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2024-12-11 SRA Meeting MinutesSRA December 11, 2024 Page 1 of 7 City of Salem, Massachusetts Public Meeting Minutes Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority Date and Time: Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 7:00 pm Meeting Location: Virtual Zoom Meeting SRA Members Present: Chair Grace Napolitano, Dean Rubin, Christine Madore, SRA Members Absent: Christopher Dunn Others Present: Kate Newhall-Smith, Principal Planner, Tom Daniel, Executive Director Executive Directors Report Mr. Daniel reported that Bernadette’s has opened. He thanked Ms. Newhall-Smith on her work earlier in the year on the tax increment financing agreement. Au Gratin is also almost open. He asked people to support local businesses with their holiday shopping. Ms. Newhall-Smith reported that Biss on Front Street and Sage on Derby Street have closed, but that new tenants are expected shortly. Witch City Thrift is about to close. Rivalries is staying but doing some rebranding. Fiesta Foods purchased the Flatbread Pizza property. Front Street Coffee House was sold to Diane Wolf. Chez Casa on Bridge Street closed. The Finery and Happy Sunflower closed, and the owner of Clever Diva retired. Witch’s Brew was sold. Projects in the Urban Renewal Area 1. 1 Sewel Street: Schematic Design Review – Review of DRB Recommendation on the proposal to utilize approximately 5,600 square feet of exterior rooftop space for exercise opportunities and play space for the YMCA’s early learning and school-aged children. Mr. Rubin disclosed that he is a part-time employee of the YMCA. Ms. Madore disclosed that she is a member of the Salem YMCA Board. Both will vote on the project as there is no conflict. Gillian Kazazz from Adaptiv was present to provide a project update: • The DRB reviewed the design and had glowing reviews and had no comments or feedback in regard to the design. • An updated plan was presented that shows the air handling unit being moved the north side. • Mass Historic needs to approve the project and they want to wait until that process is complete before committing to a mural along the fence. • There is a 30-day process with MHC to receive comments and feedback after submitting a PNF. The applicant was planning to submit once having final approval from the DRB and SRA. Abby Gordon from the Adaptiv team noted that they must have an anti-climb fence, which is a specific type of material and height, and they do not have any wiggle room in that regard. They chose black as it seemed to be the color that most disappeared, but they can look at the grid sizes and see what options they have, and it was designed based on wind loads that the structural engineer worked with. Mr. Rubin expressed interest in trying to choose a fence that is least obtrusive to neighbors. There were no public comments. SRA December 11, 2024 Page 2 of 7 VOTE: Rubin made a motion to move the schematic design forward for final design review. Seconded by: Madore Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 2. 32-34 Federal Street: Final Design Review – Review of DRB Recommendation on the historic preservation, restoration, and reuse of the historic court buildings and associated site improvements and landscaping. Derek Hanson, WinnDevelopment and Chris Macfarlane, Landworks, were present to discuss the project updates: • There have been no design changes to the buildings. • The DRB had a single comment about the design of the rain garden to make it look less occupiable, so changes were made to the landscape sketches which were shared. • Some of the planting materials have changed, the path has been reduced, and the rain garden is now surrounded by plantings. Mr. Rubin inquired about the maintenance of the garden in relation to the width of the walking path. Mr. Macfarlane noted that 30” is the minimal needed for moving a barrel as you weed or pick up leaves. Mr. Daniel asks about the vertical plantings on the building. Mr. Macfarlane confirms that there will be irrigation for the vegetation. There were no comments from the public. VOTE: Rubin made a motion to approve the final design. Seconded by: Madore. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 3. 73 Lafayette Street and 9 Peabody Street: Final Design Review – Review of Phase 1 of the project, which consists of the construction of a new building at the corner of Lafayette and Derby Streets with 19 age-restricted affordable housing units and approximately 2,300 square feet of first floor commercial space and a new 5-story building at 9 Peabody Street with 29 age restricted affordable housing units and 2,500 square feet of public space. Attorney Scott Grover from Tinti Navins representing South River Partnership, LLC, and Jonathan Evans and Janami Contreras, from Mass Design Group, were present providing an update to the project: • They confirm that they are seeking final design approval of the housing piece independent from the health component to satisfy the funding requirements. • At a previous meeting, concern was expressed that the Derby St. side may not be completed due to a lack of funding for