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2002-10-09 SRA MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD ON OCTOBER 9, 2002 A regular meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority was held in the third floor conference room at 120 Washington Street on Wednesday, October 9, 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, Russell Vickers, Robert Curran and Conrad Baldini. Executive Director Joseph Walsh, Assistant City Planner Denise Sullivan, and Economic Development Planner Tania Dobrowolski were also present. MINUTES Chairman Curran called for approval of the minutes of the SRA meeting held on August 14, 2002. It was noted that Mr. Vickers did not attend the last meeting and that Mr. Baldini closed the meeting. Mr. Vickers made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS DRB Recommendations Bowman’s Building Mr. Walsh presented the preliminary phase (schematic design) application for the structure located at 266 Essex Street. The proposal includes a first floor retail use or similar use as before. Mr. Baldini made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for Preliminary Phase approval for the redevelopment of 266 Essex Street. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Salem Five Mr. Walsh presented a sign application for 210 Essex Street. The project includes the installation of a 40” high x 48” wide brushed stainless steel sign and black decorative metal scroll bracket. The sign will be attached to an existing sign band and will include blue and gold graphics on a silver background. The Design Review Board recommended approval of the application as submitted. Mr. Connelly made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for the Salem Five. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Roosevelt’s Mr. Walsh presented plans for improvements at 300 Derby Street. He explained that the SRA had already approved some items for the Derby Street elevation and that they are now reviewing additional work. The proposal consists of the following: Installation of two wood and glass replacement doors along Central Street, replace existing awning fabric, new 5’ wide green awning over new entrance at New Derby Street, twelve exterior decorative light fixtures, one new green fabric retractable awning attached to existing retaining wall, and ten new wood window boxes (Salem Main Street standard). The Design Review Board recommended approval of the application as submitted. Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for Roosevelt’s. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Taste of Thyme Mr. Walsh presented a sign application for 122 Washington Street. The proposal consists of a new 28” x 38” carved redwood hanging sign with a decorative metal bracket. The text will be gold with a dark green background. The Design Review Board recommended approval of the application with the condition that the text is reduced by 10% and that the two existing signs be removed as outlined in the application. Mr. Baldini made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for the Taste of Thyme. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Asahi Mr. Walsh presented a sign application for Asahi Restaurant located at the Museum Place Mall. The proposed signage for 168 Essex Street consists of the following: one 13” high sign consisting of vinyl graphics applied to an existing green metal fascia and one 163” wide x 60” high green fabric awning. The Design Review Board recommends approval of the sign application with the condition that the text on the awning be reduced to 20” in height. Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for the Asahi Restaurant. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Redevelopment Projects Review Beverly Cooperative Bank Mr. Walsh explained that the Beverly Cooperative is just beginning their SRA process. The SRA has jurisdiction and will be followed by several other regulatory agencies. George Atkins, attorney for Beverly Cooperative Bank, presented an overview of the project. He explained that the existing property is on filled tidelands and that many alterations have taken place over the years. He explained that the applicant has been working with the state to improve public access to the property. This includes a new semi-public way leading to the waterfront and a new community room for public use. The site plan includes a new drive-thru around the site and public parking at the rear of the property. Employee parking will be located at the South Harbor Garage. Mr. Atkins further explained that there will be a great deal of coordination between the applicant, the City and other agencies. An easement must be approved by the City Council. Additional permitting will include ZBA, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Chapter 91, and MEPA. Mr. Brennan asked if parking would be a concern for bank customers. Mr. Atkins stated that parking is definitely an issue and that they are looking into other options. Mr. Brennan asked Mr. Atkins how many spaces will be required. Mr. Atkins stated that this has not been determined. Mr. Vickers asked how the second floor will be used. Mr. Atkins explained that it will most likely be office space. Retail space would most likely not work there. Office space will help reduce the parking demand. Mr. Vickers asked if the applicant was going to bring brick around all sides of the building. Mr. Atkins stated that they will use brick. Mr. Connelly inquired about the drive-thru. Mr. Walsh stated that the City Council will have to grant an easement for the proposed drive- thru. In addition, the project requires a change in use vote from the SRA. Mr. Brennan made a motion to approve the change in use for the property. