FREEPORT PROJECT REVIEW BOARD MINUTES FREEPORT TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, :00 p.m.

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1 FREEPORT PROJECT REVIEW BOARD MINUTES FREEPORT TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, :00 p.m. PRESENT: Cliff Goodall (Chairperson), Jason Donahue, David Marstaller, Alan Tracy, Dale Whitmore and Donna Larson (Town Planner). Erik Anderson and Ralph Dean were excused. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Goodall called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. followed by the introduction of Board members and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Goodall announced the volunteer picnic scheduled for this upcoming weekend; there is still time for Board members to sign-up if they wish to attend. ITEM I: Approval of the minutes from the September 14, 2011 Project Review Board meetings. Mr. Whitmore / Mr. Marstaller moved to waive the reading of the minutes from the September 14, 2011 Project Review Board meeting and to accept them as printed. Vote: 5 Ayes / 0 Nays ITEM II: Informational Exchange Ms. Larson informed the Board that she had done Staff Approvals for the LL Bean Flagship Store for the change of siding on the upper level from diagonal to vertical. She also approved a sign for Acapello Salon. Mr. Goodall noted that the Town s Comprehensive Plan just received approval from the State Planning Office. The plan is available at the Town Office. Mr. Donahue questioned the size of a new sign of JoS. A. Bank on Main Street. Ms. Larson noted that it was a Staff Approval and similar in size to the previous Burberry Sign. ITEM III: Reviews Freeport Community Services Depot Street The applicant is returning to the Board for final approval of a Design Review Certificate and Site Plan Amendment for the color of a new ground sign. No other changes are proposed. Design Review District I Class B and C. Tax Assessor Map 11, Lot 139. Freeport Community Services, applicant and owner; Bob Lyman, representative. Mr. Goodall explained that the applicant came to the Board last month for approval of signs and everything but the color was approved at that meeting. The applicant is now proposing a dark grass green as opposed to the previous brighter green. Ms. Larson noted that Mr. Lyman was here with the actual colors. Bob Lyman, Director of Freeport Community Services, stated that Burr Signs is making the signs and can match any color. He showed the two samples included in the packet along with a third option which was slightly deeper. The thrift shop will be yellow. Mr. Tracy noted that he agrees with the yellow thrift shop and all the greens are fine, but he prefers the darker green. Mr. Marstaller noted that any of the colors are fine with him. Mr. Goodall noted that either 1

2 green would be okay with him with the thrift shop in yellow. It would be up to the discretion of Freeport Community Services. Design Review Ordinance: Chapter 22 Section VII.C.10 Signs. There will be three building mounted signs; 2 that say Freeport Community Center (8 s.f. each) and one that says Thrift Shop (4 s.f.). The letters will be lower case cut-out Sintra letters and will be pin mounted. The letters will be black and illuminated with gooseneck lighting fixtures. One ground sign is proposed to replace the existing sign. The sign will be 4 x7.5 x10. It will be aluminum with applied vinyl graphics. The background will be green with white, yellow and blue letters and the new Freeport Community Services logo. The sign will be illuminated with ground lighting fixtures that do have a shield. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of the Design Review Ordinance. Finding of Fact: (Section 602.F. of the Freeport Zoning Ordinance) g. Advertising Features: There will be three building mounted signs; 2 that say Freeport Community Center (8 s.f. each) and one that says Thrift Shop (4 s.f.). The letters will be lower case cut-out Sintra letters and will be pin mounted. There will be a sign over each of the two entrances on the existing buildings and then a third sign on the side of the building facing the parking lot. The letters will be black and illuminated with gooseneck lighting fixtures. One ground sign is proposed to replace the existing in the same location. The sign will be 4 x7.5 x10. It will be aluminum with applied vinyl graphics. The background will be green with white, yellow and blue letters and the new Freeport Community Services logo. The sign will be illuminated with ground lighting fixtures that do have a shield. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of Section 602 Site Plan Review. Mr. Tracy / Mr. Whitmore moved to order that the Freeport Project Review Board approve the printed Finding of Fact, Design Review Certificate and Site Plan Amendment for a new sign for Freeport Community Services on Depot Street, to be built substantially as proposed, submission dated 09/27/11, finding that it meets the standards of the Freeport Zoning Ordinance and Freeport Design Review Ordinance with the following Conditions of Approval: 1) This approval incorporates by reference all supporting plans that amend the previously approved plans submitted by the applicant and his/her representatives at Project Review Board meetings and hearings on the subject application to the extent that they are not in conflict with other stated conditions. 2) Prior to installation, the applicant obtain a sign permit from the Freeport Codes Enforcement Officer. Vote: 5 Ayes / 0 Nays Mr. Goodall recused himself from the review of the next item and stepped down to join the public. The Village Inn 186 Main Street The applicant is seeking approval of a Design Review Certificate to replace the existing wood clapboard siding with vinyl siding. No other changes are proposed. Design Review District I Class B. Tax Assessor Map 13, Lot 2. Lewis and Jacqueline Corliss, applicants and owners. 2