the health center portion of the project. As a response, the applicant agreed to expand Phase I to include the first two stories of the health center. Plans for the complete design of the health center portion are expected in about 6 months. • Images and plans of the phases were shared that addressed the Board’s concerns. SRA December 11, 2024 Page 3 of 7 • Project representatives confirm that funding for the first two floors of the health center is in place with funding for the entire project anticipated to be received by spring/summer 2025. • The DRB has recommended approval for Phase I with a change in color for the rooftop mechanicals. The DRB has recommended that the SRA include a condition in the approval so that if anything changed, the applicant needs to return to both boards. Mr. Daniel noted that public art is an important aspect of this proposal and believes it should be acknowledged in the SRA’s decision with reference to the required approval by the Public Art Commission. Ms. Newhall-Smith requested that a condition be carried over from the Schematic Review decision that no demolition take place until all applicable permits, licensing, etc. have been secured. There were no comments from the public. VOTE: Rubin made a motion to approve the project pursuant to the DRB recommendation, subject to approvals by the Public Art Commission and subsequently approved by the SRA for all artwork, and that no demolition take place until funding is secured. Seconded by: Madore. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 4. 283 Rear Derby Street: Small Project Review – Review of DRB Recommendation for the installation of wood burning stove chimney for Notch Brewery & Tap Room Chris Loring, from Notch Brewery was present to discuss the project: • Ms. Newhall-Smith reported that due to the timing and nature of the project, they asked the applicant to go through the DRB first, which he did. • Google view and images were shown. • The DRB recommended that the external flu be painted black. Mr. Rubin inquired about any fumes or smell that might come from the flu. Mr. Loring reported that any smell would be minimal. There were no comments from the public. VOTE: Rubin made a motion to approve the project pursuant to the DRB recommendation, Seconded by: Madore. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 5. 155 Washington Street: Small Project Review – Proposal to install a semi-permanent, though year-round vestibule at Adriatic’s main entrance. Vinny Kurti, owner, was present to discuss the project: • The applicant reported that having the vestibule helps with air conditioning of the restaurant on very hot days and heat retention on very cold days. • Schematics and photos were shared. SRA December 11, 2024 Page 4 of 7 • The vestibule has been there for the past year as the company that installed it was not offering removal services any longer. Mr. Rubin was not keen on keeping it up year-round. Ms. Madore saw this as an opportunity to improve the doorway and believes the DRB should review the proposal. Ms. Napolitano agreed and expressed concern about approving something that was intended to be temporary, and what would happen if the material did not hold up. The applicant believes that there are another two years of life on the structure. Ms. Madore suggested that Mr. Kurti start the process on the design now. Mr. Rubin agreed with Ms. Madore, and noted he was not in favor of allowing it to remain up year-round. There were no comments from the public. Ms. Newhall-Smith said the application could remain open as the owner considers options. Mr. Daniel said it sounded like the SRA was not opposed to the vestibule but wanted one that was designed appropriately for year-round use. Mr. Rubin said he was not convinced that the vestibule was needed year-round for such a small number of days for heat and AC. Mr. Kurti doesn’t like the vestibule but is stuck with having it up due to a vendor issue. He said he would take some time to design and budget for a permanent vestibule. Mr. Rubin suggested the SRA put a time limit on the removal. Ms. Newhall-Smith confirms that the vestibule is supposed to be removed May 1st per current guidelines. VOTE: Rubin made a motion to defer the discussion until the applicant comes back, and no later than June 1st. Seconded by: Madore. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 6. 21 Church Street: Small Project Review – Proposed screening for dumpsters in the parking lot. Jim Turner, owner of Turners Seafood, was present to discuss this project: • Mr. Turner reported that with the City’s plans to resurface and reconfigure the parking lot, he and his fellow business owners would no longer be permitted to use a community dumpster. The city was requiring smaller, individual dumpsters for the businesses that would require screening. • A 6’ cedar fence is being proposed. Images were shared. Ms. Newhall-Smith noted that the fence is like the fence used by Salem Five at the rear of the parking lot. SRA December 11, 2024 Page 5 of 7 There were no comments from the public. VOTE: Rubin made a motion to move the project forward to the DRB, with the comment that they give thought to color specificity. Seconded by: Madore. