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155-189 WASHINGTON STREET- OLD SALEM NEWS 155-189 WASHINGTON STREET OLD SALEM NEWS kedevelk )pi nent t'�lftltt)I11 �' Design Review Board Proposal June 25, 2008 155-189 Washington Street (Old Salem News): Discussion of proposed temporary fence Proposal The proposal is to install a 6' cedar flat board fence to surround the construction site. The three existing gates will remain in place. Past SRA/DRB Actions April 9, 2007: The SRA voted to approve the March 26, 2008 DRB recommendation for the new construction component of the Salem News project at 155-189 Washington Street. March 26, 2007: The DRB voted to recommend approval of the Final Design Plans for the new construction component of the proposed redevelopment at 155-189 Washington Street with the following condition: ■ There shall be further review and approval of the window dimensions and the detail at the first floor cornice at the rounded corner. November 14, 2007: The SRA voted to approve the October 30, 2007 DRB recommendation for the Schematic Design of the 155-189 Washington Street redevelopment with the conditions presented. October 30, 2007: The DRB voted to recommend Schematic Design approval with the following conditions: • The design of the retail storefronts shall be developed in much greater detail. The design shall address the intersection of the retail storefronts and the sidewalk and the impact of the storefronts on the pedestrian experience. • An architectural treatment shall be used at the intersection of the parking lot and Front Street sidewalk. • Greater architectural emphasis shall be placed on the curved building entry. • If possible within the Building Code, the depth of the bays located on the upper stories shall be increased. August 8, 2007: The SRA voted to approve the proposed partial demolition of the 155- 189 Washington Street, as shown on the site plan dated July 24, 2007, with the following conditions: ■ If the proposed redevelopment has not received building permits within four months of the demolitior, the site shall be leveled and exposed dirt shall be loamed and seeded. ■ As soon as is practical after demolition, a DRB approved fence and landscaping shall be installed along the perimeter of the site. ■ J June 13, 2008 RCG LLC 17 Ivaloo Street Somerville, MA 02143 City of Salem Design Review Board 120 Washington Street,Suite 202A Salem, MA 01970 c/o Salem Planning and Commuiity Development T 617 625 8315 120 Washington Street F 617 625 8345 Salem, MA 01970 www.RCG-LLC.com RE: 155-189 Washington Street Submission for Temporary Fence Design Approval Dear Board Members: On behalf of Washington at Derby LLC of the above referenced parcel, we are submitting a request to be heard by the board for approval of the temporary construction fence design. As stipulated in the August 8, 2007 Salem Redevelopment Authority decision and the August 16, 2007 Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance from the Salem Historical Commission, the owner plans to erect a DRB approved fence along the perimeter of the site, during the construction period. We are proposing to install a six foot, wood, flat board fence to surround the construction site throughout the remainder of the construction. Please find dimensions and a diagram of this proposed fence attached. We intend this fence to remain a natural color. Also, please find a site plan attached which depicts the area of the site where the fence will be erected. We will be leaving the three existing gates in place, as noted on the attached diagram. Upon final approval by the Design Review Board we expect to have this fence erected as soon as is practical. We expect that this will be after the assembly of the steel is complete. 1 We appreciate your continued support of our efforts to develop this site. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Regards. Matthew Picarsic On behalf of Washington at Derby LLC 2 2 1/2" DIA. 6ALV. POSTS 511 5" WIDE T� 6 GEDAR BOARDS I I I PT 2X5 RAILS I II I II I II I II I II I II Iq T:l- Fill tTj 111i I I I II 51TE SGREENIN6 FENGE WASHINGTON AT DERBY JUNE 10, 2008 t va R Tg�'-nl j b p '-- - — � a Hm �, /{ �• � _ M1 p I -- Fen�� R � a 1 .Y a k ,Y a � I R E l 1 ^ra lox C FG R- gg 1+ Ir og.� y •c� y R gig as Er � c r � n v J n � 7 zt oc :a i n "IN vm2l*5 lT f 0011 !JOW2(L • U �U� S a a CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Kimberley Driscoll Mayor To: Property Owners and Businesses From: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll Re: Salem News Building Demolition Date: October 23, 2007 I would like to provide an updated timeline for the demolition of a portion of the former Salem News Building site. The red brick building,which once housed the print presses, and the wood framed structure on Washington Street from approximately the outer wall of"The Passage to India" restaurant to the end of the building on New Derby Street will be completely demolished. The structures which house "Edgewater Cafe" and "Passage to India"will remain and undergo a major rehabilitation. This demolition is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2007, and is expected to last approximately one month. Heavy machinery will be used for portions of this work, which will cause a significant amount of noise during certain periods of the demolition. A pest control service has been in place for nearly two months and will continue to work on site to minimize any possible rodent issues that may arise. The demolition contractor performing the major work has developed a plan for dust control as well as street sweeping. I will provide further updates regarding the projected timeline upon any significant changes. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Alexander Schnip of RCG at 978-740-0006 or by email at aschnio(n?rce-llc.com. You can also reach me at 978-619-5600. Salem City Hall—93 Washington Street—Salem, MA 01970-3592 Ph. 978-745-9595 Fax 978-744-9327 1 3a� -R A� rq a l� so L4,� SS WaJ�jl��i� SC• PARK TOWERS II, LLC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 217 ESSEX STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 202 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 HOUSTON HOLDINGS TRUST RICHARD F. WALKER 227 ESSEX STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 507 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 FRAN REALTY TRUST TODD D. BROWN 15 FRONT STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 508 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 GOLDBERG BRO REAL ESTATE, LLC RICHARD C. SPIESSL 17-21 FRONT STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 509 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 VAN NESS DEVELOPMENT, INC EDWARD FRANCIS JOHNS 31 FRONT STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 510 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 RENEWAL REAL ESTATE, LLC JAMES REGIS 34 FRONT STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 511 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 RENEWAL REAL ESTATE, LLC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 38 