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Board delays Burger King renovation, asks for revised architectural and planting plans
Summary
Carol's LLC presented renovations to the Burger King site including a reconfigured drive-through, parking and removal of a recessed concrete 'patio' area. After extended discussion about the site's recessed 'bunker' area, pedestrian safety and how the new building should fit downtown, the planning board tabled the application and asked the applicant to return with revised architectural and landscaping plans.
Carol's LLC presented proposed interior and exterior renovations to the Burger King site at 1 George Street during the Glen's Falls Planning Board meeting on May 6. The application included a single-lane drive-through reconfiguration, updated parking and a proposal to remove an existing recessed concrete 'patio' area in front of the building.
Gene Moncroy, the applicant's engineer, described planned upgrades including restriping the parking lot, improving accessible parking and replacing a concrete patio with a proposed landscaping plan. Board members and public commenters focused on the recessed concrete area (referred to at the meeting as a "bunker" or "recessed area"), which several members said functions like an underutilized public space that can attract problematic activity. One board member said the removal and replacement with green space could be "a huge thing" for the downtown if coordinated with city planning efforts. The applicant indicated willingness to work with city staff on plantings and design refinements.
Board members also discussed architectural treatment, color choices and how the modern franchise design could better reference neighborhood features. Several commissioners urged the applicant to study nearby facades and to add architectural interest at the roofline and material choices that more closely relate to adjacent historic buildings.
Because the proposed plans did not sufficiently address the recessed area and architectural integration to the board's satisfaction, the Planning Board moved to table the site-plan and architectural review and requested revised site and architectural drawings that respond to the landscaping and design concerns. The motion to table included direction that the applicant work with the city's planning staff to produce revised architectural elevations and a planting plan to address the recessed area prior to returning for review.
What happens next: Carol's LLC is expected to submit modified site and architectural plans for re-noticing and further review. Board members indicated they want a plan that either integrates the front area into the site design or shows coordination with the city on converting the concrete pad to green space before granting final approval.
