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: John Olson III (via Zoom), Amanda Baldwin (via Zoom), Margaret Donovan (via Zoom), Stephen Drunsic (via Zoom), David Redden, Mary Jo Gourd.
Hurley began recording. Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with all committee members present.
1. Jolley/Valero, 4803 Main Street, Replacement signage, Application 2021-07-067, Tax Map ID 31-50-16.00.
Hurley displayed the sign installed without permitting. She indicated that the uplighting is no longer allowed and will need to be replaced with downlighting. Olson confirmed for committee members that the only change to the pumps was the Valero signage. Olson indicated that he is looking to engage a local sign maker to make a carved freestanding sign more befitting of Manchester Design Guidelines as articulated by the committee at its last meeting. He will return to the committee with a design when it is finalized.
2. David Redden, 275 Bonnet Street, Signage for Customary Home Occupation, Application 2021-08-070, Tax Map ID 31-50-08.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed sign on screen. Redden said the sign will be 2-sided, painted wood with vinyl lettering, and mounted on the existing post. He may pursue a wooden carved sign in the future.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval of the sign as presented. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
3. Northshire Auto, 5768 Main Street, Sign panel for existing freestanding sign, Application 2021-08-072, Tax Map ID 16-20-35.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed sign on screen. Baldwin answered questions from committee members.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the sign as presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
4. Mary Jo Gourd, 98 Bonnet Street, Barn Renovation, Application 2021-08-077, Tax Map ID 32-50-68.00.
R. Gourd recused himself from review of this application due to conflict of interest. MJ Gourd described the proposed changes to the barn and confirmed that the changes are primarily not visible from the street. Hurley displayed the illustrations for each side. Applicant was advised that the gas company will determine the final location of the propane tank.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval as presented. Greenland seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0-1, with R. Gourd abstaining.
5. Marketplace on Main Street, 4919 Main Street, Replacement sign, Application 2021-04-033.1, Tax Map ID 32-50-61.
Hurley displayed the new sign and described it as carved wooden sign. Greenland advocated for an effort to inform businesses and sign makers of the need for permitting before making sign changes.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval of the sign as installed. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
6. Minutes of the July 28, 2021, Meeting.
Gourd motioned to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2021, meeting. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
7. The Italian Market of Manchester, 4943 Main Street, Replacement signs, Application 2021-08-079, Tax Map ID 32-50-57.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed new signage.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the signs provided uplighting is replaced with downlighting, broken and misaligned lights are repaired, and the rear doors are painted to match the other doors and trim on the building. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried, 3-0-0.
8. Other Business
Donovan and Drunsic presented Manchester Riverwalk’s preliminary plans for a footbridge between the Factory Point Town Green and Old Main Street. The bridge consists of steel trusses with wood decking and is designed by VHB Engineering. Two LED street lights (2700K color temperature) are planned for each end of the bridge along with toe lighting along the deck. Lighting will be tied into the town green lighting. The bridge itself will be ADA accessible, however, there is no ADA compliant route from the Main Street side to the bridge. Committee members expressed support the bridge design.
Hurley showed the committee preliminary designs for a new sign for a ballet studio at 74 Depot Street (Southern Vermont Ballet). She indicated that the intent was to fit the design into the same size triangular sign that was previously permitted for “the b store.” Committee members expressed approval of the concept, but want to see the final design. They speculated that it will be a challenge to fit the design into the geometry.
Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date