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2024-08-28 Meeting MinutesDRB August 28, 2024 Page 1 of 7 City of Salem Massachusetts Public Meeting Minutes Board or Committee: Design Review Board, Regular Meeting Date and Time: Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 6:00 pm Meeting Location: Virtual Zoom Meeting DRB Members Present: Chair Paul Durand, David Jaquith (until 6:15pm), Catherine Miller, Elizabeth Murray, Marc Perras DRB Members Absent: Leeann Leftwich, Sarah Tarbet Others Present: Stephanie Owens, Senior Planner Recorder: Christine Petryszyn Signs in the Urban Renewal Area 1. 248 Essex Street: Velvet & Vein Ken McTague was present to discuss the signage, which includes the following:  It will be a sign with carved, white painted lettering; 28.24” x 35.”  It will be same design and bracket as their first storefront.  It will be attached to same spot on the granite. Mr. Perras expressed concern about there being enough room for the A-frame. The frontage is quite narrow. Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Jaquith made a motion to accept the sign with the comments that were made by Mr. Perras on the sign location being mounted in the same location as the other storefront sign. Seconded by: Miller. Roll Call: Jaquith, Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 5-0 in favor. 2. 253 Essex Street: Blackcraft Coffee and Blackcraft Haunt Ken McTague was present to discuss the signage. He reported that the Blackcraft Coffee sign was already installed as the client indicated it was already approved.  The sign is 36.79” x46”.  There were no comments on the Blackcraft Coffee sign. Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Perras made a motion to accept the sign. Seconded by: Miller. DRB August 28, 2024 Page 2 of 7 Roll Call: Jaquith, Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 5-0 in favor. Mr. McTague was also present to discuss the Blackcraft Haunt sign.  The Blackcraft Haunt sign has not been installed.  Sign is 26”x35.” The white lettering will be carved, the red will be painted and raised, and the gray outline will have an airbrush highlight.  An existing bracket will be used.  The parking lot is in the back of the building.  The side street is Barton Square.  It was agreed that wayfinding arrows should be included.  A new image was shared with an arrow. As of now, there is no proposal for a sign in the parking lot.  Mr. Perras suggested that a complete proposal come back before the Board with more information on directional signage and signage in the back.  Mr. McTague said he would go back to his clients with the request. The owners do not want to have the two establishments connected (i.e. via similar font). He reported that it will only be opened seasonally. Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Perras made a motion to continue. Seconded by: Jaquith. Roll Call: Jaquith, Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 5-0 in favor. Mr. Jaquith leaves the meeting. 3. 1 Derby Square: Wicked Makeup Studios Mr. McTague was also present to discuss the sign.  The sign is 23”x27” in size. It will have carved goldleaf lettering, and carved white lettering.  The sign surround should be modified to be carved gold to match the coloring of the nearby signs. Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Perras made a motion to accept the sign with the modification of the surround color. Seconded by: Miller. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. DRB August 28, 2024 Page 3 of 7 4. 65 Washington Street: Bernadette Shanna Chamber, the owner, was present to discuss the signage proposal.  The first sign will be on the main entrance and includes lighting.  It will have laser cut graphics and letters, dimensions are 30” x 20.”  Materials will be raw steel or painted aluminum  The decal sign will be CNC cut vinyl lettering. Lettering will be off-white.  Dimensions are 20”x20.” Material will be vinyl.  The second decal sign will be CNC vinyl cut lettering, dimensions 20”x15”. The sign will have a dusted crystal film to create privacy and will direct people to the main entrance.  The blade sign will be on the Washinton Street side. The dimensions of the blade circle are 24” diameter. Overall sign bracket will be 28”.  Materials will be raw steel faces with aluminum bracket and push through lettering. Distance dimension Is 1”-3.”  Lighting would be controlled internally.  Ms. Chamber reported that the sign on the pillar will only stick out slightly, 1-2 inches, and will have a curve to wrap around the pillar.  Ms. Miller inquired as to the height of the sign from the ground because of the rules associated with the handrail. Mr. Perras agreed that the sign is veering in that direction. He suggested that the sign be mounted to the column and not wrap the edges.  It was suggested that it be 26” in width.  