City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes—DRAFT
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday November 10, 2010, at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Robert Mitnik, Robert Curran, Russell Vickers, Conrad Baldini
Members Absent: Michael Brennan
Others Present: Director of Planning and Development Lynn Duncan, Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Lindsay Howlett
Board Member Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order.
Executive Director’s Report
Duncan states the general manager of ‘The Great Escape’ restaurant is having difficulties with customers finding parking as well as the entrance to the restaurant. Some of the jail residents are beginning to complain about their parking spaces being taken by restaurant customers.
Duncan adds as a result a meeting was held with New Boston Ventures, residents, neighbors, and restaurant personnel last night to discuss the issues. Duncan further adds Robert Mitnik of the SRA was also present.
Duncan reminds the Board the developer had presented plans for an additional thirteen parking spaces but withdrew their request after hearing opposition from the neighbors and residents.
Duncan states the development plans always had access to the restaurant from the main door off of St. Peter Street. When the condo market suffered and the developer needed historic tax credits, the National Park Service reviewed the plans and would not accept them as proposed.
The developer had to modify the plans to save an additional jail cell and staircase to get the tax credits. This resulted in changes to the internal circulation, and residents had to enter at a different grade level than originally proposed. This in turn impacted the design and access to the restaurant.
Duncan states the purpose of last night’s meeting was to get ideas from everyone in attendance and New Boston Ventures is going to review those suggestions. Duncan adds the amount of green space is important and if they add parking they would plan to screen it with a nice landscaping plan.
Duncan further states more signage on the property pointing to the restaurant may also be a good solution or even a ‘monopoly park’ to draw people across the street onto the restaurant property.
Baldini asks what the general feel was at last nights meeting.
Mitnik responds he thinks there were more people in favor of additional parking.
Duncan thinks it ended on the tone of take a look at the suggestions that were made and reconvene.
Vickers adds the site needs better lighting as it feels like patrons are walking in the dark even when they know where they’re going.
Mitnik adds the walkway is a little disorienting as well.
Old/New Business
Small Project Review
- 290/292 Essex Street (YMCA and Salem Housing Authority): Discussion and vote on proposed new entrance design and signage
Deb Amaral and Michael Fields are present on behalf of the YMCA/Salem Housing Authority. The Board reviews submitted plans dated October 6, 2010.
Amaral explains the history of the project and explains how the Salem Housing Authority recently agreed to swap entries to enhance direct access to their elevator lobby and respectively the YMCA will gain direct access to Ames Hall.
Fields states they have a previously approved signage package from 2005, but in addition are proposing new signage that indicates the swap of space. Fields adds they are presenting a storefront restoration that will bring the two storefronts back to their original glass lines allowing direct access to the two destinations.
Vickers asks for clarification of the floor plans. Amaral explains how both the YMCA and SHA will improve their access to their respective destinations. Fields walks the Board through the plans.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 85 Lafayette Street (Soucy Insurance): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
The Board reviews submitted plans dated October 14, 2010. Daniel states Soucy Insurance had moved from the Hawthorne building to this new location. Daniel states the DRB made a slight revision to the blade sign which was to decrease the radius of the cutouts at the corners.
Vickers asks if those are three separate entrances.
Daniel confirms yes.
Vickers: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
- 203 Washington Street (UPS Store): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
The Board reviews submitted plans dated October 6, 2010. Daniel states this shop will be in the Hawthorne building and is located where Mailbox Etc previously existed. Daniel notes adds this is one of the only places where the DRB works with internally lit signs.
Daniel states the DRB asked the applicant to change the letter size from 13” to 11”.
Mitnik asks about a previous awning program.
Daniel states the property owner would like to see the awnings are implemented as they were previously approved, but they would like to install them all at once instead of piecemeal. They are still working with the tenants on that matter.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the October 13, 2010 regular meeting.
Vickers: Motion to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Vickers. Passes. 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.
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