Volz stated there will be no water flowing onto his property. He explained the drainage system to him.

6 Mr. Stillman asked if a construction fence will be put up around the entire property.

Mr. Volz relied “yes”.

David Henson, 140 North Bemiston Avenue, asked for a comparison in height.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that height will be addressed during architectural review.

Ron Reim questions how the two property owners will work out their issues.

Being no further questions or comments, Jim Liberman made a motion to approve the site plan per staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Josh Corson and unanimously approved by the members.

The architectural aspects of the project were now up for review.

Susan Istenes explained that this is a request for review of the design and materials associated with the proposed construction of a new 4,422-square-foot single-family residence (not including the basement) with a below grade, front-loading garage. The height of the proposed residence is +/- 31-feet 7.9-inches as measured from the average existing grade to mean height of the roof. Properties in Old Town are diverse in terms of mass, height, and materials. The basic massing of the proposed home is articulated on all sides with windows, front and rear porches, accent materials, and variations in roof forms. The 1.5-story home to the north (144 North Bemiston Avenue) is +/- 10 feet shorter than the proposed home. The 2-story multi-family building to the south (138 North Bemiston Avenue) was built in 1979 and is +/- 7.5 feet shorter than the proposed home. While the proposed home is taller than the adjacent existing structures, it is +/- 3.3 feet shorter than permitted by the Zoning Regulations. The primary building material is mixed red brick with stucco accents. The proposed roof is clad in architectural asphalt shingles, slate grey in color. Black casement windows are proposed. An exposed aggregate driveway is proposed and will lead to a below grade, front-entry garage. Brick retaining walls will be located on both sides of the driveway. Two louvered-style garage doors, black in color, are proposed. Susan stated that the project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-3 One and Two Family Dwelling District and the Architectural Review Guidelines and staff’s opinion is that the design is compatible in terms of mass, height, and design with existing nearby structures and therefore, recommends approval as submitted.

Ms. Strutman presented a color rendering to the members; noting that it is a traditional red brick home. She stated that the home does not have a steep roof pitch. Samples of the red brick (mixed), window (clad wood black), stone (to be used around the doors and windows), roofing material (gray architectural shingles slate color) and stucco (accent material) were presented.

Sally Cohn referred to a letter written by Helen DiFate addressed to the Commission (copy provided previously to the members). The letter reads: “I am sorry I am unable to attend your

Sally Cohn referred to a letter written by Helen DiFate addressed to the Commission (copy provided previously to the members). The letter reads: “I am sorry I am unable to attend your

7 January 20 meeting. I have reviewed online the submitted materials as well as the staff analyses and recommendations. In 38 years at 131 North Bemiston I have seen a lot of change and also contributed to the change as the architect of 127-129 North Bemiston. The addition of another home on the block is welcomed. However, the height of the new home relative to the adjacent homes concerns me. Could the west facing gable roof (above the second floor) become a hip roof? That would visually reduce the height as the roof plane recedes away from the viewer and the darker color of roof material would be less imposing. The actual height of the home would not change, only the visual perception. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Helen DiFate”.

Jim Liberman asked if we allow people to send in letters during the meetings.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that public comments are received and that a decision was made to allow them.

At this time, Mark Winings read an e-mail he just received from Jill Evans Petzall, who expresses concern about the driveway slope and height and mass of the home.

Ms. Strutman indicated that they carefully considered the front elevation and there is only a small amount of stucco in the gable and the owners prefer not to change that. With regard to the height, Ms. Strutman noted that at 31-feet, 7 ½-inches, they are 3-foot, 4-inches under the allowable height for this zoning district. Pictures of other area homes/properties where they believe vehicles are backed out of the driveway onto the street were shown; she noted their driveway will be heated. Ms. Strutman then referred to the fact that they are also under the maximum allowable coverage at 46%, where 55% is permitted.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that the front garage features standard design for the area.

Ms. Strutman agreed.

Jim Liberman noted that the height of the house is under the threshold.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if they would consider changing the roof to a hip roof to provide visual relief, adding that he did not believe that is unreasonable.

Mr. Corcoran stated that the gable is lower than the peak roof behind it and that they picked features from homes on Central that they liked.

