City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Michael Connelly, Robert Mitnik, and Russell Vickers
Members Absent: Conrad Baldini
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan, Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Andrea Bray
Chairperson Brennan calls the meeting to order.
Executive Director’s Report
Old Salem Jail: Executive Director Lynn Duncan explains that Secretary Galvin did not make any awards of tax credits this round. Duncan states that NBV remains optimistic and will be meeting with their lenders this week. After that meeting, NBV will be requesting an extension, and the SRA will need to hold a special meeting later in the month to act on the request. Duncan confirms that attorney Joe Correnti is moving ahead with the deed, and NBV will determine the length of the extension they require once they have spoken to their lenders.
Old Town Hall: Duncan states that there will be a meeting next Monday night, July 14, with the City Council to discuss the lease. She commends Gordon College as being great to work with and confirms that they had no issue with the terms of the agreement. She says that the utility bills will be in Gordon College’s name, and at the end of the year the city will reimburse Gordon for an agreed amount equal to the City’s current utility expenses. She states the many of the City Councillors have been very supportive of this arrangement with only one Councillor commenting that the proposal may not be the highest and best use for the property. She confirms that she will be at the meeting along with SRA members and Kirsten Kinzer.
Urban Land Institute project for the Church Street parking lot: Tom Daniel explains that the Urban Land Institute has a pro bono technical assistance program. Daniel states that he applied to the organization for assistance on the Church Street parking lot, and his application was accepted in June. He distributes copies of the application to the members. Daniel describes the process as a one-day session with city officials, architects, and real estate professionals in which the ULI people will research and evaluate the property and provide a public presentation containing recommendations at the end of the day. Daniel describes the ULI as a great international organization, stating that he looks forward to working with them. He says the session will be held sometime in September
and he will advise the Authority of the exact date once it has been determined.
Lyceum Garden: Duncan states that she had granted approval to a request from the Lyceum to grow herbs and tomatoes in back of their restaurant.
Old/New Business
Small Project Review
1. 2-26 Front Street: Discussion and vote on replacement of screening fence
Daniel states that the applicant installed a new HVAC system and needed to replace the fence. He adds that the DRB recommended a dark brown stain so it will not stand out.
Vickers: Motion to approve the fence with the DRB’s recommendation, seconded by Connelly. Passes 4-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
2. 139 Washington Street (Treasures Over Time): Discussion of proposed signage
Daniel states that this location is where the Picklepot was, and the DRB tweaked the word “treasures” to make it fit the sign better, and now recommends approval as presented.
Connelly: Motion to approve the design with the recommendation of the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
3. 186 Essex Street, #3 (Witch City Ink): Discussion of proposed signage
Daniel states that this is a new tattoo studio in the mall and opens onto the pedestrian mall. He adds that the DRB had some changes to the proposal, which include:
· waive the 20% rule for window signage
· add a white border around the sign
· have the sign height be consistent with other signs
Vickers: Motion to approve the design with the recommendations from the DRB, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 4-0.
4. 203 Essex Street (Lizzie Borden Museum): Discussion of proposed signage
Daniel states that this location is in the Newmark Building. The DRB tweaked the placement of the sign and there is an alternate bracket which will be reviewed and approved by Glen Kennedy.
Mitnik: Motion to approve the design subject to Kennedy’s approval of the bracket, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Approval of Minutes – May 14, June 11, and June 19, 2008 meetings
Connelly: Motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Vickers . Passes 4-0.
Vickers: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 4-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 6:25 PM.
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