Design review board approves changes

Cork Tree Tavern will open next month and Brew Kettle plans a water and fire feature on a patio in downtown Amherst.

The water and fire feature will replace a black fence and bushes near the property line at 300 Church St. shared with Amherst Cinema.

“I don’t have a problem with it,” said Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow, who owns the theater. “I’m not planning to expand any time soon.”

Jim Yorks, vice chair of Amherst Historical Downtown Design Review Board, represented Brew Kettle as an architect, and abstained from voting.

“We have done all the work at the Brew Kettle,” Yorks said, adding a space of about 12 feet, seven inches, remains between the two businesses.

“The power, gas and water are all there and available,” he said. “The owner, Chris Russo, has discussed this with the cinema owner, who happens to be the mayor. The element itself isn’t a physical structure, but it is a construct. It does encroach on the property line.”

Paul Bires asked for permission to replace signs at 209 S. Main St.

Cork Tree Tavern opens March 7, Bires said, around the corner from Cole’s Public House, at 209 S. Main St. The Cork Tree sign will be vertical, rounded and similar in texture and style to the Cole’s sign.

Dave Coffman received permission to replace a black awning at Do or Dye Salon at 125 Park Ave.

The awning will include a string of lights to help customers and employees of the salon, since they often are there after dark, Coffman said.

Bobby Vaughn, owner of Vaughnteriors at 223 S. Main St., asked for approval to install a permanent sign measuring two feet high, by nine feet long.

Yorks and architect John Mazze noted the colors on the sign must match exactly existing colors on the building.

And Kevin Henceroth received permission to install a new back door and to replace steps behind 276 S. Main St.