City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday August 8, 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: Bob Curran
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 had three items to review with the group.
- The MBTA received a draft decision approving the waiver of the EIR. MEPA has published the draft decision, and the final decision is due on Aug. 30, 2012.
- Duncan noted that the pedestrian mall phase one has moved forward. She explained that the city did not perform work in July and is minimizing time in August. Work is scheduled to begin on August 20 and will be completed by the end of September. Duncan commented that the number of elements in the scope for phase one has been reduced to the landscaping beds behind the fountain, in front of the Magic Parlor and Derby Street Books, and in front of the Witch History Museum.
Duncan noted that phase two should address the cobblestones, removing the kiosk, the fountain, additional landscaping beds, and planting new appropriately-sized trees.
- Duncan additionally noted that the Salem Museum in Old Town Hall, operated by Gordon College, had 5,300 visitors in the month of July. Duncan commented that this is 1,000 people more than last October. Old Town Hall has housed four summer sing performances by the Paul Madore Chorale, a graduation reception for Saltonstall Elementary School (free), three Drama Club Sessions hosted by Park & Recreation (free), and a wedding rehearsal in just the month of July.
Old/New Business
- East India Square (Peabody Essex Museum): Discussion and vote on proposed new mechanical penthouse.
The Board reviewed the submission that included three-dimensional renderings, construction drawings and photos of the proposed enabling of work.
Duncan commented that the SRA would be voting to approve the mechanical penthouse for the Peabody Essex Museum. The security operations center is still being reviewed by the DRB and final action by the SRA is expected in October.
Tim Shaw, Claudia Chuber, and Jim Noonan were present representing the Peabody Essex Museum. Shaw commented that the mechanical penthouse design was intended to not make it a feature of the building but to make it as discrete as possible.
Baldini: Motion to approve as proposed as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
- 93 Washington Street (City Hall): Discussion and vote on proposed roof replacement and chimney repair
The Board reviewed a submission that included a construction drawings, and photos of the proposed roof replacement and chimney repair.
Natalie Lovett, the project manager, and John Hector, representing McGinley Kalsow and Associates, were present. Lovett noted that last year City Council secured a $2 million bond for repairs to City Hall. Lovett noted that the SRA would only be reviewing a portion of the project today, which includes a new roof, masonry repairs to the chimneys (re-pointed, removed, or rebuilt), new gutters and downspouts, and repairs to the existing skylights.
Vickers inquired how they are deciding on one type of repair or the other. Hector commented that only one chimney required one hundred percent rebuilding. Hector explained that it is often how much the mortar joints have eroded. He additionally noted that there is currently no backup masonry; this typically makes re-pointing difficult.
Hector noted that one visible change would be to remove the rectangular penthouse that was a 20th century addition. He indicated the structure would be more expensive to repair than remove. Hector additionally noted that the six current skylights are a combination of sheet metal or copper. The intent is to rebuild them with copper and insulated glass. Hector noted that the existing roof profile and dimensions would not change. The skylights will be commercially or shop fabricated to be fairly identical, with no embedded steel. The shall be solid copper extruded into a folded shape.
Hector demonstrated the proposed Seacro PVC roofing material, which provides more longevity and is less expensive.
Baldini inquired how long PVC has been around. Hector commented “between thirty five to forty years”. The product provides welded seams and great weathering that a rubber roof cannot offer.
One element impacted during construction will be access. The handicapped accessible entrance in the rear of the building will remain accessible, but both alleys will be closed to the public.
Veno questioned whether there is a consultation with the disabilities commission. Duncan responded, yes, there will be a discussion with the chair of the disabilities commission.
Veno also noted that handicap changes to the building, changes to the pedestrian mall, and removal of the planter behind the fountain could create some access issues. Duncan inquired what the expected time frame would be. Hector commented from September to November.
Vickers inquired if the pedestrian mall will be closed off. Duncan responded no.
Duncan noted that in addition to any conditions the DRB will require, Massachusetts Historical Commission will review the project, as well.
Vickers: Motion to approve subject to recommendations by the DRB, seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
- Front Street and Klop Alley (Parking Lots): Discussion and vote on proposed parking lot modification.
The Board reviewed a submission that included a letter, plans and photos of the proposed parking lot modification.
Duncan commented that Front Street and Klop Alley parking lots would be redesigned to get additional parking spaces. By connecting the Front Street lot to the Klop Alley parking lot, a more efficient route can be formed.
Natalie Lovett, the project manager, was present. Lovett noted that the intent is to remove the existing curbing between the Front Street and Klop Alley lots and to change the angle of the parking spaces. Lovett commented that the Front Street entry would be closed and replaced with parallel parking spaces; traffic will be able to enter from Klop Alley in two aisles and exit from the middle aisle.
Mitnik inquires whether city employees will continue to have designated spots. Lovett responded stating that the Electrical Department will have no proposed change to the amount of designated parking spaces.
Veno: Motion to approve subject to recommendations by the DRB, seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
- New Liberty Street (Witch Trials Memorial): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that included photos of the proposed location of the sign, a sample graphic for the sign, and specifications for the frame.
Patty MacLeod was present on behalf of the Witch Trial Memorial. MacLeod commented that the existing sign has broken legs and provides no form of way finding. MacLeod commented that her intent is to install the frame as proposed and provide a temporary sign graphic, which will be replaced with a permanent sign graphic. . The proposed sign will be consistent with the City’s comprehensive signage program.
Duncan clarified that the SRA will vote on whether to approve the frame and the temporary sign subject to DRB conditions for the proposed temporary sign graphic, which still needs to be submitted to the DRB for their August 22, 2012 meeting . . Duncan additionally added that MacLeod needs to submit the final design for the sign graphic to the DRB in September, 2012. .
Vickers: Motion to approve the frame and concept of a temporary sign subject to recommendations of the DRB provided that final plans for the permanent sign graphic are submitted to the DRB in September and the permanent sign graphic to be consistent with the City’s comprehensive signage program seconded by Baldini. Passes 5-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 48 Central Street (A&J King Artisan Bakers): Discussion and vote on proposed awning.
The Board reviewed a submission that included a letter and photos of the proposed awnings.
Duncan noted that the submission under review includes the grey awnings, which are to match the existing ones on the Derby Street façade.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB, seconded by Veno. Passes 5-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:00 pm.
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