Mr. Durand noted that the glass coverage should be shrunk to be under 20% coverage.  Recommendations were made to increase the font size of the side egress door. Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Perras made a motion to accept the proposal as presented with the reduction in width of the primary sign. Seconded by: Miller. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. Projects in the Urban Renewal Area 1. 177 Essex Street: Signage & Small Project Review – Review of Proposed Signage and Facade Painting for Marine Hall Mercantile Derek O’Brien and Ken McTague were present to discuss the project, which includes:  The mock-up shows a more accurate representation of the pain color then what was presented to the SRA.  The sign will have an internal bracket structure that will make it rigid. Lettering is carved. The colored pieces will have translucent acrylic. It will have an anchor element.  There will also be a hanging sign within the door frame, which will hang on the door frame. DRB August 28, 2024 Page 4 of 7  Ms. Miller inquired about the font style that was chosen. Mr. O’Brien reported that the fonts coordinate with the fonts the museum uses. They wanted something that was both traditional and contemporary.  PEM logo will remain in the window.  The wood trim is proposed to be painted, theatre red from Painted Green.  Mr. Perras noted that he liked the color, but not in the context of the abutting storefronts. He believes that a dark gray may be a better fit.  Ms. Murray was supportive of the color.  Ms. Miller noted that building was beautifully restored. She agrees with Mr. Perras.  Painting the abutting storefront, Kakawa, could alleviate that issue.  Ms. Murray was supportive of the painting both storefronts the same color.  Mr. Teague noted that both these storefronts have the same façade.  Mr. O’Brien said he would need to talk to owner of Kakawa to paint their storefront in a similar value.  Ms. Miller felt that color wouldn’t confuse tourists. She felt both could be painted the same color, and even the door in the middle. Public Comment: Hannah Diozzi, 11 Church Street, noted that she walks by the building every day, and loves the color proposed, and agrees that Kakawa should have a similar tone. Public comment is closed. Mr. O’Brien noted that he wanted to speak with the store owner. VOTE: Miller made a motion to approve the sign presented. Seconded by: Perras. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. VOTE: Miller made a motion to approve the red painting as proposed, dependent on Mr. O’Brien providing colors for Kawakawa, as recommended to the SRA. Ms. Owens will circulate the proposed paint colors via email, and the SRA meeting could be the required public forum. Seconded by: Perras. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. 2. 32 Derby Square: Small Project Review – Review of Phase Adjustments for Old Town Hall Preservation Project Don Mills was present to discuss the project, which includes the following:  The project came before the DRB two years ago and was approved conceptually. The City is funding on the only exterior preservation.  Approval to delay the interior renovation is before the Accessibility Review Board now, and they have requested a public hearing. A summary of the proposed exterior work includes: - Improve existing accessible entrance at north façade and sidewalk area. - Provide accessible entrance to basement via ramp and stairs at east sidewalk area. - Repairs to exterior door for improvements to life safety and egress conditions. DRB August 28, 2024 Page 5 of 7 - Provide selective masonry repairs to brickwork and brownstone sills as identified. - Remove five abandoned grilles at exterior faced and tooth-in brickwork to match. - Selective repairs to windows and provide exterior narrow profile storm windows. - Alternate upgrades to existing snow guard rails and provision of ice melt system. - Miscellaneous in-kind repairs to exterior and prep/paint previously painted wood.  Submissions to the Architectural Access Board have been made for the exterior and they plan to request postponement of the interior work for up to five years, until funds can be raised. Full project approved per V22-107. Detailed drawings were presented.  The SRA has endorsed the project.  Construction development plans are underway. CPA funds and a Mass Historic grant have been received, and other grant requests are pending.  Ms. Miller asked how the how it fits within the wood frame of the adjacent window. Mr. Mills said it would be attached to the blind stop, which will protect the sash.  The handicap sign drawing is not included yet, but input is requested.  They will do light testing with the manufacturing.  Mr. Mills did not think a gate was necessary as it will be lit and could be a maintenance concern.  