City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Conrad Baldini, Michael Connelly, Robert Mitnik, and Russell Vickers
Members Absent:
Others Present: Lynn Duncan, Executive Director, Tom Daniel, Economic Development Manager
Recorder: Andrea Bray
Chairperson Brennan calls the meeting to order.
Executive Director’s Report
Lynn Duncan introduces Tom Daniel, the new Economic Development Manager.
Tom Daniel states that he is thrilled to be here and returning to Massachusetts from Minneapolis. He adds that while working in the planning department in Minneapolis he coordinated economic and commercial development as well as some historic projects. Daniel states that his other responsibilities included overseeing storefront improvements and brownfields clean up. He reviews his educational background stating that he has a BA from Grinnell College in Iowa and a Masters from the University of Minnesota.
Lynn Duncan updates the members on the “City of Peace” sign stating that she met this morning with the sign committee and they like the concept, but suggested a peace sculpture instead of a peace sign.
Old/New Business
Redevelopment Project Review
1. 50 St. Peter Street (Old Salem Jail)
Duncan states that there is another request from NBV to extend the closing time to April 30, 2008, with the construction beginning in May. She adds that she believes that they are committed.
Mitnik asks if the city should allow them to alter the plans.
Duncan states that they are looking at ways to make the project work with the current economic situation, but tonight she would like to discuss only the extension request.
Brennan states that he would like to have an informal meeting with them to see what they are thinking. He adds that the market is affecting development projects across the state.
Vickers states that he believes that they are committed to this and he believes that the extension will give them the time they need.
Duncan says that a discussion about the payment schedule will probably come back to the board. She adds that she will schedule a meeting with the NBV and the Chair and Vice-Chair.
Vickers: Motion to accept the extension request with the dates specified in the written request, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Sign Review
2. 207 Washington Street (Living Well) – Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that the DRB recommended approval of this sign with the decal at the higher position on the window. He adds that the DRB recommends approval of this internally-illuminated sign in this one instance. He adds that the awning would be dark red.
Mitnik asks if internally-illuminated signs are permitted in the sign ordinance.
Duncan states that she does not know.
Daniel states that the signs on the building are all internally-illuminated; however, the prior sign in this business space was not permitted and therefore there are no grandfather rights.
Brennan suggests waiting until the next meeting to vote on this so that the members can see the building and determine if they should approve the internally-illuminated sign.
Vickers states that he is comfortable with deferring this decision and Mitnik agrees.
Connelly: Motion to table this decision until the next meeting, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
The members agree that they do not wish to hold up the business schedule but would like to see the building before approving the internally-illuminated sign.
Other Business
Approval of Minutes – November 14, 2007 regular and annual meetings
Vickers suggests one amendment to the annual meeting minutes.
Vickers: Motion to approve the minutes for the annual meeting with the suggested amendment, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Mitnik: Motion to approve the minutes for the regular meeting, seconded by Connelly. Passes 5-0.
Connelly: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 6:35 PM.
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