City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Conrad Baldini, Michael Connelly, and Robert Mitnik
Members Absent: Russell Vickers
Others Present: Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Andrea Bray
Chairperson Brennan calls the meeting to order.
Executive Director’s Report
Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel provides an update on the status of the Old Salem Jail, stating that NVB has received approval from the National Park Service for historic tax credits. He adds that there are some design modifications that will preserve more of the existing building, and they can look forward to a closing in November.
Regarding the Urban Land Institute’s Technical Assistance Panel, Daniel states that a full-day of study will be conducted on September 23, beginning at 8:00 AM. The activities include a driving and walking tour, followed by discussion sessions in the afternoon, at which time the panel will formulating recommendations to be presented at the 5:30 PM public presentation.
Small Project Review
1. 60 Washington Street: Discussion and vote on proposed changes to two entrances
Daniel states that this Goldberg property will soon house a Dunkin’ Donuts and they need to improve the building’s accessibility. He explains that the lobby door will be lowered and a ramp, with an accompanying rail will lead up to the door. He adds that several discussions with the DRB meetings were held before arriving at this final design. The existing ramp at the storefront entrance will be replaced with two steps.
Mitnik expresses concern about the absence of the landing in front of the door.
Daniel acknowledges that the DRB was also concerned about this and they found that it is beyond their jurisdiction. The Building Department will review the plans.
Mitnik: Motion to approve of the design as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
2. 230 Essex Street (Urban Elements): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that this sign design was well-received by the DRB. As for the flag, Daniel explains that the original plan called for two very large flags, but the DRB expressed concern about the flags being too large so now there will be only one flag and it will be much smaller than the one originally proposed.
Connelly: Motion to approve the design as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 4-0.
3. 185-189 Essex Street (Pamplemousse): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel says that the owner is proposing to change the signage, both the wall sign and the blade signs. He adds that the DRB Chair, Paul Durand, volunteered to meet on site to determine the exact location for the blade signs.
Mitnik: Motion to approve the design as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Connelly. Passes 4-0.
Daniel explains that Pamplemousse will be coming back to the SRA to seek approval for an outdoor seasonal wine bar.
Approval of Minutes
Baldini: Motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
Connelly: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 6:20 PM.
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