DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
July 25, 2007
A regular meeting of the Salem Design Review Board (DRB) was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Wednesday, July 25 2007 at 6:00 pm.
Chairperson Paul Durand and members Michael Blier, David Jaquith, and Glenn Kennedy were present. Kirsten Kinzer, CDBG Planner, and Andrea Bray, Clerk, were also present.
Durand opens the meeting.
1. Approval of Minutes: April 25, and July 10 Meetings
The members review the minutes for the April 25 meeting.
Kennedy: Motion to approve the minutes for the April 25 meeting, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
The members review the minutes for the July 10 meeting.
Kennedy: Motion to approve the minutes for the July 10 meeting, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
Projects Under Review
Other Projects
2. Harrison Avenue (Habitat for Humanity Redevelopment) – Continued Discussion of Final Design Plans
Michael Sullivan reviews the changes to the site plan, elevations, and floor plans which resulted from DeMaio’s review. He displays the siding and trim material and a paint chip for the door color.
All of the members agree that these changes are an improvement from the original plans.
Kennedy: Motion to approve the plans, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
Urban Renewal Area Projects
3. 118 Washington Street Rear ( Upper Crust Pizza) – Discussion of Proposed Outdoor Café.
Café Owner Michael Buchhalter presents new tables and chairs design. He states that originally he planned to match the furniture from the Gulu Gulu Café, but IKEA has stopped carrying summer outdoor furniture.
Buchhalter states that the two establishments will have the same stanchions and chains and the furniture will differ but will look good together.
The members agree that these tables are better than the original design.
Kinzer states that the SRA was concerned about the pedestrian space, and they requested enough walkway space.
Buchhalter states that they will share the middle stanchion with the Gulu Gulu Café so they will be completely lined up.
The members agree that this plan will allow enough pedestrian space.
Blier: Motion to approve the plans for the outdoor café, seconded by Kennedy. (Passes 3-0)
4. 1 New Liberty Street (Museum Place Parking Garage) – Discussion of proposed banners
Kinzer states that this is a City project with the strong backing of the Mayor, and that the SRA has approved the banners pending the DRB approval of the design. She adds that these banners will be read “Parking”, “Shopping”, “Cinema”, and “Restaurant”.
Anna Geraghty and Jim Hacker display the design for the banners. Geraghty states that they are orange and blue and will be made of vinyl with wind slits. She adds the other option is to go with a digital mesh and there would be two back-to-back layers. She says that the banners will be 4 X 20 feet.
Parking garage manager Jim Hacker states that the City mandated the orange and blue colors for the all garage signs at the time that it was built.
Kennedy states that they might be missing an design opportunity and suggests having the letters slightly smaller and closer together to make it easier to read the signs. He adds that this will enhance the look of this building.
Durand objects to the orange color.
Kennedy states that he likes the blue and orange colors. He suggests solid color backing with white letters for all four signs. He agrees to consult on the final design.
Blier: Motion to approve the banners with Kennedy’s review of the final design, seconded by Kennedy. (Passes 3-0)
5. 74 Lafayette Street (West Coast Video) – Discussion of Proposed Signage.
Kinzer introduces Chris Gallagher of Associated Awning and states that this is a design for a new awning replacing an existing awning that was approved by the SRA but has been removed.
Gallagher presents the fabric sample. He states that the font is the logo for West Coast Video. He adds that this is for the rear entrance from the parking lot and it will provide signage and shelter.
Durand states that the awning must conform to the lowest course of the soldier brick.
Kennedy: Motion to approve the design with the condition that the awning conforms with the lowest course of the soldier brick, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
6. 320 Derby Street (Chulamama) – Discussion of Proposed Signage.
Kinzer introduces Heather Roman and states that this is one of two Derby Lofts shops presenting signage proposals tonight.
Roman states that this sign is covered by a tree so it can’t be seen. She adds that they also have the window signage.
The members agree that this is a good design.
Roman states that “Hip Baby Gear” will sublet a portion of the store so there will be two separate sections within the sign and the signage is distinct for each.
Kennedy states that he likes the sign’s white background. He adds that the window sign should have no background, only the white letters.
Blier: Motion to approve the design as submitted provided the brown background on the window sign be removed, seconded by Kennedy. (Passes 3-0)
7. 139 Washington Street (The Pickelpot) – Discussion of Proposed Signage.
Jeff Bowie states that this is the third time she has come to the DRB for a sign approval.
Durand states that the sign is traditional looking and the colors are nice, but he would like the sign to be three dimensional and attract attention.
Much discussion ensues about the design of the sign.
Kennedy volunteers to assist Bowie with the sign.
Durand agrees to have Kennedy help Bowie with the sign, and suggests having a special meeting to cover this design.
Kenndey: Motion to continue this hearing until the special meeting, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
8. 322 Derby Street (Rouge Cosmetics) – Discussion of Proposed Signage.
Kinzer states that this is a shop at Derby Lofts.
Durand states that he needs to know the depth of the box and there must be no exposed conduit which means that the power must come through the wall behind it.
Kinzer states that the box is opaque and the letters are cut out and there is a light in the back of the box. She adds that this is different from other back-lit signs which have not been approved because it is opaque and not translucent.
Kennedy states that this is a great design.
Durand states that he wants the applicant to supply a color chip for the project file.
Kennedy states that they can come back with window or door lettering with the name or the hours.
Durand reviews the conditions.
1. The electrical wiring shall come through the wall with no exposed conduit.
2. The applicant shall submit a color chip.
Kennedy: Motion to approve the design with the above condition, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
…
Kennedy: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Blier. (Passes 3-0)
The meeting is adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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