City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday June 9, 2010, at 6:00 pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Russell Vickers
Members Absent:
Others Present: Director of Planning and Development Lynn Duncan
Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Lindsay Howlett
Chairperson Michael Brennan calls the meeting to order.
Executive Director’s Report
Duncan states the Jail looks great and is currently open with 75% already leased. Duncan adds they are working on the selection of an artist for the affordable unit. Duncan states project manager Penn Lindsay has moved on to another job in Portland.
Duncan states the budget on 5 Broad Street is being submitted tomorrow night to City Council and LDA will be attending that meeting. Duncan adds the Mayor has submitted Bob Curran’s nomination to the SRA to the City Council to fill the vacancy. Curran was previously on the SRA.
Old/New Business
- Old Town Hall Lease: Update from Gordon College
Cliff Hersey and Sarah Hartlett are present on behalf of Gordon College. Hersey states that Gordon College has been in the Old Town Hall space now for 18 months and has had a diverse group of rentals in that time. Hersey adds they have recently managed to refinish the top floor’s flooring and it looks very nice. Hersey states the steps will be done between June 21st and the 25th.
Hersey states the first floor will be redone as well. Hersey further adds the have recently received a $174,000 matching grant from Mass Development that will be matched by other sources such as City funds, Gordon funds and the National Trust Partners in Preservation grant. Hersey states they have $348,000 for Old Town Hall renovations. He adds that though this is a lot of money, they are unfortunately unable to do as much as they had originally hoped. Hersey states they will not be able to strengthen the building structurally but will be able to take care of numerous other concerns such as the electrical, asbestos removal, bathrooms, safety, windows and completely replace the heating system. Hersey expects all of that work will take place in September. Gordon College will continue to do their own improvements to the
building as described in the lease.
Hersey notes there is a rental package for events which is much lower than going out and renting equipment independently.
Brennan asks Hersey if Gordon College has any use for the Old Town Hall.
Hersey replies they utilize Old Town Hall for part of their education process. Hersey states the Cry Innocent show provides an opportunity for historical representation and they teach courses there. Hersey adds that part of what Gordon College sees as an educational opportunity for their students provides a community benefit as well. Hersey further adds he has started to develop a lecture series and hopes by next year to have a monthly speaker in Old Town Hall.
Hersey states they had about 20,000 people attend Cry Innocent and hope to increase that attendance this year.
Duncan states there were two main issues with Old Town Hall; to make the building eligible for grants that the City would not be eligible for without the college as a participant and to see the building more fully utilized. Duncan further states the building is still being used for City functions, many of the non-profits are using it, Cry Innocent is performed and additional events are hosted by the College.
Hersey states the building is used constantly in October and they hope the new heating system will resolve the prior comfort issues of using the building in the winter. Hersey adds they expect to implement a Museum of Salem in April 2011 on the first floor.
Brennan states the SRA supports the college anytime they need it.
- A Walk through Salem: Discussion of proposed walking tour and signage
Chris Dowgin is present to discuss A Walk through Salem.
Dowgin describes his recently published book about Salem. Dowgin describes the book as a fairytale walking tour that helps people lead better lives through learning about Old Salem geography and historical context. Dowgin states the book acts as a narrative and serves as a teaching tool not only for historical context but for illustration as well.
Dowgin further describes that beyond the book he plans to offer linked Google earth maps, signage throughout town and an audio tour through a touchtone service from personal cell phones. Dowgin adds the book portrays an appreciation of the town’s architecture and tunnels, provides knowledge of Salem’s historical figures, coast lines and shows where the rivers once were. Dowgin further adds the book expresses a magical and whimsical side of Salem. Dowgin states not only can you be part of the story and be the main character but you can actually experience what made Salem evolve.
Dowgin explains that he is before the SRA to gain permission to paint blue footprints on the streets that would lead people whom are reading the book to each site. In addition Dowgin states numerous shops down town will feature different framed images that will provide hints to go into that building to see individual artwork.
