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Home My WebLink About20190526 Skidmore Entrance SSPF Corr 6-27-19 SarAroga SprinL4-, Preservation Foundation June 27, 2019 PR.ESERVA FION Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair Design Review Commission City Hall 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, -1\n( 12866 RE: Skidmore College—North Broadway Entrance The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the revised concept drawings to change North Broadway. The Foundation is pleased that Skidmore College has removed the pull-off and orientation Board of Directors sign,reduced the scale of directional signage, removed the information sign, and eliminated Adam N.Favro the red brick sidewalk border. However, it continues to have significant concerns about the President proposed changes to North Broadway. James Gold Vice President The main campus of Skidmore College is the former Woodlawn Estate, the west side of North Broadway. Skidmore College should enhance its existing entrance on the west side of North Linda Harvey-Opiteck Broadway and not treat North Broadway as their private entrance when it is a public street Secretary that has historic significance. Dmitriy Yerrnolayev Treasurer Unfortunately, Skidmore College has chosen to continue to propose to make changes to North Caroline Cardone Broadway and not move its enhanced entrance to its private property. It continues to propose Brennan Drake two monumental signs on the east and west side of North Broadway and change the paving Sandra Fox material,despite objections by the Foundation and members of the community. The John Hall Liz Israeerl Foundation is also disappointed to learn that despite indicating on June 13'h that Skidmore Samantha Kerculi College representatives would meet with neighbors that they have not yet done so and have Douglas Ken- submitted revised plans for review. Richard King Cindy Spence The Foundation again strongly recommends that Skidmore College enhance its existing entrance on the west side of North Broadway—the two monumental signs be placed on James Kettlewell emeritus either side of their entrance and that the pavement changes are made once you turn into the private entrance. Executive Director Samantha Bosshart Should the Design Review Commission approve changes to North Broadway to allow Skidmore College to improve way-finding, the Foundation vigorously recommends that Membership& only one sign be approved to be placed in the public right-of-way of North Broadway to Programs Director Nicole Sabi avoid the appearance of a gate to a private property. As stated in the Foundation's initial letter, it has concerns about the overall size of the proposed monumental signs. While the overall height of the signs has been reduced by 28 inches, the overall height still remains more than 6 feet tall and the face of each sign remains 18 feet in width with a total width of 30 feet, creating a large solid visual barrier/obstacle that is the size of a car or greater and has the potential to be both a pedestrian and vehicle safety hazard. The Foundation recommends that the overall size of the monumental signs be reduced significantly. 112 Spring Street, Suite 2(13 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 P 518-587-5031) F518-581-1448 In addition,the Foundation continues to object to the change in pavement material and color as the identity of the Broadway Historic District results from the inter-relationship of its resources, conveying a visual sense of place that derives its importance from being a unified entity. The uninterrupted linear road configuration is an important element to the historic district. The openness of the overall setting and specific site characteristics are important in defining the historic character of this district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Retention and preservation of the historic relationship between the district's buildings,streetscapes, and their site features is important. The Foundation continues to object to the introduction of incompatible features that are uncharacteristic of the streetseape and significantly compromise the integrity and the spatial relationship of the historic district. When the Design Review Commission reviews the proposed plans they should take into consideration the Historic Review Ordinance Standards which discuss the compatibility of the proposed alteration or construction with the subject structure,site, and neighboring properties in regard to height, scale,mass and open space,proportion,directional expression, architectural rhythm, front setback,new construction, and materials and colors. The Foundation again requests that the Design Review Commission take into consideration the following when reviewing the proposed changes to North Broadway: -Signage Historic District Design Guidelines": Signs identify the location of a business,promote merchandise or available services within, and attract customers. Successful signage within the historic district must achieve these objectives and be sensitive to the historic character qf neighboring buildings and positively contribute to the district.* Signs are reviewed for appropriateness in the district including compatible materials,placement and design, and potential negative impact on significant building elements. Zoning Requirements for Freestanding/Monument Signs • One freestanding/monument sign is permitted on any parcel in a residential district for any lawfully established non-residential use of that property. The maximum sign may not exceed 4 square feet and may not be backlit*. • Sign height and size should promote a pedestrian scale and emphasis. Freestanding sign height is encouraged to be 8' in height or lower. • A freestanding/monument sign shall not be located within 50 feet of another freestanding sign.* • One freestanding/monument sign is permitted on any parcel in a resident district for any lawfully established non-residential use of that property. The maximum sign may not exceed 4 square feet and may not be backlit. • A freestanding/monument sign may not extend into the public rightql-way or extend beyond property lines.* The Zoning Ordinance for Signage: 6.1.1 INTENT The intent of this article is to promote and protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating outdoor advertising and signs of all types.All signs shall he erected and constructed so as not to obstruct traffic, cause visual blight, nor detract from the value of adjacent properties.* 6.1.2 GENERAL COMPATIBILITY Each sign shall be compatible within the context of its visual and physical environment. 6.1.3 GENERAL REGULATIONS The following regulations shall apply to all signs: A. Placement 1. Off premise signs or billboards shall not be permitted in any District except as allowed in Section 6.1.4. 3. No sign shall be placed within 150 feet of a signalized, or within 50.feet of an unsignalized, street intersection so as to cause a traffic hazard at the intersection.* 6.1.5.3 FREESTANDING SIGNS Any non-movable sign not attached to a building including post-mounted and pedestal signs. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the average grade at ground level to the highest point of the sign/structure. A. NUMBER—COMMERCIAL, INSTITUTIONAL OR INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS 1. One sign is permitted on any parcel* 2. A single free-standing sign may be used to identify more than one on-premise establishment C. INSTALLATION 1. A freestanding sign shall not be located within 50 feet of another freestanding sign 6.1.6 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WITHIN CERTAIN DISTRICTS B. Historic Districts, Transect-6 District and Transect-5 Districts of the Downtown, Northern South Broadway, and Inner Excelsior Avenue areas as identified in the City Comprehensive Plan. 3. Sign lettering or logos shall not exceed 18 inches in height.* (*Italicization at-Med./6r emphasis) In summary, the Foundation strongly opposes the proposed signage and streetscape changes to North Broadway. Again, the Foundation recommends that if Skidmore College wants to significantly enhance its entrance that it should do so on its private property, not on North Broadway or in the public right-of-way. If there are concerns about way-finding for the campus, including the Admissions Office and other offices on the east side of North Broadway,the Foundation feels that there are less obtrusive ways to address wayfinding than what is currently proposed. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of our comments. Sincerely, Adam N. Favro Samantha 4" t3V,42‘4'76// hBosshart President Executive Director Cc: Philip Glotzbach,President of Skidmore College Daniel Rodecker,Facility Director of Skidmore College Donald Minnery, Saratoga Associates Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Bradley Birge, Administrator of the Office of Planning and Economic Development