2020-06-24

TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT

DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) MINUTES

Committee Attendees: Ramsay Gourd, Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe.

Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).

Public Attendees: Bill Badger, Lauren Herbert, Dave Fielding, Bill Drunsic.

Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with committee members Greenland, Gourd, and Watanabe present via Zoom. Hurley explained that the meeting was being recorded and that the committee was authorized to meet electronically by the governor’s order and Act 92 in response to the COVID-19 threat.

1. REE&C Capital Management Services, 5575 & 5615 Main Street. Final plan review of a 20-unit PRD.

Hurley shared the most recent submittals from the applicant on screen. Gourd suggested that instead of the mixed sheathing on the houses, Drunsic could put more into making the units along the Main Street frontage “address” the street, particularly the single family house at the northeast corner. There was discussion about the proposed mixed sheathing. Gourd and Hurley indicated that style is not what the historic district was recognized for. Greenland agreed that the mixed sheathing is not preferred. Greenland asked Drunsic is the single family on the northeast corner was likely to change. Drunsic indicated it would not, as his plan was to build that one and the two duplex styles adjacent to it first. He added that the duplexes along the Main Street frontage were likely to be as shown. Market demand may modify the unit make up of some of the interior lots.

Watanabe asked Drunsic if potential buyers would be presented with optional colors. Drunsic indicated that he may prime them and present a few color options, or he may paint them without providing options. Hurley explained that a change in paint color no longer requires a permit. Badger, a Manchester resident and architectural historian, offered that he is disappointed that the project proposes the demolition of a contributing historic structure. He added that the proposed houses could be anywhere and that they are not in keeping with what defines Manchester’s historic character. He regretted that Manchester is losing its character as one by one such historic structures are lost.

Greenland referred to the importance of documentation standards for demolished historic structures as time stamps of the community’s history. She suggested documentation to HABS standards be a condition of demolition. Gourd agreed that his preference is to retain the building, but if it is to be demolished, documentation to HABS standards should be met. Watanabe offered that he appreciated Badger’s efforts, but that he did not agree that documentation to HABS standards should be imposed. He said that it would be a standard applied without precedent. Drunsic offered that he has invested in historic structures where appropriate, but that this one would involve complete deconstruction and reconstruction to bring it to current livable standards. This specimen meets no criteria other than age and is not worth the cost. He added there are always trade-offs and Manchester needs more housing downtown. The overall objective of creating workforce housing overrides the preservation of this one building in his view.

Hurley offered that a compromise view might be to better reflect the character of the historic house and district by forgoing the mixed sheathing. That suggests a Victorian Queen Anne style that does not reflect the colonial character of what is being replaced. There was continued discussion along these lines with Drunsic insisting that the costs are too significant to save this structure. He reiterated that he has considered reuse of the porch posts and the flooring if it can be removed without too much damage. Hurley interjected suggesting that the DRB seems likely to approve the demolition, it is clear where everyone stands on the issue, and the committee should move on. Gourd suggested offering the building for a dollar to anyone who would take it away. Drunsic was amenable to that. Greenland motioned to recommend approval of the project without the mixed sheathing, offering the historic structure for removal by a third party, and fully documenting the building if it is to be demolished. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-1-0, with Greenland and Gourd voting in the affirmative and Watanabe voting in the negative.

2. Bob’s Diner, 2279 Depot Street, Outdoor service and drive-through plan.

Hurley displayed the site plan on screen. Herbert explained that the COVID-19 situation is decimating the restaurant industry and she and Bob Herbert are looking for ways to get back to profitable business. The drive-through proposal may help, though currently they are using the window for walk up curbside pick-up. Gourd asked if the height of the window was appropriate for drive-through. Herbert says she has found that it is the perfect height compared to others in town. She noted that one parking space would be lost as vehicles exited and made the left hand turn around the building. She noted that they would need to install a height bar and some bollards to demark the drive-through lane. Gourd indicated that the lost parking space may not be needed under the revised business model. Greenland suggested marked directional on the paved part of the parking lot in front of the drive-through window. Herbert said that additional directional on the rear side may not be needed because there was a natural flow to the left. Gourd indicated that if problems arose, directional signs could be added later to address the issues. Herbert indicated that the walk-up service would be offered until they could afford the drive-through option. Watanabe suggested that there may need to be no parking signs added to the west side to ensure that vehicles exiting the drive-through are not impeded. Gourd motioned to recommend approval as presented and discussed. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.

3. Bank of Bennington, 78 Center Hill Road, replacement of mature pear trees with lilac bushes.

Hurley reported that the bank representative had a conflicting meeting. She showed Google imagery of the pear trees and building. Gourd suggested Annabelle hydrangeas instead of lilacs, suggesting the lilacs would result in the same issues at maturity. Hydrangeas are sun tolerant and hardy, and would grow lower to the ground allowing use of the windows on that side of the building. If more than hydrangeas ae desired, lilacs could be planted at either end. Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the removal of the five mature pear trees and replacement with lilac or hydrangea or a combination thereof. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.

4. 19 Green Mountain Road. New and relocated free-standing sign

Hurley explained that the site is not in a design review district, but has been used commercially for decades and is directly across from MU2. It could be argued that this and the adjacent BBA site should have been incorporated in the MU2 rather than the residential district. The applicant is requesting a waiver for the larger sign. Hurley asked if the committee members had any informal recommendations on this proposed sign. The committee did not. Members felt that it was a good plan.

5. Community Bank, 4996 Main Street, Planter replacement plan.

Hurley met with Jim Deyo on side and shared photos of existing conditions. She described proposed improvements, included removal of the raised brick planter to be replaced by at grade planting bed, removal of small, sickly tree in planting bed next to drive-through land and replacement with lower plantings, and removal of brick at entryway with bluestone pavers. The committee expressed approval of the plans but deferred making a recommendation until a permit application is submitted.

Minutes of the May 27, 2020, meeting. Gourd motioned to approve the minutes of May 27, 2020. Greenland seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-1-0 with Watanabe abstaining, as he was not present for the meeting. Hurley will endorse the minutes on behalf of the committee.

Gourd motioned to adjourn the meeting. Greenland seconded the motion. The motion carried at 3-0-0 at 5:58 p.m. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 29, 2020. It will be the annual organizational meeting.

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For the Design Advisory Committee Date