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2004-04-07 SRA MinutesSRA Minutes April 7, 2004 Page 1 of 5 MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD ON APRIL 7, 2004 A regular meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) Board was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at 6:00pm. Chairman Robert Curran called the meeting to order and on roll call, the following members were present: Conrad Baldini, Michael Brennan, Michael Connelly, and Robert Curran. Joseph Walsh, Executive Director of the SRA, Tania Hartford, Economic Development Planner, and Valerie Gingrich, Clerk were also present. Minutes Mr. Baldini motioned to approve the minutes from the meeting held on March 10, 2004. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). New Business REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROJECTS 1. 18 Crombie Street Ms. Hartford handed out copies of the Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) for the sale of 18 Crombie Street to Habitat for Humanity. She stated that there were a few minor changes made to the document since the board saw it in February. She noted that the first change was that Habitat for Humanity asked for some standard language used in Purchase & Sale documents with regards to a clean title (page 8). Second, they asked to use standard language regarding warranties and representation. Thirdly, they asked to add language stating that Habitat for Humanity is solely responsible for determining a homebuyer. Ms. Hartford stated that they will follow the family selection requirements of the RFP issued by the SRA, but that the final determination on the family will be made by them. Ms. Hartford stated that the City Solicitor had no problem with the changes. She stated that the environmental report of the site came back clean except for a small oil spill in the basement from when the heating oil tank was removed. Ms. Hartford stated that if the board is ok with the document, Mr. Curran and Mr. Walsh will execute the document tonight. The Deed would be transferred once the project has completed Final Design with the SRA and DRB. The LDA calls for a transfer no later than July 30, 2004. Mr. Brennan motioned to approve the LDA for 18 Crombie Street. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). SRA Minutes April 7, 2004 Page 2 of 5 2. Old Police Station Update Mr. Walsh stated that the building has been sold and the checks have cleared. He informed the board members that the building permit was picked up and passed out copies of the environmental report. Mr. Walsh stated that the developers know that they need to provide an up dated construction schedule. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Project Introduction 4. 140 Washington Street—Review of the storefront improvements to the property at 140 Washington Street. Ms. Hartford introduced the applicant and new owners of the building, Mr. William Goldberg and Mr. Steven Goldberg, and stated that they would like to upgrade their storefronts. Mr. William Goldberg stated that they recently bought the building and they would like to upgrade the exterior of the building. He stated that they have consulted a local architect and have two concepts to present. The applicant stated that they will replace the molding system, take down the awnings, accent the sign band and reconstruct the entrances. Mr. W. Goldberg stated that they have two concepts: one, which recesses the doorways, and another, which brings them flush with the sign band. He stated that they are flexible and will yield to the SRA and DRB as to which to do. Mr. Brennan inquired as to what is currently on the building. Mr. Goldberg stated that the entrances are recessed, but the signs are flush with the sidewalk. Mr. Curran asked about the age of the building. Mr. Goldberg stated that he thinks it was built between 1905 and 1906. Mr. Brennan asked if any other Boards have looked at the project. Mr. W. Goldberg stated that the SRA is the first and only step needed to make the desired improvements. Mr. Brennan inquired as to the hanging sign shown on the building. Mr. Goldberg stated that the signage shown is existing and that the signage will be up to the tenant. Mr. Baldini complemented the design. Mr. Goldberg stated that they are trying to clean up the storefronts. Mr. Brennan asked about the second floor use. Mr. Goldberg stated that the second floor will remain office space, even though it is a weak market at the moment. Mr. Brennan motioned to refer the project to the DRB for Design Review. Mr. Baldini seconded. Motion passed (4-0). SRA Minutes April 7, 2004 Page 3 of 5 5. 10 Federal Street—Review of the Final Design Plans for the redevelopment of the office building at 10 Federal Street. Ms. Hartford stated that at the last meeting, the Board approved the schematic design and the applicant is now presenting Final Design Plans. She stated that they will be presenting the plans to the Planning Board on April 15, 2004. Attorney Atkins stated that they are still working on the proposed parking for the site. He stated that they are currently proposing to build a deck of parking below grade to add parking to the site. He stated that he will discuss the future use of the Almy’s parking lot with the City Planner, and they are looking into working with the Salem Housing Authority to add parking, which would be shared. Attorney Atkins commented that the concept is in flux, but the proposal is to have entrances and exits on Federal and St. Peter’s