3 Ms. Larson explained that the applicant is seeking approval of a Design Review Certificate to replace the existing wood clapboard siding with vinyl siding. No other changes are proposed. The siding will be the same color (white) and width as the existing. A sample of the material has been included in the packet. The building is located in an area with many A and B buildings. The abutting properties on either side have wood siding; however there are a variety of siding types including wood, vinyl and aluminum in the neighborhood. There have been a few cases in recent years, where the Board has allowed vinyl on the sides of a building however required wood on the front. In the case of this building, the side is also quite visible from Main Street and is quite expansive. Lewis Corliss, applicant, stated that they would like to reside the building, including the front, to make it all uniform. Mr. Marstaller noted that the submission includes a list of properties in the area with the siding types. He thinks that there are some that the Board previously required wood on the front, but this is something they have let up on. Ms. Larson noted that looking at the neighborhood, this is Class B. She does not know if the Board has allowed vinyl on a Class A. Mr. Whitmore noted that now vinyl is made to look more like a wood texture. Mr. Marstaller stated that true vinyl looks, applies and has durability more like natural wood now. He has no problem with it except maybe on a Class A building, but it still needs to be handled case by case. Mr. Tracy asked how they would handle the porch and rail and if they would stay wood. Mr. Corliss stated that they would be wrapped in aluminum and have the exact same white with a wood grain finish. It will match. Mr. Tracy asked if there were any Class A buildings converted to vinyl. Ms. Larson stated that she cannot think of any. Mr. Corliss stated that the church was built in the 1940 s and is aluminum. The church house was built at the same time as theirs and is all vinyl with aluminum wrap. 181 Main Street is all vinyl, but the front is wood. The Snow property (177 Main St) is older than theirs and is all vinyl. Mr. Tracy asked if the barn would be resided. Mr. Corliss stated yes and noted that all of the old building except for the barns needs insulation and this will allow them to add it from the outside. There were no comments from the public. Mr. Tracy stated that he is concerned for setting a precedent as this is a historically significant area. He asked what has been done there before. Ms. Larson stated that over the years change has happened as there is vinyl up there. There are only 3 Class A buildings shown in that area on the Design Review map. Mr. Corliss stated that the Design Review Committee approved the change to the church building across the street and that was built at the same time and by the same person who built theirs. Mr. Marstaller noted that there is a Class A building on the corner of East and Main Streets. The tea room has wood on front but the rest is vinyl. Ms. Larson noted that the tea room was new construction. Mr. Corliss noted that he remembers a comment made in the past by a board member who stated that it was a mistake to require a different material on the front of the tea room as when you walk by on the street you cannot tell that some of the siding is vinyl. Design Review Ordinance: Chapter 22 Section VII.C. 1. Scale of the Building. The scale of the building will not be altered. 3

4 2. Height. The height of the building will not be altered. 3. Proportion of Building's Front Facade. The proportion of the building s front facade will not be altered. 4. Rhythm of Solids to Voids in Front Facades. The rhythm of solids to voids in the front facade will not be altered. 5. Proportions of Opening within the Facility. The proportions of openings within the façade will not be altered. 6. Roof Shapes. The roof shape will not be altered. 7. Relationship of Facade Materials. The building is currently sided with white wood clapboard siding. The applicant is proposing to replace the siding with white vinyl clapboard style siding of the same width. 8. Rhythm of Spaces to Building on Streets. The rhythm of spaces to buildings on the street will not be altered. 9. Site Features. No site features will be altered. 10. Signs. No signs are proposed. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of the Design Review Ordinance. Mr. Donahue / Mr. Whitmore moved to order that the Freeport Project Review Board approve the printed Findings of Fact and Design Review Certificate for Jacqueline and Lewis Corliss for vinyl siding at 186 Main Street, to be built substantially as proposed, submission dated 09/21/11, finding that it meets the standards of the Freeport Design Review Ordinance with the following Conditions of Approval: 1) This approval incorporates by reference all supporting plans that amend the previously approved plans submitted by the applicant and his/her representatives at Project Review Board meetings and hearings on the subject application to the extent that they are not in conflict with other stated conditions. Vote: 4 Ayes / 0 Nays (Goodall- recused) Mr. Goodall rejoined the Board. Frost Gully LLC Bow Street / School Street The applicant is seeking approval for a change of use for the former Bow Street Market building from retail trade to business and professional office and local retail trade, approval of a Design Review Certificate and Site Plan Amendment for a new parking area, and approval of a Design Review Certificate to add a new sign and three windows of the front façade of the building. Design Review District II Class C. Tax Assessor Map 13, Lot 81A. Frost Gully LLC, applicant and owner; Adam Nappi, representative. 4

