City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 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
Members Absent: Russell Vickers
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan, Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Andrea Bray
Observing the meeting are Jason Silva from the Mayor’s office and City Councilor Robert McCarthy, Liaison to the SRA.
Chairperson Brennan calls the meeting to order.
Executive Director’s Report
Salem Jail: Executive Director Lynn Duncan states that NBV will file for tax credits with the state this week. She adds that a representative from NBV will come to the February meeting to discuss proposed changes to the project, and she will ensure that interested citizens are notified of this in case they wish to attend.
Old/New Business
Development Project Review
1. Derby Square and Townhouse Square Kiosks – Discussion of repainting through a design competition
Ellen Talkowski, Salem Special Projects Manager, explains that the city and the Salem Arts Association will be working together to beautify the kiosks in Derby Square and Townhouse Square. She adds that a maintenance program will be implemented for the kiosks to be painted and cleaned on a regular basis.
Talkowski introduces Gary LaParl, President of the Salem Arts Association, and credits him with compiling a grant application. She states that the city is also exploring funding through the CDBG program. She shows photographs of the sites and says they are looking for the SRA approval before moving forward. Talkowski acknowledges that a design review is difficult for art projects but suggests that one or two members of the DRB serve on the judges’ panel for the artists, as well as form criteria for the competition.
Salem Arts Association Gary LaParl explains that there are 6 panels around the kiosks so they might assign six artists each with one panel, or three artists with two panels each.
Brennan expresses concern with the unattractive marks left by decals or fliers after they are removed. He suggests using sleeves to secure the work.
LaParl states that sleeves may not weather well but they are looking into other solutions for this problem. He explains that kiosks in Derby Square will be completed this year and if all goes well, those in Townhouse Square will be completed next year.
Daniel suggests approving this program tonight and sending it to the DRB for recommendations.
Baldini states that it will not be necessary to send this to the DRB.
Baldini: Motion to approve this program without referring it to the DRB, with Mitnik and someone from the DRB on the judges’ panel, seconded by Connnelly. Passes 4-0.
Sign Review
2. 207 Washington Street (Living Well) – Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that this issue was discussed last month and the members had a concern with the internally-illuminated sign.
Brennan states that he visited the site after the last meeting and the proposed design would mimic the other signs on the building, and is therefore acceptable to him. The other members agree with Brennan.
Connelly: Motion to approve this sign design, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 4-0.
3. 316 New Derby Street (Radiance Aveda) – Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that the DRB approved this design.
Baldini; Motion to approve this sign design, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 4-0.
4. 304 Essex Street (Liberty Tax Service) – Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that approval is required for 3 signs to be placed on the corner of Essex and North Streets. He commends the DRB’s efforts and the applicant’s willingness to listen to the feedback and enhance the design. He adds that this location opened in the beginning of this month.
Daniel states that they may be coming back with a lighting plan and tonight’s approval will be for the signs only.
Connelly: Motion to approve the sign design, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 4-0.
5. 2 East India Square, Suite 119 (Rita’s Water Ice) – Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that the colors are corporate colors. He adds that the DRB’s major concern was with the size of the window and door decals, which have been reduced to suit the board.
Mitnik: Motion to approve the signage, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Other Business
Approval of Minutes – December 12, 2007 meeting
Mitnik: Motion to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2007 meeting, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Connelly: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 6:30 PM.
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