2024-03-27 Meeting MinutesCity of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board – Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Meeting Location: Remote Participation via Zoom
DRB Members Present: Chair Paul Durand, David Jaquith, Leeann Leftwich,
Catherine Miller, Elizabeth Murray, Marc Perras, Sarah
Tarbet
DRB Members Absent: None
Others Present: Kate Newhall-Smith
Recorder: Colleen Brewster
Chair Durand calls the meeting to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken.
Signs in the Urban Renewal Area
1. 285 Derby Street: Real Pirates
Ken McTague of Concept Signs was present to discuss the project.
McTague stated that Real Pirates, who has a unit on the side of this building, is
subletting the front conference room from SATV and they want to use the frontage for a
sign that directs people to their main entrance. It would be like their other Real Pirate
sign with a black background, raised gold leaf letters, and white vinyl graphics. Leftwich
asked if this typeface is used elsewhere in their signage. McTague replied yes, but it
has some pirate look, despite being hard to read.
Miller asked if SATV is on the angled part of the building. McTague replied yes. Chair
Durand asked how the conference room accessed. McTague replied from the SATV
entrance.
Tarbet asked how the sign would be lit. McTague replied with long linear fluorescent
lights above it to match those at Lulu’s Bakery next door. There are three in a row and a
fourth light fixture would be added to the far-left bay and would be installed by the same
electrician.
Miller asked if the signage requested meeting the sign requirements. Newhall-Smith
replied yes. McTague noted that two years ago they received approval for rear signage
that was never installed so adding the front sign should not bring them over the square
footage allowances.
Public Comment:
Russel Tanzer, South Harbor Holdings. Have been working with SATV and Real Pirates
on this. As the building owners, they are in favor of the signage, as is SATV on the
leasing of the conference room.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
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Public Meeting Minutes
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented with the addition of an additional linerar
light fixture. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
2. 1 Derby Square: Magic Parlor
Ken McTague of Concept Signs was present to discuss the project.
McTague stated that the business has taken over the right-hand side of the space. He
will make a new sign to fit within the sign panel. The sign will be a flat panel with vinyl
graphics and some airbrushing and will use the same treatment as on the blade sign.
Tarbet asked if both entrances would be used. McTague replied yes.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
3. 283 Derby Street: Witchside Tavern
Mazen Mouhiddin, owner and Brianna Mason were present to discuss the project.
Mr. Mouhiddin stated that they are rebranding and switching business names from
Brothers Taverna. They want two wall mounted signs and a smaller blade sign mounted
below the Notch blade sign. They are proposing a larger wall sign 9-feet-wide x 3-feet-
high. With the size of the building, they are allowed 58-square-feet of signage. They
would like to add a small sign on the other side of the building if there is any remaining
square footage.
Newhall-Smith stated that the building frontage of 60 feet allows them 60-square-feet of
signage. She suggested they could install window signage in place of one of the blade
signs, since the code only allows one blade sign per business.
Miller stated that the current Brothers Taverna sign is set within moulding while the
proposed sign is shorter and would fill in the full height of the sign band. Miller
suggested a sign that matches the existing sign dimensions would be a better fit within
the detail of the brick sign band. The Board agreed. Mr. Mouhiddin noted that during
the 2014 remodel, three wall signs were proposed but only one was installed, and only
one is proposed above the entrance now. Miller suggested they also change the
graphics when they expand out the sign.
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Public Meeting Minutes
Perras suggested the blade sign be placed on the opposite corner rather than under the
Notch sign. Mazen hoped for one on each side of the building but agreed to placing one
on the other side of the building. He noted that some customers disregard the arrow on
the Notch sign and enter his establishment thinking that they are Notch. Perras and
Jaquith agreed that a blade sign on the other side would be clearer. Perras suggested
the blade sign be higher or as high as the Notch sign and to use the same bracket as
Notch.
Ms. Mason agreed to match the same size as the Brothers Taverna wall sign above the
front entrance, to match the blade sign height, and to include a bracket like at Notch
blade sign, but at the other end of the building.