5 Mr. Goodall stated that the applicant is doing the curbing and on-street parking in front of the old store now as part of the previously approved project. The request is for a change of use for the old market. The distribution business will stay on the lower level and they will keep the apartments. They will be relocating a fence and are seeking approval on a fill area in the back of the store. Ms. Larson explained that the applicant is seeking approval for a change of use for the former Bow Street Market building from retail trade to business and professional office and local retail trade, approval of a Design Review Certificate and Site Plan Amendment for a new parking area, and approval of a Design Review Certificate to add a new sign and three windows of the front façade of the building. The applicant is also seeking approval of a 14 space parking area behind the market. The area was approved temporarily at the staff level, but now the applicant would like to make it permanent. The parking area is currently gravel, but the applicant would like the flexibility to pave and stripe it in the future. A six foot tall wood fence on the site would be relocated closer to the parking area to screen it from the abutting property. This would bring the total number of parking spaces near the old market to 31. Based upon the uses and the shared parking concept, 27 would be required however the applicant feels that they need the number of spaces proposed and the extra spaces would allow for parking of company vehicles. The applicant is also seeking approval for a ground sign. Details are included in the packet on a wide variety of small changes. Mr. Goodall asked about the grocery store and if it was local retail trade. Ms. Larson explained that the grocery store was always a non-conforming use but was made conforming by the changes in the Ordinance. Mr. Goodall stated that this project is in the mixed-use district and those changes made this project possible. Adam Nappi, applicant, noted that he was present with John Kennedy from Sevee and Maher. He stated that he continues to work with the community on a mixed use area that serves local residents. This will hopefully enhance the other improvements. The proposed change of use is requested as the previous retail use was non-conforming and they are trying to attract local businesses there. The business and professional office will serve locals and may be something like an accountant or lawyer. Mr. Tracy asked about the difference between retail trade and local retail trade. Ms. Larson stated that retail trade is not allowed in this district as they were afraid that it would cause creep down from the village. Local retail trade was a use that was included in the Local Business District and she quoted from the Ordinance what it may include. Mr. Goodall asked if the business and professional office would use the front entrance and if the loading dock and dumpster around the side would remain. Mr. Nappi stated that they would all share the front entrance. The dumpster has been removed and the loading dock door will remain as an emergency means of egress. The distribution business does not use the loading dock. Mr. Goodall asked if handicap access would be from the front door. Mr. Nappi stated yes. Mr. Goodall suggested that they may want to look at having a handicap landing at the second egress and asked if they needed Fire Marshall approval. Mr. Nappi stated that he was not sure if Fire Marshall approval was needed but the Fire Chief has been down. Mr. Goodall suggested that the applicant look at the building to see if it was handicap accessible on both sides and suggested that an area of refuge may be needed. Mr. Tracy clarified the uses of the building noting that there would be a residential apartment on the top floor, the first floor would be the old market which would all be converted to professional offices / local retail trade and the bottom floor would be the distribution business. There will be no changes on the top 5

