City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Conrad Baldini, Robert Mitnik, and Russell Vickers
Members Absent: Michael Connelly
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
Lynn Duncan states that work is in progress at the Old Town Hall and the bathroom renovation is on target for completion by July 4th. She advises the members that Gordon College received a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund for $174,000, and they are still in the running for a grant from the Partners in Preservation. She explains that the National Trust will hold their award ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday, June 16 at 10:30 am, at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. She adds that the Old Town Hall finished second in the online voting contest largely because of the partnership between the City and Gordon College.
Duncan states that a manager, Sarah Hartlett, is now handling the leasing of the Old Town Hall, and there were two weddings held there in May. She adds that Gordon continues to make improvements to the building, and they have surveyed the second floor to plans for window replacement/refurbishment. She explains that Gordon College has spent over $11,000 of their own money so far.
Vickers asks about the tables and chairs in Derby Square.
Duncan states that there are now tables and chairs outside the Old Town Hall and the City is securing them after 8:00 pm each evening.
On that subject, Duncan states that there is a proposal to do additional tables and chairs in the Essex Street Mall near the fountain in East India Square.
Duncan states that all responses for the parking study RFP are due back next Wednesday, and she looks forward to moving ahead with plans for developing that site.
Old/New Business
Development Project Review
1. 50 St. Peter Street (Old Salem Jail): Update on restaurant status
Tom Daniel states that Penn Lindsay, with NBV, is ill and will make a presentation at the July meeting, as NBV is required to complete a written report and appear before the SRA in person. He adds that construction is underway and going well.
Pertaining to the restaurant space, Daniel explains that Charlie Perkins, with the Boston Restaurant Group, is onboard and looking for a tenant, and they are completing the restaurant space sooner than the other spaces.
Daniel states that Penn Lindsay is optimistic and will have more to report next month.
Duncan states that the restaurant space will be ready for showing in July.
Outdoor Café Permit Review
2. 133 Washington Street (Caffe Graziani): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor café permit
Daniel states that this proposal has not changed and the DRB recommended approval as presented.
Baldini: Motion to approve this design as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
3. 189 Washington Street (Tavern in the Square): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor café permit
Brennan states that this item is tabled until next month and invites City Councillor Pelletier to speak.
Pelletier states that the owner of Passage to India requested outside dining two years ago and spent a lot of money making improvements, and he would like his restaurant to have use of some of that space. He adds that he will call Mr. Kerr and have him bring something to the SRA in writing.
Duncan states that the area was originally to be shared between Passage to India and Tavern in the Square. She adds that the item was tabled tonight because the proposal will be changing.
Vickers states that he doesn’t know what rights the SRA has to grant that space.
Brennan states that it is no different than with a sidewalk owned by the City.
Duncan iterates that this plan will change and they will be discussing this at the next meeting.
Brennan steps out and Mitnik takes over as Chair.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
3. Artists’ Row: Discussion and vote on proposed exterior painting
Daniel states that the stalls are in need of repainting and they hope to do something different. He presents the sample colors.
Vickers: Motion to approve the colors as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 3-0.
Duncan states that on behalf of the City, she thinks this is great and she looks forward to seeing this area active all the summer.
4. 209R Essex Street: Discussion and vote on proposed entry canopy
Daniel states that this is the entrance and they will add a simple canopy to prevent rain from getting into the door.
Baldini: Motion to approve the design as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 3-0.
5. 10 Derby Square (LaVoie Group): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that these signs have been installed and the DRB approved of the original proposal as well as this one.
Vickers: Motion to approve the sign design as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 3-0.
6. 300 Derby Street (Murphy’s Irish Pub): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel states that this is where Roosevelt’s was and the proposal is to replace the wall sign and modify the existing kiosk. He adds that the DRB reviewed this and had some conditions and Glenn Kennedy agreed to meet and look at it one more time to tweak the sign (position of letters and location of the sign). He suggests that the SRA approve this subject to final signoff from Glenn Kennedy.
Baldini: Motion to approve this design subject to final review and sign off by Glenn Kennedy, seconded by Vickers. Passes 3-0.
Approval of Minutes - May 13, 2009 meeting.
Voting members are Baldini and Vickers.
Vickers: Motion to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2009 meeting, seconded by Baldini. Passes 2-0.
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Vickers. Passes 3-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 6:30 pm.
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