TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Committee Attendees: John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd, Joelle Greenland.
Staff Attendees: Janet Hurley (Planning & Zoning Director).
Public Attendees: Stephen Langstaff, Vallis Goodermote, Paul & Chrissy Carroccio, Astri Kilburn (via Zoom), Jeff Ward, Karen Geriak (via Zoom), Peter March (via Zoom), Mark Greenburg (via Zoom), Peter Zalken (via Zoom), Steve Wilson (via Zoom).
Hurley began recording. Greenland called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
Minutes of the October 27, 2021, Meeting.
Watanabe motioned to approve the minutes as drafted. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Langstaff, 4686-4692 Main Street, Reconstruction of retaining wall after storm damage. Application 2021-11-120, Tax Map ID 31-50-23.00.
Hurley displayed before and after photos of the retaining wall. Langstaff explained that the July storm damaged the railroad tie retaining wall beyond repair and the sturdier stone alternative was installed after he contacted Hurley about the process.
Gourd motioned to recommend approval of the redesigned retaining wall provided greenery is added when weather permits. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Aunt Bonnie’s, 97 Depot Street, Signage for new retail shop. Application 2021-11-121. Tax Map ID 32-52-26.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed signage. Goodermote described the various signs. The freestanding and wall mounted signs are to be aluminum wrapped in vinyl. She said she has signed a short term lease and will renew in seven months if the business does well. She would be willing to invest in more quality sign materials if the business is a success.
Watanabe recommended approval for the signage for seven months before which time the Applicant will return for approval of new signs if the business will continue at the site. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
557-575 Depot Street, LLC, 557 Depot Street. Application 2021-10-117, Tax Map ID 37-50-33.00.
Hurley displayed the various application submissions. March described the freestanding sign with downlighting. Greenland pointed out that the Ordinance limits the height to 10 feet. March said the existing pole could be sized accordingly. The color temperature of the proposed lighting is unknown. March indicated that he would comply with the color temperature limit.
March described the dispensers, which Hurley noted had already been installed. Committee members questioned whether the valance was to be installed as displayed on the specifications. March indicated that the preference was that it would be. Committee members expressed a preference for the bonnet in place of the larger valance feature.
March next described the nine sq. ft. wall mounted sign as consisting of an ACM aluminum composite mounted on a steel frame with vinyl application for lettering. Gourd indicated that wooden signs are preferred in Manchester and that this location would be ideal for wood because it would be protected under the overhang. Greenburg asked whether the regulations prohibited the metal. Greenland asked whether the Applicant opposed providing a wooden alternative. Gourd expressed that carved wooden signs can both reflect corporate branding as well as reflect Manchester’s design guidelines (e.g. McDonald’s). Zalken explained that Shell Oil requires certain branding standards and that town standards that deviate from the corporate standards must be presented to the company in writing.
Gourd recommended approval with the following conditions: (1) the overall height of the freestanding sign shall not exceed 10 feet and it shall not be plastic; (2) the dispensers shall be fitted with a bonnet rather than a valance per the specifications for the Encore S Series submitted on November 3, 2021; and (3) the wall mounted sign shall be of wood construction. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
282 Highland Farm, LLC, 266, 268, & 282 Highland Avenue, Site and design plan review for mixed use redevelopment. Application 2020-11-119, Tax Map 33-50-64.00 & 33-50-66.00.
Hurley displayed the site plans. P. Carroccio explained the proposed redevelopment of the former Dee’s Electric parcel. He said the goal of the purchase was to provide new housing. The existing “chicken” barn is to be demolished and replaced with an eight unit multifamily barn style structure with parking underneath. C. Carroccio noted that vertical Hardi siding in a light grey is proposed, along with aluminum clad Anderson windows, and gray asphalt shingles.
Gourd expressed that the barn style situated at the rear of the lot is appropriate for the setting. He applauded the Applicant for structured parking, which would keep cars off the street. He suggested that getting the color temperature of proposed LED exterior lighting down to 2700K would be preferable to 3000K. There was discussion about the landscaping plan. C. Carroccio explained that the ordinance requirements lead to a dense hedgerow rather than a more natural configuration of trees on the site.
Gourd recommended approval as presented with a reduction in the number of required trees and an exterior LED lighting of 2700K color temperature. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Karen Geriak, 4645 Main Street, Site & design plan for restaurant. Application 2021-10-105, Tax Map ID 31-50-35.02.
Hurley displayed the revised site plan showing both parcels together and the finalized arrangement of elements for both sites. She said the split rail fence would consist of two rails and would be removed in the winter to facilitate plowing. She also requested permanent approval of the steel shelf underneath the order window. Greenland thanked the Applicant for returning with more complete details.
Gourd recommended approval as submitted and with the take out window and shelf. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Other Business.
Sam Johnson, Conversion of temporary shed roof to permanent structure. Hurley explained that Sam Johnson was diagnosed with Lyme disease and not well enough to attend the meeting. She will relay recommendations to Johnson. Committee members offered that the shed roof structure should be trimmed out to match the building, concealing the dimensional lumber. The roof should also be sheathed and sided to match the building roof. Gourd said Johnson should engage someone to produce elevation drawings.
McDonald’s design changes. Hurley displayed the proposed changes to the McDonald’s. Wilson summarized the proposal. Gourd offered that he liked the color choice and increased diameter of the columns. He requested shingle specifications from Wilson. Hurley noted that local social media posts have negatively commented on the condition of the McDonald’s. She suggested signage announcing the planned improvements might be a good idea. Wilson said he would relay that to the operator.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for December 29, 2021. However, if the DRB were to move its January meeting to the second week, the DAC could reschedule to January 5, 2022.
Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date