MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING
OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD ON MAY 10, 2006
A Regular Meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) Board was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Tuesday, May 10, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Chairman Michael Brennan called the meeting to order, and on roll call the following members were present: Conrad Baldini, Michael Brennan, Michael Connelly, Christine Sullivan, and Russell Vickers. Also present were Lynn Duncan, Executive Director, Tania Hartford, Staff Planner, and Debra Tucker, Clerk.
Minutes
Mr. Baldini moved to approve the minutes of the minutes for the meeting held on April 10, 2006. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion, and the motion passed (5-0).
New Business
Executive Director’s Report:
a. Marketplace Redevelopment
Ms. Duncan reported on a committee meeting held. The RCG plan will be reviewed by Michael Blier of Landworks, Inc., and award-winning landscaping architectural firm. There will be a public meeting held on May 22nd from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and Ms. Duncan encouraged SRA members, that are able, to attend.
Ms. Sullivan noted that Mr. Blier, who is on the Design Review Board, has a good reputation and said that she was looking for creativity.
b. Old Police Station
There are outstanding punch list items on the redevelopment of the Old Police Station project. Ms. Duncan proposed that she send a letter to Charring Cross re-iterating the outstanding work and invite officials to the June SRA meeting. She will also let the owners know as well. The department is holding the final Certificate of Occupancy for one unit and the final project. There are Planning Board issues with the project as well.
Ms. Sullivan stated that the Planning Board issues were legitimate concerns. She noted exterior lighting and fencing issues. Mr. Vickers added security and locks and said that there was a whole litany of items. Ms. Sullivan said that this was not acceptable. Chairman Brennan recommended that a letter be sent from both the SRA and the Planning boards.
c. Access to the Old Salem Jail from the Bypass Road
Ms. Duncan reported that the Planning Department is still working with the developer as well as Mass Highway concerning the curb cut on Bridge Street, which is necessary for access to the rear driveway for the proposed restaurant. The bypass road is currently under construction. Ms. Duncan said that she thought that the proposed 18-foot driveway with turnaround would work and that the City Engineer had no problem with it as well. There will probably be a field change order by Mass Highway.
The engineering firm HW Moore Associates is currently working on the project. Ms. Hartford is coordinating the project with Kathy Winn. Ms. Duncan said that it is not clear who pays for the plan and that Mass Highway may be looking to the developer.
The landscaping plan for the green space is being revised. Ms. Hartford said that the City of Salem would prepare the plan and give it to Mass Highway. Chairman Brennan asked if the residual land would be turned over to the City. Ms. Hartford replied that it would be eventually.
Ms. Sullivan asked who owns the driveway and the land. Ms. Duncan said that the right of way is retained by the City of Salem and that the existing road is still owned by the City. Ms. Duncan indicated that it would be incumbent upon New Boston Ventures to coordinate with Mass Highway. She will also draft a letter from the Mayor supporting the plan with hopes of moving the project forward. It has been decided that there will be no parking in the green space area.
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROJECTS
Downtown Market Study
Ms. Duncan reported that Ms. Hartford had a conversation with local realtors and the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to identify concerns or pitfalls.
Ms. Hartford said that she had spoken with Juliana Tache, who offered to sit with realtors regarding the pulse of the market. She indicated that since she knows the market that she would not be interested in donating towards a study but would speak with the City.
Ms. Hartford stated that when she spoke to Rinus Oosthoek of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, he said that he needed updated demographic information from the census, including population, income, what is being spent, who shops, what is being bought, and what is missing, the size of space available, and information on the cost for space. She further stated that Mr. Oosthoek thought that this would be helpful and that he would support it.
Ms. Sullivan agreed and referenced the growth of Vinnin Square. She noted that Salem State College students frequent Vinnin Square rather than downtown Salem. Ms. Sullivan said that it is not enough to have the facts but that they need a plan to identify the types and sizes of stores. She said that they needed an action plan. Ms. Sullivan added that there are 6,000-day students and 1,400 residential students at the College.
