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2005-03-23 DRB MinutesDRB Minutes March 23, 2005 Page 1 of 5 DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 2005 A regular meeting of the Salem Design Review Board (DRB) was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 6:00pm. Members Paul Durand, Chris Greene, and David Jaquith were present. Valerie Gingrich, Staff Planner, and Debra Tucker, Clerk, were also present. Minutes The minutes from the February 23, 2005 meeting were presented for approval. Mr. Durand moved that the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on February 23, 2005 be approved. Mr. Greene seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0). New Business 1. 112 Washington Street & 237-245 Essex Street (Lappin Park)—Review of proposed TV Land project at Lappin Park. Robert Paluzzi, Chris Sabin of TV Land, and Michael Blier of Landworks Studio in Salem, appeared before the Design Review Board to present the proposed TV Land sponsored statue of Bewitched for Lappin Park. Mr. Paluzzi gave background on other TV Land statues, such as Mary Tyler Moore in Minneapolis, Ralph Kramden in New York, Mayberry RFD in North Carolina, and Bob Newhart in Chicago. This would be their fifth statue. They have proposed a bronze statue of Samantha from the television show “Bewitched” for Lappin Park in Salem. Mr. Paluzzi and Mr. Sabin displayed pictures of the clay statue, which is ready to be cast in bronze. There will be a plaque at the base of the statue embedded in the ground. Mr. Blier, a landscape architect from Landworks Studio in Salem, presented his plans for site changes proposed for Lappin Park. The plans included removing the brick wall, planting trees, and opening the space up visually to draw visitors and pedestrians. The sculpture would be located close to the sidewalk near the corner of Essex and Washington Streets and would be visible from the Essex St. pedestrian mall. Mr. Blier said that it would draw more people across the street and would be a way to connect the underused section of Essex Street between Washington and North St. Mr. Blier stated that there would be a spiral in the ground leading to the statue. He envisioned a gathering space with the same overall path through the park. There would be DRB Minutes March 23, 2005 Page 2 of 5 one 12-foot fruit tree that would be moved. The existing site plaque for Lappin Park would be moved from the wall to a vertical stone mounted inside the park. Mr. Paluzzi added that the statue would be a draw for people and a way to connect with their memories. He explained that Studio Ice, a national company, will be creating the statue. Mr. Durand asked what the unveiling would be like. Mr. Paluzzi answered that they are usually really big events and estimated 3,000-5,000 people. He predicted that the street would probably have to be closed and it would be a sizable media event. CNN and the major news stations may broadcast. June 15th was mentioned as a proposed unveiling date. Mr. Greene commented that it would tie in nicely with the new Bewitched movie. Mr. Durand noted that the siting of the statue does make a great gesture across the street and said that it would be an important development tool. The park has never really been used and the walls serve as a barrier. He has seen very few use the park. He likes the statue and the plan and sees it as a positive for the city. Mr. Greene asked how big the statue would be. Mr. Paluzzi answered that it would be approximately 8 feet. Mr. Greene commented that he thought it was a tacky looking statue with virtually no connection with Salem and is similar to previous attempts to exploit Salem’s history, one of the worst things to ever happen in American history where 20 innocent people were killed by a mob. He said that there is no organic connection to the City and that he is ashamed that Salem is proud of that connection. He noted that just a few episodes of “Bewitched” were shot in Salem. Mr. Greene said that the park has problems but this won’t solve them. The original park had people walking all over the grass. The wall was an attempt to save the grass. Taking the wall down and creating a focal point that would create pedestrian traffic on the grass would not allow the grass to survive. He asked what would happen when the grass dies and if the area would then be paved. Mr. Greene stated that installing something that looks like a promotional tie into a Nicole Kidman movie is not in the best interest of the City and the timing seems fishy, although it may be a coincidence. Mr. Greene also noted that there might be some legality involved and referenced the State Constitution, specifically Article 97, concerning public open space that may not be changed without 2/3rds approval by the Legislature. He suggested that they look into it. From a design point of view Mr. Greene said that it is not fine art and is commercial. If it were to be put in Salem, is should not be put on that corner. He said that he would consider another location. Mr. Paluzzi answered that the first question that TV Land asked was if it were appropriate. They worked to locate it with the utmost respect. He said that it is the pop culture of witches and not history. DRB Minutes March 23, 2005 Page 3 of 5 Mr. Paluzzi added that the location seemed like an opportunity and they were open to consider others. There is a corporate commercial connection, but they are not working with the studio. They were aware of the timing and thought it would tie in nicely. He stated that the unveiling date could be changed. The statue is being presented by TV Land as a labor of love. He said there is press value, but that the intent is to bring a show to mind and reconnect to childhood memories. True emotional connection was the intent. It was never meant to be disrespectful, crass, or