City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday October 12, 2011 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran, Matthew Veno
Members Absent: Russell Vickers
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan
Recorder: Sarah Brophy
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Duncan stated that Tom Daniel has been out sick and will be back next week.
Duncan updated the group on the urban renewal plan. Russ Vickers and Robert Mitnik have been serving on a working group with various other organizations. Working members have produced a draft that is in the process of being revised. A draft of the plan will be available on October 27, 2011. The SRA will vote on the plan at the November meeting. A public hearing date will be established the week of November 14, 2011. SRA members should be in attendance. The Council meets on November 17, 2011 and will vote on the plan at that time.
Tom Daniel has been working with Jim Hacker on implementing the recommendations outlined in the parking management study previously approved by City Council. Together they are working on appropriating the allocated funds and will be moving forward early next year.
Old/New Business
Small Project Review
- Bike Rack Installation (various locations): Discussion and vote on proposed bike rack installations
Frank Taormina provided an overview. The committee has subscribed to the MSPC bike-parking program. In 2008, fifty-five (55) bike racks were installed in the downtown area. The upcoming installation of bike racks will be the last round of racks to be funded through the MSPC program.
The proposal is to install two (2) historic style bike racks and nine (9) meter racks.
The historic racks will be installed in the following locations. One will be located to the right of City Hall in front of Penelope’s Pet Emporium. The other will be located in front of the South Harbor Garage near Scratch Kitchen.
The historic racks have a clean installation and are secured to the ground with concrete that takes into consideration the existing brick and sidewalk.
Meter racks are designed to work where there are narrow sidewalks with existing obstacles. Installation is simple. The meter head comes off; the rack slides on as a sleeve; the meter head slides back on. Decals will be applied to the racks after installation to clarify what they are and how they are to be used.
The meter racks will be placed in the locations identified on the drawings. Some locations identified do not have meters, but it is anticipated that meters will be installed in these locations in the near future. The group has until May to use the MSPC funds.
Veno requested clarification regarding the fourteen (14) racks mentioned in the proposal as only eleven (11) were mentioned. Taormina confirmed that three (3) racks would be installed outside of the SRA district.
Baldini requested verification that the Mayor has approved the location of the historic rack to the right of City Hall. Taormina confirmed that the Mayor has approved the rack location.
Veno expressed concern regarding the rack in front of Penelope’s. There is a handicap parking spot in this location that may be obstructed. Taormina explained that the committee evaluated the placement of the rack as well as the impact on the handicapped parking space. After evaluation, it was decided that the rack would not adversely impact the space.
Baldini- Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, Curran. Passes 4-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
General Note – Duncan reviewed the format of the documents in front of the SRA. While many applicants did not have liability insurance at the time of the DRB meeting, they all do now. Approval is only granted when proof of liability insurance as been provided.
- 7½ Church Street (Coldwell Banker): Discussion and vote on proposed portable sign
Recommendation from the DRB is for approval.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
- 242 Essex Street (Laura Lanes Skin Care): Discussion and vote on proposed portable sign
Veno: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 188 Essex Street (Rita’s Water Ice): Discussion and vote on proposed portable sign
Duncan stated that Rita’s was originally looking for two locations. However, due to access through the mall, Rita’s has withdrawn the request for two signs. The only sign will be on Essex Street.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
- 239 Washington Street (Salem Ink): Discussion and vote on proposed portable sign
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
- 2 East India Square (Thai Place): Discussion and vote on proposed portable sign
Duncan reviewed the design. DRB approved the proposed design with three conditions.
The placement of the sign in this location is a challenge. There are two potential sites (locations A and B). Location A is more desirable than the other. At present, two (2) businesses are interested in having signs. The interested businesses will rotate the use of location A and B on a daily basis. If a third business becomes interested, a new solution will have to be evaluated.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
- 7 Church Street (Daily Bagel Café): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Duncan reviewed the proposal. The proposal is for permanent signage and window decals. DRB approved the signage.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Veno: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:33 pm.
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