City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday August 14, 2013 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran, Russell Vickers
Members Absent: 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
Executive Director Lynn Duncan noted that she did not have a formal and separate Executive Director’s report given that projects that would typically be discussed in her report, such as the Peabody Essex Museum expansion and Dodge/Washington Street projects were already on the agenda for discussion.
Old/New Business
- Reappointment of DRB Members: Discussion and vote on the reappointments of Paul Durand, Helen Sides, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy, and Ernie DeMaio to the Design Review Board.
Lynn Duncan noted that J. Michael Sullivan had previously been appointed by the SRA to the DRB and that he has since been confirmed by the City Council and sworn in. Each of the remaining DRB members’ terms have now expired and each of them are interested in continuing to serve on the DRB. The SRA was asked to consider the reappointment of these members, which would then allow the Department of Planning and Community Development to submit their names to the Mayor’s Office so that they may be confirmed by the City Council on a future date.
Robert Mitnik commended all of the members who are up for reappointment and noted that he felt that they have all done a fabulous job in their capacities.
Vickers: Motion to approve reappointment of all members (Durand, Sides, Jaquith, Kennedy, and DeMaio) to the DRB.
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- Peabody Essex Museum Expansion: Tim Shaw (Project Director), Bob Monk (PEM Director of Facilities & Security), and Claudia Chuber (PEM Director of Community Affairs & Grants Management) will discuss updates to the PEM’s ongoing expansion project.
Lynn Duncan introduced Bob Monk who spoke about updates in regards to the museum’s expansion project. Mr. Monk introduced Tim Shaw (Project Director), and Claudia Chuber (PEM Director of Community Affairs & Grants Management) who were also present in the room.
Monk reminded the SRA of the unfortunate passing of Rick Mather who had been the architect working on the project. A search for a replacement architect was then conducted. The PEM announced this past week that Ennead (name of firm) of New York, NY was selected as the new architectural firm that would be overseeing the project from here on out.
The firm is now starting schematic design with an intention to develop a new design – this work is beginning right away. PEM expects to make initial schematic design concepts and plans available to the public in the first quarter of 2014. Completion of the project is projected to occur sometime in 2019.
Current construction – a $30 million “enabling phase” – is due to be complete by mid-September, followed by the opening of a new space that will open by late October.
Monk offered to answer any questions (paraphrased below):
Vickers: So you are beginning a new schematic design process? It’s pretty much a blank slate?
Monk: Yes; pretty much.
Duncan: To refresh my memory, are the trees going to be replaced in front where the enabling phase is being completed?
Monk: Yes; the agreement with the City is that the PEM will replace the trees in-kind at the City’s request. I don’t know that there was intent to replace the trees exactly where they once stood. I think it would be premature to do that not knowing what the future plans are. That being said, the museum stands ready to replace the trees wherever the City requests that they be replaced.
It was established that the PEM would prefer to conduct the replacement of trees after the new
Schematic design phase is complete in order to understand where trees could be replanted
without affecting new plans.
The SRA thanked the PEM for its presentation.
Development Project Review
- 9-11 Dodge Street, 217-251 Washington Street (Dodge Area LLC c/o RCG LLC): Discussion and vote on proposed schematic design.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed schematic design. David Steinbergh was present on behalf of Dodge Area LLC.
Duncan noted that this proposal is first reviewed by the SRA. If approved, the proposal will be sent to the DRB where it may take one or more meetings to finalize a schematic design. An approved schematic design will then return to the SRA for final approval.
Steinbergh commented that the proposed schematic design will be located on 3 parcels that currently consist of parking lots and infrastructures. 1st story will wrap around the building containing retail businesses. Steinbergh noted that the intent is to provide more of an urban fabric by adding the additional buildings along Dodge and Washington street.
The design will consist of 192,000 square feet of mixed use, which includes a 5-story hotel, parking garage, and additional retail space. Steinbergh commented that the proposed building height will rise with the sloped elevation.
Vickers questioned whether the upper level multiuse would accommodate rental or condo space. Steinberg noted that this space would consist of both rental offices and residential. Perimeter of building will be retail space, a hotel lobby, and amenities.
Duncan questioned what the anticipated construction time frame would be. Steinbergh commented that demolition would began by next spring with construction spanning 1 to 2 years. Steinberg noted that earliest phases of construction, which would include the hotel, would span about 15 months.
Baldini: Motion to approve to send to the DRB for review,
Seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
- 7 Dodge Street (Dodge Area LLC c/o RCG LLC): Discussion and vote on proposed demolition of structure.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed demolition of structure. David Steinbergh was present on behalf of Dodge Area LLC.
Duncan questioned what the plans for after demoing the dodge street bar and grill would be. Steinbergh commented that a 3 story mixed use structure with retail and residential use above would replace the existing building. Steinbergh noted that the demoed site will be used for staging and parking during construction of the hotel. Duncan commented that she would like to see the existing building be replaced with a function aside from parking.
Vickers questioned whether a condition could be made by the SRA stating that a mixed-use building would be built after the demolition and construction of the existing building and hotel. Vickers noted that this space should not become occupied only by parking spaces. A commitment should be made that a proposal for a new space would be provided after construction. The design should be submitted after last certificate of occupancy is given to the new building.
Mitnik noted that he is also concerned that this space would later become occupied by parking.