Sally Cohn suggested a different color gable.

Ms. Strutman indicated that it is not white; it’s a cream, off-white color.

Two existing street trees will remain. The City’s contracted landscape architect is of the opinion that the proposed trees are

9 suitable for the site and that the existing street trees to remain are shown to be protected and preserved per City guidelines. Exterior lighting is proposed at the front doors, garage doors and rear doors, and will not exceed 75 watts. Susan stated that the proposed home is compatible with surrounding homes in the neighborhood. Storm water will be adequately managed on site, and the landscape plan provides for a variety of new trees, shrubs, and groundcover that is suitable for the area. Additionally, the height, setbacks, and impervious coverage as proposed are in conformance with the requirements of the R-4 District and the project meets the criteria for site plan approval and staff recommends approval as submitted.

Mr. Faulk indicated that drainage will be handled via three bubblers along Kingsbury Boulevard and two along Brentwood Boulevard. He noted that the project results in a reduction of impervious coverage.

Chairman Lichtenfeld noted that this is the highest of the three (divided) lots. He asked Mr. Faulk to address water flow from this lot onto the lot to the south that is now being developed.

Mr. Faulk stated that water will be piped to the pop-up emitters and water sheets in all directions.

Ron Reim asked the location of the nearest inlet.

Mr. Faulk indicated that he did not know the location of the nearest inlet, noting that all houses’ gutters drain to the street. He stated that water will be forced to the gutter line and rise to meet the sidewalk; water should not flow onto the driveway of the property to the south. He noted that the driveway is higher than the street.

Sally Cohn referred to the note on the plan regarding boring. She asked if it will be boring or trenching, noting that most of the utilities are there; sanitary line (being constructed now) and the gas line (next to tree).

Mr. Rechan stated that he doesn’t think it will be an issue as they are coming in at an angle.

Jim Liberman asked about the pool.

Mr. Faulk stated that the pool is one foot higher than the surrounding grade.

Jim Liberman asked where the pool equipment is located.

Mr. Faulk stated it’s on the back corner of the lot.

Ron Reim asked if the pool equipment will be screened.

Faulk stated it’s on the back corner of the lot. Ron Reim asked if the pool equipment will be screened.

10 Louis Clayton replied “yes”, just as the HVAC equipment will be screened; behind an 8- foot privacy fence.

Sally Cohn asked if there is an apartment above the garage.

Mr. Doerner indicated that it is only studio space; not an apartment.

Ron Reim asked if there will be a bathroom.

Mr. Doerner indicated that there would be no bathroom.

Being no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve the site plan as submitted. The motion was seconded by Josh Corson and unanimously approved by the members.

The architectural aspects of the project were now up for review.

Susan Istenes explained that this is a request to review the design and materials associated with the proposed construction of a 4,352-square-foot (excluding the basement) single-family residence. The height of the proposed residence is 32-feet 1-inch as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof. A 495-square-foot, 20-foot tall detached garage is proposed with access from Kingsbury Boulevard. Susan noted that properties in Old Town are diverse in terms of mass, height, and materials. The proposed home has a symmetrical design, and the massing is articulated on all sides with windows, patios, accent materials, and variations in roof forms. The proposed home is approximately the same height as the home under construction to the south. The primary building material is gray brick with minor stone accents. The roof is clad in asphalt shingles, slate in color. Black double-hung clad windows are proposed. An exposed aggregate driveway is proposed off Kingsbury Boulevard that will lead to a 495-square-foot, 20- foot tall detached garage with a black paneled garage door. The garage materials match the home. No retaining walls are proposed as part of this project. An 8-foot tall wood privacy fence is proposed in the rear yard. The top two feet of the fence will be lattice. The project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-4 District and the Architectural Review Guidelines. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed home is compatible in terms of mass, height, and design with existing nearby homes and recommends approval as submitted.

Mr. Doerner presented a color rendering to the members. Elevation drawings were also presented. He noted the two nice front elevations as this is a corner lot.

Samples of the proposed roof (black asphalt shingles), painted brick (teal), stone and a color sample of the cladding were presented.

Jim Liberman commented that it is a good-looking, huge home. He asked about energy conservation.