7/22/2008 2:27:30 AM Author: newsAuthor
KINGSTON - The Common Council Laws and Rules is expected Wednesday night to set a date for a public hearing on newly created design guidelines covering the Broadway corridor in Midtown, according to Alderwoman Ann Marie DiBella, D-Ward 5, chairwoman panel.
The proposed guidelines, drawn up by a private consultant, have been recommended for adoption by the city's Planning Board, according to City Planner Suzanne Cahill.
In order for the guidelines to be adopted, a majority of the Common Council must approve the design standards.
"The intent is to provide a unified, enhanced plan for redevelopment and restoration of existing buildings," Cahill said in city records. "The business community recognized the significance of maintaining the integrity of architecture along the business corridor, and at the same time affording property and business owners an established guideline which provides guidance."
Cahill pointed out the design standards are simply a blueprint and do not replace already existing zoning laws or any other codes or the ability of boards, including the Zoning Board of Appeals, to decide on matters.
The document indicates that the development of the design standards was two-fold.
"These standards were created to protect the existing historic development patterns and aesthetics in the Broadway Overlay district and promote new development which enhances the visual appearance of the city," according to the proposal. "It is intended to act as a tool for developers and planners to help streamline the design approval process by specifying the desired development characteristics up front during the design process."
The guidelines are similar to others adopted by the city for other neighborhoods, including the Rondout waterfront area. The Midtown guidelines deal with topics such as parking and landscaping standards, as well as height of buildings, types of roofs, building materials, and colors, among other things.
For instance, the guidelines propose that common red brick would be recommended as a building material, but not multicolored brick. The guidelines also recommend asphalt shingle be used on roofs, not types of reflective material.
The proposed standards also recommend where new building should be constructed if it is built along Broadway.
"New construction must align the front facade of the building at, or as close as possible to, the front facade of an existing building on an adjacent property," the proposal says. "In the case of a discrepancy of setbacks, the new building should align with at least one of the neighboring buildings.
All off-street parking should be located at the side or rear of a building and parking should not go in the front, according to the standards.
A copy of the design guidelines can be obtained in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall on Broadway.
From:www.dailyfreeman.com