Vickers: Motion to approve with:
- Recommended changes that will be addressed by the DRB.
- Subject to conditions made by the historical community.
- Motion to approve with the following conditions as presented by the SRA: Development of Dodge Street Bar and Grill parcel (7 Dodge Street): Design plan submitted prior to last certificate of occupancy being issued for the Washington and Dodge Streets mixed-use development.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
Sign, Awning, Lighting, and Façade Review
- 283 Derby Street (Brothers Restaurant and Deli): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor café, signage, and façade improvements.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed outdoor café, signage, and façade improvements. Richard Griffin was present on behalf of Brothers Restaurant and Deli.
Griffin commented that construction would take place in 2 stages. Part 1 includes the renovation of the buildings exterior, which includes taller windows, wooden signage, outdoor lighting, and a light aluminum awning with an acrylic cover. Griffin commented that phase 2 would include an outdoor café style seating area. Griffin noted that permission from the city council is needed because 2-metered parking spaces would be eliminated. The DRB suggested adding 2 bollards and a planter near the door for safety precautions. The DRB approved the color scheme.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
Recommendation: uplight fixture or recessed led in signage
- Signage: Lettering will be aluminum color and backing will be dark green. Signage should be mirrored.
Recommendation: 3Dimentional letters.
- Windows: Framing will be dark green
- Door: Height is 9’
Recommendation: Aluminum or gun metal grey.
- Awnings: Aluminum with green clear.
- Seating: Bollards are required (2)
- Wrapping around the corner is ok.
- Table color will be aluminum.
- Door swing:
Recommendation: pull in 1’ or 1’6”
Planter for protection on door swing side.
Recommendation: light grey paint color
- Send finalized set of drawings, and material samples for awning, bollard placement to board for approval via email and provide to the SRA.
Baldini questioned what 2 parking spaces would be given up. The plan was then referenced as showing that the two spaces furthest on the right-hand side when facing the structure would be removed.
Vickers questioned if the outdoor seating area is permanently enclosed with a fence. Vickers questioned whether a flexible fence could be used so that it can be removed in the wintertime.
Duncan questioned whether the business would be leasing the parking spaces from the city or buying the land back. Griffin commented that the interest would be no easement, no lease or no purchase.
Baldini: Motion to approve with:
- Recommended changes addressed by the DRB.
- Subject to approval of umbrellas (fabric samples) by the DRB first and then SRA.
- City Council must approve removal of two spaces for the purposes of an outdoor seating area.
- Change in fencing to be removable similar to what is used at other restaurants in the City, such as Rockafella’s or the Village Tavern.
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 265 Essex Street (DeIulis Properties, LLC): Discussion and vote on proposed replacement of windows, sills, trim, and storm panels.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed replacement of windows, sills, trim, and storm panels.
Shapiro noted that windows would be clad with wood on the interior and aluminum with a built in screen on the exterior. All the rotting trim that surrounds the windows will be replaced with Azek.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Approve clad windows,
- 6 over 6 windows.
- Smooth finish white Azek trimboard including sill with no fluting.
- Colonial Sill instead of picture frame. Not a requirement just a recommendation by the DRB. The SRA would like to make this a condition.
Vickers: Motion to approve with:
- Recommended changes addressed by the DRB,
- Colonial Sill instead of picture frame.
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 87 Washington Street (Opus Restaurant): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor café.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed outdoor café. Mark McDunna was present on behalf of Opus Restaurant.
McDunna commented that the DRB had concern whether there would be enough room for pedestrian and employee circulation with the proposed outdoor seating located in the front of the building.
Mitnik noted that there is a 7’ table separation requirement.
Shapiro questioned what the distance from the diagonal chain to the corner of the tree well is. This dimension would be required for the DRB meeting.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Approve back patio as drawn and presented.
- Pending approval on umbrellas based on recommendation made by Kennedy.
- Continue approval of front layout, owner to provide dimensions and new seating layout, show all elements and cut sheet of heater.
Vickers: Motion to approve back seating area as recommended by the DRB / front seating area to be reviewed by the DRB for final review.
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 2 Lynde Street (Firenze Trattoria): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed signage.
Shapiro commented that brackets and the color of the board will match existing.
The 3D letters will be red and white with a thin white edge.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Lettering to be brought in about 10% from the edge, closer to the center.
- Text size to remain the same.
Curran: Motion to approve with recommended changes addressed by the DRB,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
- 201 Washington Street (Beijing Herbel Foot Spa): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed signage.
Shapiro commented that the signage will fit exactly the same as the signage before about 28 square feet with yellow lettering against red backing with a green logo.
Baldini: Motion to approve, with recommended changes addressed by the DRB,
Seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
- 131 Essex Street (The Marble Faun): Discussion and vote on proposed signage.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes cut sheets, a proposal, and photos of the proposed signage.
Shapiro commented that the building sign above the doorframe will spell out the stores name in gold lettering. Shapiro noted that window decals in gold font facing Essex Street and an A frame sign 24”x36” is also being approved.
Shapiro commented that the DRB recommendations included:
- Lettering to be tightened up a bit so it becomes closer to the center and provides more of an edge
- Black A frame sign
Vickers: Motion to approve with recommended changes addressed by the DRB,
Seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the July 10, 2013 regular meeting were reviewed.
Baldini: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Vickers. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:20 pm.
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