FRONT STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 601 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 2-26 FRONT ST REALTY TRUST DERBY LOFTS, LLC 6 FRONT STREET 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 602 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 HIGGINSON BLOCK REALTY TRUST CLIFFORD N. ABELSON 5 HIGGINSON SQUARE 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 603 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 JCH REALTY TRUST THOMAS J. COSTAGLIOLA C/O JEFFERSON HOOPER 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 604 41 LAFAYETTE STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 607 DERBY LOFTS TRUST DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 607 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 605 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DERBY LOFTS, LLC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 608 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 606 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DANENE PARRELLA DERBY LOFTS TRUST 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 311 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 607 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 VICTOR WULC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 401 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 608 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 BRENDAN AARONS DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 402 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 609 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DERBY LOFTS, LLC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 403 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 310 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 MARLENE FAUST DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 406 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 404 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SCOTT J. LEVINE DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 407 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 405 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 ELAINE S. GLICKMAN DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 410 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 408 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 HELENA J. STUTNIK DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 502 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 409 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 VICKTOR WULC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 503 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 411 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 MARYANN BLATSOS DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 505 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 501 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DAVID RING DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 203 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 504 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 MICHAEL C. VAN TUYL DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 204 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 506 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 WILLIAM J. VAN FAASEN DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 207 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 306 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 MARK McGETTRICK DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 208 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 201 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 BRIAN McCAFFERTY DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 209 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 205 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 MICHAEL NORTHCUTT DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 301 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 206 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 NICOLE E. DUTRA DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 302 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 210 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 STEPHAN J. ARENA, JR DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 305 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 211 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 CLAIRE D. TRODELLA DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 307 51 LAFAYETTE STREET,UNIT 303 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 JONATHAN DEMIDIO DERBY LOFTS, LLC 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 308 51 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT 304 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 NEW CIVILTEA HOLDINGS, LLC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-213 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-2A SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 RICHARD A. DIFILLIPO DERBY LOFTS, LLC 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-3 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-2C SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 71 LAFAYETTE ST REALTY TRUST DERBY LOFTS, LLC 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-1 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-4A SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DODGE AREA, LLC DERBY LOFTS, LLC 76 LAFAYETTE STREET 71 LAFAYETTE STREET, UNIT C-413 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DODGE AREA, LLC VAN NESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. 82-84 LAFAYETTE STREET 26 NEW DERBY STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS US POST OFFICE AREA TWO REALTY, LLC 4 2 MARGIN STREET 125 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SHEFFEILD REALTY TRUST OF SALEM TALK REALTY TRUST 14 NEW DERBY STREET 133 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS MICHAEL MARXSEN RENEWAL REAL ESTATE, LLC 24 NEW DERBY STREET, UNIT 1 139 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DAVID GUNNING RICHARD WEDDLE 140 WASHINGTON STREET, UNIT 1B 141 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 140 WASHINGTON ST REALTY TRUST RENEWAL REAL ESTATE, LLC 140 WASHINGTON STREET, UNIT IC 141 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 KRISTINE M. SCANZANI MICHAEL WENZEL 140 WASHINGTON STREET, UNIT 1D 141 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 DAVID R. SABBAGH PAUL J. MELICAN 140 WASHINGTON STREET, UNIT 1 E 141 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 140 WASHINGTON ST REALTY TRUST DOREN P. BERGE 140 WASHINGTON STREET, UNIT 1 141 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 MARCIA I. FREEMAN RENEWAL REAL ESTATE, LLC 141 WASHINGTON STREET 143 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 JASON T. JANCO ROBERT A. MURPHY 141 WASHINGTON STREET 150 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 RENEWAL REAL ESTATE, LLC L &J REALTY TRUST 141 WASHINGTON STREET 154 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 ROBERT B. WALL DODEGE AREA, LLC 141 WASHINGTON STREET 191-211 