of the sign and the fixture to be used. Reference was made to some signs in the area. Mr.DeGiacomo said that the sign will only be lit a couple of times a month, not every day of the week. Ms. Commender asked if they are sure it will not be a hazard, because they won't see the driveway to • turn. The gentleman said he has no idea. Mr. Jacobson asked for an end to discussion and requested a motion to accept the sign as submitted, with landscaping as discussed. Board of Architectural Review November 18, 1999 Page 4 IPOn a motion made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded by Ms. Commender, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, the VFW Post 1156 has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to install a new internally illuminated single-faced ground 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, the VFW Post 1156 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. Approved as drawn and revised 10/28/99, with the following changes: a. The height of the sign will drop down beneath the height of the privet that is existing. • b. The sign should be moved back off the wall, so that there is enough space in front of the sign between the front face of the sign and the inside edge of the wall to install some landscaping in the front of it, and a consistent privet behind it. c. The sign will only be lit a limited amount of time a month; i.e. 10 hours a month. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: CASTRO CONVERTIBLE/Sigfrido Diaz-1289 Boston Post Road-Block 412,Lot 489-sign(10/21/99) Mr. Jacobson informed those resent to represent Castro Convertible that the matter cannot be heard P because no new graphic information was submitted. The individual present said he has the information to present to the board. Mr. Jacobson said this is not acceptable, as it was made clear at the last Board meeting that the information had to be submitted to and reviewed by the Board members before the meeting. It must be resubmitted for next month's meeting, which was done. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: LARCHMONT NAILS/Jae Nam Wod - 176 Myrtle Boulevard - Block 133, Lot 642 - sign The sign maker appeared for the applicant. • Mr. Immerman said that the mechanics for this sign are similar to the sign used by Gjoko. Mr. Spagnola said that the only question he has is the striping on the back. Board of Architectural Review November 18, 1999 Page 5 • Mr. Immerman said it is the grid system that is painted out, like the sign on Gjoko. Mr. Immerman said the only question he has is what is the relative height of this to Gjoko's sign. Is it the same height. The sign maker said it is the same height and the same relationship. After further discussion, on a motion made by Mr. Spagnola, seconded by Ms. Commender, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, Larchmont Nails/Jae Nam, Wod has submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to install and illuminated wall 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, Larchmont Nails/Jae Nam, Wod 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 is approved as submitted. Chairman Jacobson read the next application as follows: EMANUEL PUBLISHING CORP./Lazar Emanuel - 1328 Boston Post Road -Block 412, Lot 309 - sign Don Meeker, the graphic designer appeared for the applicant. Mr. Meeker said the proposal is for a non- illuminated pan sign in the location of what was once the Weight Watchers sign in the Ferndale Shopping Center. It is a simple sign,non-illuminated,with raised hand-built letters. It is a deep blue with a cream colored face. It will be aligned with the architecture. It is acceptable to the landlord. Mr. Immerman asked if there was a reason why the applicant left the 4 in space at the top and bottom, as the Camera Shop doesn't. He said that he admires the fact that it is not an illuminated sign. Mr. Meeker said he doesn't think it helps the building any. This is a very slender sign to draw the public over to the legal publishing company. The letters are 8 in. except for the one cap, the "1" 11 in. Mr. Jacobson said that the sign is exceedingly handsome. He asked about the actual color of the blue. Mr. Meeker explained the colors to the Board and said they are using a high quality enamel. Mr. Immerman asked, as a point of information, who is the caricature. Mr. Emanuel, the business owner, said it is an old English judge taken from the lithographs in southern England in the 1890's, of which they have an original copy. Board of Architectural Review November 18, 1999 Page 6 • Mr. Jacobson asked if the Board had any questions. Mr. Spagnola questioned the alignment of the sign. Mr. Emanuel explained the alignment to the entrance portal. It relates to the width of the opening. Mr. Jacobson asked if there were any other questions or comments. There being none, on a motion made by Mr. Immerman, seconded by Ms. Commender, the following resolution was unanimously ADOPTED: WHEREAS, EMANUEL PUBLISHING CORP./Lazar Emanuel have submitted an application to the Building Inspector, together with plans to replace a non-illuminated wall 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, EMANUEL PUBLISHING CORP./Lazar Emanuel 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 is accepted as presented. Mr. Jacobson asked if there was any other business before the Board. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the BAR will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 1999 instead of December 16, 1999, because a number of Board members will not be available. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Spagnola and seconded, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:45 p.m. (2-114—K.. Marguerite Ro , Recording Secretary