City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday October 16, 2012 at 6:30pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Matthew Veno, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran, Russell Vickers, Bob Curran
Members Absent: Robert Mitnik
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan
Economic Development Manager Tom Daniel
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Chairperson Matthew Veno called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Lynn Duncan provided an update on the MBTA station improvements. Duncan noted that the Chapter 91 public hearing for the station was held last week. The next public meeting for the project will be held November 13.
Old/New Business
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 87 Washington Street (Opus): Discussion and vote on proposed signage, alley design and egress.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, plans, and photos of the proposed signage, alley design and egress. Mark McDonough was present on behalf of Opus. Daniel explained that the submission under review before the SRA includes the design and construction of a blade sign, dimensional letters above the door, and a transparent decal located on the door. Daniel noted that the business is planning to use the basement as part of the restaurant. A second egress is required which will be located at the location of an existing window opening. Daniel additionally commented that grading would be required to be raised to meet the entry threshold.
Veno questioned whether the planters located next to the egress doorway are compliant with city regulations. Daniel commented that all codes have been addressed. Veno questioned whether the lighting feature of the sign is internal. Daniel noted that the light is not internal and will create a glow effect which complies with the ordinance.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 196 Essex Street (Jo’ Freedom): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission, which includes plans and photos of the proposed signage.
Daniel noted that the proposed design is for a simple blade sign, which is to use the existing bracket.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 72 Washington Street and 244 Essex Street (Re-Find and Re-Find Men’s): Discussion and vote on proposed portable signs.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a letter, plans and photos of the proposed portable signs.
Daniel noted that the placement of the signage would align with the street trees and surrounding structures.
Veno asked if the dimensions of the proposed sign complied with the ordinance. Daniel explained that when the frame is included, it exceeds 6 square feet; however, the DRB recommends approval because the sign panel is not more than 6 square feet.
Vickers: Motion to approve request as submitted as reviewed by DRB,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 190 Essex Street (Witch’s Hide): Discussion and vote on proposed portable sign.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos of the proposed portable sign.
Daniel noted that the revised proposal for the proposed portable sign was just received before the meeting and requires further review. However, Daniel recommended the SRA approve the proposal subject to the detailed review. Daniel commented that the “A” frame signage shall only be used when there are readings offered. The image of the reader shall be located on the top half of the proposed signage. Pictures and text shall be printed on the same vinyl sheet. Daniel commented that Glenn Kennedy would review the revised design to confirm compliance with the DRB’s conditions.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 270 Essex Street (Game Zone): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos of the proposed signage.
Daniel noted that the proposed blade sign represents a gaming panel, and the buttons will be dimensional. Daniel commented that the proposal was modified to meet the DRB’s conditions. The proposed bracket will match the Bella Hair Studio’s bracket.
Daniel noted that separate issues regarding the window decals are to be addressed later and are not be included in tonight’s SRA approval.
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Project Review
- East India Square (Peabody Essex Museum): Discussion and vote on proposed emergency generator.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a letter and photos, construction drawings, data sheets of proposed emergency generator.
Tim Shaw spoke on behalf of the Peabody Essex Museum. The submission under review before the SRA includes the design proposal for a new generator, which will replace the existing one, but will be located in the parking lot to the east of the museum.
Shaw noted that the new generator would be enclosed with 34’ long and 16’ tall sound damping screen painted green. Bamboo and witch hazel will cover the screening with a number of shrubs in front. Shaw showed before and after images demonstrating the impact of the planting screening.
Veno asked if the pedestrian access that goes through the wall would be maintained. Shaw responded that they were proposing to close it off through the plantings. Seven existing parking spots will be lost.
Shaw noted that the generator would be exercised on a regular basis during working hours. Ambient noise levels are currently being studied.
Shaw commented that the generator includes a 1,700 gallon diesel fuel tank with a 1,900 gallon rupture basin.
Vickers: Motion to approve the conceptual design and forward to DRB for further recommendations.
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- Essex Street Pedestrian Mall: Discussion and vote on proposed improvements to Essex Street pedestrian mall.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a PowerPoint presentation, plans, and photos of the proposed improvements to the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.
Duncan provided background. The improvements before the SRA tonight focus on refurbishing the fountain and treatment of the cobblestones. At the April SRA meeting, the conceptual plan was approved. There was significant discussion of the fountain and the cobblestones. The plans tonight address maintenance, safety, and pedestrian travel as well as respect the historic nature of the city. Phase one improvements were completed on September 14, 2012 and consisted of the removal of three landscaping beds. There are now three tables and chairs behind the fountain and they are frequently used. The second phase includes the addition of canopy trees, the removal of the kiosk, and the removal of two additional landscaping beds. The tree in the circular planter in front of Salem Five will not be
removed.
Duncan introduced Tim Love from Utile. Love noted that phase two would focus on how to better manage pedestrians, service vehicles, and traffic.
Love summarized the outcome of the four workshops from 2011. The overarching recommendation was to keep the mall a pedestrian space but to clarify the design logic of the mall so that it was clear where the pedestrian zone was and where the vehicular zone was. This meant undoing some of the labyrinthian aspects of the mall largely due to the low plantings.
Love showed perspective drawings showing increased pedestrian space and clarified vehicular circulation route. Materials would match existing flush pavement, brick, and cobblestone materials. Love commented that site lines into the mall would be increased encouraging more business.
