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2002-11-13 SRA MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD ON NOVEMBER 13, 2002 A regular meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority was held in the third floor conference room at 120 Washington Street on Wednesday, November 13, 2002, 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 Chairman Curran called for approval of the minutes of the SRA meeting held on October 9, 2002. Mr. Vickers made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS Executive Director’s Report Mr. Walsh updated the Board on the status of the Daniel Low Building. He stated that the building was purchased by Digital Bungalow. The new owners have discussed the possibility of working with the owner of the Colonial Hall to place the new office space on the second floor. This would allow a restaurant to be located on the ground floor. Digital Bungalow has also discussed the possibility of assuming responsibility of Colonial Hall’s SRA loan for capital improvements. Mr. Walsh also updated the board on the status of the Coastal Gas Station parcel. He presented a schematic rendering prepared by Winter Street Architects that illustrates a new development with retail along Derby Street and residential along the rear of the parcel. Edgewater Café (155-189 Washington Street) Mr. Giard presented plans and specifications for proposed exterior improvements to 155-189 Washington Street. The proposal consists of the following: 2’ x 2’ carved hanging sign with a decorative metal bracket, two (2) 2’ x 2’ applied vinyl graphic window logos, and painting of the existing bronze clerestory panels above the storefront windows (color: 90GG 21). The applicant has agreed to submit a bracket design for final approval. Mr. Baldini made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for 155-189 Washington Street (Edgewater Café) with the condition that the bracket design be approved by Executive Director Walsh. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Elixer (230 Essex Street) Mr. Giard presented a sign application for 230 Essex Street. The proposal consists of a new 21” x 43” wood sign with a decorative metal bracket. The sign will have a light blue (C2 Brand “Holiday”) background and black text (Gigi font). The Design Review Board recommended approval of the application as submitted. Mr. Connelly made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for the 230 Essex Street. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. City Hall Elevator Mr. Giard the schematic submission for the proposed elevator to be constructed at 93 Washington Street. The project includes the construction of a small addition at the rear of City Hall to accommodate an elevator. The massing, fenestration and materials will closely match the existing building. Mr. Vickers made a motion to approve the DRB recommendation for 93 Washington Street. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion so carried. Redevelopment Projects Review Old Police Station (17 Central Street) Mr. Walsh outlined the remaining steps necessary for the redevelopment of the Old Police Station. He presented the board with correspondence on the approval process. Bill Luster provided an update to the Board on the status of the project. He explained that they have been diligently working on the project but that they had been too optimistic with their timeline. He clarified that the City was not responsible for any delays. Mr. Luster explained that they have a tentative agreement with Welch Construction, a local contractor. He also explained that they have one letter of commitment and a soft letter of commitment with another bank that he expects have finalized in the next one or two weeks. They will be obtaining a $3.2 million construction loan. Mr. Luster explained that they are interested in closing out the project as quickly as possible. He stated that they are interested in moving ahead with the purchase of the property and would like to start demolition and asbestos removal prior to financing closure. At this time, architect Jack French distributed design plans to the Board members. He stated that these were plans that the Board had already seen. Mr. Walsh corrected Mr. French stating that these design plans had been reviewed by the DRB but had not been presented to the SRA. Mr. French presented the final floor plans, elevations and site plan to the Board. Mr. Curren inquired about the right-of-way for the abutting parking lot. Attorney Steve Lovely stated that they have drafted a document that designates the right-of-way. He also stated that they have worked with the owner of Red’s on the dumpster issue and that their attorney, Joe Corrente, is pleased. Mr. Vickers asked if the dumpster agreement would be recorded. Mr. Walsh explained the LDA process. Mr. Vickers asked when the Board will have a chance to review the LDA. Mr. Walsh stated that the City Solicitor will review and provide a draft. Mr. Luster asked for discretion from the Board to permit them to start the project with conditions. Mr. Vickers stated that the Board needs to review the LDA before final approval. Mr. Walsh stated that the LDA will be similar to the one completed for the Garvin Group but with different financing and construction timetable. Mr. Vickers asked if the DRB had reviewed the more detailed design documents. Mr. Walsh stated that they had provided a recommendation to the Board with conditions. At this time, Chairman Baldini made a motion to approve the final design plans with conditions submitted by the applicant. The motion was seconded by Mr. Connelly, all were in favor, the motion so carried. Mr. Walsh suggested having a working session to go over the project details. Mr. Vickers agreed to sit in on the working session as a representative of the Board. City Hall Window Box (93 Washington Street) Mr. Giard presented the preliminary submission for new decorative iron window boxes to be installed along the façade of City Hall. The proposed window boxes are part of a comprehensive restoration of City Hall. The project was forwarded to the DRB for detailed review. Heritage Cooperative Bank (35 St. Peters Street) Architect Paul Bourbeau from Royal Design presented a preliminary proposal for Heritage Cooperative Bank. He explained that Heritage plans to lease a portion of the former New England Telephone Building located at 35 St. Peters Street. The project includes a drive-through along the rear of the building, a new entrance along Federal Street and landscaping and parking improvements. Mr. Connelly asked Mr. Bourbeau about the location of the new entrance. Mr. Bourbeau explained that the new entrance will be adjacent to the entrance along Federal Street that is currently under construction. Mr. Vickers asked why the new entrance does not match the design of the one approved by the SRA. Mr. Walsh requested that the applicant provide a full elevation of the building that includes both entry features. Mr. Walsh inquired about the applicant’s timetable. Mr. Bourbeau stated that they are targeting early spring. Mr. Curren stated that he has a conflict of interest and cannot vote on this project. At this time, Mr. Baldini assumed the position of Chairman in place of Mr. Curren. The project was unanimously sent to the Design Review Board for detailed review. Salem Evening News Building (155-189 Washington Street) Mr. Walsh introduced the Cliff Boyle from Simsbury Associates, the owner of the former Salem Evening News Building. Mr. Boyle presented a preliminary concept to the Board for the redevelopment of the property. He stated that they are still in the early stages of design and that they have worked with Mr. Walsh and his staff. He stated that they are currently interested in demolishing a portion of the 3-story building along Washington Street and restoring the remaining buildings, including the existing brick printing press building. His initial proposal includes a new 2-3 story addition at the corner of Washington and New Derby Street. Mr. Boyle stated that Simsbury has a strong interest in working with the City to integrate their development with the existing Salem Marketplace. He explained that the existing configuration of the marketplace makes it difficult to connect to his proposed project. Mr. Walsh explained that he asked Mr. Boyle to address the board at the preliminary level in order to discuss the use issues associated with the project. He stated that one of the ideas is to activate the rear of the building with the Marketplace and to establish a development with four active sides. Mr. Walsh explained that, at this time, Mr. Boyle is looking for guidance from the Board. Mr. Walsh also presented the option of his staff produce conceptual design alternatives for review by the Board. Members of the Board and Mr. Boyle were amenable to Mr. Walsh’s suggestion. 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.