inappropriate. Mr. Jaquith said that he had no problem with the cultural image. He said that his problem was with the corner of the park getting worn away and felt that the carpet of green would be worn away in a few months. He said that it is a summertime cluster point. Mr. Blier used Copley Plaza as a comparison. There was discussion c oncerning public and private spaces and the care necessary to maintain green spaces. Mr. Jaquith asked that Mr. Blier take the comments and concerns of the board and reconsider the landscape and park design plan. He said that the statue location was ok and asked Mr. Paluzzi what the timeframe for the plans was. Mr. Paluzzi replied that they were looking for June 15th, if the details could be worked out. He said that they were looking for initial approval from the board. Kate Sullivan of the Mayor’s office spoke on behalf of the plan. She said that TV Land had come to the Mayor’s office first and asked how the plan would fit into the community. They gave a presentation and toured the City looking for potential locations. Ms. Sullivan reported that the City suggested the location. She added that they had been wonderful to work with. She added that there are lots of ideas in the City about witch culture. Mr. Greene said that he thought it was an ugly statue and that it would not be an improvement to the City. He noted that there is a lot wrong with the park but that it is not being addressed by this proposal. As a designer, he said that he thought it was a cartoon statue not worthy of the City. He said that it is not connected to Salem and that it seems like an effort to take advantage of the commercialism of witches. Mr. Durand commented that the connection is to popular culture. Mr. Paluzzi added that although TV Land airs shows, they do not own them. He said that classic TV characters are loved and a part of our lives. Mr. Paluzzi acknowledged that although TV Land does not make any money directly from this project, it would be publicity for the station. Mr. Jaquith said that it would make people smile as they walked by and that he had no problem with the pop culture aspect. Mr. Greene said that if the Design Review Board were to recommend that the SRA approve the project, then the whole park should be upgraded. He did not think that it would result in an improvement and as a landscape architect; he said that he could see the park be so much more. Ms. Gingrich recommended that once the proposal changes were made, they should contact her to get on an agenda. DRB Minutes March 23, 2005 Page 4 of 5 The DRB members agreed that a special meeting could be held if necessary. Paul Durand recused himself from the next two matters. 2. 284-296 Essex Street & One Sewall Street (YMCA)– Review of proposed signage at 284-296 Essex Street & One Sewall Street. Mark Meche and Robin Abraham of Winter Street Architects presented plans for signage for the YMCA storefronts that are under renovation. The preschool daycare program and the North Shore Children’s Museum would have 2 separate functions with 1 main entrance. Ms. Abraham said that there would be a frosted glass-look to the windows with 6” vinyl lettering applied to the windows. The proposed blade signs will be moved. Ms. Abraham explained that the proposal includes the installation of eighteen (18) signs and vinyl window frosting along Essex Street and Sewall Street. The proposal includes the installation of two 12”x 7’7” wall signs, two 3’5”x 2’ hanging signs, seven 12”x 12” “Y” window logos, and four 17”x 4’1” window signs along Essex Street. The proposal also includes two 12”x 12” “Y” window logos and one 3’5”x 2’ hanging sign along Sewall Street. The wall signs will be painted MDO with a painted wood trim and black vinyl letters. The hanging signs will be white painted MDO with vinyl graphics and lettering. The “Y” window logos and window signs will be vinyl logos a nd lettering, which will be applied directly to the glass. The hanging signs will be attached to black aluminum scroll brackets. The wall signs and the hanging signs will be attached to the building with black lag bolts. After discussion Mr. Greene noted that he liked the shape and size of the signage plans with the exception of the font. Mr. Jaquith agreed. Mr. Greene said that he will recommend a font. Mr. Greene stated that the hanging sign at the corner should be moved away from the corner so that attention is not drawn to the door that is not an access point. Mr. Greene and Mr. Jaquith approved the location as amended and size. They asked that they work on the spacing and font and resubmit the sign layout. 3. 7 Crombie Street (Crombie Street Mission) – Review of Schematic Design Plans for the Redevelopment of 7 Crombie Street. Mark Meche of Winter St. Architects along with Troy Scott presented the preliminary plans to the board. Mr. Meche explained that they are planning a gentle renovation of the church building. The building is in good shape structurally. They reviewed the initial plans to renovate and have estimated that they will build to suit 12- 16 artist live/work units and are hoping to sell them for under $300,000.00 apiece. Mr. DRB Minutes March 23, 2005 Page 5 of 5 Meche indicated that parking is not an issue as they are in a B5 district and within 1,000 feet of the parking garage. He stated that they have purchased parking passes for each of the units. Mr. Greene suggested that there be a tree at the entrance gate. He commented that there will not be a lot of sun in the alley. Mr. Meche stated that they are hoping that the alley will be a sculpture garden for the artists. Mr. Jaquith and Mr. Greene said that the plan seems to be headed in the right direction and recommended approval of the conceptual plans. Adjournment There being no further business before the board, the meeting was adjourned.