2005-10-26 DRB MinutesDRB Minutes
October 26, 2005
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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 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, October 26, 2005 at 6:00 pm.
Members Paul Durand and David Jaquith were present. Tania Hartford, Staff Planner, and Debra Tucker,
Clerk, were also present.
NEW BUSINESS
1. 2 East India Square (Phoenix Rising)- Revised proposal
Based on the comments from the board, the owner made modifications to the sign for Phoenix Rising of 2
East India Square. The new proposal shows a 12” X 120” green aluminum sign with red, black, and white
vinyl graphics and the lettering in Calligrapher font. The logo is shown on both sides of the lettering as
opposed to the original location in the middle of the sign. It should be noted that the sign has been installed.
The proposal includes the installation of a white aluminum wall sign measuring 1’ x 10’ along the fountain
side of the mall. The sign will be white aluminum with red and black vinyl graphics mounted with screws
directly on the canopy.
The owner Scott Tarbox stated that he is not working with the former sign maker anymore. He said that he
has put up a temporary sign for his grand opening.
Mr. Durand noted that he thought the new proposal was better and that the color was good. Mr. Jaquith
added that he thought that the typeface was interesting. Mr. Tarbox noted that he would like a larger sign.
Ms. Hartford answered that he could have a wider sign but that he should come back to the department with
any changes. Mr. Durand and Mr. Jaquith said that they though that the height was fine and that he should
keep it the same in order to retain the border.
Mr. Tarbox asked about his temporary paper signs. Ms. Hartford informed him that he is allowed to have
vinyl lettered signs in his window to advertise merchandise. She cited Rockafella’s and the Z Crepe Café as
good examples of this.
Mr. Tarbox asked about outdoor sandwich boards and noted that others in the area use them. Ms. Hartford
told him that they are not allowed and that the Building Inspector enforces that rule. Mr. Durand said that
they are a safety hazard for pedestrians and traffic.
Mr. Tarbox asked about an outdoor pushcart for merchandise. Ms. Hartford instructed him to contact the
Licensing Department. She informed him that the Design Review Board will make the approval
recommendation to the Redevelopment Authority, who will meet on November 14th. They will have final
approval. Ms. Hartford told him that he did not need to attend.
2. 142 Washington Street (Tobie’s Jewelry)
DRB Minutes
October 26, 2005
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The owner of Tobie’s Jewelry presented her sign plans for approval. She stated that the sign will have black
facing with gold tracing around the 1” plastic lettering that is 16.9”. She will be using the same font as the
two restaurants in that building, which have already received approval.
The sign was recommended for approval. Ms. Hartford informed the owner that the recommendation would
be taken up at the Redevelopment Authority’s November 14th meeting.
3. Lappin Park Benches
Kate Sullivan of the Mayor’s Office, Ellen _____?___, and Lt.. Conrad Prosnewski of the Police Department
appeared before the board in order to discuss the bench design, lighting, and safety at Lappin Park. There
have been complaints by businesses and residents concerning teens hanging around the park and people
sleeping on the benches. The Police Department has responded to the area. Lt. Prosnewski stated tha t the
Police Department approached the Mayor’s office with these matters.
Ms. Sullivan had requested that the board consider other bench designs rather than the downtown standard,
in order to discourage unwanted loitering and activity coming back into the park. She submitted a catalog
with suggestion for consideration. Lt. Prosnewski suggested reducing the number of benches by eliminating
two in the back of the park, adding lighting, and consideration of a different style bench to discourage
loitering and skateboarders.
The benches were provided by TV Land and that they may be able to work with the supplier to exchange
them. Ms. Sullivan said that she has spoken with other City department and they may be able to use the
benches that were originally ordered. She added that she will obtain cost estimates
Lt. Prosnewski said that the Police Department is considering surveillance at trouble spots downtown. They
are looking into obtaining funding for this. Improved lighting would help the situation. He suggested
strategic directional lighting in order to provide the ability to see deep into the shaded areas of the park.
Paul Durand agreed that this would be a good idea. He noted that placement often affects behavior. David
Jaquith agreed with the plan to reduce the number of benches to 3 along the outside edge of the park.
Ms. Hartford reported that Chris Greene had agreed with the lighting suggestions. He would obtain some
ideas on the bench. Paul Durand thought this was a good idea. Ms. Hartford said that she would get the
information from Mr. Greene. Mr. Jaquith thought that it would be a good idea to find a bench that would
work throughout the downtown.
Ms. Sullivan noted that the contractor who is installing the benches was anxious to fi nish the work. He had
done a lot of extra work for the City. She noted that there is a light pole in the center of the park that could
provide more lighting.
MINUTES
Minutes for the Regular Meeting held on August 25, 2005 were presented.
Paul Durand moved to approve the minutes of the August 25, 2005 meeting as presented. David Jaquith
seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the board, the meeting was adjourned.