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 LAWRENCE J. KINNON 141 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 Salem Redevelopment Authority SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DECISION August 8, 2007 155-189 Washington Street (Salem News Blocky - partial demolition SRA DECISION: At their meeting on August 8, 2007, the SRA voted to approve the proposed partial demolition of the 155-189 Washington Street as shown on the site plan dated July 24, 2007 with the following conditions: ■ If proposed redevelopment has not received building permits within four months of the demolition, the site shall be leveled and exposed dirt shall be loamed and seeded. • As soon as is practical after demolition, a DRB approved fence and landscaping shall be_nstalled along the perimeter of the site. PROPOSAL: The proposal includes the demolition of two of the four buildings known as the Salem News Block. The demolition will include the wood building on the comer of Washington Street and New Derby Street and the masonry building adjacent to New Derby Street and Artists Row. The masonry building located on the corner of Washington Street and Fron-Street and the adjacent wood building now housing Passage to India will not be demolished. Salem Redevelopment Authority MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the Salem Redevelopment Authority FROM: Kirsten Kinzer, CDBG Planner SUBJECT: Salem News Building,proposed demolition DATE: August 2, 2007 CC: Lynn G. Duncan, Executive Director Attached please find information regarding the proposed partial demolition of 155-189 Washington Street, the Salem News Building. The applicant has proposed the demolition in order to begin environmental remediation of the site in preparation for redevelopment. Also attached is the discussion of the historic value of the buildings from the 2006 Salem Market Place Derigrr Peer Retiew and letters submitted to the Salem Historical Commission regarding the proposed demolition. Please feel free to contact me at (978) 619-5685 or kkinzer@salem.com should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter. July 24, 2007 was Salem Redevelopment Authority RCG LLC c/o Department of Planning and Commurity Development 17 Ivaloo Street Somerville, MA 02143 120 Washington Street 120 Washington Street, Suite 202A Salem, MA 01970 Salem, MA 01970 T 617 625 8315 RE: Request To Be Heard On the Agenda F 617 625 8345 Proposed Partial Demolition www.RCG-LLC.com 155-189 Washington Street Dear Salem Redevelopment Authority Board Members: On behalf of the owner and soon-to-owner of the Salem News parcel, in order to conduct environmental remediation, remove of fire hazard, and prepare the site for construction of a new building, we hereby seek your permission to demolish two of tie four existing structures on this parcel. A site plan showing which buildings would be demolished and which would remain, as well as photographs of the existing condition have been attached. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. Regards, A&O , 'ca.4 � Matthew Picarsic On Behalf of Washington at Derby LLC and Van Ness Development Corp. Washington at Derby LLC 17 Ivaloo Street, Suite 100 Somerville, MA 02143 Julv 27. 2007 Salem Redevelopment Authority c/o Department of Planning and Community Development 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 RE: Letter of Permission RCG LLC Request To Demolish Two Vacant Buildings Salem News Building Dear Salem Redevelopment Authority Board Members: Since we are expecting to be the Owner of the parcel and buildings at 155-189 Washington Street prior to next week's meeting, I ani granting permission to RCG LLC to request permission to demolish the two vacant buildings at this site in order for environmental remediation to commence and for the site to be prepared for a new building. Sincerely, aA Alex M. Steinbergh. Mana_cr Washington at Derby LIA Van Ness Development Corporation July 27, 2007 Salem Redevelopment Authority Salem, MA RE: 155-189 Washington Street, Salem To Whom it My Concern: Van Ness Development Corp.grants permission to RCG LLC to seek permission from the Salem Redevelopment Authority to demolish two of the four structures located at 155-189 Washington Street, as shown on the attached site plan. Regards, I( Bill Giovannucci, Managing Agent For:Van Ness Development Corporation 14 Storrs Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184, TEL: (781) 849-7722, FAX(781) 849-0111 i� 14 IP IF _. i R 1 1Q. . �v s a1Y .� 111 t .. � ,, �, � _ p f a' � : S 1 l .,� � � � ,� ,s - :':q f c, • ,, ��c, .. ai, ... :�� , _ .t t•:� `� . � �� ,:. Via:. . �. _ ; : ,. !�. �-��;' �. . r { � . �•�;�. t ,. q -� �. i •�. f .. ,; !`� .. 1, � �'. .. ..a i'� . . L�!.i" .. � � �.. 1 '�i e tl .ar ALI gS' EM Al! r � �F V j '7�' '-�' •a s _ _ 'fir y * I _...UAW v .. a RCG PRESENTS CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR "SALEM NEWS" SITE MARKETPLACE REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 120 Washington Street, 3'" Floor By: Alex Steinbergh and Matthew Picarsic July 25, 2007 An affiliate of RCG LLC has placed the so-called "Salem News" parcel under agreement to purchase. This parcel contains approximately 31,000 square foot of lot area. Its boundaries run roughly from Front Street to New Derby Street along Washington Street and then eastward towards City of Salem-owned land, and the approximate outline of this parcel is shown in Image 1 below. The buildings located on this site are largely in a state of disrepair. (Three photographs of the current condition of the building are attached.) The Marketplace Redevelopment Committee ("MRC"), as appointed by Mayor Kim Driscoll, previously reviewed opportunities and issued recommendations for the redevelopment of the entire block between Washington, To be Preserved To be Demolished Front, New Derby and Lafayette _ Streets. The Salem News parcel a ' 414147-30 occupies a prominent location on this block, and the MRC viewed 71 redevelopment at the Salem News lot as a priority, given the current t;, buildings'dilapidated condition. Of the four interconnected buildings n , on the Salem News parcel, two have been vacant for approximately ten years. The two buildings that are currently occupied are only occupied at the first floor level by Edgewater Cafe and Passage to India. The upper floors of these occupied structures are in a poor condition. The MRC's recommendations, including its suggested site plan, guided RCG's development concept for this parcel. RCG's current conceptual plan is to rehabilitate the two buildings that house restaurants on the first floor, demolish the two vacant structures on the site, and construct a new four-story building that establishes a strong comer at the Washington/New Derby intersection. While the conceptual plan we are presenting today is for the redevelopment of this parcel only, our current plan preserves the option for the future development of the block according to the MRC's recommendations. See Image 2 for a side-by-side comparison of the proposed site plan and the MRC recommended site plan and Addendum A for a