City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday April 9, 2014 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Matthew Veno, Robert Mitnik, Robert Curran,
Members Absent: Conrad Baldini, Russell Vickers
Others Present: Andrew Shapiro
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Shapiro noted that Ms. Duncan would be absent this evening, hence there would not be an “Executive Director’s Report” in the traditional sense, but that he would be happy to provide an update on the issue of the disposition of the Superior and District Court complexes. He said that a recent article in the Salem News elaborated on this subject. The Mayor met with Secretary Galvin to discuss the disposition of the court buildings. Also present at the meeting were Representative John Keenan and Senator Joan Lovely.
Galvin relayed that he plans on viewing the superior court complex to determine if the location would be suitable for relocating the Registry Of Deeds back downtown. If the Secretary were to dismiss these buildings as feasible for the Registry, he agreed that the City, SRA, and DCAMM could proceed with an arrangement to dispose and restoratively redevelop the properties. Legislation would be revised to accommodate this process. The Salem News was incorrect in regards to the noting that the SRA would get the properties right away. DCAMM would remain in control of the properties up until the qualified proposal for redevelopment was fully executed.
Old/New Business
Urban Renewal Area Projects
- 43 Church Street (Turner’s Seafood): Discussion and vote on proposed outdoor seating area.
The Board reviewed a submission that includes drawings of the proposed outdoor seating area.
Shapiro noted that applicant Jim Turner of Turner’s Seafood would like to make use of the courtyard area located behind his restaurant. A proposal was submitted to the DRB that originally had a 36” clearance between the seating area and the planting area for pedestrian traffic. However, the Building Inspector requested it be revised to meet a 48” clearance. The proposal would include (10) 32” tables in a black mesh top finish with (38) seats. Shapiro noted that there were no objections from the DRB on this plan including the style and color of the umbrellas, which are to be black canvas. The DRB did note that no advertisement on the umbrella could be represented.
Veno questioned if there were any residential abutters regarding this proposal.
Shapiro commented that the restaurant is not surrounded by residential property therefore no.
Curran: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Veno. Passes 3-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the March 12, 2014 regular meeting was reviewed.
Veno: Motion to approve.
Seconded by Curran. Passes 3-0.
Adjournment
Curran: Motion to adjourn,
Seconded by Veno. Passes 3-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:12 pm.
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