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 7. 208 Essex Street: Small Project Review – Proposed minor modifications to the existing façade and the addition of a new rooftop HVAC unit. Sam Clement, Jones Architecture, representing Salem Five Bank, was present to discuss the project: • They had previously submitted for some exterior modifications on the 208 Essex side of the building that is currently being renovated, and now they are working on interior renovations of the second and third floors. • Plans and photos were shared. • The project includes an HVAC upgrade, which includes removing some of the wall packaged HVAC units. There will be infilled windows with brick. Cases will be painted to match the color of the building. • A new rooftop HVAC unit is proposed, which is likely to be 7’ tall, and will be visible walking from Essex Street. Mr. Daniel asked if Mr. Clement knew the original color of the building. Mr. Clements shared that he does not know what the original brick looked like and there are no plans to uncover the brick. Mr. Daniel noted that the city is likely to have photos they can share so he and his client have this information. There were no comments from the public. VOTE: Madore made a motion to approve subject to DRB approval. Seconded by: Rubin. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. New/Old Business 1. Request for Funding: The Anthem Group Shelby Elwell was present to discuss the request. She reviewed the stats and data from last year’s festival and discussed the impacts of last year’s grant, which included supporting the artisan market, festival entertainment, Frozen Fire festival, scholarships, youth daytime programming, as follows: • $19,684 was spent on performers, • $1,900 on local bands. The total entertainment budget was $41,000. • Vendor spaces were also gifted to microbusinesses. • Nettie Loops worked with local school youth programming for $3,450. • A community art installation cost $750. • Roughly $50,000 was spent for the entire festival. SRA December 11, 2024 Page 6 of 7 New entertainment is planned for this season. The same programs are planned for this season. Lydia Anderson will be focusing on the community art installation this year. They are shifting to more sustainable structures like temporary greenhouses so that heaters will not be needed. Anything from a branding perspective will acknowledge Charlotte Forten. Ms. Madore believes the City should find a way to rank and elevate the requests. Ms. Newhall- Smith reported that the funding for the program came from the easement, and the funding is intended to support the park activation and bring the community in. She shares that there is a revenue sharing portion of the contract that Anthem Group has signed on to for their long-term temporary activation of the space (not the Frozen Fire Festival). This revenue sharing will support park maintenance and improvements. Mr. Rubin noted that the funding has been important start-up money with the right partner. He suggested that we should give them leeway to meet the needs of each spending category by adjusting the dollars allocated to each so long as they stay within the total budget approved. No other members commented on the suggestion. VOTE: Madore made a motion to approve The Anthem Group’s programming budget as presented. Seconded by: Rubin. Roll Call: Napolitano, Madore, and Rubin. 3-0 in favor. 2. Redevelopment of the Historic Courthouses and the Crescent Lot: Update on Project Status Mr. Daniel reported that the Mass National Guard programmatic concept is still in development but are hoping to have something soon. Winn is drafting an MOU that will clarify and advance the timeline and responsibilities. Regarding permitting, Winn is expected to receive the permit from the Planning Board this month with a program of housing in the gray building and commercial tenant space in the red building. If there are modifications to the project, it may require an amendment to the previous approvals. One the funding sources is an $1.14 million ARPA grant, with $400,000 allocated to the Crescent side, and $700,000 allocated to the courthouse side. The National Guard use may not have been a compatible use with the ARPA funding. The City is looking to increase the purchase price from $2 million to $2.7 million with a note. The acquisition of the property was an eligible ARPA expense. The SRA would then take the additional funds via the purchase price increase and loan it into the court side of the project. This approach was used to structure the project a bit differently to allow for the use of all the ARPA funding. 3. SRA Financials – Received and filed 4. Other – No other business was discussed Approval of Minutes 1. November 13, 2024 SRA December 11, 2024 Page 7 of 7 Approval of the November meeting minutes was delayed to the next meeting. Upcoming Meetings 1. DRB: December 18 2. SRA: January 8 Adjournment VOTE: Ms. Madore made a motion to adjourn meeting. Seconded by: Rubin Roll Call: Madore, Rubin, and Napolitano. 3-0 in favor. SRA adjourned at 9:30 p.m.