TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) MINUTES
Committee Attendees: Ramsay Gourd, Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe (via teleconference).
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director, physically present in the Kilburn Meeting Room).
Public Attendees: Ben Stillman, Paul Bogossian, Ron Levene (all via teleconference, no public attendees were physically present).
Greenland called the meeting to order via teleconference at 5:01 p.m.
The Minutes of the February 27, 2020, meeting were circulated immediately following last month's meeting. Alan Benoit and Watanabe both reviewed them and found them accurate and complete. Gourd motioned to accept the minutes as presented. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0. Hurley endorsed the minutes for the committee.
Taconic Psychiatry, 4617 Main Street, Wall mounted sign.
Greenland asked if there would also be a sign panel on the freestanding sign. Stillman indicated that there is already one installed on the freestanding sign. Hurley noted that the freestanding sign received approval with the expectation that panels would be installed as tenants occupied the building. Stillman described the wall mounted sign and indicated that it is to be positioned above the office space, which will be on the first floor. Gourd agreed that the location was understandable and appropriate given the parking for the building is at the second level in the back. There was discussion about whether the orange color and fine font of the "psychiatry" lettering would be adequately visible. Gourd pointed out that curb appeal would not be necessary, as clients would be by appointment. Rather the sign would be more important as a directional to help clients find the office within the building. Stillman added that there will be internal directional signage as well. Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the sign and lighting as presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0. Hurley will issue a permit accordingly.
High Country Management, LLC, 4566 Main Street, Revision to wall mounted sign.
Bogossian explained that the existing sign is already at the 16 sq. ft. size limit. To convey that that the business serves food, he is requesting a size increase to add "restaurant" lettering under the "sports bar" lettering. The new lettering would be the same material, size, and color as the "sports bar" lettering. Bogossian will be installing a new panel with both the "sports bar" and "restaurant" lettering together rather than add a singular "restaurant" panel. It will have a white background with raised black letters as on the existing. Gourd motioned to recommend approval as presented. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0. The DRB will take up the waiver request at its next meeting, whenever that may occur.
Spruce Street Manchester, LLC, 38 Spruce Street & 106 Center Hill, Convert barn to professional office with covered entryway, change east entryway to the house, and new sign panel for existing freestanding sign structure on Center Hill.
Levene described the new submittals for the barn with redesigned roof pitch on the proposed entryway and materials specifications added. He thanked the committee for its feedback, particularly for the information about direction of door swing for ADA compliance. Gourd asked for clarification that an exposed timber frame is proposed with clapboard in between. Levene confirmed this was the case and that the roofing material would be standing seam. Gourd suggested snow guard on the slate roof above would be important to protect the standing seam. Levene concurred and has spoken with contractor about this. Watanabe asked what the make-up of the walkway would be. Leven explained that the ground would be regraded to offer ADA accessibility. It would be an extension of the existing walkway and its finish would match the existing while providing ADA compliance. Gourd asked what the floor of the new portico would consist of. Levene indicated the existing stone floor would be retained. Hurley asked how the bike rack would be mounted. Levene responded that it would be placed on the ground and he was undecided about the need to secure it to the ground.
Levene described the proposed MDO sign panel. Gourd asked whether it was to be painted or vinyl. Levene indicated it was to be flat painted like several other signs along Elm Street in the vicinity. Greenland asked about the accent color. Levene confirmed that it was yellow to match the barn. There was discussion about the use of "@" rather than "AT" lettering. Levene indicated it was part of his branding. Committee members agreed it was acceptable. Greenland asked about the flag on the cupola. Levene indicated that the actual barn cupola has a weathervane atop it, but the weathervane was difficult to effectively represent on the sign. Hurley suggested an arrow instead of a flag. Committee members all agreed that the triangular flag was appropriate and acceptable.
Hurley reminded committee members that the application was initially reviewed at the last meeting and no issues were raised for the proposed covered entryway on the house. None were raised at this meeting either. Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the project as submitted and presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0. Hurley will issue a permit accordingly.
Hurley explained that she felt committee meetings should be suspended until further notice given the governor's order to stay at home due to Covid-19 and open meeting law requirements. Greenland agreed that meetings should be suspended. Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0 at 5:47 p.m.