City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday February 22, 2012 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Helen Sides, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy
Members Absent: Chairperson Paul Durand, Ernest DeMaio, Michael Blier
Others Present: Tom Daniel
Recorder: Sarah Brophy
Helen Sides calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Urban Renewal Area Projects Under Review
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- 198 Essex Street (CVS): Discussion of proposed signage and awning
The submission includes photos of the proposed signage and awnings.
Stephanie Smith was present for CVS. The submission under review before the DRB includes replacement of the existing awning and sign. The existing blade sign is not under review.
The proposed awning design shows text on the side panels. Daniels commented that this is something that the DRB has opposed in the past. Kennedy stated why lettering is not typically approved on the sides of awnings and offered suggestions that might be acceptable. However, it cannot be approved the way it is presented.
Smith provided physical samples of the sign and awning materials at the meeting. Kennedy questioned the ribbed texture of the sign. Smith commented that it is a CVS standard as is the red of the lettering.
Jaquith: Motion to approve with the following condition:
- The text “CVS\pharmacy” shall be removed from the end panels of the awnings.
Seconded by: Kennedy, Passes 3-0.
- 7 Central Street (Mighty Aphrodite): Discussion of proposed signage
The submission, dated February 14, 2012, includes a sign permit application, letter, and photos of the proposed signage.
Brett Mentuck was present from Mighty Aphrodite. Daniel commented that an existing sign is being relocated from the old location and a new A-Frame sign is being proposed. Mentuck stated that the bracket proposed is consistent with the brackets of the adjacent businesses. In addition, the door will be repainted olive grey to match adjacent businesses.
Jaquith: Motion to approve, seconded by Sides. Passes 3-0.
- 33 New Derby Street (10 Perfect Nails): Discussion of proposed signage and awning
The revised submission, dated February 13, 2012, includes photos, plans, and cut sheets of the proposed signage and awning.
Daniel presented on behalf of the owner. This project is through the storefront improvement program. The propped storefront includes an awning, signage and gooseneck lighting.
The DRB previously reviewed and approved an awning plan for the Washington Street façade of the building. In an effort to relate the two facades, Derby and Washington, a consistent awning has been proposed. However, the business owner prefers a black awning to the blue to tie in with the earth tones on the interior of the business.
Kennedy commented that there is no blade sign. Daniel confirmed that the awning is in place of the blade sign. Kennedy requested clarification on the awning style and color. Daniel confirmed it will be the same style as the others, but the color will be black. Kennedy questioned if the lettering is going to be all capitals. Daniel stated that he believes that is what is being proposed. Jaquith expressed a concern over the 4” bar. Kennedy agreed that it is taking away from the type. The thickness should be approximately ½ of what it is now (no more than double the staff thickness). Kennedy also commented that the “10” is very compact compared to the rest of the sign. He suggested looking for an alternate within the same font to make it appear more like a name than an
address.
Kennedy: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- The wall sign letters shall be all caps and the font style as shown in the plan, not in the Photoshop rendering;
- The number “10” should be heavier (as in the Photoshop rendering);
- The 4” trim below the letters shall be reduced in width so that it is no more than double the thickness of the vertical staff of the letters; and
- The kerning between the “N” and the “A” shall be tightened up.
Second by: Sides, Passes 3-0.
- 76 Lafayette Street (Orange Leaf): Discussion of proposed awnings
The submission includes photos and plans of the proposed awnings.
David Pierre, owner, was present. On Dodge Street they are replacing the existing awning. While it is not the main entrance, it is a prominent entrance. For continuity, they decided to continue the awnings all of the way around the building. All awnings are to be black with the Orange Leaf logo. At this time, Pierre does not feel there is a need for additional signage or lighting on the building. The goal is to keep it simple and clean.
Kennedy asked how far the awnings project. Pierre confirmed that they protrude 18”. Kennedy wondered if there was a need for them to project as the windows are already quite deep on the Derby Street side. Jaquith commented that the awning should protrude 6”-8” to provide some articulation to the facade. Sides stated that the rear awning should extend further as it is provides cover.
Kennedy stated that the logo and icon are nice, but the orange bar is too prominent and is taking away from the visibility of the logo. Pierre commented that it is a corporate standard.
Jaquith: Motion to approve with the following condition:
- All awnings except the south entry awning shall protrude 6”-8” less than originally proposed.
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 3-0.
- 244 Essex Street (re-find men’s): Discussion of proposed signage
The submission, dated February 16, 2012, includes a photo and plan for the proposed signage.
Shelly Mathews, owner, was present. At this time, she is seeking approval for a blade sign.
Sides: Motion to approve, seconded by Kennedy. Passes 3-0.
Other Business
- Mural on Museum Place Garage: Discussion of proposed concept
Daniel provided an overview of the project. Bob Mitnik from the SRA wanted the DRB to weigh in on the “canvas” for the proposed mural. All agreed that the drop down was critical and that the mural should turn the corner.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the January 25, 2012 regular meeting.
Sides: Motion to approve, seconded by Jaquith. Passes 3-0.
Adjournment
Sides: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Kennedy. Passes 3-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:15 pm.
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