Sparta Planning Board Debates Design Compliance for New Building

The Sparta Planning Board’s recent meeting was dominated by discussions and debates surrounding the architectural compliance of a proposed new building with town ordinances. The board scrutinized the building’s design, particularly its roofline, and the visual impact from various perspectives, including views from Route 517. Concerns were raised about the building’s compliance with the ordinance requiring a pitched roof, exterior colors, soundproofing between units, and the height of the compressors above the roofline. The board also considered the building’s architectural details, such as materials, emergency exits, fall protection for balconies, and lightning rods.

The meeting addressed the application by Plus Holdings LLC, which seeks approval for an apartment building. The representatives of Plus Holdings presented site plan revisions, a rendering of the building’s front elevation, and a wetlands consultant report. Board members and professionals raised several concerns regarding the design and materials of the building, including the lack of a significant roof structure and the potential development of adjacent properties affecting its visibility.

The discussion continued with a focus on whether the proposed flat roof and parapet wall complied with the town’s ordinance. The board members expressed preferences for lighter shades for the building’s exterior and discussed the need for soundproofing between units. The potential improvements to the sides and rear of the building to align with the ordinance and the overall architectural design were also debated.

Further, members of the board and the public raised concerns about the appearance of the building, particularly the sides and rear, and whether it aligned with the architectural style of the established theme within the Town Center. Questions were raised about the materials and colors used on the sides and back of the building, as well as the placement of brick and cultured stone. The public comment section included questions about the windows on the second floor and the presence of lightning rods.

The meeting also covered the 24-711 application submitted by JP Morgan Chase Bank for approval of a solar carport. Members of the board discussed bird prevention measures for the flat roof, potential fire hazards of PVC balconies, and the building’s visibility from a nearby road. Public comments included objections to the building’s design and questions about safety features such as window guards and fire truck access.

In response to the extensive testimony and debates, the board decided to carry the meeting to the next available date, scheduled for June 19th, due to time constraints and the need for further testimony from the applicant. Discussions touched on various aspects of the building’s design and safety measures, with the board attorney requesting to continue the meeting to allow for a review.

While the design of the proposed building took center stage, the board also approved three resolutions, including the review of the capital improvement plan for classroom additions, a minor subdivision application, and a reapproval for a subdivision application. Each resolution was approved with minor or no amendments.

The board approved the executive session to discuss attorney-client privilege matters concerning two legal cases. Following the executive session, a motion was authorized for the attorney to draft and execute an agreement requiring the applicant to return to the board with specific revisions.

The meeting delved into a proposed development site’s details, discussing excavated material amounts, pedestrian access, parking and loading spaces, and waivers for certain design requirements. Landscaping plans, the storm drainage system, and approvals for tie-ins to drainage were also reviewed. The engineer presented a traffic report, addressing the proposed development’s traffic generation compared to previous uses of the property.

Additionally, public concerns were voiced by Alex Barard about changes to the ordinance in 2022 related to the enforcement of site plan applications and the impact on small local businesses. Mark Scott highlighted issues regarding hazardous materials within the Ed Zone, and Adrian Mayman suggested consulting with a color specialist for building color schemes.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Neill Clark
Planning Board Officials:
Kimberly Noel, Neil Sauerwein, Christine Dunbar (Liaison to Planning), Lynda Tower, Kristine Rogers, Barbara Koszalka, Ted Gall

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