2022-05-17

TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT

DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES

May 17, 2022

KILBURN MEETING ROOM


Committee Attendees: Joelle Greenland, John Watanabe, Ramsay Gourd.

Staff Attendees: Planning & Zoning Director Janet Hurley.

Public Attendees: Todd Beyer (via Zoom).


Hurley began recording. Greenland called the meeting to order at 4:59 p.m.

  1. Minutes of the April 27, 2022, Meeting.

Gourd motioned to approve the minutes as drafted. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.

  1. Todd Beyer, 5261 Main Street, Design changes to contributing historic structure, Application 2022-05-048, Tax Map ID 32-50-20.00..

Beyer explained that he recently purchased the property and is renovating it to serve as his residence and business office. Hurley displayed application submittals on screen as Beyer described the planned work. He explained that the two chimneys are not functional and that interior demolition revealed that they were not properly closed off leading to soot issues. He said the front chimney also presents a structural issue because it was built at an angle to avoid a rafter. He added that he would like to add an exterior wall to connect the two building masses and improve interior square footage.

Beyer indicated he would like to replace some north side, first floor windows with smaller windows with raised sills to accommodate a kitchen counter. Gourd warned that this would be visible from southbound traffic on Main Street, and it would be important to reflect the existing fenestration. Hurley displayed the Google streetview imagery showing that the northeast window would be easily visible. It was noted that the existing widows are four over four. Gourd suggested if it could not be avoided to replace with a six lite casement that referenced the front windows in height and pane size. Beyer noted he does not have replacement windows selected yet.

Beyer confirmed that the slate roofing is to be retained, with repair and replacement as necessary. Hurley displayed Beyer’s proposed sign structure and sign panel. He explained that he is planning a stone veneer with a concrete cast slab to top off the base. He said he has not yet selected the veneer, but plans for Douglass fir timbers. Gourd suggested the timbers were out of place with the more delicate architectural features on this streetscape. There was discussion about whether there was enough room for the stone base. Hurley displayed the streetview imagery again. Beyer indicated that the sign panel would be carved wood. Committee members suggested hanging the panel from the existing sign structure at least until Beyer’s design plans for the house come to fruition and are fully presented. Committee members suggested that when window replacements are made that they all be replaced at once, at least for those visible from Main Street. Greenland strongly encouraged Beyer to review and fully understand the town’s design guidelines as he moves forward with his design plans for the building.

Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the chimney removals, the building extension, and the sign panel to be installed on the existing sign structure. Gourd seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.

  1. Stanford House, 6458 Main Street, Signage, Application 2022-05-047, Tax Map ID 16-20-03.00.

Hurley shared design plans for a new freestanding sign for the former Stamford Inn and Nipper’s Café. She confirmed that the existing two signs would be dismantled.

Gourd motioned to recommend approval as proposed. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.

  1. Other Business.

Hurley noted that Sam Johnson was not present, but has been working to add more permanent elements to the shed roof at his restaurant. She said he had done other site work that needs review as well. Greenland asked Hurley to bring a copy of the design guidelines to future meetings. The committee suggested that Beyer is not understanding the historic design context of his building. Hurley noted that Beyer has reviewed the guidelines and she suggested he was receptive to the committee’s feedback. The next meeting of the committee is tentatively planned for June 29, 2022.

Gourd motioned to adjourn. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 5:29 p.m.

___________________________________________ _____________________________

For the Design Advisory Committee Date