TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
OCTOBER 27, 2021
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Committee Attendees: John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd. Absent: Joelle Greenland.
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).
Public Attendees: Karen Geriak (via Zoom), Kevin Mullaney, Kirk Moore, Colleen Mullaney (via Zoom), Courtney Callo, Eugene Healy, Michele Beattie (via Zoom).
Hurley began recording. Gourd called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
Minutes of the October 20, 2021, Meeting.
Watanabe motioned to approve the minutes as drafted. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0-0. A printed set of minutes was not available at the meeting, so Hurley will sign the approved minutes for the committee.
Manchester Hotel Associates II, LLC, 4595 Main Street, Design and site plan review for microbrewery/restaurant, Application 2021-09-091, Tax Map ID 36-50-17.00.
In response to the feedback to break up the previously proposed relatively homogeneous black of the building, the Applicant provided new renderings and material samples. The “barn” wing of the structure is proposed to be sided in the Sugi Ban charred wood, with an asphalt “antique slate” roofing shingle. The “taproom” wing is now proposed to be sided in a lighter shade of gray with black storefront. Gourd suggested there was too much contrast between the siding and the storefront resulting in a choppy effect. He suggesting upping the tone of the siding and bringing the storefront down in tone to a gray in the same color family so there is less contrast. Gourd felt the proposed charcoal gray standing seam roofing would work with this. Hurley asked whether the asphalt roofing was too dark for the already black barn wing. Gourd asked if it was an architectural shingle. Moore said it was. Gourd said it presumably would have lot of variation like a natural slate roof.
Watanabe recommended approval of the building design with the following elements:
i. Barn siding: Sugi-Ban charred wood wall cladding, "Matsu"
ii. Barn roof: GAF Slateline, Antique Slate color
iii. Taproom roof: UNA-CLAD UC-6 Standing Seam, Charcoal Gray color
iv. Taproom siding: One shade darker than the proposed Coventry Gray color
v. Taproom storefront/window frames: A darker shade of gray in the same color family as the siding
Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0-0.
Karen Geriak, 4645 Main Street, Site & design plan for restaurant. Application 2021-10-105, Tax Map ID 31-50-35.02.
Hurley displayed the proposed site plan and design elements. Geriak explained her plans for the north parcel first. This included installation of parking lot lights and winter placement of a dumpster. Hurley indicated that the ordinance requires the dumpster to be fully enclosed and on a hard surface. Geriak said she would enclose with the same stockade fencing as behind the restaurant.
Geriak then described her plans for the restaurant site. A bluestone patio is proposed behind the building with a retaining wall with bluestone caps to match. The proposed freezer will be located in the building corner and be screened with extended stockade fencing. The shed will be located adjacent to the patio and retaining wall. Arborvitae will be planted to screen the shed and fencing. In front of the building bluestone table pads are proposed for four picnic tables. The existing walkway bisecting the front yard will be removed. The side walkway from the parking lot to the front door will be retained. A field stone planter is proposed. Geriak would still like to propose a split rail fence in the front yard.
Hurley asked where the half-moon lighting was proposed and noted that all exterior lighting should be shown on the site plan. Geriak said the half-moon lights were for the retaining wall. She would like to change the siding to Hardiboard, gray slate color. Gourd expressed that it is difficult to assess the design plan because the site plan is incomplete. Noting the plan shows circular table pads and a walkway, which are not planned to be retained, he requested a complete plan before making a recommendation.
Geriak asked what elements could be approved now. Hurley explained that this committee was advisory only, and that only the DRB could approve the plan after the scheduled public hearing. She clarified for Geriak that the site plan should show what is proposed. Gourd said existing conditions could be shown separately.
Watanabe recommended approval to the following elements: rear bluestone patio, retaining wall, shed, freezer, expanded stockade fencing, arborvitae and enclosed dumpster. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0-0.
Hazel & Bee Organics, 4716-A Main Street, Signage. Application 2021-10-108, Tax Map ID 31-50-21.00.
Hurley displayed the sign design and two proposed locations. Beattie said the wall mounted sign would be 3’x5’ oriented horizontally to work better with the existing gooseneck lighting.
Watanabe recommended approval as presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0-0.
Mark Lenza, 4724 Main Street, Lighting. Application 2020-09-081.2, Tax Map 31-50-21.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed gooseneck lighting. Lenza indicated two lights are proposed to be mounted on either side of the windows. This would be for future signage that would be under separate permit.
Watanabe recommended approval as presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0-0.
Courtney Callo, 374 Depot Street, New signage for donut shop.
Hurley displayed the proposed design. Callo explained that it would be centered above the windows and the existing goosenecks would be used for lighting. Gourd guessed that the goosenecks, mounted on the parapet, could be adjusted to center on the sign. E911 numbers would be displayed on the gable. Hurley suggested a black outline on the sign to make it stand out from the gray siding.
Watanabe recommended approval of the sign with a black outline. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0-0.
Harold Vickery, 4572 Main Street, Signage and door installation. Application 2021-10-109, Tax Map ID 36-50-42.00.
Hurley reported that Vickery could not attend. She shared his sign design, a photo of the location it would be mounted, and the specifications for rear doors proposed to be installed.
Watanabe recommended approval as presented. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0-0.
Other Business.
Committee members discussed requiring complete site and design plans before scheduling applications for review by the committee.
Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m.
___________________________________________ _____________________________
For the Design Advisory Committee Date