6 or bottom floor; only on the ground level where the old market was. There is a vision of two tenants to serve local residents. Mr. Donahue asked if there was a local retail trade tenant that wanted Bow Street exposure, if they would let them make modifications. Mr. Nappi stated maybe, but they would need to come back to the Board. Mr. Donahue asked if the applicant was making the proposed changes to make it more marketable. Mr. Nappi stated yes. Mr. Nappi explained the changes to the windows and the ground sign. They will need to return for approval of the tenant signs and will come back if they want any building signs. The sign will be the same structure as at the new market. Mr. Goodall stated that the center of the sign could be done at staff approval. Mr. Donahue asked if they would install a blank sign. Mr. Nappi stated yes, so that they are ready to go. They are close to signing leases and are negotiating now. Mr. Tracy asked which way the sign would face and if the old sign would be removed. Mr. Nappi stated yes and noted that that it would be perpendicular to the road and on private property. Mr. Nappi explained that last change proposed would be in the back of the old market. He has a temporary parking area there made of fill that they did not want to haul off the site. They had previously discussed a phase II to the project but decided that it is not needed. They are seeking permanent approval of the parking area at this time. Mr. Goodall noted that the side slope had been vegetated and stabilized and that there would not be any landscaping other than the fence. Mr. Nappi stated that was correct and noted that they may also want to pave the parking area. Mr. Whitmore asked about Phase II and if they were no longer going to do it and asked about the treatment of run-off from the site. Mr. Nappi stated that was correct. They have a rain garden in the rear where the water sheds to. There will still be a net of less impervious surface than if they had done Phase 2. They will be relocating an existing fence since it was an ineffective buffer where it was as it was located in a swale. It will provide improved protection from light, sound, and vehicles as proposed and he did work with neighbors on the location of the fence. Mr. Goodall asked if there was any screening proposed to screen the new parking lot from Leon Gorman Park or if he would consider adding a few coniferous trees along the slope. Mr. Nappi stated that he would add them. Mr. Goodall stated that he would suggest a condition that a minimum of 4 evergreens planted along the slope. Design Review Ordinance: Chapter 22 Section VII.C. 1. Scale of the Building. The scale of the building will not be altered. 2. Height. The height of the building will not be altered. 3. Proportion of Building's Front Facade. The proportion of the building s front facade will not be altered. 4. Rhythm of Solids to Voids in Front Facades. The rhythm of solids to voids in the front facade will not be altered. Windows will be added to the south and east facades however the rhythm of solids to voids will be maintained. 5. Proportions of Opening within the Facility. All new openings within the façade will be rectangular in shape. 6

7 6. Roof Shapes. The roof shape will not be altered. 7. Relationship of Facade Materials. The new windows will be vinyl. 8. Rhythm of Spaces to Building on Streets. The rhythm of spaces to buildings on the street will not be altered. 9. Site Features. The applicant is proposing a small parking lot to the rear of the building and a ground sign in the front of the building. No other changes are proposed. 10. Signs. The applicant is seeking approval for a ground sign which will be located in front of the building along Bow Street. It would have the same design, dimensions, colors and materials as the one at the new market, however no actual sign faces are proposed at this time and individual tenants would be responsible to return to the Board for approvals of the actual signs. No illumination is proposed. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of the Design Review Ordinance. Findings of Fact: (Section 602.F. of the Freeport Zoning Ordinance) a. Preservation of Landscape: The site is already developed. The new parking area will be located in the rear. No building additions are proposed for the change of use. b. Relation of Proposed Buildings to the Environment: This parcel is within the Design Review District II. No additional buildings are proposed. c. Vehicular Access: Vehicular access to the site remains unchanged. d. Parking and Circulation: The applicant is seeking approval of a 14 space parking area behind the market. The applicant would like the flexibility to pave and stripe it in the future. This would bring the total number of parking spaces near the old market to 31. Based upon the uses and the shared parking concept, 27 would be required however the applicant feels that they need the number of spaces proposed and the extra spaces would allow for parking of company vehicles. e. Surface Water Drainage: The site is already developed and based upon the size and nature of the proposed changes, information on surface water drainage was not submitted. f. Utilities: The building is already connected to public water and sewer although should contact the Districts to see if any change of use is required. This has been added as a Condition of Approval. g. Advertising Features: 7

8 The applicant is seeking approval for a ground sign which will be located in front of the building along Bow Street. It would have the same design, dimensions, colors and materials as the one at the new market, however no actual sign faces are proposed at this time and individual tenants would be responsible to return to the Board for approvals of the actual signs. No illumination is proposed. h. Special Features: A six foot tall wood fence on the site would be relocated closer to the parking area to screen it from the abutting property. i. Exterior Lighting: No new lighting is proposed. j. Emergency Vehicle Access: All public safety department heads have reviewed the plans. k. Landscaping: No additional landscaping is proposed. l. Environmental Considerations: This parcel is not within the Marine Waterfront District or the Shoreland Zone. The building is connected to public utilities. No archaeological or historic resources will be negatively impacted. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of Section 602 Site Plan Review. Mr. Tracy / Mr. Whitmore moved to order that the Freeport Project Review Board approve the printed Findings of Facts, Design Review Certificate and change of use for Frost Gully LLC at 81 Bow Street, finding that it meets the standards of the Freeport Zoning Ordinance and the Freeport Design Review Ordinance with the following Conditions of Approval: 1) This approval incorporates by reference all supporting plans that amend the previously approved plans submitted by the applicant and his/her representatives at Project Review Board meetings and hearings on the subject application to the extent that they are not in conflict with other stated conditions. 2) Prior to a building permit being issued, the applicant receive written approval from the Freeport Water District and the Freeport Sewer District for the change of use. 3) Include in the site plan, the planting of three or four evergreen border trees to break-up the view as discussed. 4) The approval also includes the paving of the parking area. Vote: 5 Ayes / 0 Nays Nordica Theatre Sign Freeport Village Station The applicant is seeking Design Review Approval for a new sign on the Mill Street façade of the Nordica Theatre. The sign will consist of open face letters with exposed bulbs. Design Review District I Class A & C. Tax Assessor Map 11, Lot 112-ETC. Berenson Associates, applicant; LL Bean, owner; Alfred Yebba, representative. Mr. Goodall explained that the sign will be open faced with bulbs. It will be a classic movie theater sign. The theater is on track to open by Thanksgiving. 8