Tarbet stated that the proposed wall sign is busy graphically and the various icons is a
lot. Leftwich agreed, adding that it looks like two separate establishments are being
advertised. She suggested removing the martini glass and keeping only the Witchside
Tavern logo. Ms. Mason suggested removing breakfast lunch and dinner from the main
sign. The Board disagreed. Leftwich noted that once the contents of the sign is spread
out it will also be more successful and the san serif will be easier to read. Leftwich noted
that the martini doesn’t match the logo.
Miller suggested approving the sign, for the applicant to work with their graphic designer
and for the applicant to work with Leftwich on the final design.
Tarbet raised concerns with the potential for confusion over the location of Notch and
suggested lowering the blade sign. Chair Durand and Miller agreed.
Public Comment:
Russel Tanzer, South Harbor Holdings. The center sign is approximately 13 linear feet,
and he agreed the proposed sign should be stretched out to match the existing. He
would like to see the blade sign on the right side or below Notch’s sign but out of harm’s
way since the eyebrow that Brothers Taverna hangs plants from can almost be reached
from the ground. that height of the eyebrow.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
Leftwich stated that the sign bracket proposed includes a ball end cap which makes the
sign read as a banner. Jaquith suggested two blade signs next to one another can
complicate things so the new one should be placed on the right side of the building.
Chair Durand preferred the new blade sign also be lower. The Board agreed to align the
bottom of the blade with the top of the windows on the right side of the building. Mr.
Mouhiddin agreed to match the sign for Notch sign material.
VOTE: Jaquith: Motion to match the Notch sign, matching the material and bracket,
placing the bottom the sign at the top of the windows, and adjusting the size of the
proposed wall sign to match that of the existing wall sign. Seconded by: Murray.
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Public Meeting Minutes
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
Projects in the Urban Renewal Area
1. 289 Derby Street: Small Project Review – Construction and installation of seasonal
shade structure at Charolette Forten Park, continued from February 28, 2024
Megan Tompkins from CBA Landscape Architects was present to discuss the project.
Tompkins stated that the shade structure design has been updated to include round
posts for a less imposing feel, and because of the scale of the structure round is most
feasible. The beams must remain rectangular and the purlins at the front of the
cantilever must also remain, but they have been pushed back slightly away from the
cantilevered edge. The finish color can match the other structure for a small upcharge
and the downlighting will have a grey finish color too.
Tarbet asked if the existing park light fixture would remain. Tompkins replied yes and
noted that the downlighting was an add alternate that will not be included.
Tarbet requested the size of round posts. Tompkins replied that they are still
approximately 12-inches round and could only be reduced slightly. Jaquith noted the
lack of visual bases to the posts which he was okay with.
Perras stated that good improvements have been made. He asked who will remove and
reinstall the sails. Tompkins replied that it goes up in the spring and down in the fall.
Newhall-Smith stated that there will be a budget item to contract out for the efficient
removal and reinstallation of the sails, a method that someone in Chelsea uses on their
similar structure. Perras noted that the structure is not attractive without the shade
structure. It’s somber, stark and feels like a memorial, and the city needs to be clear
about how long it will go without a shade. Tarbet agreed. Murray asked if the sails
would be removed because of the snow. Newhall-Smith replied yes and noted that The
Anthem Group will have year-round activities that may help. Perras noted that the park
is currently rarely used. Chair Durand suggested adding lighting or other decorative
elements to provide some activation. The Board agreed.
Murray asked what wind speed the structure can withstand with the sail attached like
during a hurricane. Tompkins replied 115 mph maximum. Newhall-Smith noted that she
spoke to the Harbor Master who felt that designing it to this specification was okay.
Tarbet asked why this kind of structure was proposed rather than the smaller pergola.
Tompkins replied that they were asked to design something that would provide solid
shade and the pergola is very open. They looked at different options, including a metal
roof, combining wood and metal, as well as placement, but they didn’t want a design that
required large footings.
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Public Meeting Minutes
Perras asked if a blue shade was still proposed. Newhall-Smith replied yes. Perras
noted that year-round use of the park will help the starkness and he was in favor of the
lighting idea.