rendering of the proposed new building. Image 2 Proposed Site Plan MRC Site Plan retain existing masonry portion of Edgewater Cafe P.ontBbeei 14 it Approximate lot lines added The proposed site plan is guided by the site plan recommended by the MRC and has been adjusted to (1) reflect a building footprint that is solely within the privately-owned parcel's lot lines and (2) provide as much surface parking as possible. The proposed redevelopment also meets the recommendations of the MRC for a parcel-by-parcel approach to redeveloping the block. Specifically, our plan would accomplish the following: • Preserve two buildings at the site, including one wood-frame structure, not just the masonry building located at the comer of Front and Washington Streets • Remove vacant and underutilized structures within the block • Remove an eyesore at a key entrance corridor • Achieve varied building heights • Allow for the possibility of an anchor retail tenant • Bring more retail and more residential space to the downtown • Provide materials and a design of high quality We are interested in moving forward with this project as quickly as is practical, and we are working with the current owner to request a demolition delay waiver so that two of the buildings can be demolished. These two unoccupied buildings represent a potential fire hazard and have been subject to repeated vandalism. Moving forward with the demolition now as we start the permitting process for the new building will also allow environmental remediation and site preparation to be started so that the construction period can be as short as possible. Additionally,we intend to move forward with the rehabilitation of the existing structure as quickly as drawings can be completed. Addendum A: Rendering of Proposed New Building T,, L,wt Hardie Plank W wm H ron B,k clapboard Windows Railing Vcnec, S,,ck HarJ�c Plaak Vaneer or cex - ' Attachment 1: Photographs of Existing Building Existing Building: . of Front . Washington DemolishedTo be Preserved To be i lit moi.. N 1 �.s.rr Existing Building: New Derby Street To be Demolished vim• Building: To be Prese�d Existing Demolished tib;�.1n � �•,+ �' � • �i" s I , 1 • w Salem Historical Commission 120 WASHINGTON STREET,SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (978)745.9595 EXT 311 FAX(978)740-0404 WAIVER OF THE DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE It is hereby certified that the Salem Historical Commission has waived the Demolition Delay Ordinance for the proposed demolition as described below, as per the requirements set forth in the Historic District's Act(M.G.L. Ch. 40C) and the Salem Historic Districts Ordinance. Address of Property: 159-189 Washington Street Name of Record Owner: Washington at Derby LLC Description of Demolition Work Proposed: Demolition of 2 of 4 buildings including 3 story wood framed,far right building at corner of Washington & Ncw Derby and 2 story building in rear with I story addition. Main 3-story wood framed building(middle building on Washington Street) housing Passage to India to remain. 2 story building housing Edgewater Cafe on corner of Washington and Front Street to remain. Approval of the waiver is conditional that: • Archival quality photographs be taken of the interior and exterior and provided to the Salem Historical Commission prior to demolition; • Historic details, specifically, careful:emoval of the corbels (architectural cornice brackets) should be salvaged and reused in the new development; • For any historic details that cannot be incorporated into the new design (i.e. tin ceilings) be offered to the Peabody Essex Museum; • The owner work diligently to design an appropriate perimeter fence (the Commission encourages that the fence not be chain link, but be a whitewashed, 6'high,flatboard wood fence with a copped top with 10" wide boards); and • The owner consider seeking approval for signage to be placed on the fence which will illustrate the future development concept. Dated: 8/16/07 SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION By: THIS IS NOT A DEMOLITION PERMIT. Please be sure to obtain the appropriate permits from the Inspector of Buildings (or any other necessary permits or approvals)prior to commencing work. RECEIVED August 7, 2007 AUG 0 8 2007 DEPT OF DEVELOPMENT OF PLANNING 6 Salem Redevelopment Authority COMMUNI Salem Historic Commission Salem Department of Planning and Community Development 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 RE: Proposed Demolition and Redevelopment of Salem News Parcel Dear Authority and Commission Members, As members of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee, we are writing this letter today to voice our support for the proposed demolition of two of the four structures located at 155-189 Washington Street, as shown in the submission package. As we understand it, the developer's proposal contemplates rehabilitating and preserving two of the structures (Edgewater Cafe and Taste of India buildings) on the site while moving forward with the construction of a new building from Washington Street to New Derby. As members of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll's Marketplace Redevelopment Committee, we have previously provided input on the possible redevelopment of this parcel and the entire block surrounding it. Our final report and recommendations were issued in September of 2006. Our board consisted of members of many local boards, agencies, businesses and concerned citizens and our work included multiple committee meetings and venues for public comment. The Marketplace Redevelopment Committee's work was done in conjunction with the land-use planning firm Landworks Studio, Inc and architectural firm Office dA, Inc. These professional consultants held very productive working sessions and integrated many of the comments heard during the review process into the final report. We are pleased that, on the surface, the proposed conceptual plan accomplishes many of the recommended objectives set forth by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. While it is too soon to indicate support for the redevelopment plan, we believe that the early renderings are encouraging and reflect closely the direction provided by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. Further, the expertise of the Salem Redevelopment Authority and the--r Design Review Board provides us with great confidence that the early renderings will result in a project that will have a positive impact on this important downtown intersection and the entire central business district. While we understand that the SRA typically does not vote in favor of demolition prior to final project approval and that the Historic Commission might prefer to use their six- month delay period, we believe that this site has extenuating circumstances that warrant the demolition delay period to be waived, and the approval of the SRA for removal to be granted. First, we understand that Building Inspector Tom St. Pierre and Fire Chief Dave Cody have opined that the wood-frame building is not structurally sound and is a