WELLESLEY DESIGN JUNE 27, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE, TOWN HALL
Members Present: David Grissino, Ed Hand, Robert Skolnick, and Meghan Jop
Also Present: George Carolan, Dale Savit
David Grissino, Chairman, brought the meeting to order at 7:30.
1. 7:30 pm Wiswall Circle 16-20 Wiswall Minor Construction DRB: 08-07M
Mr. George Carolan came before the Board for review of rear porches already constructed at Wiswall Circle. Mr. Carolan stated the project was originally reviewed by engineers due to concern of rot on the original decks. The original plan was to replace the original cantilevered porches. During the planning phase the porches were extended two feet and handrails were raised from 36" to 42". The builder that was hired applied for a permit and went ahead with the project. Mr. Carolan stated 10 months later the Building Inspector informed the Condominium Association that the decks had been constructed without permits. Mr. Carolan stated the permits were denied because two condos have decks coming out at 29' from the side yard and do not meet the 30' setback requirements from a residential zone.
Mr. Hand began the discussion and noted the decks are minimally seen. Mr. Carolan presented several pictures that show the visual impact of the decks from public ways. The Board agreed that the visual impact was minimal.
Mr. Grissino questioned what material was used to construct the porches. Mr. Carolan stated the porches were constructed of Brazilian Walnut. Mr. Grissino stated that the design was good, which is fortunate. Mr. Grissino noted that the Design Review Board must review all exterior projects, other than single and two family dwellings.
Mr. Grissino noted he had no comments on the design other than that the major view is the attractive part of the project. Mr. Grissino stated the design was a good selection and had a nice wood selection.
The Board after further discussion established the porches located at Wiswall Circle that were constructed without review or a building permit do meet the Design Guidelines for a minor construction project. The Board moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to:
"Recommend the Building Inspector approve the rear porches constructed at Wiswall Circle as presented."
Mr. Grissino further reminded Mr. Carolan to contact the Town for all future projects to insure projects are in compliance.
2. 7:40 pm Dellaria 37 Central Street Awning Sign DRB: 26-07
Mr. Dale Savit came before the Board for review of a proposed awning sign to be located at 37 Central Street. The proposed awning sign would replace the existing Dellaria sign. The proposed awning would measure 20'-10" wide by 7'-8" high and would be composed of a black background with white 19.5" letters that would read "Dellaria Salon" on the face of the sign.
Mr. Grissino began the discussion by questioning why Dellaria has chosen to move their signage from the valance of the sign to the face of the sign. Mr. Savit stated there is a small tree in front of the sign that blocks the view of the valance.
Mr. Hand noted the letters will look foreshortened because of the angle of the awning. Mr. Grissino noted that 14" letter height is the maximum allowed in the zone and what the Board wants to maintain in the Square. Mr. Grissino noted the letter height could involve proportionally shrinking the sign.
Mr. Savit stated the logo is a thin stroked delicate logo and he felt was not obtrusive. Mr. Skolnick stated the white on black is stark and would allow the sign to stand out without the additional letter height.
Mr. Hand suggested that if the letter height was reduced to 18" the letters from a vertical plane would measure 14". Mr. Grissino noted the perception from the street would reduce the letter height. The Board noted exceptions have been made for single letters.
The Board after a brief discussion established moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to:
"Recommend the Building Inspector accept the proposed awning with modifications to reduce the letter height of the "D" and the "ll" from 19.5" to 17.5" due to the foreshortening of the letters from the angle of the awning. The primary reason being that the letters would measure approximately 14" vertically."
3. 8:00 pm Other Business
Mr. Grissino announced to the Board that he had been asked to consider joining the Zoning Board of Appeals by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Grissino stated he had accepted the offer and was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals effective July 1, 2007. Mr. Grissino noted his interest in further pursuing design issues in Town including residential design and felt with the Zoning Board of Appeals he could also work to solidify Design Review Board recommendations and work towards further opening the lines of communication between the two boards.
The Board expressed its sincere congratulations to Mr. Grissino and stated how sorry they were to see him go, considering the exceptional job he has done for the Board over the past four years, three of which he was Chairman.
The Board adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Meghan C. Jop, AICP
Town Planner
Minutes Approved:
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