Love suggested a “Fenway Park” model whereby incremental improvements are made over time. The character of the place remains the same; it just becomes better.
Love reviewed the first phase of the removals project that was completed in September. He then presented the additional removals scope to be completed—the base scope. These elements include the removal of eight trees located near the Washington Street entrance. One tree that is not in alignment with the others will be replaced in a new location by the Magic Parlor and Derby Square Bookstore. The two remaining planters in front of Museum Place Mall will be removed and replaced with brick. New bollards will be added in certain locations. The kiosk will be removed and the utility box housed within it will be tucked around corner out of the pedestrian mall site line.
Two cobbled areas—one by Rockafellas and one by Bernards—are in the worst condition. The proposal is to reset the cobblestones to make a smoother surface and to remove the pull-out “tab” areas. This will clarify the vehicular driving path and increase pedestrian circulation area.
The last component of the project is to restore the fountain and reconfigure the pool and the base of it to make it smaller. When the fountain is not on, it will not look like it isn’t on—there will not an empty pool. By reducing the size of the base, there will be more room and additional opportunities for more tables and chairs.
Veno asked whether the fountain could be easily identified. Love noted that the fountain and associated lighting would be restored to make the relief more legible. New proposed up-lighting will further enhance the relief.
Vickers asked about the fountain design. Love recapped the fountain proposal.
Veno asked which side of the fountain has the interpretative panel. Love commented that it is located on the east side.
Duncan noted that the landscaping bed used to block people from accessing the east side of the fountain where the interpretative panel is located.
Veno noted that with a smaller basin, the south-facing bronze will be more easily viewed. He thinks it’s well done and a great idea.
Duncan noted the current maintenance issues with the fountain.
Veno asked about the tree in the round planter and noted that it should be trimmed up so people don’t get poked in the eye. Love responded that the tree species is as large as it gets. It could be trimmed a little bit.
Veno asked if there was any thought to replacing it with a more appropriate tree. Love responded that it might be something to consider for a future phase.
Councillor Michael Sosnowski asked whether the three letters from the artist of sculpture and architect have been reviewed by the SRA. Sosnowski asked whether the new design still captures the award winning concepts from the historical design. Love commented that Salem is developing with time and public spaces are being occupied with different functions. Part of the decision isn’t just about the quality of materials and views, but how to get businesses and pedestrians to engage. Duncan noted that key pieces are being recognized. The town’s first spring continues to be acknowledged and is even becoming more apparent. The poem by Nathaniel Hawthorne and sculpture and fountain itself are the key pieces that are critical—not the concrete base.
Sosnowski stated he agreed with Duncan.
Baldini commented that it was an improvement to the original design.
Love commented that Salem uses outdoor spaces differently than it used to—for example there now is a lot of outdoor dining. Love noted that part of the goal through the design changes is to see if the mall can be used more than it is today.
Sosnowski said he didn’t disagree with the approach.
Andrew Carr from 7 River St. commented on both fountains on the pedestrian mall. He noted that each fountain is site specific and explained the background on each. Carr commented that it was important for Salem to recognize the original architect John Collins; he was an important figure in the 1970’s design of the downtown. Carr provided petitions signed by business owners in favor of restoring the fountains.
John Carr, 7 River St., stated he thought the proposal was a thoughtful reexamination of the Collins design. He thought the removal of the kiosk box was a good thing and will open up views. He stated he supported the incremental approach. Carr further commented that cities are organic and change over time. He is opposed to the removal of the fountains but likes the proposal to refurbish the Town House Square fountain. Carr asked if the removal of the cobblestone tabs will be confusing for vehicles. Love responded that bollards would be used to delineate the tab areas. The tab areas will be brick.
Charlotte Barrows, on behalf of Landmarks Studio, commented that a principal in Landworks Studio was associated with the original project and worked for John Collins. The principal tried to get in contact with the Delta Group to get the original drawings but was not successful. Barrows noted that the principal would say that John Collins didn’t think of his designs as precious as we might interpret. Just because it won awards in the 1980’s doesn’t mean it couldn’t be improved and win awards today.
Andrew Carr commented that he agreed and that the pedestrian mall can adapt and cities need to grow. He wanted to make sure people were aware of Collins and his work.
Love emphasized the importance to have an incremental approach—test what works and then continue on.
Rinus Oosthoek from the Chamber of Commerce noted the good job done on the first phase of the removals project and appreciated having the work done outside of the peak tourist season. He asked that future construction be similarly scheduled. Oosthoek questioned the new placement of the kiosk and its proximity to the Cabot Money Management building. Oosthoek would like consideration for outdoor seating for Fountain Place.
Emily Udy from 8 Buffum St. was speaking personally. She questioned the proposed seating. Udy noted that a loss of public spaces to sit if the proposed outdoor seating were privately controlled. Udy commented that benches would be ideal. Love noted that seats are to be mobile and designated to the public. Seating arrangements will be a year long social experiment to further designate permanent seating arrangements.
Councillor Sosnowski asked if the SRA was looking to the City Council to implement a traffic management program for the pedestrian mall. Veno responded that it was not part of their discussions.
Carol Carr from 7 River St. commented that the steps at the fountain base allow the public to be separate and informal.
Love suggested the green park chairs in Bryant Park in New York City as a model to consider here.
Vickers: Motion to approve conceptual design and forward to the DRB for more thorough review and recommendations,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the July 11, 2012 and August 8, 2012 regular meetings were reviewed.
Veno: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 8:00 pm.
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