Public Comment:
Russell Tanzer, South Harbor Holdings. Lighting during the off-season would be nice.
He is excited about the shade it will bring to the area.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
Tarbet requested confirmation that string lighting could be added. Tompkins replied yes.
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented with the addition of lighting or decorative
elements in the off season when the sail is down. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
2. 283 Derby Street: Small Project Review – Installation of new rooftop condenser unit
Chris Lohring, owner of Notch Brewing Co., was present to discuss the project.
Lohring stated that in 2016 they installed a glycol chiller used to brew their beer. Due to
age, expansion, and climate change, the system needs to be more efficient, so they
need to install a rooftop compressor. The original unit is 8.6 feet-high and additional
compressor is 6.5 feet-high. It will be spaced out due to structural requirements,
however; the new compressor is 25% smaller in height and 50% smaller in width.
Perras asked if a structural engineer provided a new framing strategy. Lohring replied
yes, and the new unit was moved 2 bays over between 2 trusses so new framework will
be added as well as a new curb on the roof below the new compressor.
Public Comment:
Russel Tanzer, South Harbor Holdings. They are the landlord to Notch Brewing
Company, and they are in favor of adding the new compressor. He noted that the
compressor was located because the bay in-between is a patch in the roof where there
once was a skylight.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented. Seconded by: Tarbet.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
3. 208 Essex Street: Small Project Review – Installation of new windows on East
Elevation of Salem Five
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Public Meeting Minutes
Samuel Clement of Jones Architecture was present to discuss the project.
Sarah Tarbet and Marc Perras recused themselves as employees of Jones Architecture.
Clement stated that they are proposing to add 9 new windows along the east elevation,
six on the third floor and three on the second floor, as part of an interior renovation of the
corporate headquarters. Their desire was for more lighting in the center of the floor plate
within this more modern addition to 210 Essex Street, the original historic bank structure.
The east façade is over the CVS roof, but it is not visible from many locations and the
photo provided was taken from the Museum Place garage. The existing east elevation
has two-foot-wide cement panels and no windows, and the proposed window
configuration is due to existing structural elements and fire protection requirements.
They are also trying to limit the amount of demolition required, so they will selectively
remove panels to install windows where they can, while blending in using a fiber cement
panel to match as closely as possible. The new windows will be a close match, using a
similar dark bronze aluminum framed system, and they will be installing an energy
efficient window to meet the new code.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Jaquith: Motion to approve as presented. Seconded by: Miller.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
4. 90 Washington Street: Outdoor Dining – Review of proposed outdoor dining for
Koto
Sarah Tarbet and Marc Perras returned to the meeting.
Leo Liu, owner of Koto, was present to discuss the project.
Newhall-Smith stated that the Koto will use the same footprint as prior years, they will
add fencing around the area, and provide access to the fire hydrant for public safety
which the Salem Fire Department has had no issue with in the past. Liu presented a
revised fencing plan which will have Asian animals for each year rather than their logo.
The opening in the fence will be for fire hose access to the hydrant. The fence will be a
nicer material, with new tables and chairs for handicapped accessibility requirements.
Perras asked how the floor will be raised to align with the curb. Liu replied by in-filling at
the curb with a platform for accessibility. They will also have two entrances, one in front
of Koto and another towards the Red Lion Smoke Shop.
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Perras asked if the entire perimeter fence to be painted black. Liu replied yes. Perras
had no issues with the design. Leftwich asked if the panel color would be grey with
black graphics. Liu believed it to be red, but he will confirm, since he is having them
premade. They will reinstall the PT wood fencing until the new fencing arrives and the
artwork will be used on both sides of the fencing with a black base. The animals will be
laser printed onto the boards; they are not painted. The Board was in favor of it. Perras
noted his preference for all black fencing. Liu had no issue with all black, which will
match the furniture.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
5. 288 Derby Street: Outdoor Dining – Review of proposed outdoor dining for
Bambolina
Elizabeth Childs, owner of Bambolina, was present to discuss the project.