fire hazard. We have also been told that eaca of the vacant buildings has experienced any number of break-ins. The public safety issies warrant strong consideration of the request for removal. We did acknowledge that these issues could be resolved with increased and improved security but even with that, a derelict building with a heightened level of security was not an outcome tha. provided any level of comfort to the committee. Thus, we reviewed closely the removal option. It was determined after significant discussion that the members who attended the two recent presentations to the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee were unanimous in their opinion that the demolition of this building would not be a mistake even in the unlikely scenario that the project does not move ahead. This opinion was reached following a discussion that indiczted a complete understanding of the issues related to demolition of a building without having the replacement plan approved. In short,it was agreed that this demolition would not be something that the committee, or for that matter even a single attending member of the committee, would regret even if some unforeseen issue were to delay or scuttle the project. We would like to suggest that a condition be considered that would require the owner to erect—at the discretion of the Salem Redevelopment Authority - a non-chain link fence, in a design that is approved by the Design Review Board, to surround the site if, for some reason, this project does not move ahead expeditiously. A suggestion was offered that perhaps the fence should be required should any delay of construction stretch beyond 120 days from the completion of the demolition phase. We trust the SRA to determine a reasonable time frame should this --ondition be needed. We encourage the Salem Redevelcpment Authority and Historic Commission to grant the applicant's request for demolition so that the developer can move forward with the partial demolition, environmental remediation and site preparation this fall, subject to the above- suggested condition. We thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Members of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee 35 Winter Island Road RECEIVED Salem,MA 01970 AUG 0 8 2007 August 8, 2007 DEPT. OF PLANNING 6 Salem Redevelopment Authority COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 RE Demolition Delay--Salem News building Dear Board Members, We are completely in support of granting a waiver of the customary demolition delay to RCG for the immediate demolition of the Salem News building. As commercial abutters on Front Street(the Distillery retail shops), we feel it is in the City's and our best interests that this hazardous,unsafe eyesore at the main entrance corridor to the city be razed as soon as possible. An empty lot would be preferable to the existing condition. In addition,as owners of three historic buildings which comprise the Salem Inn, we feel that this blight on the downtown detracts from the historic ambiance of Salem. As partners in Salem Renewal, our goal is to develop and preserve historic structures, but believe th_s property is beyond recovery. Sincerel Richard Pabich Diane Pabich t RECEIVED AUG u 8 20uJ �f�l �F, '1 Salem Redevelopment Authority CO DEPT, OYDEAELPLANNING & t :I I_A\I ItF.R of C/o Kirsten Kinzer, Clerk OPMENT I \I F R( :1-1 City of Salem Department of Planning & Community development 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 20i Esse afreef tialenT, %LA 0 H-0 August B, 2007 ')-8.745.3855 I:n Dear members of the SRA: .............................................. executive Board DN.Im o.l•II..Iha.id.d On behalf of the Salem Chamber of Commerce I would like to express our support of Ju Led rnaw. dent RCG's waiver from the demolition delay ordinance for the vacant portion of the old "°"'"°"°"°" Salem News building. Otrabetn O'Hara,Treasurer Eastern Bark Sandy He oy,Clerk tinStDbArc eSullli t Urge RCG's proposal has many positive attributes, one of them being that the current Jay JayFinney,At Large ne canter building (the old Salem news building) will be demolished. The current building is not i Fl Peabody Essen Museum only an eyesore but a fire hazard as well. It was recently reported in the Salem News Brace Wh..r,At Large that the Salem Fire Department has been required on occasion to post fire watches on Bill &Ii Haverd,At Large Beverly Ccoperahve Bank the building Dlractore RWA110 RW The fact that RCG is committed to a new mixed use property with a lesser density than Dab AYMCA maral allowed by zoning reflects RCG's commitment to Salem and to the initial feedback Jimu ono given to RCG by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. Arms"Fmld Real Estate i Michael slier Lardoft Jeff B*wW Sed" The previously performed Marketplace Study approved demolition of this part of the The ro:G building as long as the Edgewater part was left in tact. The fact that RCG is also i Fine Seafood Restaurant g g g Joseph C.cem.nd proposing preservin the second building that houses Passage to India is a definite Serafin;,Daring&Gonne plus. valerle Drepaau Salem Wabuft t Hotel&Suite° Wm'e°sA Meda We strongly recommend the demolition delay ordinance not be enforced, as the ° Arc Lund ;,acts current structure is beyond at-risk. Even in case the current proposals should not move Need Kelm Cents Savings Bank forward, it is our opinion there is no reason to leave the existing structures as is. An David King empty, leveled lot would be a great improvement from where we are right now. The Ed Ed Lang City of Salem and RCG should discuss options regarding site-enhancement and tax- Andresenllnted Phsrlls LeBlanc revenue consequences if needed. € Hallor sv Keith Lin ehe"rs& avid a are Thank you for your consideration of this letter. If you would like for the Salem Chamber BifMichaW of Commerce to appear at one of your hearings please do not hesitate to contact us. Salem With Musewn Dian Moreno Danvers Saving•Ba ^M Kind regards Diane Pablcn The Salem Inn i Robert DeRosbr i Damimon Ersrgy Tntdy StavM Signalunm Kathy Strout Century 21 Mika Ward Rinus Oosthoek Easbm Benefits "•k^Wim^^P•n Executive Director Sabre Smte College . D•yb wa.edd (Member Marketplace Redevelopment Committee) Impart Signal&Alenn Patricia 2aldo Salem P.M.nINIF f Salem News Building Page 1 of 2 f Kirsten Kinzer From: Barbara Cleary [clearyadvisors@co-ncast.