TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY BOARD (DAB) MINUTES
June 7, 2023
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Committee Attendees: John Watanabe, Mary Shoener & Ray Nevin
Excused Absence: Joelle Greenland
Staff Attendees: Peter Brabazon, Zoning Administrator
Public Attendees: Vallis Goodermote, Jack Appleman & Bill Drunsic
Brabazon initiated recording. Nevin called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Watanabe motioned to postpone approval until the next scheduled meeting for the June 28, 2023 meeting minutes as amended. Shoener seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0.
Adoniram Lodge #42, 138 Spruce Street. Change in exterior colors and New Sign, Application 2023-05-030, Tax Map ID 32-51-58.00
New colors were presented for the Lodge and were in keeping with the Design Advisory Board criteria. Watanabe motioned to approve as submitted, Shoener seconded. The motion carried 3-0.
New sign for the lodge would be added to an existing post with two other businesses. The sign would have black and white letter of the business, no lighting would be added. Watanabe made a motion to approve the sign as presented, Shoener seconded. The motion Carried 3-0.
Aunt Bonnies LLC, 4943 & 4934 Main Street. New Signs, Application 2023-04-026, Tax Map ID 32-50-57.00
Valllis Goodermote gave an overview of the signs that she has modified as a result of the last meeting discussion. The signs located at the front of the store have been changed by the applicant to make the logo smaller and move from 50% to about +/-20%.
Watanbe clarified the applicants desire to use the same type sign that were used in the prior location Town Center (TC) as opposed to the Downtown (DN). Watanbe stated further, that the Board was unified in its interpretation of the Manchester Design Guidelines on page 50 Sign Design Principles: Signs should fit within and enhance the context and character of a district.
The other district (TC) is a little bit more open and was more space. The new location is more restrictive and slower moving more pedestrian. Therefore, the sign proposed is out of character of the district.
Goodermote said in order to get the sign approved the logo will need to be removed. The sign on the side of the building is proposed as 74” X 41”. Nevin indicated that the logo is still the objectional area as well and needed further review. The applicant has agreed to withdraw the two signs and from further consideration until such time as the applicant can submit a new proposal.
Watanabe made motion to close seconded by Shoener. The motion carried 3-0.
Town of Manchester, Taconic & Green Regional School District and 4993 Main Street LLC. Parking lot improvements per Development Review Board decision November 14, 2022. The applicant is requesting a change to the decision related to lighting fixture only. Application 2022-09-096 Tax ID 32-50-50.00
Bill Drunsic representing the applicant gave a brief overview of light fixtures for the parking area. When the applicant had first applied for the permit and was under review with the Design Advisory Board they had agreed on a specific light fixture but it is much more expensive than had been previously thought. Therefore, the applicant proposes a fixture more in keeping with the other municipal parking areas maintained by the Town.
Nevin shared photos of parking lot lighting at the library and Northshire Day School and mentioned that he preferred the looks of those fixtures over what Drunsic is presenting. Drunsic thought those fixtures would be above the budget and the Town is not in a position to spend additional money on the project for lighting.
Drunsic also mentioned that there are advantages to using a light fixture that the Town already uses is that it gives the opportunity to stock fixtures so that they may readily replace ones that are damage or need repairs.
Watanabe made a motion for Bill Drunsic to explore options for the parking area lighting that meets the LED requirements and fits within the budge and approved by the Town Manager. In the event no other fixtures meet the criteria the DAB will accept the proposed fixtures that match the municipal parking area lighting currently being used. Shoener seconded. The motion carried 3-0.
Other Business:
McDonald’s has asked about a renovation on the existing trash container. The modification was to remove existing roof and add new gates to the enclosure. Soft gray is the color of choice for the gates.
Discussion on the application for DAB mostly to help guide applicants on what information needs to be included to have a complete application. Signs need to have the type of materials, sizes colors, fonts locations and set-backs if necessary. The application should also include items on page 50 of the Manchester Design Guidelines.
With no additional business Watanabe motioned to adjourn the meeting, Nevin seconded. The motion carried 3-0 Meeting Adjourned at 5:30
Next Meeting scheduled for June 28th at 5:00 PM
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For the Design Advisory Board Date