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2003-01-08 SRA Minutes SRA Meeting Minutes January 8, 2003 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD ON JANUARY 8, 2003 A regular meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority was held in the third floor conference room at 120 Washington Street on Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Curran called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members answered present: Michael Connelly, Russell Vickers, Robert Curran and Conrad Baldini. Executive Director Joseph Walsh, Economic Development Planner Tania Hartford and SRA Project Coordinator Don Giard were also present. MINUTES The SRA members agreed to hold over approval of the minutes until the next meeting. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS Executive Director’s Report Mr. Walsh stated that there are two potential new members for the Design Review Board. These include John Watney, a structural engineer, and Kimberly Alexander, PhD., who will provide historic preservation expertise. He stated that if the SRA approves these members, they could proceed with the nominations. Mr. Walsh updated the members on the liability issues associated with the Old Police Station. He explained that the applicant recently submitted their insurance policy information to the City Solicitor. He stated that this issue could be discussed during an executive session of the SRA. Mr. Walsh announced the ribbon cutting for the Edgewater Café and invited the SRA members to the event. Mr. Walsh updated the members on the status of the Peabody Essex Museum signage plan. He stated that the Board of Appeals and the Salem Historic Commission have reviewed the most recent signage plans and have provided comments. The current proposal includes fourteen free- standing signs and the SRA guidelines prohibit free-standing signs. He stated that he will be meeting with the museum to discuss reducing the total amount of signage and then they will present an updated plan to the SRA. DRB Recommendations Beverly Cooperative Bank (73-87 Lafayette Street) George Atkins, attorney for the project, presented the schematic proposal for the Beverly Cooperative Bank. He stated that they have met with the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Design Review Board, Conservation Commission and the City Council. SRA Meeting Minutes January 8, 2003 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Atkins explained that the project includes the bank-owned property, an easement on a city- owned parcel and the lease of a parcel owned by Mass Electric. They are close to coming to an agreement on the Mass Electric lease. Mr. Atkins stated that the project has not changed significantly since the initial SRA presentation. Changes include: the addition of grass pavers (detail submitted) to provide pedestrian access between the harbor walk and the community room; a handicap ramp adjacent to the community room; signage and additional windows for the community room; a wider sidewalk at the rear of the building; vertical curbing between the harbor walk and the drive-thru lane; additional lighting near the public parking area; an all-brick building exterior; trellis structures at the rear of the building; and the restoration of the Earley T.V. building along Lafayette Street. Mr. Atkins stated that the design of the harbor walk would be subject to further state review and they have agreed to work with the City to determine the final details. He also stated that Beverly Cooperative has agreed to maintain the entire area. Mr. Brennan inquired about the public entrance. Mr. Atkins pointed out the location of the semi- public access route and explained how the alignment had been adjusted at the request of the DRB to provide a more direct connection to the waterfront. Mr. Baldini asked Mr. Atkins how many parking spaces would be included. Mr. Atkins stated that there would be seven spaces on the site. He also stated that they have acquired a parcel along Peabody Street for parking and that they will be working out the details with the City to comply with the Harbor Plan. Mr. Vickers inquired about the concrete pad adjacent to the harbor walk. Mr. Atkins explained that the concrete pad is not on their property and is not part of the project. Mr. Baldini inquired about the role of Chapter 91. Mr. Atkins explained that Chapter 91 guarantees public access to the waterfront and has restrictions on non-water dependent uses for filled tidelands. All filled tidelands are subject to this restriction. Mr. Vickers asked Mr. Atkins who could access the grass paver area. Mr. Atkins explained that both pedestrians and vehicles could access the grass paver area. Mr. Walsh added that the City of Salem has an easement through that area to provide access to a city-owned parcel along Peabody Street. Mr. Connelly asked Mr. Atkins if the drive-thru issues had been resolved. Mr. Atkins stated that the applicant has reduced the total number of stations and has added a drive-up ATM, which will eliminate double-parking along the street. Mr. Atkins also discussed the left and right turn issues associated with the New Derby Street egress. He stated that the applicant has been working with the Planning Board on this issue and may agree to a 6-month trial period for left and right turns. Under this agreement, they would have to come back to the Planning Board if there are any traffic problems. Mr. Atkins discussed the proposed signage. He stated that the applicant is proposing applied 18” titanium letters along the front and rear elevations. SRA Meeting Minutes January 8, 2003 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Atkins stated that the applicant is seeking approval tonight from the SRA with the condition that no other major changes are made by other boards. Mr. Walsh stated that SRA could give a preliminary approval to the project with the understanding that any changes made during the permitting process would be approved by the SRA. Mr. Walsh explained that Chapter 91 requires applicants to have all permits in hand in order to apply for a Chapter 91 license. Chapter 91 may also require certain uses on the ground floor of the building. He stated that a preliminary approval of the site plan from the SRA would allow the applicant to proceed with their Chapter 91 application. This approval would be conditional on no further changes being made to the plans. Mr. Walsh commended everyone involved with the project and outlined the three conditions from the DRB recommendation. He stated all work would have to be in conformance with the plans submitted; that the final design of the public walkway will be determined by the City of Salem; and that the Design Review Board will be available, at the request of the SRA, to review the final construction drawings, or any changes made to the plans as a result of other state and local permitting decisions. Mr. Vickers made a motion for approval with the DRB conditions. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion carried. There being no further business, Mr. Baldini made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried. Meeting stands adjourned.