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:50 AM To: Kirsten Kinzer Subject: Salem News Building Hi Kirsten Thanks for forwarding this to the SRA. Please call me if you have any questions. Barbara To: Lynn Duncan City Planner 120 Washington Street 0170 Salem, MA Dear Lynn We are pleased to see that the proposec Salem News project will retain the middle wooden building and that the proposed new building is four stories in height. We have previously indicated that based upon assessments `rom previous board members, it appears that the wooden building at the south end is likely infeasible to renovate. However, we strongly recommend, as we have in the past, that Salem Boards not allow demolition of an historic structure until a replacement building has been approved. The position of Historic Salem with respect to allowing demolition prior to an approved plan is long standing and consistent. Should the SRA gran. permission to demolish, at a minimum, the applicants must commit to a building of no more than 4 stories as part of any permission to demolish prior to an approved plan and commit to minimum maintenance and fencing after demolition and prior to construction. We believe the SRA should also ask for assurances relative to the stabilization of the adjoining buildings during and after demolition. These recommendations do not apply to the printing building in the rear of the property. We do have comments on the new design which we will provide prior to review by the Design Review Board. Our comments also pertain to the proposed Waiver of the Demolition Delay ordinance by the Historic Commission. In the case of the Historic Commission, we would ask that the Historic Commission require that the building interior and exterior be documented photographically prior to demolition. Sincerely, Barbara A. Cleary President Historic Salem, Inc. 8/8/2007 RECEIVED August 7, 2007 AUG 0 8 2007 DEPT.OF PLANNING 8 Salem Redevelopment Authority COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Salem Historic Commission % Salem Department of Planning and Community Development 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 RE: Proposed Demolition and Redevelopment of Salem News Parcel Dear Authority and Commission Members, As members of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee, we are writing this letter today to voice our support for the proposed demolition of two of the four structures located at 155-189 Washington Street, as shown in the submission package. As we understand it, the developer's proposal contemplates rehabilitating and preserving two of the structures (Edgewater Cafe and Taste of India buildings) on the site while moving forward with the construction of a new building from Washington Street to New Derby. As members of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll's Marketplace Redevelopment Committee, we have previously provided input on the possible redevelopment of this parcel and the entire block surrounding it. Our final report and recommendations were issued in September of 2006. Our board consisted of members of many local boards, agencies, businesses and concerned citizens and our work included multiple committee meetings and venues for public comment. The Marketplace Redevelopment Committee's work was done in conjunction with the land-use planning firm Landworks Studio, Inc and architectural firm Office dA, Inc. These professional consultants held very productive working sessions and integrated many of the comments heard during the review process into the final report. We are pleased that, on the surface, the proposed conceptual plan accomplishes many of the recommended objectives set forth by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. While it is too soon to indicate support for the redevelopment plan, we believe that the early renderings are encouraging and reflect closely the direction provided by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. Further, the expertise of the Salem Redevelopment Authority and their Design Review Board provides us with great confidence that the early renderings will result in a project that will have a positive impact on this important downtown intersection and the entire central business district. While we understand that the SRA typically does not vote in favor of demolition prior to final project approval and that the Historic Commission might prefer to use their six- month delay period, we believe that this site has extenuating circumstances that warrant the demolition delay period to be waived, and the approval of the SRA for removal to be granted. First, we understand that Building Inspector Tom St. Pierre and Fire Chief Dave Cody have opined that the wood-frame building is not structurally sound and is a fire hazard. We have also been told that each of the vacant buildings has experienced any number of break-ins. The public safety issues warrant strong consideration of the request for removal. We did acknowledge that these issues could be resolved with increased and improved security but even with that, a derelict building with a heightened level of security was not an outcome that provided any level of comfort to the committee. Thus, we reviewed closely the removal option. It was determined after significant discussion that the members who attended the two recent presentations to the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee were unanimous in their opinion that the demolition of this building would not be a mistake even in the unlikely scenario that the project does not move ahead. This opinion was reached following a discussion that indicated a complete understanding of the issues related to demolition of a building without having the replacement plan approved. In short, it was agreed that this demolition would not be something that the committee, or for that matter even a single attending member of the committee, would regret even if some unforeseen issue were to delay or scuttle the project. We would like to suggest that a condition be considered that would require the owner to erect— at the discretion of the Salem Redevelopment Authority - a non-chain link fence, in a design that is approved by the Design Review Board, to surround the site if, for some reason, this project does not move ahead expeditiously. A suggestion was offered that perhaps the fence should be required should any delay of construction stretch beyond 120 days from the completion of the demolition phase. We trust the SRA to determine a reasonable time frame should this condition be needed. We encourage the Salem Redevelopment Authority and Historic Commission to grant the applicant's request for demolition so that the developer can move forward with the partial demolition, environmental remediation and site preparation this fall, subject to the above- suggested condition. We thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Members of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee 35 Winter Island Road RECEIVED Salem, MA 01970 AUG 0 8 2007 August 8, 2007 DEPT. OF PLANNING 8 Salem Redevelopment Authority COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 RE Demolition Delay— Salem News building Dear Board Members, We are completely in support of granting a waiver of the customary demolition delay to RCG for the immediate demolition of the Salem News building. As commercial abutters on Front Street(the Distillery retail shops), we feel it is in the City's and our best interests that this hazardous, unsafe eyesore at the main entrance corridor to the city be razed as soon as possible. An empty lot would be preferable to the existing condition. In addition, as owners of three historic buildings which comprise the Salem Inn,we feel that this blight on the downtown detracts from the historic ambiance of Salem. As partners in Salem Renewal,our goal is to develop and preserve historic structures, but believe this property is beyond recovery. Sind Richard Pabich Diane Pabich RECEIVED AUG u 8 '/_Uu/ L5'AI�EM Salem Redevelopment Authority DEPT.OF PLANNING& COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (:I IA\I B F R of C/o Kirsten Kinzer, Clerk (:Oi\INI I.:kCI'l City of Salem Department of Planning & Community development � y 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 '0„ F,Nsea Srrcct �alm. ,'SIA 019-0 0-s.,'4 4.0004 August 8, 2007 0_8' --i;.;855 I.i> •,!