TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
DESIGN ADVISORY BOARD (DAB) MINUTES
September 27, 2023
KILBURN MEETING ROOM
Committee Attendees: John Watanabe, Mary Shoener & Ray Nevin
Excused Absent: Joelle Greenland,
Staff Attendees: Peter Brabazon, Zoning Administrator
Public Attendees: Michael Pugliese, Madeline Mindrich, Dan Mulroy & Scott Austin
Brabazon initiated recording. Watanabe called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Watanabe asked for a motion to approve Minutes August 30th 2023 and motion was made by Shoener seconded by Nevin.
The motion carried 3-0
Due to a time constraint, Michael Pugliese the applicant for 174 Elm Street, made a request to move to the top of the agenda. There was no objection by the other applicants.
Michael Pugliese, 174 Elm Street, Applicant is installing new porch roof front & rear. Siding & repair flooring and replacement windows. Application 2023-08-067, Tax map Id 37-50-41.00
Michael Pugliese gave a brief overview of the project that is located at 174 Elm Street. The project is located in the Historic District and requires that any exterior changes be recommended for approval by the Design Advisory Board.
The scope of work to be completed is mostly repairs and maintenance other that a roofing change from asphalt to a standing seam roof. The standing seam roofing is already on the main building and the new roofing material will match the existing standing seam and will give it a more unified appearance. Other proposed work includes the replacement of some rotting porch support posts which will be done in like kind. The rear entry porch and the rear entry basement roof have existing asphalt shingle will be changed to match existing standing seam roof.
Underneath porch material will be changed from plywood to a tongue and groove material.
There is one window that does not match existing windows, the plan is to replace it with a new Marvin Elevate window that will match the existing size and style.
The rest of the renovation involves interior work only.
Shoener asked if the colors would remain the same and the applicant agreed there were no changes to the exterior colors.
There were no additional comments or question related to the application.
Shoener made motion to approve as presented seconded by Nevin. Motion passed 3-0
Red Clover Community Wellness LLC, Madeline Mindich, New wall sign and application for multi-tenant sign, Application 2023-08-057, Tax Map ID 31-50-05.00
Madeline gave an overview of the application for new signs. She indicated that the original application was for a free standing sign. The applicant believed that because the lot was located on a corner they would be able to install an additional free standing sign along school street which has frontage of 220 feet.
The solution for the time being, until they hear back from the dentist who occupies another unit in the building and has an existing sign, would be to install two wall signs. The proposal for the meeting tonight was focused on a wall sign for the building and name plate signs located on the entry door.
The freestanding sign to be tabled for the time being.
Motion to recommend new signs on the building and to postpone the conversation related to the free-standing sign until more information is made available by Applicant. The motion was seconded by Nevin, the motion passed 3-0
Northshire Bookstore, 4869 Main Street, Review new proposal for replacement of three exterior signs. Application 2023-09-083 Tax ID 32-50-83.00
Scott Austin introduced himself to the Board as head of Operations for both locations of the Northshire Bookstore and also new co-owner.
The applicant reviewed the changes made to the new signs including new colors and logo. The blue will be close to a cobalt and deep blue with gold leaf for the knowledge tree. The gold leaf on the sign will be comparable to other gold leaf installations in Town.
The signs proposed will be an exact replacement in terms of number and exact sizes.
With no additional concerns or questions the Board was open to a motion for recommendation to approve.
Nevin made a motion to approve the new signs as presented by the applicant Shoener seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0
5. Manchester Laundromat, 366 Depot Street, Applicant wishes to add covered
Walkway roof across front façade. (continuation of existing roof at Manchester Beverage & Willoughby’s) Relocate existing sign to above the 2nd floor windows. Application 2023-09-082 Tax Map ID 37-50-18.00
Dan Mulroy was representing the applicant Manchester Laundromat and gave a brief overview of the proposed changes.
The first change is the addition of the walkway roof along the south side of the building. The new proposed roofing will tie in to the existing roofing that is in place for the neighboring property at Discount Beverage and Willoughby’s. The materials to be used will match existing and the look will be uniform in appearance. The proposed request will allow for the snow removal process to be more efficient and provide cover and lighting for customers entering the building.
The existing sign will be relocated to above the second story windows and there will be the addition of three goose neck fixtures. The lighting will follow the Ordinance requirements and is proposed to be 2700 kelvin. The applicant has also proposed to add a new roof over the employee entrance.
Watanabe asked if there was a designated lined walkway to allow for pedestrian access and wanted confirmation that this will be maintained. Mulroy confirmed that when the parking lot was repaved they did mark the walkway.
Watanabe also asked if the neighbor Willoughby’s exterior had a negative impact on the access or interfered in anyway. Mulroy stated that parking has always been a bit of a challenge especially in light of the line painting that at one point did not help and were a little confusing but he has had some positive input from the outside seating at Willoughby’s.
With no additional concerns or questions the chair asked for a motion.
Nevin move to recommend approval as presented with the second by Shoener. The motion passed 3-0
Motion to close by Watanabe seconded by Nevin, the motion passed 3-0 meeting closed at 5:31 PM
Next Meeting scheduled for October 25th at 5:00 PM
___________________________________________ _______________________
For the Design Advisory Board Date