Childs stated that they will use the same outdoor dining set up, but it will only be 40-feet-
long and will stop at the end of the building rather than extend further down Derby
Street. They will also use the same red beer garden style tables and umbrellas.
Perras asked who controls the use of the jersey barriers. Noting that it is difficult to see
them at night, he suggested something reflective be added to the end barrier making it
easier to see. Childs agreed and replied that the city controls the barriers. Newhall-
Smith agreed to make that recommendation to the Salem Police Department.
Perras was in favor of the design, noting that it left the sidewalk open for pedestrians.
Jaquith agreed.
Public Comment:
Russel Tanzer, South Harbor Holdings. Excited to see this return to Derby Street and
for the buzz it creates.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Jaquith: Motion to approve as presented with the addition to add protective tape
at the end of the jersey barrier. Seconded by: Perras.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
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6. 155 Derby Street: Outdoor Dining – Review of proposed outdoor dining for Adriatic
Restaurant
Vini Kurti, owner of Adriatic Restaurant, was present to discuss the project.
Kurti stated that he is proposing the same outdoor dining that takes up two parking
spaces on Front Street with a raised platform. He noted that pedestrians can still walk
through the middle of the sidewalk, and they will use the same tables and chairs, and
umbrellas with no logos.
Perras asked why some establishments have jersey barriers, some have fences, and
some chains with stanchions. Newhall-Smith replied that the proposals are evaluated by
the Salem Police Department and a representative from Traffic and Parking, who both
look at each location individually and consider vehicular traffic. The Adriatic Restaurant
is tucked away with low vehicular traffic, so jersey barriers aren’t needed.
Perras was in favor if accessibility is maintained. Miller asked if they can they maintain
the sidewalk that remains open, because sometimes it is closed, and people end up
walking in the street. Kurti replied that they have received permission from the city to
close the sidewalks when they are serving to encourage large group tours to walk on the
other side of the street. They have closed it during Halloween when the street is closed
to vehicular traffic. Miller stated that the sidewalk should be open even during busy
weekends. Kurti suggested limiting the number of large tour groups allowed on that side
of the street to prevent hundreds of people from walking through, making for them to
serve their customers. Newhall-Smith agreed to ask if anything can be done. Miller
noted that a group of hundreds is different than a family and they shouldn’t be pushed
out into the street with the vehicles creating a dangerous situation. She suggested
adding a “No Large Group Tour” sign. Kurti stated that he would like to keep it open,
and he has used an A-frame sign suggesting tours avoid the patio, but when things slow
down they’ve removed it. He agreed to not use the chain to block off the sidewalk.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
7. 2 East India Square: Outdoor Dining – Review of proposed outdoor dining for
Village Tavern
Alex Ingemi and Andrew Ingemi, co-owners, were present to discuss the project.
Andrew Ingemi stated that the extension of premises has been this way since Covid.
They use red umbrellas. A white fence surrounds the areas, but black was suggested.
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There is a fence along the fountain that will be moved outward a few feet to keep access
within the brick area around the fountain. The host stand moves depending on the
volume, it’s usually at the far end but in October they move it closer to the restaurant to
create a cueing area for customers and get them off Essex Street. This process starts in
the spring, and it will take up space all the way to Essex Street at the edge of the
fountain. They also take up a small area behind the fountain, the area to the far left is
for Essex Pizza.
Miller believed that four feet of clearance is required for ADA around the perimeter of the
fountain. Andrew Ingemi agreed to provide four feet. Chair Durand noted that they
walked the area and there is plenty of room.
Miller requested the barrier material. Andrew Ingemi replied that it is a white picket
fence that can be painted back. The barrier is lattice, and the base is concreted into a
half barrel that holds flowers.
Miller noted that the area extends far out towards Essex Street. She can see using
parking spaces but not public park areas being used as private space. Andrew Ingemi
replied that parking spaces are the same, public space used for private use, and they
are leaving areas to enjoy the fountain, and there are no other stores around them.
