City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday July 13, 2011 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran, Robert Mitnik, Russell Vickers
Members Absent:
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan, Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Sarah Brophy
Chairperson Michael Brennan calls the meeting to order.
Old/New Business
Small Project Review
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- One Salem Green (Salem Five Cents Savings Bank): Discussion and vote on proposed pad mounted generator
Daniel provided an update on the previous meetings with the DRB regarding this proposal. The proposal includes plans and elevations. The revised plan locates the generator at the rear of the building as originally proposed with modification to circulation.
Joe Correnti represented Salem Five. Salem Five reviewed alternate locations as recommended by the DRB. An architect was hired to assist with this process. Additional design features were added including enhanced lighting that corresponds to City lighting in the same area. Per the DRB, materials were revised to blend with the building.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
- 133 Washington Street (Caffé Graziani): Discussion and vote on proposed façade project
Daniel presented the project to the Board. Elevations were reviewed. Caffe Graziani is looking to make modest improvements to the storefront that will enhance and attract families. Improvements in the front of the building include the following: addition of an awning over the entrance way, slight relocation of existing sign, additional lighting for the sign and street, replacement of curtains with window film and the addition of an American flag. In the rear, a light fixture will be added as well as Italian flag in the panel above the door. Both front and rear doors will include the Caffe Grazziani logo. DRB approved the plan with the exception of modifying the awning to have open sides.
Mitnik: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
- 32 Church Street (Milk & Honey): Discussion and vote on proposed façade project
Elevations were reviewed by the Board. Daniel explained the design intent for the storefront improvements. The work will be phased. Phase 1 includes improved lighting and a new sign. Phone 2 includes an awning.
This particular storefront has a unique entry that is shared by two businesses. The blade sign over the door is for the law firm on the second level. Addition of the sign to the left of the door helps provide identity.
The DRB recommended approval of the proposal with slight modification to the awning to have open sides. Plan shows the addition of two tables with four chairs each. In reality, only two tables with two chairs are desired.
Duncan explained the storefront improvement plan to the board. The design is paid for by the City. Construction costs are split 50/50 between the owner and the City up to a maximum of $5,000.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Curran. Passes 5-0.
- 230 Essex Street (Scrub): Discussion and vote on proposed exterior painting
Daniel reviewed the elevation and proposed modifications with the board. Proposal is for exterior painting only.
The DRB recommended approval the design.
Vickers: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5 -0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 43 Church Street (43 Church): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
George Harrington Jr. was present for 43 Church Street.
Proposal includes blade sign and for two banners. Elevations were presented to the board.
Daniel described the previous design and walked the board through the subsequent modifications and final design. It was noted that all conduit must be covered.
Mitnik inquired about the LED lighting. Daniel stated that the DRB discussed this topic and that it will be a subdued effect. The DRB thought it was appropriate and would look sharp in this location. Mitnik expressed concern that this type of lit sign may set a precedent that may cause problems in the future.
Duncan stated that the vote should reflect that this is not a new precedent and that all internally lit signs will need to be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB in the revised 7/12/11 submission with the condition that there be no conduit exposed and that this type of internal illumination is being approved only for this application in this location, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
- 283R Derby Street (Witch City Segway): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel reviewed the elevations with the Board. A sign was erected prior to seeking approval. Witch City Segway has a great graphic that the DRB liked a lot. A blade sign was also erected on the front of the building. This sign exceeds allowed square footage and will be taken down. An A-frame sign will be located just outside of the entrance.
Vickers: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
- 177 Essex Street (Turtle Alley): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
Daniel provided an overview of the project. The DRB approved the proposal with the recommendation to paint the door purple. Tenant has agreed.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the June 8, 2011 regular meeting.
Mitnik questioned the statement made by Duncan on page 9, line 5. Minutes are approved with revision. Statement to read “Duncan responds that the SRA has separate jurisdiction in the urban renewal areas”.
Curran: Motion to approve as amended, seconded by Baldini Passes 5-0.
Executive Director’s Report
Duncan gave a brief update on the parking management plan and upcoming next steps.
Duncan updated the Board on the status of the urban renewal plan. A community meeting was held on 7/12/11. Approximately 25 people were at the meeting. Of the 25, half were members of the advisory group. The goal of the revised plan will be to merge the two plans into one. Focus of the plan will be to come up with strong, currant, flexible design standards that can be used in the urban renewal area. Boundary changes are under consideration, but this is not a pioneering effort and the tight timeline is critical. Another advisory group meeting will be held in August. A community meeting will be held in September.
Brennan stated that it was a positive meeting, and people stated the SRA is a good asset.
Duncan stated that it is difficult to create a new urban renewal plan.
Duncan said this is the last meeting for the Chairperson. A formal citation from the Mayor was presented to Chairperson Brennan in appreciation.
Adjournment
Brennan: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:43 pm.
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