City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday July 11, 2012 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran, Russell Vickers, Matthew Veno
Members Absent:
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Chairperson Robert Mitnik called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Lynn Duncan provided an update on the pedestrian mall project. She explained the SRA has approved phase one; construction has been postponed until August 20, 2012. Duncan also noted that phase one shall include the removal of landscaping beds located behind the fountain by Washington Street, in front of the Witch History Museum, in front of Omen, and in front of Polonus, as well as the round concrete planter located in front of Salem Five.
Duncan then additionally noted that phase two shall address how to treat the cobblestones and fountain.
Old/New Business
- East India Square (Peabody Essex Museum): Discussion of first components of “Enabling Scope of Work” related to museum expansion project.
The Board reviewed a submission that included a PowerPoint presentation, plans and photos of the proposed scope of work.
Tim Shaw, Chad Riley, Robert Monk, Meaghan Hooper-Berdik, and Claudia Chuber were present on behalf of the Peabody Essex Museum and CBT Architects. The submission under review before the SRA included the renovation of an existing mechanical penthouse located on the museum roof and a new security operations center, to be located on Charter Street, which is to replace the existing sailor curiosity shop. They made a brief presentation to the SRA on the proposed work.
Vickers inquired whether all mechanical services shall be located within the new roof top penthouse. Riley commented that all wet systems, chillers, boilers, and air handling fans will be located within the museum’s basement. The goal is to modernize the museum’s climate control system.
Mitnik asked what is envisioned between the cemetery and the security operations center. Shaw commented that low plantings or something that reinforces the edge would be located within this area.
Duncan stated that site design plans for the space between the buildings would need approval of the Design Review Board and SRA.
Vickers noted that the back side of the Witch Trials Memorial would be more visible and questioned whether it be repaired. Bob Monk sated that they were working with the Witch Trial Memorial committee on this issue. Vickers inquired about the hit or miss comment located on the drawings. Riley noted that there would be a gap between the siding and waterproofing membrane. Gutters and downspouts are internalized creating a more silent external façade while picking up the same ridgeline as the Pickman House.
Baldini inquired whether the new building would be built in place of the existing curiosity shop. Riley responded that it would be.
Baldini: Motion to send the proposal to the Design Review Board.
Seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 24 Front Street (Avalanche): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission, which included a letter, plans and photos of the proposed signage.
Changes were recommended by the DRB. These revisions have been incorporated and were presented.
Veno: Motion to approve with changes recommended by the DRB.
Seconded by Mitnik. Passes 5-0.
- 11 Dodge Street: Discussion and vote on proposed fence.
The Board reviewed a submission that included a letter, plans and photos of the proposed 42” high black metal fence.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB.
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
- Two Central Street (Angelica of the Angels): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that included a letter, photos, and plans for a proposed window sign, blade sign, and flower pots.
Daniel had documented that outdoor chairs need to be re-submitted; these will not be included in the recommendations.
Duncan noted that the SRA should vote on what is before the board now with the DRB’s requested recommendations.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB.
Seconded by Veno. Passes 5-0.
Old/New Business
- MBTA Intermodal Station: Discussion and vote to send letter of support for a waiver of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Duncan commented on the current need for support from the SRA for a waiver of an EIR as part of the MBTA station project. As noted in the Expanded Environmental Notification Form, the station project will encourage additional transit and take cars off the road, provide more parking, promote traffic safety, renovate the exterior façade of the signal tower, and provide a full high platform with elevator and access to Washington Street for pedestrians and people with disabilities. Duncan also noted that even with the waiver, the permitting process requires chapter 91 filing and additional opportunities for public input.
Veno commented that the SRA has a strong perspective to offer towards the waiver.
The Board reviewed a submission.
Veno: Motion to approve support for EIR waiver request
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the June 13, 2012 regular meeting were reviewed.
Vickers: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 5-0.
Adjournment
Veno: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:00 pm.
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