Miller asked if there was a barrier at the existing patio. Andrew Ingemi replied that there
is an existing brick low wall, and they no longer use additional lattice. The fencing is
used to contain the use of alcohol. Miller noted that the solution has improved from last
year, adding that the white fencing is very bright but black will stand out less.
Perras asked if there would be fence along the fountain. Andrew Ingemi replied yes,
they will be modifying the existing area.
Tarbet stated that this feels like Village Tavern Park, the fencing still affects the use of
the fountain, and their use of it feels very dominant. Andrew Ingemi replied that the
Salem Police Department requested the fencing to contain the use of alcohol. Miller
noted that Adriatic Restaurant doesn’t have a fence, and their customers pay and leave.
She added that a 4-foot path and a tall fence isn’t very welcoming, but she understands
the limitations. Newhall-Smith added that liquor licensing may play a roll in it. The
Adriatic Restaurant has a chain barrier with shrubs along the street. She asked the
applicant if he felt the police would have as issue changing from fencing to chain
barriers. Alex Ingemi suggested installing a chain fence. Andrew Ingemi suggested
keeping what they suggested by the police.
Miller stated that the DRB has concerns with the look of the downtown. Newhall-Smith
noted that the application will return to the SRA, which leaves time to discuss the matter
with the police. She suggested an approval that leaves some flexibility with a preference
for less visual blocks.
Tarbet stated that the patio is also large and takes up a lot of area. Perras noted the
strong precedent in the plaza for black chains and stanchions. He suggested making it a
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recommendation with the lattice wall at the interior face being a back-up. Miller agreed.
Murray suggested using shrubs rather than an interior lattice fence.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Tarbet stated that the floor plan shows enough tables for 28 people but the rendering
shows more. She asked if there will be ten tables or seven. Andrew Ingemi replied that
moving the fencing inward will limit the number of tables, noting that this is also their
entrance and exit so a lane must be clear.
Tarbet noted the existence of a small sign attached to the lattice and a separate paper
sign. Andrew Ingemi replied that the Salem Police Department required a “No Alcoholic
Beverages Beyond This Point” sign. Miller suggested the use of a nicer sign either
mounted to the chain or on a post.
VOTE: Miller: Motion to approve with the following conditions; the black lattice fence
supported by posts and flower pots and flowers at the backside of the patio and to the
east, the DRB recommends that the additional sides for the patio be defined with a black
posts and chains signage as required by the Salem Police Department, and the chain to
be a minimum of 4-feet away from the edge of the fountain. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
8. 282 Derby Street: Outdoor Dining – Review of proposed outdoor dining for All Souls
Jan Tran and Patrick Shultz of All Souls were present to discuss the project.
Tran stated that they are proposing the same layout that they’ve used the past three
years, they will reuse the decking flush with the sidewalk, reinstall poles to hang string
lights on, will use six jersey barriers to surround the two parking spots, there will be five
tables with four seats each totaling 20 seats. They will request the jersey barriers that
were painted to match their theme from the DPS. They will also use plain red umbrellas
and grey furniture as last year.
Perras asked what the square elements were surrounding the platform floor plan. Tran
replied that additional posts for rope or chain to close off the area.
Perras suggested the corners of the jersey barrier have a reflective material added for
safety. Newhall-Smith agreed to make that recommendation to the Salem Police
Department.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
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VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve as presented with a recommendation to the Salem
Police Department to add reflective items. Seconded by: Tarbet.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
Projects Outside the Urban Renewal Area
1. 16-18, 20R Franklin Street: North River Canal Corridor – Review of 100% design
drawings
Mark Yanowitz of LYF Architects was present to discuss the project.
Yanowitz stated that they are completing the permit application for Building B, and
they’ve made minor modifications; some of the base must be concrete, they can’t
expand the footprint after the Chapter 91 review, so they are using a colored parge
coating in Charcoal Grey. The mechanical system has changed, the garage level
louvers are larger but there are fewer of them, there is one louver on three sides and no
louvers at the front. The entry canopy has been simplified; they removed the decorative
cornice to create a cleaner band that wraps the building. The parapet height increased
to just under 1-foot-high due to an interior drainage design, where the roof will be sloped
with suppers and downspouts painted Charcoal Grey. All other items will remain the
same.
