City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday June 27, 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, Michael Blier
Members Absent:
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 Front Street (Avalanche): Discussion of proposed signage.
The submission includes a sign proposal, and photos of the proposed signage.
Maria and Ron Petrucci were present on behalf of Avalanche. The submission under review before the DRB includes a 34” tall x 30” wide x 2” thick blade sign, which is to be hung with a new bracket similar to the existing one that has been removed. The proposed signage shall include black, red, and white colors.
The signage was discussed. Jaquith inquired whether the company logo was a corporate logo. Petrucci elaborated that the logo is used on their garments that are sold wholesale nationally. This is a company store.
Blier questioned whether the “outdoor” font size would be legible if the font remains smaller than the “Company Store” type. Jaquith also noted that the mountain and avalanche is the major aspect that you want clients to read.
DeMaio inquired whether the signage was to scale in the photograph. Stating that if it is to scale, the size is a bit low in relationship to the doorway. He also noted that the wide signage would block views given the narrow sidewalk.
Daniel commented that the sign meets all regulations.
Sides stated that the proportion of letters is correct. Kennedy offered guidance on letter and logo dimensions. It was agreed that the current white mountain, “Avalanche”, and square would be raised while the additional text shall remain flat, providing a nice dimension. Kennedy also reviewed the current rule surrounding “Company Store”. Kennedy suggested that by taking the line away the text will stand out.
Petrucci agreed.
Sides reviewed the signage thickness questioning its weight. Petrucci noted the use of a light fiberglass material.
Kennedy: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- The red square, mountain, and word “Avalanche” shall have a 3/8” consistent dimension, while all other remaining text shall remain flat;
- The rule surrounding “Company Store” shall be removed; and
- The wall mounted black bracket shall remain simple and similar to what was existing.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 6-0.
- 11 Dodge Street: Discussion of proposed fence.
The submission, dated June 7, 2012, includes a letter, fence cut sheet, and photos of the proposed fence.
Alex Schnip was present from RCG. The submission under review before the DRB includes a new 42” high black aluminum fence.
Jaquith inquired the reason why the proposed fence did not go around the entire lot. Schnip stated he was holding back on rounding the corner until he knows the function in the vacant tenant spaces.
Blier questioned whether RCG owned the entire lot and sidewalk. Shnip replied that the City owns the sidewalk and the parking lot along Washington Street.
Jaquith: Motion to approve as submitted.
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 6-0.
Other: Discussion and vote on meeting time.
Daniel stated that DeMaio had raised the question of changing the DRB meeting time.
Jaquith stated that he likes the meeting time when it is because of other prior engagements with additional planning board meeting times. Sides agreed, pointing out that she has other planning board meetings that meet later and she likes having the DRB at 6:00.
Durand reviewed the concerns and stated that he has prior engagements as well. Durand further pointed out the convenience of the current meeting time because shop owners are able to shut down their stores and meet right after. Durand noted that adjusting the agenda is a possibility to improve review based on each project’s complexity and the board members that can be present.
DeMaio pointed out his conflict with transportation time in response to train schedules and traffic.
Kennedy stated that he could be flexible with a scheduled meeting time. The personal position is irrelevant for him. He stated DeMaio’s value to the board.
Blier agreed with Kennedy’s comments about DeMaio’s value. He asked, though, whether the meeting time should be changed for just one person.
Jaquith: Motion to leave the meeting time at 6:00 PM:
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 4-2.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the May 9, 2012 special meeting and May 23,2012 regular meeting.
Kennedy reviewed May 9ths meeting minutes, stating that it was unlike him to not say anything.
Jaquith: Motion to approve minutes of May 9, 2012.
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 6-0.
Kennedy: Motion to approve minutes of May 23, 2012.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 5-0.
Other
Daniel provided an update on the pedestrian mall construction plan. He explained that no construction would be permitted in July. September or August is the expected time frame for removal work for the landscaping beds. Daniel pointed out that the kiosk will be removed, and significant electrical wiring will be relocated, so that element will be deferred to the next phase. Daniel noted that the immediate scope includes the landscape behind the fountain, round concrete bed, and three of the remaining four beds further east on the mall.
Design plans for the fountain, cobblestones, and other elements will be developed over the summer.
Daniel next provided an overview of the Peabody Essex Museum plan. The first phase of work will include a mechanical plant penthouse, and an emergency back up generator added to the parking lot.
Daniel commented on the garage mural response discussing the strong enthusiasm in the beginning and the quieter response now.
Sides remarked that the ArtBoxes looked great. Daniel replied that they’ve had great feedback.
Adjournment
Jaquith: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Sides. Passes 6-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:00 pm.
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