TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) MINUTES
Committee Attendees: Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd.
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).
Public Attendees: Kim Wohler, Craig Hunter.
Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. with committee members Greenland, and Watanabe present via Zoom. She stated that the committee was authorized to meet electronically by addendum 6 of executive order 01-20 and Act 92 of the Vermont legislature in response to the COVID-19 threat. She indicated that the meeting was being recorded.
1. Approval of minutes of November 23, 2020, meeting.
The minutes of the November 23, 2020, meeting were approved by unanimous consent of Greenland and Watanabe. Gourd joined to the meeting at this time.
2. FH Corp, 32 Center Hill Road, Replacement of entryway with windows, Application 2020-12-106.
Hunter described the plan while Hurley displayed elevation and footprint drawings on screen. Gourd asked whether existing shakes would be extended under the window. Hunter confirmed the same painted shakes would be installed across the bottom. He indicated a freeze board may be needed, but he would come back for an amendment for that. He is proposing a 2 over 2 double hung window. Gourd suggested using a 2 lite casement with the same proportions as ½ of the existing square windows. Hunter was receptive to this idea.
Greenland asked if this was associate with a change of use to residential. Hunter confirmed that it was; two residential apartments with 1-year leases. Greenland expressed support for such changes that would lead to less vacant downtown space. Gourd suggested that Hunter may need casement windows on the second floor to offer required egress. Hunter indicated he would be meeting with the Fire Marshall to determine that. Gourd motioned to recommend approval as presented with the modification of a 2 lite casement window rather than the 2 over 2 double hung. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
3. Wohler Realty Group, 4858 Main Street, Signage changes. Application 2020-12-108.
Hurley displayed the proposed signage on screen while Wohler described the plan. Wohler indicated that the signage is consistent with what exists currently. There was discussion about how the riverside sign was accessed. Wohler explained that it is relatively easy to access from the windows above. She has no plans for lighting at this time, but will come back if she decides to pursue lighting. Gourd indicated to her that lighting should be downcasting and shielded, and LED of 2700K are preferable, although up to 3000K are allowed. Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as submitted. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
4. Vintage Soul, 4915 Main Street, Signage changes. Application 2020-12-107.
Hurley indicated that Lisa Goodman may not have understood that she should attend this meeting and alternatively tried contacting Paul Carroccio. Committee members were willing to take this up without an applicant representative present. Hurley displayed historic photos of the building showing the signage on the front façade in 1970 as essentially the same as the current signage. The oval, which currently reads just “Manchester” to be replaced with “The Vintage Soul.” This will keep intact the historic “Country Store” signage with potbelly stove. Existing signage on the south side was displayed on screen. This is proposed to be replaced by one sign above the window. Hurley noted that the window trim where the shed roof was recently removed will be replaced shortly according to Carroccio. Gourd motioned to recommend approval as presented. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0. Hurley reported that Carroccio texted her back and offered to join the meeting. Committee members indicated there was no need for him to do so.
5. Other Business
Hurley indicated that the Palmer House application was never received. She reported that Karen Geriak planned vinyl replacement windows with exterior divided lites at 4645 Main Street.
Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m. The next meeting of the committee will be Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date