City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday February 08, 2012 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran
Members Absent: Matthew Veno, Russell Vickers
Others Present: Tom Daniel, Economic Development Manager
Recorder: Sarah Brophy
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
In Lynn Duncan’s absence, Tom Daniel provided a brief update to the group that summarized the memorandum previously sent.
- The Salem Downtown Renewal Plan: The Plan was approved by DHCD on January 11, 2012. The plan is still under review by MEPA and a decision will be delivered on February 24, 2012. It is anticipated that no additional requirements will be requested.
- Bridge Neck Re-Zoning Study: The study will commence next month and will take about six months to complete. The goal of the study is to facilitate redevelopment along Bridge Street—an important entrance corridor into downtown. Mitnik will represent the SRA on that working group.
Old/New Business
The board reviewed a memorandum from Tom Daniel dated February 2, 2012.
Daniel stated that the artist selected, Kenny Sharp, is a well-known artist that was brought to Salem by Mike Lash. Sharp will be creating a large-scale work with very little cost to the City.
Baldini questioned if the SRA will review the specific artwork prior to the installation. Additionally, Curran expressed concern about the type of art and how it relates to the historic fabric of Salem. He would like to be able to review the specific imagery. Daniel stated that the SRA’s practice has been to approve the location and concept but not the specific design of the art itself.
Mitnik questioned why this site was selected. Daniel commented that other sites were evaluated. The parking garage site was selected because it is an opportunity to transform a banal corner from nothing into something of interest. Proximity to the Visitor Center and PEM is also ideal. It is a visible location that is safe and can play off of the synergies of the PEM.
Baldini: Motion to approve the concept with additional review and comment by the DRB regarding the location, seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 304 Essex Street (Liberty Tax Service): Discussion of proposed signage
The board reviewed the submission, dated January 18, 2012, which included a letter; sign permit application form, plans and photos of the proposed signage.
The board also reviewed an image of the revised proposal presented at the meeting.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
- 14 New Derby Street (Gagnon’s Shoe Repair): Discussion of proposed signage
The board reviewed the submission, dated January 18, 2012, which included photos of the proposed sign.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 3-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the January11, 2012 regular meeting were reviewed.
Baldini: Motion to approve, seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
Adjournment
Curran: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Baldini. Passes 3-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:19 pm.
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