Dowgin states one concern has been confusing the red line with the blue footprints and differentiating between the two. Dowgin further adds to save costs, in areas where there are more sites it would be a more casual step and where sites are farther apart, the footsteps would be spaced out more.
Dowgin adds he has had people already asking to help volunteer to paint these footsteps and adds that teachers throughout the schools systems have shown interest in the project.
Dowgin states there will be brochures positioned throughout town as well to help people figure out what to do with the blue footprints and will explain how to download the Google maps to your phone, what the signs are, how to dial the audio narrative and to provide an idea of where the artwork is. Dowgin adds in addition his website could keep updates of other special events occurring in Salem as well.
Dowgin states the maintenance of the footsteps could be covered through book sales to help pay for a new painting every four years or possibly through the assistance of different organizations and local fundraisers.
Brennan asks how Dowgin would make money on this.
Dowgin responds the books are in stores throughout Salem and are already being sold for $25 each. Dowgin adds in regards to the walking tour, as long as he loves what he is doing it is not work. Dowgin states his only concern is coming across money just for the paints. Dowgin adds the walking tour could be a marketing piece for the book but feels it helps people who have already purchased the book. Dowgin further adds it could also help people who did not want to purchase book but did want to learn more about the town as well.
Dowgin states the book has been sod in eight local shops since December and in that time he has sold 280 copies. Dowgin adds he is waiting to hear back from Barnes and Noble to see if they will pick it up.
Mitnik asks if the Google maps would be available on I-phones.
Dowgin confirms that electronically you could have a map in front of you and adds you could also go onto his website and print out the maps.
Baldini asks how the SRA falls into this project.
Duncan responds the SRA is focusing on the footprints, as anything visually done in the Urban Renewal Area is under the jurisdiction of the Salem Redevelopment Authority.
Daniel asks Dowgin if there is the ability to experience the storyline without the footsteps.
Dowgin replies if the person had a smart phone they could do that, if not they could download the maps on the web and a third additional option would be to purchase the book and follow along that way.
Duncan states there are in fact many ways to follow the storyline without following the footprints. Duncan adds the staff has shared concern about the ramifications of allowing one person to paint an additional trail down the streets potentially leading to other groups wanting to do the same thing. Duncan states there is no policy or planning objectives that suggest the City should pursue additional walking paths of this nature. Duncan adds it is a very creative idea and loves the idea of learning about history but agrees that there seems to be numerous ways to follow the story without the blue footprints. Duncan also notes the Heritage Trail actually needs to be repainted annually due to fading.
Mitnik states it may prove difficult for older people to tune in on a cell phone but also thinks the footprints could get confusing and seem redundant.
Vickers states that there needs to be a stronger connection to the public policy component and public benefit. Vickers adds this project needs to be tied in more closely with the City’s tourism policies and be developed in some fashion consistent with other tourist policies. Vickers further states that the self directed tour would need to garner support within the community to be viable. Vickers suggests the Dowgin reach out to the community and network to other entities in town to help building support for the necessary public component in this instance.
Duncan states Dowgin needs to work not just with individuals in the community but with existing organizations that work with tourism in Salem such as Destination Salem. Duncan adds they do not want to see multiple walking trails and instead it needs to be part of whatever Destination Salem’s work plan is.
The board agrees.
Brennan adds the board cares about the accuracy of what is being sold as well.
Dowgin asks how to begin conversations with the other agencies.
Vickers recommends Dowgin call Kate Fox and have a meeting with her to discuss developing a network of support through other organizations.
Daniel explains to Dowgin that the story and tour sounds interesting and very creative. He could proceed on his own with the book, website, and future smartphone apps. The footsteps would need approval though, and they would need to be integrated into a public policy objective or work plan. Daniel states this is a chunk of work that Dowgin may or may not want to take on and that he should assess how much he is willing to pursue.
