City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday April 24, 2013 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Helen Sides, Paul Durand, Ernest DeMaio,
Glenn Kennedy, David Jaquith
Members Absent:
Others Present: Natalie Lovett
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Paul Durand calls the meeting to order.
Urban Renewal Area Projects Under Review
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- 155 Washington Street (Adriatic Restaurant): Discussion of proposed signage and additional outdoor seating.
The submission under review before the DRB includes a proposal, cut sheets, and photos.
Vini Kurti was present on behalf of Adriatic Restaurant. Kurti noted that the front entry doorway would have a matching logo as presented on the back of his business card. The sign will be flat and designed by the same sign company. Signage will match the Passage To India larger sign size and material which would measure 66” x 28”.
Kennedy commented that the yellow from the actual building should be used in place of the currently proposed green. The green contrasts the building too much. The sign should be the same design and size. Kennedy commented that the space surrounding the logo should not be filled up. The larger the logo, the busier it will appear.
Durand commented that the current design does not need a border. The logo stands on its own and a border would interrupt this. Durand noted that the 2 tables located on Washington Street appear fine.
DeMaio questioned whether the chairs and table will be the same style and how wide the sidewalk is. DeMaio commented that the pedestrian path of travel appears a bit narrow between the tree and the building. DeMaio noted his concern for approving the changes and having them become an obstruction.
Kurti commented that the chairs and table would continue to be the same style. Kurti noted that the sidewalk is 7’-3” and that he is proposing 30” tables.
Kennedy questioned whether the tables would be facing each other or at an angle.
Kurti commented that the tables would be angled café style for people watching.
Lovett noted that a chain is required for liquor service.
Durand commented that the chairs should be kept tight along the building to provide a minimum of 4’-0” sidewalk space for pedestrian traffic.
Kennedy commented that small rectangular tables instead of circular ones that are oriented closer to wall would work best. Kennedy noted that the space needs to be measured out and documented in a diagram.
Maintain a minimum 48” clearance of sidewalk beyond outdoor tables, chairs, and rope for pedestrian traffic. Measured drawings are needed.
Sides: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- Yellow to match the building in place of proposed green for proposed signage.
- Sign size will match the larger Passage To India signage.
- Seating to be continued. Vini Kurti will provide a measured diagram
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 5-0.
- 40 Front Street (Roost and Company): Discussion of proposed signage.
The submission under review before the DRB includes a proposal, data cut sheet, and photos.
Jamie Metsch and Kate Leavy were present on behalf of Roost and Company.
Lovett commented that 2 blade signs and 5 window decals are being reviewed tonight.
Lovett noted that the SRA sign manual limits signage to one sign regardless of the number of entrances to the establishment. Lovett commented that exceptions have been made in the past, allowing 2 blade signs for longer frontages. These exceptions are reviewed on a case by case basis to determine whether it is appropriate.
Metsch noted that the blade signs would be placed in the current locations. Having 2 signs creates visual interest that’s repetitive and creates more street activity. Metsch commented that the design was revised to remove the website.
DeMaio commented that Roost and Company on three windows and both blade signs is a bit much. A graphic located on one side of each blade sign would be more appealing.
Metsch commented that the blade sign is more apparent than the window decal and that the fern design is not part of their logo. Metsch noted that a Penelope Anne font with a finer weight was used and a brown trim has been proposed. Metsch commented that you only see one sign looking from one direction.
Sides noted that the two blade signs are an important part of the store’s identity. The proposed green connects you from end to end and informs pedestrians that its one store. The blade signs inform guests that they can enter both doors.
Kennedy commented that there are too many Roost and Company signs on storefront. Kennedy commented that he doesn’t mind the 2 blade signs; it defines the two points of entry. Proposed storefront colors work well uniting the space by clarifying that it is one store. Kennedy noted that the middle window decal should be changed and text should be replaced with a piece of fern in one corner. Green going across window works well connecting the space. The fern on each blade sign would be too much. Brackets will be the same as existing ones with matching fasteners.
Jaquith questioned whether there would be any A-frame signage on the sidewalk. Jaquith commented only one A-frame sign should be allowed. The proposed blade signs would be nice centered above the door. Jaquith commented that the window decals need to be tweaked to accommodate the different window heights. The blade signs are the most repetitive thing presented currently.
Durand commented that the current design is trying too hard. He wishes the blade signs could be centered above doors. Currently the blade signs are not identifying the entry, which is their purpose. Durand commented that the current design identifies the brand name not the product.
Metsch commented that anchors would be in the same place as the existing ones. Relocating these would be too problematic; there is no location to attach brackets besides the existing locations. Mersch noted that he is open to eliminating the center decal and making it a solid green.
Durand commented that the Roost should be placed in the middle and the two other areas along the windows should be a solid green. Contrast is needed to grab the pedestrian’s attention. The volume of the signs is the issue. Durand commented that the 5 windows don’t have composition except for the green.
Sides noted that the current design does not seem perfect because the building isn’t perfect. Sides commented that the middle window decal could be changed and introduce the fern. Window sizes are not consistent.
Kennedy: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- Blade signs will say Roost and Company on both sides in current proposed locations.
- Change middle sign to remove Roost and Company type, there is an option to add a fern there
- Decrease font on outer windows to match “Roost” on blade signs or to be no smaller than 75% of currently proposed font.
- Far right window decal will be larger to fill to the top of the window, but the text should stay aligned along windows.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 5-0.
- 6 Front Street (The Boutique): Discussion of proposed signage.
The submission under review before the DRB includes a proposal, data cut sheet, and photos.
James McMahon was present on behalf of The Boutique. McMahon commented that the ½” blade sign shall be located directly above the door and consist of 2x3 PVC.
Kennedy noted that the proposed signage should be a minimum of ¾” thick. The font could be broken up so it’s not the same throughout. This could be achieved by using an italic or script typeface or by having an embellishment next to it. Kennedy commented that the “At” is not needed and should be replaced with an embellishment like a white diamond that matches the surrounding ones.
Durand commented that the “6” centered above the “Front Street” type might be more desirable. Durand noted that a smaller font is needed for the “front street” text.
Kennedy does not agree with Durand’s comment regarding the proposed location of the number “6”.
Jaquith: Motion to approve with the following conditions:
- ¾” thick blade sign
- White diamond that is the same size of the surrounding diamonds to replace the proposed “At” text.
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 5-0.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the March 27, 2013 regular meeting.
Sides: Motion to approve.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 5-0.
Adjournment
Durand: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Kennedy. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:30 pm.
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