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2003-07-09 SRA MinutesMINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD ON JULY 9, 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 Wednesd ay, July 9, 2003 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, Robert Curran, and Russell Vickers. Joseph Walsh, Executive Director of the SRA, Tania Hartford, Economic Development Planner, and Valerie Gingrich, Clerk were also present. Minutes Mr. Baldini made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 7, 2003 and June 11, 2003 meetings, and Mr. Vickers seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). Discussion/New Business 1. Executive Director’s Report Mr. Walsh, Executive Director, provided the Board with his report. • A letter was sent to the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) asking them to return to the Board to address the outstanding issue of the Marine Arts Gallery wall. A response from the PEM asked for a request incorporating the issues. A lengthier letter was sent to the PEM on June 23, 2003 and there has not been a reply. • Mr. Walsh stated that in a recent newspaper article, the PEM commented that there will not be pedestrian access through the Museum from Essex Street to Charter Street. The next round of correspondence will address the fact that such a decision by the PEM is a violation of both the SRA’s decision and the Planning Board’s decision. Free pedestrian access through the Museum Atrium is a condition included in both decisions. The PEM will have to come back to the Board to request an amendment. At this point, Mr. Curran recognized Councilor O’Leary. Councilor O’Leary commented that the City gave up two pieces of property and a street. He commented that the Board needs to take a stand on this issue in a straightforward manner. In regards to the wall, the Board decided that they will wait for a response from the PEM before any action is taken. Mr. Walsh stated that he will inform the PEM that their decision to not allow access through the building is a violation of the SRA decision, Planning Board decision, and City Council. • Mr. Walsh gave an update on the contamination found at the Old Police Station site. A report on remediation, source and costs is expected in the next 30 days. Mr. Walsh informed the Board that there is a chance that Beverly Cooperative Bank will not finance the cleanup. He explained that it will be hard for the developer to get conventional financing for the cleanup, and the Board could use the revenue from selling the Old Police Station to finance the cleanup. • Mr. Walsh stated that the Licensing Board has requested copies of the current cafe permits, and the list will be provided. • Mr. Walsh asked the Board to vote on two issues: o It has been requested by the Mayor that the two benches at the fountain on Washington and Essex Streets be removed because the benches are in bad shape and because of loitering. Mr. Baldini made a motion to have the benches repaired, but never permanently removed. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). o It is requested that the Board vote to approve a contract for services with Winter Street Architects for conceptual ideas for the Marketplace and Salem Evening News Building. Winter Street would present these ideas next month. Funding would be supplied through the Community Development Block Grant. Mr. Vickers made a motion to establish a contract for services with Winter Street Architects for the Marketplace project. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 2. Derby Lofts (51-71 Lafayette Street)—Review of the final submission for the development of a mixed-use development on the corner of Lafayette and Derby Streets in the former Laundry Building. Attorney Scott Grover thanked the Board for the previous schematic approval of the project and stated that the project is being warmly received in the neighborhood. Mr. Grover informed the Board of the goal of starting construction in the fall. Mr. Walsh stated that the Planning Board has approved the project, and it is appropriate for the Board to give a final approval of the project tonight or send it back to the Design Review Board for additional review. Mark Meche presented the project to the Board. He stated that they are starting the construction process and would like to pull a building permit in September. Mr. Meche explained that the Planning Board had asked them to make some changes, which include a wrought iron entrance to the Carriage Way, an audible alarm when exiting onto Central Street, and period lighting around the building and across the street. In addition, the clock on the corner facade will remain. Mr. Meche stated that because signage will depend on the tenants, they will come back to the Board with proposals for signage when plans are more concrete. Mr. Baldini inquired as to the projected completion date. Mr. Meche replied that the project will be completed 14 months from the start date. Mr. Brennan asked whether there will be a deck on the roof. Mr. Meche showed the Board the proposed decks and stated that there will be a small area on the roof near the elevator, which will be considered a deck. Mr. Brennan inquired as to the total number of units. Mr. Meche replied that there will be 54 units. Mr. Vickers asked about the parking in the South Harbor Garage. Mr. Grover replied that leasing parking in the garage is not really practical and that they need to have parking closer to the site. Mr. Meche stated that the developer is currently in negotiations with 4 separate possible sites, and that 2 of the deals are ready to be finalized. They would like to do a mixed -use project that includes parking. Mr. Walsh stated that the Building Inspector cannot issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the parking has been leased. Mr. Brennan asked whether the developer would go through with the construction in September if the parking aspect was not yet finalized. Mr. Meche stated that they would. Mr. Vickers inquired as to who gets the parking spaces if there are several projects that want to lease spaces. Mr. Grover stressed that leasing spaces in the South Harbor Garage is not the way that they want to solve the parking situation and that it is simply the way to fulfill the legal requirement while they finalize an alternative. Mr. Vickers asked whether Central Street will remain one-way, Mr. Meche replied that they are not changing any traffic patterns, and that they have a proposal for a traffic/parking study in the works. Mr. Walsh informed the Board that the Planning Board approved the project with the condition that the applicant would return to the Planning Director for the final approval of lighting, utility materials, and roof materials. The applicant would need to return to the Board if any of the materials changed. Mr. Baldini motioned to approve the project with the condition that the applicant return to the Executive Director of the SRA to receive final approval of the materials and lighting. