290 Canal Street Councillor Cohen Public Comment Outlook
Re: Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda for June 18, 2025
From Jeff Cohen <jcohen@Salem.com>
Date Wed 6/18/2025 2:12 PM
To Brennan Postich <bpostich@Salem.com>
Hi Brennan,
As have a Council meeting tonight, am submitting my testimony through email.
Jeff Cohen
12 Hancock St
Ward 5 City Councillor
I am writing in support of the applications before ZBA for 266 & 290 Canal St (Residences on Canal St)
1. University Fuel has been operating for several decades with little logic at the north side other than
100ft of flat asphalt. It's functionality has been dependent on this condition given the location of
the gas and diesel fill stations and requisite geometry of vehicular access. Although the past
approval exists, this is problematic with the new complex and improvements already planned and
permitted.
2. A raised sidewalk along the Kimball edge would unfortunately impact how vehicles access the fill
station which, if inconvenient or unsafe or awkward, will damage cars and dissuade patrons from
patronizing this business.
3. 1 believe pedestrian safety has been at the a priority of the 266 Canal project since day 1. The
Kimball Rd improvements take this notion to an optimal state, far safer than has ever existed here
before, and as functionally-feasible as possible by directing east-bound pedestrian traffic, if
walking on the south side of Kimball, to cross Kimball to the northerly sidewalk and away from the
ca rs.
4. Although a 99ft curb cut when 24ft is the ECOD standard sounds like a big ask but in the context
of a thriving, long-standing and necessary business, all while the proposed improvements still
demarcate a pedestrian land with flush concrete and granite banding, the 99ft is necessary in this
case.
The development team has, in my opinion, been a good neighbor and I'm excited about them operating
the development as they have been very responsive to concerns and issues from those who live close
proximity. I have not worked with another developer who has been more sensitive to the
neighborhood, so I hope you'll vote to approve their applications.
Jeff Cohen
Salem Ward 5 Councillor
He/Him/His
https.j/jeffcohenforsalem.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/JeffCohensDirectActionNetwork