Ms. Sullivan asked how many Salems there were. She said that there is Vinnin Square, downtown, and Highland Ave. Ms. Sullivan said that residents of the Highland Ave. area might relate to Highland Ave. stores and the Northshore Mall. She suggested linking the Salem State debit card to use downtown.
Ms. Duncan said that she would form the scope, have discussions, and frame it as a very specific action plan. Ms. Sullivan said that Newburyport attracted the restaurant Not Your Average Joes to replace the Firehouse. She said that she wanted action.
Ms. Hartford said that there would be no funding from the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Vickers stated that they would be able to find the funding if the study had value. Chairman Brennan noted that the SRA has money. Mr. Vickers said that he thought that the SRA should fund half and others should fund the other half.
Mr. Baldini commented that the developers do their own research and know what is needed in an area. Ms. Duncan added that small businesses and landlords might not have sophisticated outreach.
Ms. Sullivan said that she had seen some of the prior studies and did not like studies that don’t go anywhere. Mr. Vickers commented that he had directed local realtors to the Planning department and said that if they were not interested then maybe the landlords would be and suggested reaching out to them.
Ms. Hartford said that the most current census information was from 2000 and that the demographics of the City had changed since then. Ms. Sullivan added that there has been a change in downtown and that they do not know what they have.
Ms. Duncan said that the information should be updated and kept current. She said that if it were updated every two to three years, then future studies would not be as expensive.
Chairman Brennan asked when the last plan was done. Ms. Hartford said that it was 2001 or 2002 and that there had been changes since then.
Ms. Sullivan said that Salem has no marketing tools and no brochure. She noted that Haverhill does. Chairman Brennan asked why the Chamber of Commerce did not provide this, since it is their business. Ms. Sullivan said that they just don’t think that way. She suggested a general live/work campaign.
SMALL PROJECT REVIEW
City Hall
Ms. Hartford reported that the Collector’s office has had numerous requests for a collection drop-off box outside of City Hall where people could drop off their payments, since City Hall hours are not always convenient. The suggested box will be black and will be placed to the right of City Hall.
Mr. Connelly asked how secure it was. Ms. Hartford said that it was secure and will be visible in front of City Hall with easy access and will serve senior citizens well.
Mr. Vickers moved to approve the proposed collection box in front of City Hall as presented. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion, and the motion passed (5-0).
304 Essex Street (Holloran Development)
Attorney George Atkins and developer Jeff Holloran of Holloran Development appeared before the board concerning 304 Essex Street. Ms. Hartford stated that all exterior renovations to the building need SRA approval and this developer had not sought this.
Attorney Atkins said that his client has experience converting over 100 units of multifamily buildings into condominiums. He apologized on behalf of his client, who did not know that he needed the SRA approval. The building at 304 Essex Street was a former rooming house and is being converted into seven condominiums.
There were changes made to the windows on North Street. Transoms formerly covered with plywood were changed to glass. The storefronts were painted a bronze color on North Street and white on Essex Street. Attorney Atkins said that there were older photos of the building showing that these were the colors. He was requesting approval for two lighting fixtures on the inside entryways to the residential units and one at the back entry through the church parking lot.
Mr. Baldini commented that the work was a great improvement on North Street. Ms. Sullivan questioned the window on Essex St. with doors built in. Mr. Holloran explained that this was for display cabinets accessed from the common hall inside the building. Attorney Atkins stated that there is nothing there now and the storefront will look differently once occupied. Mr. Baldini said that he thought there was no sense in holding up the project. Attorney Atkins said that they could change it if necessary or even hang a curtain in the window. Mr. Baldini stated that it should be left as it is.
Ms. Sullivan moved to send the matter to the Design Review Board. There was no second.
Attorney Atkins asked if this were within the jurisdiction of the SRA if the issue is inside the building. Ms. Hartford answered that the SRA can review the issue if one can see it from the outside and if it is a change. Ms. Sullivan said that the developers did a great job and that this was in no way a reflection on that.