/,,M-,/",;"A 1""° Dear members of the SRA: .....................................I.............. Ezecudve Board Patrick Dill President On behalf of the Salem Chamber of Commerce I would like to express our support of Delulis Brothers Construction Ju11 Ledertraua,Past:President RCG's waiver from the demolition delay ordinance for the vacant portion of the old Havdhoth O'Hal O'HaraSalem News building. tlltaheN ,Treasurer Eastern Bank 5 Sandy Hesphy,Clark Kereingtenlobarf Drollery Christine Sullivan,At Large RCG's proposal has many positive attributes, one of them being that the current ` Enterprise Center building (the old Salem news building)will be demolished. The current building is not PPeeaboodyeFseees Large only an eyesore but a fire hazard as well. It was recently reported in the Salem News wce haar,A<Large that the Salem Fire Department has been required on occasion to post fire watches on Bill Hoeani,At Large Beverly co°paahveBank : the building Directors R edLioAln9mkeShop The fact that RCG is committed to a new mixed use property with a lesser density than °eb^aarel allowed b zoning reflects RCG's commitment to Salem and to the initial feedback Salem YMCA Y 9 Jia Armstrong given to RCG by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. i Armstrong Field Real Estate i Michael Blier 1Lao°Ne1�SttlioThe previously Jefeawle p y performed Marketplace Study approved demolition of this part of the aaa�a?;, building as long as the Edgewater part was left in tact. The fact that RCG is also F,,.Sph ootl Trent! proposing preserving the second building that houses Passage to India is a definite Seafini,Daring&Content plus. i Valerie Dapeau Salem Waterfront Hotel&Suites Paul Durand WinneWe strongly recommend the demolition delay ordinance not be enforced, as the r Strael Arohdec6 Han mon Gunderson current structure is beyond at-risk. Even in case the current proposals should not move ` "80'Kew g forward, it is our opinion there is no reason to leave the existing structures as is. An Sabin Fire Cents Savings Bank 1 Dav1°"'"g empty, leveled lot would be a great improvement from where we are right now. The NOM Shore Medical Center EdLaas° United City of Salem and RCG should discuss options regarding site-enhancement and tax- Ane Phyllis LeBlanc revenue consequences if needed. i Harbor Sveets Keith Linares €DaidKvM= °p Thank you for your consideration of this letter. If you would like for the Salem Chamber BMMIhe d of Commerce to appear at one of your hearings please do not hesitate to contact us. Sel¢m With Museum j Diana Moreno - Danvers litch Bank Kind regards i Diane Pablch The Salem Inn Robert DeRosler i Dominion Energy Trudy Stavros i Sgnatures Kathy Strout Century 21 MikewaN Rinus Oosthoek Eastern BenefiWatson-Felt Helen Wtate Collett i Executive Director Salam Sete College �y1d Wescott (Member Marketplace Redevelopment Committee) went Signal&Ala" i Patricia Zaldo Sabin Partrarship Salem News Building Page 1 of 2 Kirsten Kinzer From: Barbara Cleary [clearyadvisors@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:50 AM To: Kirsten Kinzer Subject: Salem News Building Hi Kirsten Thanks for forwarding this to the SRA. Please call me if you have any questions. Barbara To: Lynn Duncan City Planner 120 Washington Street 0170 Salem, MA Dear Lynn We are pleased to see that the proposed Salem News project will retain the middle wooden building and that the proposed new building is four stories in height. We have previously indicated that based upon assessments from previous board members, it appears that the wooden building at the south end is likely infeasible to renovate. However, we strongly recommend, as we have in the past, that Salem Boards not allow demolition of an historic structure until a replacement building has been approved. The position of Historic Salem with respect to allowing demolition prior to an approved plan is long standing and consistent. Should the SRA grant permission to demolish, at a minimum, the applicants must commit to a building of no more than 4 stories as part of any permission to demolish prior to an approved plan and commit to minimum maintenance and fencing after demolition and prior to construction. We believe the SRA should also ask for assurances relative to the stabilization of the adjoining buildings during and after demolition. These recommendations do not apply to the printing building in the rear of the property. We do have comments on the new design which we will provide prior to review by the Design Review Board. Our comments also pertain to the proposed Waiver of the Demolition Delay ordinance by the Historic Commission. In the case of the Historic Commission, we would ask that the Historic Commission require that the building interior and exterior be documented photographically prior to demolition. Sincerely, Barbara A. Cleary President Historic Salem, Inc. 8f8i2007 Demolition waiver at tonight's meeting Page I of 1 Jane Guy From: Barbara Cleary [clearyadvisors@comcast.ne:] Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 5:56 PM To: Jane Guy Cc: Lynn Duncan Subject: Demolition waiver at tonight's meeting Hi ]ane I understand from an e-mail earlier this week and my conversation with Lynn Duncan this afternoon that the applicants will not be asking for a vote on this matter this evening. As I have said to Lynn, if they did, we would not be in favor of approval cf a demolition delay waiver this evening as we believe it is premature relative to the rest of the permitting process. Someone from Historic Salem will be at the meeting to hear the discussion and we will be discussing the request for the waiver at the meeting of our Preservation Committee tomorrow. I also understand from Lynn that a site visit is likely to be scheduled with the Historic Commission. If possible. we would appreciate the opportunity for a representative of Histcric Salem to also attend. Thanks very much, and my apologies that this is so close to the meeting; I have only just returned from vacation this afternoon. Sincerely Barbara A, Cleary 8/1/2007 Page 1 of 1 Jane Guy From: Kathie Gauthier[kathie.gauthier@salemdeeds.