City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday April 10, 2013 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik Matthew Veno, Conrad Baldini, Russell Vickers,
Members Absent: Robert Curran
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 Economic Development Planner position. Andrew Shepiro has been hired to replace Tom Daniel. He has been working for the City of Boston as a regional planner and managing a variety of projects.
Court reuse – Two bills have been submitted by Representative John Keenan to transfer three court buildings from the state to the Salem Redevelopment Authority, including the County Commissioners Building, Superior Court, and the District Court. Buildings are proposed to be will be reused taking into consideration historic preservation standards. Beth Debski in the Mayor’s office has been coordinating this project to date.
The pedestrian mall project is moving forward. The department of Planning & Community Development has been working with a new director of public services to get a contractor on board. The construction will be scheduled to begin in May. This shall include removal of landscape beds at the far side of the mall, resetting two cobblestone areas, removing cobble tabs and replacing with brick, and removing diseased trees and replacing them. The project should be complete by June.
The fountain project has gone out to bid. The DRB approved the project and had minor suggestions. The Mayor will be including funding for this project from the capital improvement program for fiscal year 2013. The bid process has started and bids are due on May 16th. The project is scheduled to have a 6-8 week construction period beginning on July 29th and ending in mid September.
A temporary summer sculpture series took place in 2011 and had a vast amount of positive feedback. This year the sculptures will be located at Artist Row, Front Street and Washington Street intersection, and the pedestrian mall. Eventually there will be a process for public art but for now we are moving forward with these temporary sculptures.
Old/New Business
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 168 Essex Street (Village Tavern): Discussion and vote on proposed signage and umbrellas.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed signage and umbrellas.
Duncan commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Ordinance cannot be adjusted to meet the desired locations for the proposed A Frame signage.
- Any A Frame signage needs to be 10’ away from an entry door.
- No logo’s or advertisement placed on umbrellas, signage, or awnings.
- Orange A frame sign needs to be painted white or red to match awning colors.
- C location for proposed signage is the only proposed location approved.
- Red and white stripe or solid red with white text and no logo on all awnings and umbrellas.
Baldini commented that the business owner has requested an extension to replace the current umbrellas.
Duncan noted that the current umbrellas could be temporarily painted red or white to cover any logos. The umbrellas will still need to be replaced.
Vickers: Motion to approve with recommended changes addressed by the DRB,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 2 North Street (FiveHands Curiosity Shoppe): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets and photos of the proposed signage.
Duncan commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Window decals located to left of the entrance door. Text and background color shall be off white with gold lettering.
- Text shall be a bit smaller and Kennedy should review the hanging signage location.
- Ornate bracket with 1 to 1 ¼” thick blade sign with a black edge to be located in existing location. Width will be reduced to 30”.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
- 51 Lafayette Street (Derby Lofts): Discussion and vote on proposed awnings.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a letter, cut sheets and photos of the proposed awnings.
Duncan commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Awning at entry is self-supporting.
- Straight plane awning except for entry, which shall be scoop style.
- Awnings to be located at building corners, should match other straight plane style awnings.
- Font type, size, and color to be reviewed by Glenn Kennedy.
Duncan commented that the proposed awning located above the sidewalk has been withdrawn because a permit would be required for erecting a structure on city property.
Vickers: Motion to approve subject to approval of the font type, size and color by Glenn Kennedy as member of the DRB. Seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
- 83 Washington Street (Melita Fiore Cakes): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos, cut sheets, and a letter for the proposed signage.
Duncan commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Gold silver color combination on the frame of the proposed blade sign.
- Melita Fiore Text with Patisserie in smaller font as specified by Glenn Kennedy.
- Proposed window decals shall only acknowledge business hours. Phone number and website address is not approved.
- Jump back jack door color
Veno: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 60 Washington Street (Salem Screamery): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets and photos of the proposed signage.
Duncan commented that the signage should have the same size, color scheme, and format of existing sign. The only change is a 37” tall vanilla ice cream cone blade sign. Duncan noted that the DRB recommended the proposed street sign to be centered under existing windows.
Vickers: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the March 13, 2013 regular meeting was reviewed.
Baldini: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:40 pm.
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