TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 28, 2022
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Committee Attendees: John Watanabe, Ray Nevin, Ramsay Gourd (via Zoom). Absent: Joelle Greenland, Mary Shoener.
Staff Attendees: Planning & Zoning Director Janet Hurley.
Public Attendees: Chip Edson, Kirk Moore, Bob Gasperetti, Mark Greenberg (via Zoom), Dan McManus (via Zoom), Christine Scarlotta (via Zoom), Todd Beyer (via Zoom).
Hurley initiated recording. Gourd called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Hurley corrected the address for the first item on the agenda as a Depot Street address, not a Main Street address as was indicated.
Minutes of the August 31, 2022, meeting were accepted by unanimous consent.
Mark Greenberg, 557 & 575 Depot Street, Landscaping plan. Application 2022-03-020.2, Tax Map ID 37-50-33.00.
Hurley displayed the Google Streetview image of the site and the proposed site plan on screen. She indicated that Eric Levy explained in an email to her that the landscaping plan included arborvitae six feet on center along the rear and Highland Avenue property boundaries, and mixed perennials such as already present on site in the remaining proposed landscaping beds. Nevin warned that the arborvitae should be protected from deer browse, perhaps with topical treatment. Others suggested deer browse was unlikely at this location and a risk Greenberg could opt to take. Watanabe suggested that snow plowing and road salt would present more risk to the arborvitae.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval of the landscaping plan as proposed. Nevin seconded the motion. Greenberg asked if now was a good time to plant arborvitae. Committee members confirmed fall as a good time to plant. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Bourn’s Tire and Auto, 9 Cone Road, New signage. Application 2022-09-097.
Hurley displayed the proposed signage. Edson described it, noting it would not have the yellow background, but rather would b pin mounted to the building. He confirmed the sign would consist of painted plywood and offer some three-dimensional features. Committee members asked whether there would be lighting and whether the existing sign would be removed. Edson confirmed that no lighting was currently proposed and he did not know what the plan was for the existing sign. Hurley confirmed that the proposed 12 sq. ft. sign uses the allotted wall sign area for the front façade. (Scarlotta later confirmed that he existing sign would be removed and the purpose of the new sign was to try to be more visible to customers driving on Depot Street.)
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval provided the existing sign is removed. Nevin seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Michael McClain, Toll Road Inn, 2220 Depot Street, New freestanding sign panels. Application 2022-09-094, Tax Map ID 19-20-18.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed new signage. Nevin commented that he liked its simplicity. Hurley confirmed no lighting is proposed.
Nevin motioned to recommend approval as proposed. Watanabe seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Town of Manchester, 59 Memorial Avenue, Site and design plan for paved parking lot. Application 2022-09-096, Tax Map ID 32-50-50.00.
Hurley displayed plans for parking lot improvements for the town owned lot and Walgreens. Moore described the agreement and plans to make the improvements on both properties without any boundary line adjustments. He said the existing pavement and base would be removed and an underground stormwater system would be installed. He noted that the electrical power lines would be undergrounded and poles would be removed from the site. He explained that a new landscaped island at the northeast corner of the Walgreens building would include a transformer. He pointed out that the red on the plan indicated mulch to be applied around perennials. He noted that the proposed landscaping bed at the rear of the building would separate the employee parking and loading dock from the public parking lot.
Moore described the proposed dumpster enclosure while Hurley displayed the drawings on screen. Moore said it is an aluminum and composite kit system and would be grey and black. He said it is like the one installed at the Starbucks in Rutland. He described the proposed lighting while Hurley displayed the specifications on screen. He confirmed that the wall packs at the back of Walgreens would be on timers and motion sensors for employee safety. Nevin asked if Moore would consider changing the parking lot lights to those that were installed at the Manchester Community Library. Hurley displayed the Google Streetview imagery for the MCL parking lot and highlighted one of the parking lot lights. Moore said he would be happy to switch to this light and would get specifications to Hurley.
Moore explained that the timeline would likely involve work min the spring of ’23 but that work could begin sooner depending on weather and permitting processes.
Watanabe motioned to recommend approval with the change in the parking lot lighting as discussed. Nevin seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0.
Todd Beyer, 5261 Main Street, Proposed replacement doors. Application 2022-05-048.2, Tax Map ID 32-50-20.00.
Hurley displayed the proposed front door on screen. Beyer described the need for a replacement and the proposed door. Gourd appreciated the need for a replacement for energy efficiency purposes and acknowledged the difficulty of finding a replacement of the same historic style. He advised against selecting a wood grain and glass with caming. Gourd also commented that the removal of the storm door will provide visual improvement. Beyer agreed with these suggestions.
Hurley displayed the proposed side door on screen. Beyer indicated that the grilles of the new door would line up with the grilles on the new adjacent windows. Gourd asked whether privacy would be an issue with the full-length glass. Beyer said the interior layout was such that privacy would not be an issue and the increased glass would offer desired views to the outside. He added that an interior shade could be installed if privacy was needed. Nevin asked what the material composition of the door was. Gourd confirmed that it was fiberglass and smooth painted. Beyer added that the new windows are also fiberglass and the door would be white to match these new windows. He confirmed the door would have exterior simulated divided lites.
Nevin suggested consideration of Marven doors as similar, nicer, and not too pricey at rk Miles. He asked about the window on the front door. Gourd said that it would be clear glass with no muntins. Hurley suggested Beyer find a use for the original front door in the interior or in his barn renovation. Beyer was receptive to that idea.
Nevin recommended approval with the stipulation that both doors are flat painted. Watanabe second the motion. The motion passed 3-0-0.
Other Business.
Bob Gasperetti discussed with committee members options for improving the appearance of the many nonfunctional windows at the new Epoch Gallery location. Watanabe expressed the need for a fully depicted proposal. Nevin stressed the need for window to be attractive, inviting, and revealing of the interior. Gourd suggested a consistent background color be employed. Gasperetti will bring committees feedback to the artists and return with a proposal at a later date.
No other business was presented.
Watanabe motioned to adjourn the meeting. Nevin seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
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For the Design Advisory Committee Date