City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday March 13, 2013 at 5:30pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran,
Members Absent: Russell Vickers, Matthew Veno
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Lynn Duncan provided an update on the Salem Senior Center. She noted that the Council Committee meeting on the financing for the Senior Center was being held later the same evening at 6:30 pm. Duncan noted that the SRA will be reviewing potential developers and proposals for the reuse of 5 Broad Street, the current Council on Aging building. A recommendation for disposition would then be made by the SRA to the City Council.
Duncan commented that the city has renewed the lease for Gordon College to manage Old Town Hall.
Duncan noted that a public art meeting was organized for earlier this week and that Robert Mitnik was present and represents the SRA on the Public Art Working Group. Artists and art appreciators attended. Discussion was focused on priority locations for public art. Duncan noted that the Urban Renewal Plan will apply to public art downtown. There will be clarification of the process as part of the Master Plan.
Duncan commented that the position of Economic Development Planner has not yet been filled; however, resumes are being reviewed and one interview has been scheduled. Duncan noted that she had been waiting before making any decision for further information regarding the FY14 CDBG budget, It appears that the CDBG budget for the City, which funds part or all of staff salaries in the Department of Planning & Community Development, will be cut by 5%,
Old/New Business
Sign, Awning, Lighting, and Façade Review
- 16 New Derby Street (ReBound Properties, LLC.): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The submission under review before the SRA includes cut sheets, proposal, and photos of the proposed sign.
Baldini: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 118 Washington Street (Naumkeag Ordinary): Discussion and vote on proposed signage and exterior changes.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a letter, cut sheets and photos of the proposed signage.
Duncan commented that the DRB made one recommendation stating that the metal lettering should be silver or black with a ½” depth.
Curran: Motion to approve the revised proposal, which includes the DRB recommendation. .
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 3-0.
- Essex Street Pedestrian Mall: Discussion and vote on revisions to Washington/Essex fountain improvements.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a letter, plans and photos of the proposed
revisions to the design of the fountain. Duncan noted that the revisions have not yet gone before the DRB, but could be approved by the SRA subject to any DRB conditions since time was of the essence.
Duncan noted the following revisions:
- The basin has expanded by 16” in width
- An aluminum grate finish will replace the previously specified river stones.
- Additional public art as recommended by the design consultant shall include a graphic text motif from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s poem, which will encircle the base of the fountain. The proposed letters shall be engraved within the concrete. Duncan commented that the design intent is to refurbish and build on the historic nature of the fountain.
Mitnik noted that the described changes appear positive, reinforcing the fountains spirit. The designers have handled the fountains improvements very sensitively.
Baldini: Motion to approve subject to any conditions made by the DRB.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the December 12, 2012 regular meeting were reviewed.
Curran: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 3-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 5:42pm.
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