City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday June 12, 2013 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Matthew Veno, Conrad Baldini, Russell Vickers, Robert Mitnik, Robert Curran
Members Absent:
Others Present: Executive Director and City Planner Lynn Duncan, Andrew Shapiro
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Lynn Duncan began her report by introducing the City’s new Economic Development Planner, Andrew Shapiro. Shapiro spoke briefly, noting that he had worked previously for the cities of Boston and Los Angeles, has a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech, and was eager and happy to work with the SRA.
Duncan then provided an update to the proposed sale and abandonment of land at Washington and Dodge Streets, noting that the City Council would be deciding on a public hearing date to discuss the issue – it would be either the 8th, 9th, or 11th of July. Additionally, Duncan requested that the SRA Members make an effort to show up to this hearing in order to voice support for the project. In wrapping up discussion on the project, and the soon-to-be set hearing date, she noted that an appraisal of the property was conducted, which provided a value of $275,000 – this is the minimum sale price that the City can accept.
It was at this point that SRA Member Matthew Veno arrived – 6:06 pm.
Lynn Duncan provided an update on the pedestrian mall project. Phase 2 is currently underway, cobblestones have been removed and reset and the parking tab has been replaced with brick. The project will need to be completed no later than the end of June.
The Fountain project has only received one bid, which has a price nearly twice as high as the construction estimate. The project is on hold pending re-evaluation.
Old/New Business
- DRB Member Nomination: Discussion and vote on nomination of J. Michael Sullivan, AIA, LEED AP to the Design Review Board
Sullivan commented that he is a registered architect and principal for a firm located in Boston. Sullivan noted that he has been on the board of directors for habitat for humanity and would like the chance to give back to the City of Salem for the number of years that he has resided in it. Sullivan noted that this will be his first time serving on a design review board but he has presented in front of the committee a number of times.
Vickers: Motion to appoint Michael Sullivan to the DRB.
Seconded by Curran Passes 5-0.
Sign, Awning, and Lighting Review
- 155 Washington Street (Adriatic Restaurant): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed signage.
Duncan commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Yellow to match the building in place of proposed green for proposed signage.
- Sign will match the larger Passage To India signage.
- Seating to be continued. A measured diagram will be presented to the DRB.
- 40 Front Street (Roost and Company): 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:
- Blade signs will say Roost and Company on both sides in current proposed locations.
- Change middle sign to have some element of fern on it without Roost and Company type.
- Decrease font on outer windows to match “Roost” on blade signs or to be no smaller than 75% of currently proposed font.
- Volumes change but keep text aligned along windows.
- Fill in transom of larger windows with green up to were film ends on other signs.
- Far right window sign should be tall enough to provide a visual line across. Increase in height.
- Green in middle window. No fern.
- 6 Front Street (The Boutique): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes a letter, cut sheets and photos of the proposed signage.
Duncan commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- ¾” thick blade sign
- White diamond that is the same size of the surrounding diamonds to replace the proposed “At” text.
Baldini: Motion to approve 155 Washington Street, 40 Front Street, and 6 Front Street as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Curran. Passes 5-0.
- 76 Lafayette Street (Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor seating.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos, cut sheets, and a letter for the proposed outdoor seating.
Shapiro noted that there has been a concern from the building department. The building inspector would like to see a 48” clearance instead of 38” on the pedestrian sidewalk. Shapiro commented that the pedestrian sidewalk is not considered a traditional path of travel. The sidewalk is adjacent to a parking lot and not used often. The building department requested a standard size of 36” for each picnic bench if applicable.
Shapiro commented that the SRA recommendations should include:
1 Bollard placed in front of the last bench in the parking area next to the door. Placement of the bollard should be with-in the parking lot and not located on the sidewalk.
Vickers: Motion to approve with requests made by the Building Inspector and SRA recommendations,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 5-0.
- 300 Derby Street (Murphy’s Restaurant): Discussion and vote on proposed addition of a trellis structure within the outdoor seating area.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets and photos of the proposed trellis.
Shapiro noted that the proposed 29’ x 28’ 10” trellis structure would be installed in the front of the building’s outdoor seating area with planters located at its base. The structure will be anchored with concrete pads.
Vickers: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 5-0.
- 24 Artists Row (Social Palates Studio): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos, cut sheets, and a letter for the proposed signage.
Shapiro noted that the proposal is for a proposed blade sign 24”x36” to be hung on the existing signpost.
Veno: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Curran. Passes 5-0.
- 43 Church Street (Turner’s Seafood): Discussion and vote on proposed signage and façade improvements.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos, cut sheets, and a letter for the proposed signage and façade improvements.
Shapiro noted that there are three proposed pieces of siganage: a 51”x42” blade sign that will be hung directly above the door; ATurner’s Seafood sign that will have black lettering and be pinned to the building directly underneath the 2nd floor windows with a height of 20” and a span of 27’; andadditional small stencil Turner decals that would be located on the windows (each 2’6” x 1’0). A red and white striped awning consisting of the same fabric used in the applicant’s Melrose restaurant will be used. Shapiro noted that black flower boxes would be posted in the recessed area of windows. Flower boxes will be no larger than 8” deep. Shapiro commented that the 6 existing flagpoles would have nautical or historical flags hung from
them. The DRB requests further examples and specific designs for these flags and continued that item for further review
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Switching to window boxes as opposed to planters. 18” or less deep.
- Come back for submission of proposed flags.
- Pull height of sign letters down away from windows.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
- 188 Essex Street (Red Line Cafe): Discussion and vote on proposed signage and outdoor seating.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos, cut sheets, and a letter for the proposed signage and outdoor seating.
Shapiro noted that a maximum of 3 tables with 2 seats per table are being proposed outside of the business. Tables will have a diameter of 24” and will acknowledge the requested 48” clearance. Shapiro commented that the proposed signage would be located in the same location as the previous signage. Window decals will be placed at 3 windowsills stating “Eat Drink Indulge.” One word per decal in the same typeface. The signage would have a burgundy red background and white lettering.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Minimum of 2 tables maximum of 3 depending on size. Contingent on not blocking the door.
- Round 24” table with black chairs as submitted. Max. of 2 seats per table.
- 42” clearance for sidewalk pedestrian traffic.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 5-0.
- 230 Essex Street (Sugar Rush): Discussion and vote on proposed signage and painting of facade.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes photos, cut sheets, and a letter for the proposed signage and painting of facade.
Shapiro noted that the proposed blade sign would hang where the existing signpost is located. The façade will be painted green with a blue trim.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Vinyl sign on window
- Lollipop icon on wall
- Resubmit type and blade sign
- Green facade
Curran: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 5-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the April 10, 2013 regular meeting were reviewed.
Veno: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 5-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 5-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:51 pm.
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