Perras stated that the note still calls for the base painted rather than a parging material
impregnated with color. Yanowitz replied that paint will be mixed in with the parge.
Perras preferred downspouts painted the color of the façade, particularly those at the
middle section of the building. Yanowitz noted that changing the downspout color to
match the background color which will be seen from the site angle. Murray suggested a
copper or bronze color. Perras suggested an anodized finish that pops. Chair Durand
agreed. Yanowitz suggested bronze. Tarbet noted that it would match the dark bronze
storefront. Perras suggested all metal elements be dark bronze.
Tarbet asked if the balcony railings are black steel. Yanowitz replied that stainless
cables with black frames is proposed, there are other colors available, but they wanted
to deemphasis those elements. Murray suggested making those elements an accent
color to dress up and accentuate them. Yanowitz suggested wrapping the trim with
bronze coated aluminum. Perras once again recommended dark bronze.
Perras requested the material of the corner elements on the balconies. Yanowitz replied
that the painted PVC wraps around a wood posts. Perras suggested those also be
painted dark bronze to simplify all those elements. Murray agreed.
Tarbet asked if dryer vents would show up in elevation. Yanowitz replied that they were
able to go vertically with those to keep the façade clean.
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Perras asked why the planters are not being parged. Yanowitz replied that they may
apply the coating to them as well.
Public Comment:
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve with the change of all metals to a similar dark bronze
color except for the mechanical louvers, and to change the planter surround to a parge
coat. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
Newhall-Smith to share the DRB decision with the Planning Board so they know it was
reviewed by the DRB.
New / Old Business
1. Approval of Minutes:
a. February 28, 2024
VOTE: Perras: Motion to approve the February 28, 2024, meeting minutes. Seconded
by: Tarbet.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor.
Passes 7-0.
2. Sign Manual Update Project – Update on Project Status
Newhall-Smith stated that the sub-committee met on Monday, they made some edits,
have still some edits to discuss. Leftwich added that they will review it further for font,
graphics, and images. She noted that their next meeting will be on April 15, 2024, via
Zoom.
3. Staff Updates, if any:
Newhall-Smith stated that this is Colleen Brewster’s last meeting as the Clerk of the
DRB. Newhall-Smith and the Board thanked Brewster for her years of service.
Jaquith stated that after 25 years he is leaving the Board but will stay on until they find a
replacement for him.
Newhall-Smith stated that the courthouses and crescent lot will be before the DRB in
April. She noted that the DRB requested a mock-up of the curved wall proposed at the
crescent lot. The materials have a long lead time, but they will be on display in Beverly
in June.
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Newhall-Smith stated that the 75 North Street project will be before the DRB in April,
which already has a full agenda. Chair Durand suggested a special meeting. Tarbet
noted that there is a lot of public comment attached to the project.
Miller stated that there has been some talk with Parks & Rec about Lapin Park getting a
refresh, she remembered that astroturf was proposed. She asked if the DRB will review
the proposed plan. Newhall-Smith replied that the DPS is working with Landworks and
John Bobrick on a radically different plan, and it was explained to the DPS that there
must be a public review process. She noted that the Planning Department doesn’t have
the capacity to work on it at this time, but she anticipates public engagement to occur
over the summer.
Newhall-Smith stated that she will work on enforcement issues that Perras has raised
with downtown businesses. Perras suggested that the city address enforcement prior to
the start of Halloween season.
Perras stated that the last 2 meetings the DRB has set a precedent for the use of lattice;
lattice must be black, wood, and captured on all sides. Miller agreed. Newhall-Smith
stated that she will advise new applicants of the lattice requirements.
Adjournment
Jaquith: Motion to adjourn. Seconded by: Perras.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Leftwich, Miller, Murray, Perras, Tarbet, and Durand were in favor. Passes 7-
0.
The meeting is adjourned at 8:45PM.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 and City
Ordinance Sections 2-028 through 2-203