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. The project was forwarded to the Design Review Board. City Hall Elevator Denise Sullivan, Assistant City Planner, addressed the board to discuss the objectives and scope of the project. Ms. Sullivan stated that the project includes the construction of a small addition at the rear of the building to accommodate an elevator. At this time, Staley McDermett, the project architect, addressed the Board. He explained that the addition will fill in the corner where the document vaults are currently located. He stated that he is seeking permission to proceed to the Design Review Board for a preliminary review. Mr. Curran asked Mr. McDermett how far out the addition will extend. Mr. McDermett stated that the building will closely match the existing footprint. Mr. Walsh explained that the project will be funded by Community Development Block Grant funding and City Council approved funding. The project was sent to the DRB for detailed review. Peabody Essex Museum – Sign Package Mr. Walsh stated that the applicant has completed a design package for museum signage and citywide directional signage, which was a requirement of the Planning Board decision. Representing the Peabody Essex Museum were Will Phippen, John Roll and Greg Liakos. John Roll presented the design package to the Board. The proposal includes a wall sign and 28’ tall banners at the Hawthorne and Brown location; fence sign and banners at the Hawthorne and Essex location; 3 banners at the Pedestrian Mall adjacent to the main entrance; 3 banners along Charter Street; directional signs on Liberty Street; directional maps; City sign program that will tie in existing historic districts. The overall sign package will include gateway signage, directional signage, parking signage and district signage. Mr. Brennan asked Mr. Ross what material will be used for the banners. Mr. Roll stated that the banners will be vinyl with digital prints Mr. Connelly asked if all the banners would be changing. Mr. Roll stated that the banners will be changed on a regular basis, especially for special events. Mr. Curran asked if all the existing signs would be replaced. Mr. Roll explained that they will first prioritize the most important locations (3 to 4 locations). Mr. Walsh stated that private businesses are not allowed to be included on public signs. Mr. Curran asked what the material will be for the directional signage. Mr. Roll stated that they are proposing aluminum slate. Mr. Vickers asked what the timeline will be for installation. Mr. Roll explained that the nature of the program is phased. Phase One for the Museum is June 2003. The second phase would require joint funding between the Museum and the City. The project was forwarded to the Design Review Board. Peabody Essex Museum – Public Garden/ Esplanade Mr. Phippin presented updated plans for the Esplanade. Mr. Curran asked Mr. Phippen what they are planning to do with the Marine Arts Gallery wall. How will this wall be treated or screened. The project was forwarded to the Design Review Board. Edgewater Café – Preliminary Introduction Dennis and John Moustakis made a preliminary presentation to the Board. They stated that they have signed a lease for space at the former Salem Evening News Building. The proposed exterior changes for the building will include an exhaust hood at the rear of the building and a blade sign along Washington Street. Mr. Connelly inquired about their timeframe. Mr. Moustakis stated that they will start work next week and that they intend to open in November. Mr. Walsh stated that this business will be a destination point and will invigorate the entire block. He also explained that the SRA will have to vote to change the use for the ground floor and that the SRA had the option of voting on the proposed work immediately or send it to the DRB. Mr. Baldini made a motion to change the use of the ground floor of the building to allow the proposed use. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion, all were in favor, the motion so carried. The project was forwarded to the DRB. Old Police Station Mr. Walsh stated that the $12,500 check from Mr. Singleton has cleared. Mr. Walsh stated that the applicant has four steps remaining: final approval of design, approval of financial statements, signing of the land disposition agreement (LDA), and final payment. Mr. Brennan was excused from the meeting. It was stated that a timetable must be set for the development. If the developer does not comply, the Board can take away their development rights. Mr. Walsh stated that they have the option of taking a vote to have the developer address the Board at the next meeting. The members agreed that the applicant should attend the next meeting to update the Board. Executive Director’s Report Economic Development Loan Program Mr. Walsh presented the option of hiring outside legal assistance to review the SRA Loan Program. Mr. Baldini made a motion to enter into an agreement with Tinti, Quinn, Grover and Frey, P.C. to review the SRA Loan Program. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. There being no further business, Mr. Baldini made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Meeting stands adjourned.