Street. He explained that the Planning Board has had issues with traffic on Federal Street in the past and they are looking at other options. Attorney Atkins stated that the owners of the building would like to respond to a Request for Proposals from the District Attorney’s office, and they are asking the SRA to refer the project to the DRB for Design Review. Mr. Walsh clarified that the only issue in flux is that of parking. Attorney At kins agreed and stated that the project is moving at a rapid pace. Mr. Curran inquired as to how many spaces are required by zoning. Attorney Atkins stated that they are not required to have any, but they are proposing 80 new spaces, which could be increased to 110. Mr. Baldini asked for an explanation of the Salem Housing Authority partnership. Attorney Atkins stated that the project would require the applicant to purchase or be granted an easement from the Housing Authority to build the parking structure and in exchange, the Housing Authority would be granted parking spaces. Mr. Connelly stated that there is a significant drop-off between the two sites. Attorney Atkins agreed. Mr. Baldini asked if the occupants of the building are currently parking across the street at the Jail. Attorney Atkins stated that they may be. Mr. Baldini motioned to refer the project to the Design Review Board for design review. Mr. Brennan seconded. Motion passed (4-0). 6. 70 Washington Street—Review of the storefront improvements to the property at 70 Washington Street (Masonic Temple Building). Ms. Hartford introduced the applicant, Mr. George Vernet, and stated that he would like to make some improvements to his storefronts at the Masonic Temple Building. Mr. Vernet stated that he owns most of the building (about 82%), except the top, which is owned by the Masons, and he would like to paint the trim, fascia, and windows. He stated that he consulted Winter Street Architects for color choices. SRA Minutes April 7, 2004 Page 4 of 5 Mr. Connelly motioned to refer the project to the DRB for design review. Mr. Baldini seconded. Motion passed (4-0). Mr. Walsh asked the applicant to include the floodlights on the building as part of this permitting process to ensure that they are permitted. Mr. Vernet stated that the floodlights are existing and have been there for quite some time. He noted that the lights are not operational. SIGN REVIEW Design Review Board Recommendations 7. 185 Essex Street (Pamplemousse)—Approval of the DRB recommendation for the proposed change in location of signage from 99 Washington Street to 185 Essex Street. Ms. Hartford stated that the sign is an existing sign and the proposal is to move the sign to the new location on Essex Street. She stated that the DRB recommended approval as submitted. Mr. Connelly motioned to accept the DRB recommendation for approval. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). 8. 190 Essex Street (Spellbound Museum)—Approval of DRB recommendation for proposed signage at 190 Essex Street. Ms. Hartford stated that the DRB made some changes to the project, making the sign more standard and readable. She stated that the DRB recommended approval as changed. Mr. Walsh stated that that facade is a tough one. Mr. Brennan stated that he did not think that the sign was that attractive but understands that it is a tough site. Mr. Baldini motioned to approve accept the recommendation for approval. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). 9. 128 Washington Street (Cafe Kuscho)—Approval of the DRB recommendation for the proposed signage and storefront improvements at 128 Washington Street. Ms. Hartford introduced the project and stated that the DRB made some suggestions regarding the signage and storefront. The proposal includes repainting the storefront “Olivine” green, installing gooseneck lighting, installing two black wall signs with gold lettering, and the black lettered window signs, which are currently on the windows. Mr. Brennan motioned to approve accept the recommendation for approval. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). 10. 103 Washington Street (Sacred & Folk Int’l)—Approval of the DRB recommendation for the proposed signage at 103 Washington Street. Ms. Hartford introduced the project and stated that the signage includes a dark green wall sign with gold letters. She stated that the applicant will also be proposing a hanging sign with an antique SRA Minutes April 7, 2004 Page 5 of 5 bracket in the near future. Ms. Hartford also stated that Nostalgia (next door) will probably be proposing a wall sign to match in the next few months. Mr. Brennan motioned to approve accept the recommendation for approval. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). 11. 99 Washington Street (Nostalgia)—Approval of the DRB recommendation for the proposed change in location of signage from 103 Washington Street to 99 Washington Street. Ms. Hartford stated that the proposed sign is existing and the only change is that it will be moved down to where Pamplemousse’s sign was. Mr. Brenan motioned to approve accept the recommendation for approval. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). Mr. Curran stated that this would be his final meeting of the SRA as he resigned effective following the April 7 meeting. The SRA thanked Mr. Curran for his tenure. There being no further business, Mr. Connelly motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0). Meeting stands adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Valerie Gingrich Clerk