2002-08-14 SRA MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD ON AUGUST 14, 2002
A regular meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority was held in the third floor conference
room at 120 Washington Street on Wednesday, August 14, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Curran
called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members answered present: Michael
Brennan, Michael Connelly, Robert Curran and Conrad Baldini. Russell Vickers was excused.
Executive Director Joseph Walsh and SRA Project Coordinator Don Giard were also present.
MINUTES
Chairman Curran called for approval of the minutes of the SRA meeting held on July 10, 2002.
Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Baldini seconded the
motion, all were in favor, motion so carried.
DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS
Executive Director’s Report
Russell Kiernan – Marine Art Gallery
Mr. Walsh explained that a letter from Mr. Kiernan’s attorney had been sent to the Salem
Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Walsh and representatives from the City have spoken to Mr.
Kiernan on several occasions to discuss issues related to the Peabody Essex Museum expansion.
Because Mr. Kiernan is currently in litigation with the City, the letter was immediately
forwarded to the City Solicitor.
Mr. Brennan asked Mr. Walsh what issues Mr. Kiernan had with the SRA.
Mr. Walsh explained that Mr. Kiernan is concerned about the condition of the exterior wall of his
building that faces the Peabody Essex Museum esplanade. The issue is currentl y in court and no
ruling has been determined yet between the museum and Mr. Kiernan regarding who is
responsible for repairing the wall. Temporary repairs are needed to prevent water damage to the
building.
Mr. Walsh recommended that the Salem Redevelopment Authority send a letter to the museum
requesting plans and a presentation to the Design Review Board. He also stated that the repair
work completed by the museum at Saccon Jewelers could be used as an example.
Mr. Brennan asked Mr. Walsh what authority the City had to enforce this.
Mr. Walsh stated that, as outlined in the Planning Board decision, the City could hold the
Certificate of Occupancy.
Mr. Curran stated that the Salem Redevelopment Authority should send a letter to the museum.
Old Police Station Update
Mr. Walsh stated that final plans had been submitted to the Planning Board. The applicant now
must submit final plans to the Salem Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Walsh explained that the
applicant must submit three items to the Salem Redevelopment Authority: final plans for
approval, financial information and the Land Disposition Agreement..
Mr. Brennan asked Mr. Walsh if the Design Review Board had approved the plans.
Mr. Walsh stated that the Design Review Board gave the applicant a positive recommendation
but expects to review a final set of plans and specifications once they are completed.
Garvin Group Update
Mr. Walsh stated that City Solicitor has continued to aggressively pursue the $10,000 owed to
the Salem Redevelopment Authority. He stated that the City Solicitor views the actions taken by
the Garvin Group as both a civil activity and a criminal activity. He stated that he would keep
the Board updated regarding this issue.
DRB Recommendations
Museum Place Garage – 1 New Liberty Place
Mr. Giard presented the application for signage improvements at the city-owned Museum Place
Garage. The project includes the removal of the existing awning and fluorescent lighting over
the garage entrance and the installation of three new directional signs. New signs include: 24” x
100” blue and white aluminum entrance sign, 24” x 48” blue and white aluminum exit sign, and
a 36” x 36” double-sided blue and white parking sign. The Design Review Board recommended
approval of the application with the condition that the applicant increase the width of the double-
sided sign to a minimum of 1-1/2” to improve the durability of the sign while providing a more
substantial appearance.
Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for the Museum Place Garage.
Mr. Baldini seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried.
Brothers Café – 245 Derby Street
Mr. Giard presented a sign application for a new 22” x 85” hanging aluminum menu sign with a
black background and vinyl applied graphics. The Design Review Board recommended
approval of the application as submitted.
Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for the Brothers Café. Mr.
Baldini seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried.
Deleo’s Pizza – 28 Norman Street
Mr. Giard presented the application for a new privet hedge and 4’ high black ornamental fence
along Crombie Street. The application also included the pruning of three existing Callery Pear
trees along Crombie Street. Mr. Giard explained that the applicant had originally removed part
of an existing privet hedge and had damaged two of the existing Callery Pear Trees along
Crombie Street. The Design Review Board recommended approval of the application with the
condition that the proposed aluminum fence be upgraded to steel or wrought iron for increased
durability. The Design Review Board also recommended that a licensed arborist be hired to
prune the Crombie Street trees with oversight from a member of the review board.
Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for Deleo’s Pizza. Mr.
Brennan seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried.
Other Business
18 Crombie Street
Mr. Walsh stated that the Salem Redevelopment Authority could direct him to investigate and
report back to the Board in 30 days regarding the option of taking 18 Crombie Street by eminent
domain. The board expressed interest in pursuing this option further.
There being no further business, Mr. Brennan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr.
Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried.
Meeting stands adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Giard