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: Mark Lenza, MaryBeth O’Donnell, Maxine Linehan.
Hurley began recording. Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. with committee members Greenland and Watanabe present via Zoom. Greenland 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. Hurley reported that Ramsay Gourd was running late.
1. Mark Lenza, 4724 Main Street, Proposed one-story shed roof along north side of the building. Application 2020-09-081.1.
Hurley displayed application submittals on screen. Lenza described his revised plans for the north side of the building and new driveway and parking configuration. He explained that the north side of the building would be visible from Main Street. The framing for the roof would be painted to match current trim color. Hurley clarified that Lenza owns all three parcels with all four primary structures and all parking is his. Gourd joined the meeting. The three separate lots are to be treated as one for all zoning applications. The application was summarized for Gourd as extending the porch along the whole side of the building and adding a new driveway and parking spaces. Gourd liked the simplified barn design with the porch. Lenza will need to lower existing windows to install the porch at a height. The head of the windows will be at 6’8”. He said the porch would extend 6 feet off the side of the building. He may not install side lights for the doors. Gourd said we really should have more accurate drawings, drawn to scale. Greenland agreed that consistency in applications coming before the committee is important.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as presented and discussed. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
2. Red Fox Community School, 184 Pig Pen Road, Site plan for school, including temporary installation of temporary classroom building. Application 2021-05-047.
Hurley displayed the site plan. O’Donnell described where the property is and noted where the rail trail appears on the site plan. Gourd indicated it is a low visibility site. Hurley explained that the flood hazard does not extend to the existing barn. Hurley displayed photos of the existing log building. Gourd noted that the north side is the approach side. Hurley displayed photos of the barn, then photos of exterior light fixtures, specifications for a clip-on shield for the flood lights. Hurley displayed the lighting plan, and specifications for a jelly jar light.
Finally Hurley showed the existing sign that will be relocated to the end of Pig Pen Road. Linehan indicated that although it is small, they will reuse the existing signage. Gourd recommended white posts to extend the visual impact of the sign. Gourd recommended two white posts sandwiched between the sign at either end and adding horizontal crown pediment will increase the visual impact of the sign. Hurley displayed a screen shot of Gourd’s sketch. Gourd added that white painted aluminum flashing above horizontal crown would be advised. O’Donnell suggested the sign would be installed on the North side of Pig Pen Road where an existing mailbox is. Hurley displayed overhead imagery of the site. Battenkill Meadows trees may block view of the sign from the north. Gourd suggested that O’Donnell and Linehan stake it out and drive by to evaluate the visual effectiveness of the sign location. Greenland added that they should make sure they know where the property lines are.
Hurley displayed images of the classroom building. O’Donnell confirmed that there would be a ramp and two rear egress doors (one for each classroom). There will be two propane tanks, one to heat each classroom. Hurley indicated that the site plan should be revised to show the propane tanks. Gourd guessed that they would be placed at one of the gable ends of the building, probably the west end. Linehan indicated that the lease is for two years, giving the school time to raise money for a permanent building. Committee members expressed enthusiasm about the project.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval as presented with the recommendations with regard to signage as noted in the minutes. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
3. Other Business. Skinner Point Park, Center Hill Road & Depot Street, Progress report.
Hurley reported that GMP has felled the trees for the Skinner Point Park site, revealing the oak tree in all its majesty.
Watanabe motioned to approve the minutes as written. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0-1, with Greenland abstaining.
The next meeting of the committee will be Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
Watanabe motioned to adjourn. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date