City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday January 11, 2012 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
Lynn Duncan had three items to review with the group.
- Parking Management Plan: Duncan gave an update on the implementation of the parking management plan. Currently, a late spring launch is being targeted. Allocation of available funds is being evaluated. The local communications firm, Great Island Design, has been hired to help educate the public during the transition to the new system.
- Museum Place Parking Garage Mural: The City is working on a potential installation of a mural on the side of the Museum Place parking garage. The mural would be completed by a notable artist. It is possible that there could be an announcement from the Mayor’s office prior to the next SRA meeting in February.
- Urban Renewal Plan: The Urban Renewal Plan was submitted to DHCD for approval. An additional form must be submitted to MEPA by January 17, 2012. The Cecil Group is working on this submission.
Old/New Business
- 50 St. Peter Street (Great Escape Restaurant): Discussion and vote on proposed temporary vestibule
The Board reviewed a submission dated January 4, 2012 that includes a letter, photos, and plans.
Shane Andruskiewicz for Great Escape was present. Over the winter months, the restaurant has had issues with cold air and wind coming through the front door.
Duncan stated that the normal review process has been modified to expedite the installation of the vestibule. If the SRA endorses the concept, the plan will go before the DRB and be implemented. In addition, the Great Escape must provide an approval from the property owner in writing.
Veno questioned why the vestibule cannot be attached to the building. Duncan confirmed that this cannot be done due to the historic nature of the building.
Curran: Motion to endorse the concept with the following conditions:
- DRB approval; and
- Written approval from property owner.
Seconded by: Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 10 Derby Square (J’Adore Romantic Gift Shoppe): Discussion and vote on proposed signage
The Board reviewed a submission dated December 16, 2011 that includes a letter, plans and photos of the proposed signage. The Board also reviewed a revised entry door glass decal presented at the meeting.
Veno: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the December 14, 2011 regular meeting were reviewed. Duncan had the following revisions within the Executive Director’s Report:
- “After receipt of the cover let from the Mayor” to be revised to read “After receipt of the cover letter from the Mayor”.
- Some improvements like landscaping may move forward with or without funding” to be revised to read “Interim improvements may move forward with or without grant funding”.
Veno: Motion to approve to amended, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Curran: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:16 pm.
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