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 3:17 PM To: Jane Guy Subject: RCG Washington Street Project Good Afternoon Jane, I read with great interest and enthusiasm about RCG's proposed plans for the former Salem News building. I would like to place my support firmly behind this project now that they have scaled the project down to a reasonable size and will not be desecrating the market area. The property they wish to demolish is nothing but a danger and an eyesore in the center of downtown Salem and creates the first impression of a poor community. It drags the image of both the residents and businesses in Salem down. I look forward to this new development being created and hope the developers will design their new project to blend into the surrounding downtown. As a business owner in the downtown, I welcome RCG's willingness to develop this property in a reasonable and appropriate manner. I urge the Historic Commission to allow RCG to demolish the blighted buildings so that RCG can move forward with their plans to create a new, attractive and useful building on Washington Street. With Regards, Kathie Gauthier President Zazou's A Touch Of The Past, Inc. 83 Washirgton Street Salem, Ma. 0197C 7/31/2007 GOLDBERG PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT, INC . August 1, 2007 Dear Salem Historical Commission: We are writing to you as abutters and concerned neighbors of the Salem Evening News parcel located on Washington St., between Front St. and New Derby St. It is our belief that RCG's proposed development of approximately 30-35 residential units combined with retail space, and a height of only four stories is an exceptionally reasonable development solution to one of Salem's blights. Having had the advantage of going through the buildings inside and out, we are very familiar with the extremely poor condition of the majority of this site. In our opinion, the buildings anticipated for demolition are not worth saving from an economic viability, aesthetica], or historical point of view. They lack functionality, are a safety hazard, and a liability from the standpoint that homeless individuals are gaining access and sleeping in the building(s). For the past several years, we have watched the buildings continue to deteriorate, thus not only continuing to become more of an eyesore than they already were, but also not helping to contribute to what is becoming a very vibrant downtown area. Instead of quality development with a much increased tax base, these buildings are very little financial help to the city. The city has actually been forced to put a lien on the property for over $10,000 due to fire watch detail. We very much support a decision for the demolition of the proposed buildings not to be delayed. There is no benefit in keeping them, and the sooner they are eliminated the better. This conclusion will allow for an ugly, non-beneficial location with little to zero historical significance to once again become a prominent corner of downtown Salem with responsible, quality development. Sincerely, Andrew Goldberg William Goldberg On behalf of Goldberg Properties CITY OF SALEM PUBLIC PROPERTY \ ! DEPARTMENT KIhBERL.EY DRISCOLL MAYOR 120 WASHINGTON SiREEr♦SAL.EM,MASSACHUSFI-IS 01970 TEL.978-745-9595 ♦ FAX:978-740-9846 Salem Historic Commission c/o Jane Guy 93 Washington Street Salem Ma. 01970 R.E. Demolition Delay- Salem News Building Dear Members, I am writing to ask you to consider granting a waiver from demolition delay for the portions of the Salem News building that are before you. The portion of the building(midway on Washington Street towards New Derby Street) is in very poor condition. The building is constructed on pilings that have failed and there are signs of bulging along the Washington Street side of the building. This portion of the building has not been maintained and has suffered from water infiltration for a long period of time. This portion of the building is beyond reasonable repair. The city and the eventual owners of the proposed units would, benefit from this portion being removed and a new section of structurally sound and fire resistant building replace it. The press room portion of the building was purpose built to accommodate large presses and because of the cast in place concrete construction would be very expensive to adapt o another use. The final note is that the physical location of the buildings and the alley they create has caused a constant problem for the Police ,Fire and this Department to prevent people from constantly breaking into these buildings. We have been lucky that a fire or worse has not occurred at these buildings. Thank You for your time and consideration. Tho J. ZtZie !,Building Commisserw� / Director of Inspectional Services City of Salem, Massachusetts 1 ,< "ire Department 48 Lafayette Street David W. Cody Salem, Massachusetts 01 9 70-3 695 Fire Prevention Chief Tel 978-744-1235 Bureau 978-744-6990 fax 978-745-4646 978-745-7777 dcody@safemcom August 1, 2007 Salem Historical Commission RECEIVED C/O Jane Guy Planning Department AUG 0 1 2007 120 Washington Street Salem Ma. 01970 DEPT.OF PLANNING& COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Dear Jane, The Salem News Building has been a constant cause of concern of mine since I became Chief in early 2004. At that time the owners were in debt to the city some 11,000 thousand dollars in fire watch details due to malfunctioning systems. This trend continues today because the building owners have taken a band-aid approach to solving problems. The fire alarm and sprinkler systems are constantly being repaired and require our fire prevention division to devote more time to this building than should be necessary. This structure is not secure and is a haven for the homeless throughout the year. The fire service will long remember a tragic fire in a cold storage warehouse in December of 1999. Six Worcester firefighters lost their lives searching for a homeless couple in what should have been a vacant structure. In the event of a fire, this building poses an extraordinary risk to the lives of our firefighters and those from surrounding communities who will respond to our call for mutual aid. As Chief of the Department I fully support the vacant portion of this structure being razed and the remaining structure brought into compliance with the latest Building and Fire Codes. I would also support the Historical Commission in a decision to waive the six- month waiting period for demolition. Cold weather only magnifies the above-mentioned problems. Sin rel f 4} David W. Co y Chief of Dep nt Friend's Restaurant Inc. 63 Jefferson Avenue Salem, MA 01970 8/1/07 To Whom It May Concern: We at Passage to India want to voice our strong support of the planned improvements by the RCG Company for 155-159 Washington Street. We also welcome a speedy demolition of the building attached to our restaurant as apart from being a fire hazard it is a home for various rodents. You s i erely, Hugh en N S N tv, OD 5,gY E 'uC$ U� o \ �I LI C. m w 3 V W€r rc ooii �e - j } Y. o 'ye �I SSI W a dad e�$ sa �iS N2 °z i. �vm'fu m z3is'z 'c I� I \ 1 i 9) (377V d07)Y l �o k � sovm'2sE samm�:st�-v"""••••"°"""""� $ as.aa'LGT' Tzaa LOT - sa'O'zy'zs'E OOO LOT _ _ m 98 � 1.00 F v a �� 0125.E JS 1 J O m TO 1 Narsz's w P'Iz Em9mc iaT NE 7 ' a� R 0.n,IOTr RIVAR WAY SCC S�gVI'sr j WMrvgM. W7 10 fT.WOE v_ cy�955E i90a_I.01 92.60'L0: LLl' M.bal B< P W 4N P+ I 3 �'7 O y 3$T.59Y DEFAI $ m_ STREET Ls3 Om PII.N 90dY' Y ..'_.ryp�C ret" a '•zc im?s LOT - roN WAS IN "i 1yT wan