Brennan suggests if Dowgin were to drop the footprints then he could proceed with everything else and that could possibly make things easier.
Small Project Review
- 118 Washington Street (Café Polonia): Discussion of proposed ramp, sign, and outdoor dining area
Darek and Joanna Barcikowski are present on behalf of Café Polonia.
Daniel describes the project to consist of a new ADA access ramp, signage and outdoor seating
Barcikowski states they currently have a restaurant in South Boston.
Barcikowski states the existing ADA ramp at their new Salem site is not very convenient forcing patrons to have to go through a common corridor to enter their location. Barcikowski feels it is somewhat obstructed and would be an easier access to the space if it were located outside the entrance. Barcikwoski explains the slant of the sidewalk would make the ramp level and would free up a lot of valuable space on the inside.
Daniel states this proposal has not been reviewed by the DRB as of yet.
Brennan states the proposal needs to go in front of the DRB and the building official will verify the ramp but conceptually, the SRA loves it.
Baldini: Motion to approve the proposed ramp, sign and outdoor dining area subject to the DRB review and approval, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 76 Lafayette Street (Howling Wolf Taqueria): Discussion and vote on proposed exterior vent, signage and lighting
Daniel states at the rear of the building the restaurant needed to add two vents to utilize the space. Daniel adds the vents will be painted to match the color of the signage in front. Daniel states the DRB thought it was minor and recommended approval.
Daniel states the signage consists of a wall mounted sign and a blade sign all with the same design but different dimensions. Daniel adds the signs are cut out of steel and painted red. Daniel further states the lighting proposal has since evolved after the DRB review and has been simplified into a single light below that would shine up on the sign. Daniel adds there will be no conduit and the fixture will be black. Daniel adds the bracket was also modified to create a cleaner look.
Vickers: Motion to approve the DRB’s recommendation on the vent, sign and lighting, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Outdoor Café Permit
- 43 Church Street (Lyceum): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor dining area
Daniel states the Lyceum is looking to add eight tables for outdoor dining and the left and right end will have planters with trellises. Daniel adds there will be stanchions along the side of facing the earthen mounds and lighting will be installed along the back wall.
Mitnik requests to be put on record as questioning the safety of the ramp at the rear entrance that comes directly onto the sloped ramp. Mitnik states if it is steeper than 1:20 it needs railings on both sides. Mitnik adds the bottom of the ramp shows a railing that does not extend all the way down and also shows an opening through the railing. Mitnik states regardless of the ADA requirements; going from a slope to a flat surface is a tripping hazard.
Daniel states the ramp is an existing condition and that there is a flat surface onto flat surface transition.
Mitnik recommends that Lyceum re-draws the drawing before it is approved.
Vickers: Recommends the SRA accepts the DRB’s recommendation, seconded by Mitnik. Passes. 4-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 24 New Derby Street, Unit 5 (Impart Art and Yaz Berry): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel describes the new tenants moving into Artists’ Row and describes their artistic specialties.
Daniel adds the DRB made a couple of tweaks, wanting to make sure the hardware was black and determining if the artists were to return the following year they could reuse their sign.
Mitnik: Motion to accept the DRB’s recommendation, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 24 New Derby Street, Unit 4 (GAS Works): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel describes the sign has changed from an oval shape to a rectangular sign after the vendors confirmed they were no longer able to fabricate the oval at the same price. Daniel states it is the same design but a rectangular shape. Daniel adds he informally checked with the DRB and though everyone likes the oval better it is still a very nice sign.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB that we accept the revised rectangular sign, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 282 R Derby Street (The Urbane Cyclist): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel describes the shop as providing bike rentals as well as bike sales. Daniel describes the bikes as the competitive type. Daniel adds the DRB thought the sign looked great and recommended approval. Daniel adds the revised proposal shows the sign projecting 56” instead of 60” as originally proposed.
Vickers: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the May 12, 2010 regular meeting.
Mitnik: Motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:30 pm.
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