2023-4-26

TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT

DESIGN ADVISORY BOARD (DAB) MINUTES

April 26, 2023

KILBURN MEETING ROOM

Committee Attendees:  John Watanabe, Mary Shoener, Ray Nevin & Joelle Greenland

Staff Attendees:  Peter Brabazon, Assistant Zoning Administrator  

                                                            

Public Attendees:  Vallis Goodermote, Todd Beyer, Michael Beyer, Catharine Sullivan, Kirk Moore, Mary Jo Gourd, Sharry Rutken & Lisa Consill

 


Brabazon initiated recording. Nevin called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

 

The motion carried 3-0

 

 

The motion carried 3-0

 

Kirk Moore, representing the ownership interest, gave an overview of the 9 modifications that the applicant is requesting.  The two items that were discussed in greater depth were the removal of a chimney and the change to an exterior semi- circular low feature wall.  The chimney was originally proposed and the impact noted by Nevin was that it broke up a large expanse of roofing and was visually appealing.  The wall material originally proposed would have been a stone veneer.  Moore said that due to cost constraints on the overall project that they are looking to trim expenses where possible to keep the project moving forward. The wall material would be a savings if they were able to use a stamped concrete for the wall surface in lieu of the stone veneer.  Discussion around the choice of material and colors ensued. Moore proposed to send additional images as soon as possible for the Board to review.

 

The motion made by Watanabe was to approve items labeled as 1, 3,4,5, 6, 7, & 8 leaving out items # 2 & # 9 to be discussed further. The motion carried 4-0

 

Second motion was made by Watanabe that the two items (#2 & #9) be approved as submitted seconded by Shoener.  The motion carried 3-1 with Nevin being the no vote.    

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

Catharine Sullivan gave the Board a brief overview of the proposed scope of work.  The intent is to preserve as much historical features & information as possible while still making changes that will bring the property in to a new stage of life.  These upgrades will help improve energy efficiency and enable the building to see more efficient use.  The lower level is intended to be used as commercial space and the upstairs will be residential.

 

Watanabe made a motion to recommend approval of the application as submitted.

The motion was seconded by Ray and the motion was carried 4-0

 

 

 

Mary Jo gave a summary of the project as simply moving her driveway from one side of her building to the other side.  The reason for the move is that the current driveway is located partially on a neighbor’s property.  The neighbor will not agree to paving of the current driveway.   Mary Jo has spoken with Jeff Williams the DPW Director and has received a new permit to open a new curb cut as long as the old one is closed down. 

 

The discussion for the proposed improvements were centered around the potential impacts on neighboring properties.  After some feedback it was determined that whatever storm water was generated needed to remain on the property and the suggestion that the pitch of the driveway and parking areas be so that the run off will not be shed on to the adjacent properties.  There are no plans at this time to add any vegetation or lighting to the property.

 

The parking area and driveway will be built so that the drive will allow for one car width only and parking for a maximum of two cars. 

 

Nevin made a motion to recommend approval of the application as submitted

 

 

  

 

 

5.     Aunt Bonnies LLC, 4943 & 4934 Main Street, New signs proposed for the new location.   Application 2023-04-026, Tax Map ID 32-50-57.00

 

Vallis Goodermote gave the overview of the proposed sign locations and dimensions to the Board.  The signs remain essentially the same as at her location currently on Depot Street.  The proposal is for a new lighted blade sign (using existing lighting) measuring 36” X28”.  The material will be 3/4 “MDO  board painted white with full color logos and red & white text.  The proposal also includes a flush mounted sign measuring 120” X 24” also using existing lighting.  The materials are the same MDO board painted white with red & white text.  The windows will also have signs with logo proposed to meet the sign ordinance regulations with coverage less than 50% glass area.

 

The discussion relative to the surrounding area and historic nature of the new location was discussed.  Some comments from Board members were along the lines of the stark contrast of this proposal when viewed against the surrounding business signs which appear to have more muted earth tones. 

 

Discussion regarding the stark contrast of this sing application and the high contrast of multiple colors along with a cartoon like logo seems to be not in keeping with the area identified as historic.

 

6. Karen Geriak aka Cold Cow & Nippers Cafe, 4645 Main Street, Application 2023-04-022, Tax Map ID 31-50-35.02

Karen was unable to attend via zoom as there were some technical problems.  ZA will schedule for next month’s meeting

 

7. Todd Beyer TCB Design, 5261 Main Street, Application 2022-05-048.2, Tax Map ID 32-50-20.00

Todd Beyer gave an overview of his progress on the rehabilitation of the 5261 Main Street location.  The discussion continued on the wrap around porch and the finishes appear to a little to out of period.  Applicant will revisit the finishes and add details more in keeping with the period of the original structure.  The hearing is recessed until such time additional information becomes available.

 

With no additional business the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM

 

 

            Executive session

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Other Business:

           

        

 

        

        

 

  

                      

 

___________________________________________                            _______________________
 For the Design Advisory Board                                 Date