9 Sean Selby, representative from Arrowstreet, stated that they had previous approval for a similar sign in the same location and same size. It would have been a halo, but it could not be seen on the brick. He showed the sign that was approved for Main Street which was also letters with bulbs. There would also be a similar sign on either side of the Mallet building on Mill Street. The theater canopy will also have bare bulbs and a sign. This will be the first tenant with bare bulb letters, but it is appropriate for the use. The size and font will be the same as previously approved, there will just be a different way of lighting. Mr. Goodall noted that the Board already approved the marquis with exposed lighting. He asked if it would have rolling lights. Mr. Selby stated no. Mr. Donahue asked about the bulbs. Mr. Selby stated that they would be small, durable, LED bulbs. They would be 1-1½ and not too bright. There would be a fog when the bulbs glow and they would not be clear. There would be a raceway connecting the letters which would be painted the same color as the brick. The back panel would hide the wires behind the bulbs. Mr. Tracy stated that it looks like the back panel is illuminated. He asked if that was the intent or if it was to see the bulbs. Mr. Selby stated that they are channel letters and the white will glow but the bulbs will be seen. Mr. Tracy stated that it is a nice look. Mr. Donahue stated that it was a great choice. Mr. Goodall asked if they would replace the sign facing Bow Street at some point for consistency. Al Yebba, Berenson Associates, stated that maybe at some point. He noted that they hope to be open by the 18 th of November. Mr. Tracy asked about the Nordica name. Mr. Yebba explained that was the name used in Freeport s only theater in the 1940 s. It was named after Lillian Nordica who was an opera singer. There will be a small exhibit telling her story and about the Nordica name. The Nordica Museum let them use the name. Design Review Ordinance: Chapter 22 Section VII.C.10 Signs The sign will be 99 s.f. and Hoefler font. The letters will be open face with exposed bulbs similar in style to the ones approved for the arched entrance to the plaza on Main Street and on either side of the Mallet building. The letters will be white on the interior with silver backs and returns. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of the Design Review Ordinance. Findings of Fact: (Section 602.F. of the Freeport Zoning Ordinance) h. Advertising Features: The sign will be 99 s.f. and Hoefler font. The letters will be open face with exposed bulbs similar in style to the ones approved for the arched entrance to the plaza on Main Street and on either side of the Mallet building. The letters will be white on the interior with silver backs and returns. Fred Reeder has reviewed the sign for its compliance with the Freeport Sign Ordinance. Conclusion: Based on these facts the Board finds that this project meets the criteria and standards of Section 602 Site Plan Review. Mr. Donahue / Mr. Tracy moved to order that the Freeport Project Review Board approve the printed Findings of Fact, Design Review Certificate and Site Plan Amendment for a new sign for Berenson Associates for the Nordica Theatre on the Mill Street Façade at One Freeport Village Station, to be built substantially as proposed, submission dated 08/18/10, revised through 11/10/11, finding that it meets the standards of the Freeport Zoning Ordinance with the following Conditions of Approval: 9

10 1) This approval incorporates by reference all supporting plans that amend the previously approved plans submitted by the applicant and his/her representatives at Project Review Board meetings and hearings on the subject application to the extent that they are not in conflict with other stated conditions. 2) Prior to installation, the applicant obtain a sign permit from the Freeport Codes Enforcement Officer. Mr. Whitmore asked if they were only approving this sign. Mr. Goodall stated yes. Vote: 5 Ayes / 0 Nays ITEM IV: Persons wishing to address the Board on Non-Agenda items. None. ITEM V: Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Recorded by Caroline Pelletier 10