Mr. Vickers moved to accept the plan for redevelopment of 304 Essex Street as presented. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion. Mr. Baldini, Mr. Connelly, and Mr. Vickers voted in favor and Chairman Brennan and Ms. Sullivan voted against. The motion passed (3-2).
OUTDOOR CAFÉ PERMITS
318 Derby Street (New Civilitea)
Lynn Potoff of New Civilitea appeared to request approval for an outdoor café at 318 Derby Street. She explained that the café would have four tables with a maximum size of 28 inches and eight chairs. These would be black wrought iron and located two on each side of the doors in front of the windows. They will be taken in each night. Ms. Potoff said that they fit nicely and leave an eight-foot passageway for pedestrians.
Ms. Sullivan moved to send the application for an outdoor café for Civilitea at 318 Derby Street to the DRB for review. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0).
PROJECT APPROVAL
318 Derby Street (New Civilitea)
Ms. Hartford reported that the DRB had reviewed the proposed signage for New Civilitea of 318 Derby Street and had loved it. They had recommended approval for the hanging sign and the vinyl window graphics. The board requested further information on the exterior lighting.
Mr. Connelly moved to approve the proposed hanging sign and the vinyl window graphics as presented and approved by the DRB. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0).
SIGN REVIEW
265 Essex Street (Chamber of Commerce)
Ms. Hartford reported that this matter would be continued as the petitioner pulled their waiver request.
PROJECT APPROVAL
265 Essex Street (Salem Chamber of Commerce)
Ms. Sullivan moved to approve the vinyl window signs for the Chamber of Commerce as presented and approved by the DRB. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0).
144 Washington Street (Gangi Printing)
The proposed signage plan for Gangi Painting at 144 Washington Street was presented for approval. Ms. Hartford reported that the plan was similar to that of the other businesses on the block. The DRB had modified the sign and approved it.
Ms. Duncan asked if there had been any discussion on the color of the storefront in relation to the sign. Chairman Brennan commented that he did not like the color. Ms. Sullivan agreed. Ms. Hartford said that the color was actually bluer. Mr. Vickers said that he did not like it. Ms. Sullivan said that the City should have some harmony without losing character. Mr. Connelly added that he thought that it did not blend in. Ms. Duncan asked if the design guidelines discussed color. Ms. Hartford replied that color was arbitrary.
Ms. Hartford asked the board what their thoughts were on the temporary window banners. Chairman Brennan suggested that the DRB be asked to reconsider the color. Ms. Sullivan wanted the DRB to be asked what their reasoning for approval was. Ms. Hartford replied that this was their logo. Mr. Baldini suggested that the sign be brought in for the board members to see it. Ms. Hartford said that she would.
Mr. Baldini moved to approve the upper hanging sign and to send the matter of the other signage for Gangi Printing of 144 Washington Street back to the DRB for reconsideration. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0).
34 Front Street (Hair Express)
Ms. Hartford presented proposed signage for Hair Express of 34 Front Street for approval. She stated that it is the same as that for Remax and would be attached with a bracket into the brick masonry flat against the building at the landlord’s request. The hanging sign is wood with gold leaf.
Mr. Baldini moved to approve the proposed signage for Hair Express of 34 Front Street. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0).
Other Business
Ms. Sullivan asked how the Old Salem Jail project was progressing. Ms. Duncan replied that it is in design review now. Ms. Hartford added that it seemed to be on schedule and that the developers are on site frequently. Ms. Duncan said that the developer had to wait for all permits, which should be issued by the end of the summer.
Mr. Baldini asked about the progress of Taste of Asia. Ms. Hartford reported that the owner hoped to hold a soft opening the next weekend.
Mr. Connelly asked for the progress of Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Hartford said that she hasn’t been able to get to the site yet.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Baldini moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Sullivan seconded the motion, and the motion passed (5-0).
Meeting stands adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Tucker
Clerk
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