City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday May 23, 2012 at 6:15pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Ernest DeMaio, Paul Durand, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy, Helen Sides
Members Absent: Michael Blier
Others Present: Tom Daniel
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Paul Durand calls the meeting to order.
Urban Renewal Area Projects Under Review
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- 24 New Derby Street, Unit 2 (Salem Collective): Discussion of proposed signage
The submission, dated May 23, 2012, included a letter; sign permit application form, plans and photos of the proposed signage.
Laura Potter was present on behalf of Salem Collective. The submission under review before the DRB includes a new modern 30” x 24” sign to be located on Artists’ Row.
The signage was discussed. Durand questioned whether the dimensions were correct on the submission or if they needed to be reversed. Potter stated that the dimensions needed to be reversed. Kennedy offered guidance on font size and spacing. It was agreed that the current font does not need to get larger. Kennedy suggested a little less letter spacing, about half the tracking. Both Durand and Jaquith agreed that the letter spacing would improve the overall message’s clarity.
Jaquith: Motion to approve with the following condition:
- The tracking of the letters shall be reduced by half with the same size font.
Seconded by: Durand, Passes 4-0.
- 2 Central Street (Angelica of the Angels): Discussion of proposed signage
The submission, dated May 23, 2012, includes a sign permit application, letter, and plans and photos of the proposed signage. Components include a blade sign on a new bracket, window decals and lettering, an A frame sign, chairs and flower pots.
Barbara Szafranski was present from Angelica of the Angels.
Daniel noted that missing information from the sign company had been provided in an updated submission. Daniel also noted the additional chairs and flower pots located in front of Szafranski’s business, as well as an A frame sign.
The permanent signage was discussed. Kennedy offered guidance on type style and spacing. It was agreed that the current six fonts don’t provide consistency. Kennedy suggested that having one font would enhance the cohesion of the sign. Sides commented that the window letters need specification on location.
DeMaio inquired about the proposed window text and expressed concern about the over-crowded text. DeMaio suggested moving the hours of operation and phone number to the door, dividing the remaining text between both windows. Two lines of text shall continue across the two windows and door.
DeMaio reviewed the A-frame signage. Szafranski noted that the readings sign on top of the A-frame is temporary. DeMaio also commented that he would like to see upgraded seating if it follows clearance guidelines. The pots are fine as long as clearance guidelines are met.
Durand: Motion to approve the signage, pots, and chairs with the following conditions:
- The font used for “Mediumship” on the A-frame shall be used as the secondary font on the blade sign and shall be the font used on the window decals;
- The windows and door shall each have two lines of text with the hours and phone number on the door;
- The text on the windows shall be lower;
- Signage will be hung with black S hooks;
- Chairs will be permitted at this location if they meet the clearance requirements but the chairs will need to be metal. The applicant can use any previously approved black metal chair, and Daniel will provide options.
- Chairs will be permitted at the applicant’s other business, Angel’s Landing on Essex Street, if they meet the clearance requirements but the chairs will need to be metal. The applicant can use any previously approved black metal chair, and Daniel will provide options.
- The window sock will be removed when the sign is installed.
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 4-0.
- 118 Washington Street (Flying Saucer Pizza Company): Discussion of proposed signage
The submission, dated May 23, 2012, includes photos, plans, and cut sheets of the proposed signage.
Steven Feldman presented on behalf of Flying Saucer Pizza Company. The new proposed signage will include a wall sign, a 3D space pug in a silver flying saucer located below the wall sign, and an additional chalkboard sign. The three dimensional sign shall be constructed of fiberglass and pinned to the building with two brackets. Lights shall be located within the fiberglass construction.
Durand questioned whether the proposed wall signage could get larger. Daniel commented that Feldman was entitled to 32 square feet.
Sides stated that the pug in the saucer should be located off center from the wall sign providing an appearance of movement while protecting visitors from rain. Kennedy agreed with the suggestion, stating that the sign doesn’t appear proportional. Kennedy requests further information on the 3D saucer sign execution and detail and how the sign will be lit. Kennedy stated that he approves the additional chalkboard sign.
Kennedy: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- The wall sign may be increased in size to 30” x 154”; and
- The 3D saucer component should have an approximately 28” or 30” diameter and be further reviewed by the DRB;
Second by: Sides, Passes 4-0.
- 2 East India Square (Village Tavern): Discussion of proposed signage and outdoor dining area
The submission, dated May 23, 2012, includes photos, plans, and cut sheets of the proposed signage.
Arthur Ingemi was present. The wall signage is proposed to be a new sign facing the Peabody Essex Museum. The new awning signage will consist of lit letters.
Kennedy commented on the awing signage stating that decorative scroll embellishment on the ends of the words would pull the text together. There is currently too much of a gap between Village and Tavern.
Kennedy noted that the proposed wall sign is graphically distracting. Suggestions included making lines and text smaller and a thinner line between the “open grill and raw bar” text, acknowledging the amount of surrounding space. Kennedy also suggested enhancing the black line isolating the red, eliminating the line above the Village Tavern text. Sides commented that the letters don’t relate because of the green background. There is no specific identity.
Jaquith: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- Eliminate white line located above Village Tavern text;
- Define red tone with a thicker surrounding perimeter line;
- Make line between open grill and raw bar thinner with smaller text;
- Pull "Village" and "Tavern" closer together on wall sign;
- The letters on the awning sign shall be solid and "halo" lit letters;
- Pull "Village" and "Tavern" closer together on awning sign and add end embellishment.
Seconded by: Kennedy, Passes 4-0.
The submission, dated May 23, 2012, includes photos, plans, colors, and cut sheets of the proposed outdoor dining.
Sides suggested a solid red umbrella fabric to pull the dining area forward. DeMaio agreed commenting that the current awnings are hung low blocking signage. DeMaio suggested a 90” diameter and 84” height to provide visibility, space, and light.
Durand: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- The umbrella fabric shall be solid red; and
- The umbrellas shall be 90” diameter x 84” height.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the April 25, 2012 regular meeting.
Sides: Motion to approve, seconded by Kennedy. Passes 4-0.
Other
DeMaio requests a formal vote to move the scheduled meeting time to 6:30.
Durand states he is not in favor, and there is a lack of consensus.
Sides comments that she prefers 6:00 pm.
Kennedy states he is ambivalent.
Daniel comments that Jaquith previously stated he is opposed to moving the meeting time later.
It was agreed that a formal vote would be taken when all board members were present.
Adjournment
Durand: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Kennedy. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:36 pm.
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