84-86 Derby St. Statement of GroundsMaitland Farm Kitchen &Spirits
Zoning Board of Appeals Application
84-86 Derby Street
Address
Business Neighborhood (B1)
Zoning District
An application is being submitted to the Board of Appeals for the following reason(s):
Applicant proposes to use the premises for a distillery with a tasting room in accordance with
Section 10.0 Definitions of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Salem and Section 19C of
Chapter 138 of the Massachusetts General Laws.Pursuant to Section 3.1D Use Regulations a
distillery with tasting room within the B1 Zoning District requires a Special Permit from the
Zoning Board of Appeals.
For this reason I am requesting:
(x)A special permit under Section 3.1.2 of the Zoning Ordinance in order to use the premises as
a distillery with tasting room.
Commercial Use
Current Property Use
Statement of Grounds
a)Social,economic,or community needs served by the proposal.
i)The proposed distillery fills a need for additional business development in the
City of Salem..The distillery will enhance the current offerings of Maitland
Mountain Farm by providing an attractive tasting room serving craft cocktails
distilled with ingredients grown at the only exempt use Farm pursuant to section
3.1B Commercial Farm,Exempt in the City of Salem.The distillery will bring
awareness to Maitland Mountain Farm and its mission to educate its patrons on
the importance of sustainable growing practices,providing community members
with access to fresh and healthy foods,improving the local economy and
environment,and increasing the economic resiliency of the community.
b)Traffic flow and safety,including parking and loading.
i)The proposed distillery is located in the B1 Zoning District on Derby Street.The
current use and structure is historical in nature and does not provide any off-street
parking spaces.The proposed distillery is located in a very walkable
neighborhood in close proximity to bicycle routes,the Salem Ferry,Pickering
Wharf,and South River Parking Garage.There is also the availability of on-street
parking meters along Derby Street.Patrons are not likely to utilize vehicles and
will walk or bike to the distillery therefore minimal traffic impacts are expected.
The distillery will not affect existing traffic levels or have negative impacts on
traffic safety.
c)Adequacy of utilities and other public services.
i)Existing utilities and public services are adequate for the proposed use and
consistent with other uses in the area and in the B1 Zoning District.The structure
is connected to municipal water and sewer services.
d)Impacts on the natural environment,including drainage.
i)The proposed distillery will not impact the natural environment or have a
significant effect on existing drainage.The applicant plans on creating an
attractive,comfortable,welcoming environment for patrons with some cosmetic
improvements to the building exterior,specifically new signage and a new door,
which has already been approved by the Salem Historical Commission.The
interior design is shown on the plan submitted.
e)Neighborhood character.
i)The existing neighborhood is a commercially active area so the proposed
distillery will be in harmony with the other nearby business uses and the existing
neighborhood character.Other abutting and nearby business uses include a
pre-existing non-conforming lodge serving alcohol and food,and a pre-existing
non-forming restaurant with service of alcoholic beverages.
f)Potential fiscal impact,including impact on City tax base and employment.
i)The proposed distillery will employ approximately 10 local residents.
Additionally,the use will have a positive financial impact on the City’s local
receipts by generating revenue through various means including but not limited to
real estate taxes,building permit fees,licensing fees,and local meals tax.The
proposed use will increase the commercial tax base which ultimately provides
relief to the residential ratepayers.The use will contribute to the economic
growth,development,and revitalization of the Derby Street neighborhood thus
increasing property values overall.