City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday April 8, 2015 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Chairperson Robert Mitnik, Conrad Baldini, Robert Curran, Grace Harrington
Members Absent: Russell Vickers
Others Present: Economic Development Planner Andrew Shapiro
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Chairperson Robert Mitnik calls the meeting to order. Roll call was taken.
Executive Director’s Report
Andrew Shapiro noted that in Executive Director Duncan’s absence there would be no formal report.
Old/ New Business
- Derby Square/ Artist’s Row: Discussion and vote on proposed temporary public art installation concept. Deborah Greel was present on behalf of the City of Salem.
Documents and Exhibitions:
- Cover letter
- Photos with captions and text
Greel first covered the process for approving public art installations in the City, by noting that a call for artists’ was developed to solicit proposals. An artist selection panel reviewed all entries. The artist selected, Liz LaManche, recently produced an exhibition similar to what is being proposed, at the Boston Harbor walkway.
The artist’s proposal is inspired by the Peabody Essex Museum’s collection, in particular its pieces connected to Native American and maritime history – it has a tattoo feel. The title of the piece is “Connected to the Sea.” The artist would work with the PEM’s Curator of Native American Art to ensure that all symbols used would be appropriate to be walked upon, and no be disrespectful of Native American culture. The installation would take a month to install and be finished in time for the Salem Arts Festival in early June. The design would be maintained for approximately three months then de-installed.
Shapiro noted that some details such as materials and patterns are still being worked out but that the general concept is shown in the proposal before the Board.
Mitnik questioned where the art would be located.
Greel noted that the installation would occur along Derby Square down to Artists’ Row. The intent is to enliven and reinvigorate Artists’ Row.
Baldini: Motion: to approve as presented,
Seconded by Harrington. Passes 4-0
- 65 Washington Street (Former District Court): Discussion of status of District Court Request for Proposals (RFP).
Shapiro noted that the Board currently has copies of the request for proposals (RFP) that was issued a couple weeks prior for the redevelopment of the District Court property.
A pre-bid conference was held on April 7th, 2015. Shapiro commented that a second site visit is scheduled for Wednesday April 29th because the basement was not accessible during the last site visit due to flooding issues.
A few final revisions included:
- More detail listed in the fee schedule located under deposit (page 15).
- Right of Reversion has been taken out because more flexibility was needed.
A performance bond is required to provide additional protection.
- Language added: Highest bidder would not necessarily be picked. The project that best suits the City based on a number of criteria would be selected.
Todd Siegel, Ward 3 City Councillor requested to address the Board. He commented that he would like the SRA to consider not selling the property and to instead have a viability study produced that would examine the feasibility of relocating the City Hall Annex to that location. The current Annex is building is outdated, many repairs are needed, and the City pays approximately $360,000 per year in rent. To tear down the current courthouse and rebuild a 20,000 square foot facility would cost approximately $5-$6 million. That cost could be absorbed by the money saved from no longer paying rent to a private property owner. Councillor Siegel noted that he has put forth this proposal to committee and that he would be seeking broader City Council approval.
Siegel also referenced the uncertainty surrounding the development of the senior center and that this location could potentially house that facility. Developable land in Salem is scarce and this land is available essentially for free if the City were to acquire it. The City is required to send all proceeds of a sale of the property to the State. He encouraged the Board to hold off on proceeding with the RFP until more about the senior center development was known.
Chairman Mitnik questioned whether it was feasible for the City to put forth its own proposal to respond to the RFP.
Shapiro said he didn’t see why not.
Councillor Tom Furey noted that it would be detrimental to defer or delay the RFP process. Given the project’s location, it is too important to delay.
Mitnik noted that he agreed with not wanting to delay the project in any way. He also noted that if the City is interested in retaining the property for use as a new City Hall Annex or for the senior center, that it should identify a developer to work with and submit a proposal.
Harrington: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Baldini. Passes 4-0.
- 155 Washington Street, (Adriatic Restaurant): Discussion and vote on proposed installation of awning.
Shapiro noted that the proposal is to install awnings located above two of the storefront windows. The DRB provided a positive recommendation. Shapiro commented that the awnings would be retractable with no logo, and just a striped pattern. The awning would be located 8’-0” above the sidewalk when it is all the way down. Shapiro commented that the Building Department approved the height as long as the awnings are retractable.
Baldini: Motion to approve as recommended by the DRB,
Seconded by Curran. Passes 4-0.
Minutes
The minutes from the March 11, 2015 regular meeting were reviewed.
Curran: Motion to approve,
Seconded by Harrington. Passes 4-0.
Adjournment
Baldini: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Harrington. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 6:36 pm.
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