Mr. Perras and Ms. Miller expressed concern about the stairway being so close to the public way, and that they at least need a tread. Ms. Miller feels that a gate would be needed, and treads. Mr. Perras agreed, but felt that it was the City’s call.  Mr. Perras noted that the spaces between the granite bollards was 38 inches, and that distance was difficult to maintain, and suggested 39 inches. Mr. Mills clariid that it is 44 inches, and that is what the architectural access board approved as a variance. He added that at both entrances, it would be nice to see where the push buttons are going.  Mr. Mills sought input on the roof. He described the two types of snow rails that are currently on the building. The 3-rail system was not installed properly. The 2-rail system is deteriorating. They plan to correct the install on the 3 system and replace the 2-rail system. They also hope to install an ice melt system above the ramp which it is very effective. He proposes to use a copper apron. They will price it as an alternate because it may not be affordable. It is copper and would age to a patina.  Board members were supportive of the copper apron. Public Comment: Hannah Diozzi, noted that the building is accessible, but the main entrance is awkward and is difficult to maneuver. But is supportive of moving forward on this phase. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Perras made a motion to approve the project as presented with the understanding that the top of the stairs being a fall hazard, and would like the accessibility commission to take a closer look at that. Seconded by: Miller. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. 3. 231 Essex Street: Small Project Review – Review of Proposed Changes to Replacement Bay Window DRB August 28, 2024 Page 6 of 7 Dan Ricciarelli, Seger Architects, was present to discuss the project on Washington Street, to discuss the proposal, which includes:  The Rockefeller Building, 1826, underwent a window replacement project some years ago that included a contemporary window design. An effort was made to better incorporate a new window that is more in keeping with the building. Historic photos were examined and shown to what was in place over time.  The proposal includes painting the existing bright white trim to match the nearby trim, and the replacement of the window to be two small panes on top, one larger on the bottom in keeping with the windows in the front of the building.  Mr. Perras said that he was pleased with the proposal, and single mullion on top. Other board members agreed.  Ms. Miller asked if the stickers on the inside of the windows could be removed.  The trim color will match the other windows. Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed. VOTE: Miller made a motion to accept the project as proposed. Owners will be asked about the stickers. Seconded by: Perras. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. 4. 301 Essex Street: Final Design Review – Review of proposal to erect a three and one-half story addition above the existing building (known as Jerry’s Army & Navy Store) with twenty (20) residential units and twelve (12) onsite parking spaces and located inside the building at the first-floor rear with retail space fronting on Essex Street. There will be eight (8) parking spaces provided offsite. Dan Ricciarelli, Seger Architects, was present to discuss the proposal, which includes:  SRA provided a provided summary memo. Advanced structural feedback was received.  Color materials were dropped off at City Hall for review. Matching brick will be used.  A variance was granted to allow for off-site parking.  Detailed drawings were provided.  A restoration plan will be put in place.  Use of the elevator will be from Summer Street.  The storefront entrance is a second egress.  The parapets will be secured to the structure, finials will be reinforced and restored. Repointing and painting will be done.  Visitors will use the Summer Street side where the buzzers will be. DRB August 28, 2024 Page 7 of 7 VOTE: Perras made a motion to approve the project as submitted. Seconded by: Murray. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. Projects Outside the Urban Renewal Area There are no projects to review. New / Old Business 1. Approval of Minutes: a. July 24, 2024 VOTE: Perras made a motion to approve the July 24th minutes. Seconded by: Miller. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. 2. Staff Updates, if any  Ms. Owens noted that the new design guidelines were emails to the members.  A new member is expected to join in September. Upcoming Meetings 1. SRA: September 11th 2. DRB: September 25th Adjournment VOTE: Miller: Motion to adjourn. Seconded by: Perras. Roll Call: Miller, Murray, Perras, Durand. 4-0 in favor. The meeting is adjourned at 8:19PM. Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 39 §23B and City Ordinance Sections 2-028 through 2-2033 Public Comment: No one in the assembly wished to speak. Public comment is closed.