2003-02-12 SRA MinutesMINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING
OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD ON FEBRUARY 12, 2003
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, February
12, 2003 at 6:00pm.
Chairman Robert Curran called the meeting to order and on roll call, the following members
were present: Michael Brennan, Michael Connolly, and Robert Curran. Russell Vickers came to
the meeting late and Conrad Baldini was absent. Denise McClure, Acting Executive Director of
the SRA, and Tania Hartford, Economic Development Planner, were also present.
Minutes
Chairman Curran called for approval of the minutes from the January 8, 2003 meeting. There
being no discussion, Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the minutes; Mr. Connelly seconded
the motion. Motion passed (3-0).
Discussion/ New Business
1. Executive Director’s Report
Ms. McClure, Acting Executive Director, explained to the Board that as they might have heard
Joseph Walsh, Executive Director, was on a leave of absence for 8 weeks. In his absence, Ms.
McClure will serve as Acting Executive Director. She then provided the Board with her report.
• The developers of the Old Police Station are working on an asbestos and lead paint
abatement of the site. If the property does not close, the abatement work will be completed
at no cost to the SRA. Ms. McClure said she would get an update from John Keenan, City
Solicitor, and work with him on drafting a letter to the developers. Mr. Curran said the letter
should get the developers to hold to a construction schedule.
Mr. Vickers asked if we knew of a closing date. Ms. McClure stated that Heritage Bank had
apparently approved their financing but she was unsure if a closing date had been set. Mr.
Brennan asked if the SRA could get an update from the developers at the next meeting. Ms.
McClure said she would check into that.
Mr. Connelly asked who was responsible for security at the building. He noticed a number
of windows blown out. Ms. McClure stated that she will have the city look into it.
• The Bleacher’s Building was put under a purchase and sale agreement by the Pabichs
(owners of the Salem Inn & Salem Renewal). Ms. McClure noted that she is setting up a
meeting with the Pabichs in the next couple of weeks to find out their plans for the building
and will keep the Board informed.
• The old Salem Laundry Building is currently undergoing the Design Review Board (DRB)
process and will come back to the SRA when that is complete. Mr. Curran asked if the
property was current with their taxes. Ms. McClure answered that to her knowledge, they
were current.
• The Planning Department is working with the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) on the size
and number of banners for their campus signage program. Mr. Curran asked about the
status of the wall along the esplanade. Ms. McClure explained that the DRB will look at
other options for the wall.
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS REVIEW
2. Townhouse Square Condominiums (99 Washington Street) – Preliminary Introduction for
Façade Improvements
David Pabich of Salem Renewal presented preliminary plans to the SRA for the redevelopment
of the storefronts at Townhouse Square and the construction of a roof deck. He explained to
the Board that the condominiums in the upper floors of the building are nearing completion and
the development of the storefronts and roof deck represent the final stage of construction at the
site.
The storefront proposal includes the removal of simulated granite, metal paneling, slate roof at
the corner of Essex and Washington Streets and a portion of brick wall along Washington
Street. New construction includes: exterior grade MDX trim framed with 1” x 6” pine boards
and round trim; installation of four Morgan full light exterior wood doors and sidelights;
installation of one new storefront window; and the restoration of three existing cast iron
columns. All the new paneling and trim will all be painted atrium white.
The roof deck will be 16’ x 16’ and will include a one-story access structure above 230 Essex
Street. The deck will be held back from the existing parapet wall to minimize visual impact. The
proposed access to the roof will be via a new access structure, built near the center of the roof
span. The deck will include a 42” high wood railing painted white. The deck will be shared by
condo owners.
Mr. Connelly moved to send the project to the DRB for further study. Mr. Vickers seconded
the motion. Motion passed (4-0).
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. McClure explained that the schedule of SRA meetings for 2003 would be sent to members
before the next meeting.
There being no further business, Mr. Brennan made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Connelly
seconded the motion. Motion passed (4-0).
Meeting stands adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Tania Hartford
Department of Planning & Community Development