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, and the motion passed (4-0). Mr. Brennan abstained. Mr. Walsh stated that he would inquire at the City Solicitor’s office regarding the process for leasing spaces in the South Harbor Garage. 3. Lawrence Place (143 Washington/32 Front Street)—Review of final submission for the development of a mixed-use development on the corner of Washington and Front Streets in the former Bleachers Building. Mr. Walsh introduced the project and informed the Board that the DRB would like another look at it since it has been revised. The number of residential condominium units increased from 8 to 10. David Pabich explained that the Planning Board had asked for some modifications to the project because of resistance to the idea of residential units on the first floor of Derby Square. The new proposal changes the residential to professional home office space on the first floor. The first floor contains office and kitchen space. Mr. Pabich explained that this change might decrease the value of the units because living space decreases; therefore they have increased the total number of units from 8 to 10. The number of bedrooms decreased from 20 to 17. Mr. Baldini commented that home office space is a good idea and it makes sense. Mr. Pabich replied that home office space might have tax benefits. Mr. Pabich addressed the roof material issue, stating that the roof is a 200 year slate roof that is about 200 years old, and it is in great disrepair. Mr. Pabich explained that the slate will be replaced with an asphalt replica with copper detailing at the request of the DRB. The windows will be aluminum clad with narrower muttons, from 7/8” to 5/8”. The lighting will not be changed and the signage will depend on who leases the retail units. They will return to the Board in respect to signage. Mr. Pabich stated that, again at the request of the DRB, he would like to add about 6 skylights to the Front Street side of the building. Mr. Vickers asked if there will be an elevator. Mr. Pabich replied that there will not. Mr. Pabich stated that he would like to show the DRB a revised plan with more skylights at their next meeting. Mr. Curran commented that the proposal looks good and that they will wait to vote on it until the DRB gets another look at it. DEIGN REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Nostalgia (103 Washington Street)—Consideration of DRB recommendation for proposed sign. On June 25, 2003, the Design Review Board (DRB) gave a positive recommendation for a sign application for the building located at 103 Essex Street. The proposal consists of a 23” x 32” wood sign attached to a black decorative metal bracket. The sign includes a Lavender background with black and white graphics and text. At the request of the DRB, the applicant agreed to change the text to Palatino and remove the white text outline for the business name. Mr. Brennan made a motion to accept the recommendation of the DRB, Mr. Connelly seconded. Motion passed (5-0). 5. Salem’s Color Corner (60 Washington Street)—Consideration of DRB recommendation for proposed sign. On June 25, 2003, the DRB gave a positive recommendation for the proposed signage for the building located at 60 Washington Street. The proposal consists of two 14” x 120” wood wall signs to be installed along the Washington Street and Lynde Street facades. At the request of the DRB, the applicant changed the text to a serif style font, increased the letter spacing, add ed a chamfered edge, and reduced the height of the sign by 6 inches. Mr. Brennan made a motion to accept the recommendation of the DRB, Mr. Vickers seconded. Motion passed (5-0). 6. Aroma Sanctum (5 Central Street)—Consideration of DRB recommendation for proposed sign. On June 25, 2003, the DRB recommended approval of the proposed sign for the building located at 5 Central Street. The proposal consists of a ½” thick PVC hanging sign with a decorative metal bracket. The proposed sign is 17” x 30” and includes a green background with gold lettering. At the request of the DRB, the applicant agreed to change the shape and location of the metal bracket to match the historic metal brackets on the building. In addition, the applicant agreed to change the typography to improve the legibility of the sign. Mr. Vickers motioned to accept the DRB recommendation, Mr. Brennan seconded. Motion passed (5-0). 7. Liberty Tax (155 Washington Street)—Consideration of DRB recommendation for proposed sign. On May 28, 2003, the DRB gave a positive recommendation for a proposed wall sign for the building located at 155 Washington Street. The proposal consists of an 11” x 120” sign attached to an existing sign band. At the request of the DRB, the height of the sign was red uced by 2”, the background color was changed from white to off-white, the text color was changed to maroon and the graphic logo was changed to a dark blue. In addition, the DRB requested that the applicant change the text style to Palatino. Mr. Connelly motioned to accept the DRB recommendation, Mr. Baldini seconded. Motion passed (5-0). 8. Rockafellas (231 Essex Street)—Consideration of DRB recommendation for proposed outdoor cafe. On June 25, 2003, the DRB gave a positive recommendation for the proposed outdoor café located at 227-231 Essex Street. The proposed café is located along the Washington Street side of the building and includes twelve (12) 30” round tables and 36 chairs. A black metal chain and black metal freestanding bollards will define the seating area. Mr. Baldini motioned to accept the DRB recommendation, Mr. Connelly seconded. Motion passed (5-0). OTHER BUSINESS 9. Salem YMCA (120 Washington Street)—Consideration of revised sign proposal. The revised sign has the same color scheme with an encircled “120” in the middle, and “Second Floor” at the bottom. The sign will be placed at the corner of the door at 120 Washington Street. Mr. Baldini informed the Board of his research, stating that there are not any signs in the downtown with addresses on them. Mr. Brennan motioned to approve the sign, Mr. Connelly seconded. Motion passed (5-0). 10. Derby Deli (245 Derby Street)—Consideration of revised sign proposal. The revised sign is the same style as the one that previously existed at Brothers Deli. However, Mr. Walsh informed the Board that they may change their name. Mr. Brennan motioned to approve the revised sign, Mr. Connelly seconded. Motion passed (5-0). There being no further business, Mr. Baldini motioned to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). Meeting stands adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Valerie Gingrich, Clerk Department of Planning & Community Development