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2002-10-30 DRB MinutesDesign Review Board Meeting Summary - 10/30/02 1. City Hall - (93 Washington Street) - Proposed Elevator Approval of Schematic Design w/ the condition that the architect investigate alternative for handicap ramp design to avoid the removal of an existing tree. 2. Bowman’s Bakery (266 Essex Street) - Continuation of Design Review (Final Submission phase) Continued – DRB was pleased with the progress of the project; asked to Provide additional information on window details and alternative Specifications; David Jaquith and Paul Durand had concerns over the use of storm windows; Paul Durand suggested using Pella architectural windows and David Jaquith disagreed (applicant requested to investigate alternatives and come back to the DRB); Chris Green suggested that the applicant provide shingle details and a detailed landscape plan with the surrounding context; Chris Green also requested that an additional tree be included at the rear of the property (the applicant agreed to provide this information and agreed to include an additional tree if space permitted); Mr. Giard requested that the applicant provide a trash enclosure detail, lighting plan, lighting details and signage plans for the next meeting. 3. Peabody Essex Museum - (Essex Street) - Proposed Signage Program Continued – DRB member were satisfied with the design concept but had concerns over the installation of banners at the Brown/Hawthorne intersection (adjacent to the Roger Conant statue); Paul Durand requested that the applicant use 1/4" instead of 1/8" aluminum for sign frames; Chris Green requested that the applicant confirm that the highway sign meets the requirements of the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (may not be able to include "Salem" on sign); DRB recommended the inclusion of Witch Trial Memorial in the signage program 4. Peabody Essex Museum - (Essex Street) - Landscaping/ Marine Art Gallery Continued – All DRB members present were in agreement that landscape screening in itself was not an acceptable solution. Paul Durand stated that he would not be willing to give a positive recommendation for the wall in its current condition. Paul Durand suggested that an alternative building material be used and requested that the applicant work with the owner of Marine Arts Gallery to come up with alternatives for the treatment of the building. Chris Green stated that he agreed with Mr. Durand. Will Phippen stated that the Peabody Essex Museum had attempted to work with the owner of Marine Arts Gallery and that they had offered numerous alternatives, including brick, but have not been able to reach an agreement with Mr. Kiernan. Mr. Phippen stated that the issue is currently under litigation. Mr. Phippen stated that there are a few additional items that the Peabody Essex will be submitting to the DRB. These items include a trash can specification and a photometric study for the site lighting. Mr. Phippen distributed an updated landscaping plan to the DRB and Chris Green offered to review the plan in more detail. 5. Edgewater Café (155 Washington Street) - Proposed Signage and Paint colors Positive recommendation w/ condition that applicant submit specification for iron sign bracket 6. Elixer (230 Essex Street) - Proposed Sign Positive recommendation - approve as submitted 7. Odell Block (Washington Street) - Proposed Paint Colors Continued - site visit will be coordinated to view paint samples 8. Beverly Cooperative Bank (New Derby Street) - Schematic Review Continued - DRB had significant concerns over the site plan and the lack of meaningful open space shown on the plans; Paul Durand and Chris Green suggested the potential elimination of the drive-thru to provide more space for public use; Fred Johnson and Chris Green suggested the reconfiguration of the corner of the building to shift the drive-thru away from the river (allowing more space for landscaping while providing a more functional interior lay-out); Chris Green suggested shifting the location of drive-thru window to provide more open space; Paul Durand and Chris Green suggested the elimination of one of the drive-thru lanes; all members requested that the applicant investigate the elimination of some or all parking spaces; Chris Green suggested additional tree planting (find creative ways to avoid utility constraints wherever possible); Don Giard suggested the modification of the public passage to create a more direct connection to the waterfront; Fred Johnson asked the applicant to consider locating the community room adjacent to the public passage area; Don Giard suggested that the project orient itself toward the waterfront by providing additional windows at the side and rear of the community room and by providing a more welcoming entrance along the rear of the building for the bank and the community room, and that the applicant should consider pedestrian traffic coming from the river; Don Giard requested that the applicant reconsider the use of landscaping berms to minimize the blocking of views to the river and to avoid potential safety concerns from poor visibility along the public walkway; Chris Green stated that he felt the landscape berms could help block views of the parking area; George Atkins stated that the drive-thru was critical to the success of the bank and a major reason for the site selection; Mr. Atkins stated that the bank would not acquire the Mass Electric parcel if the drive-thru was not allowed by the City; Mr. Atkins requested that the DRB meet with the SRA to resolve the drive-thru before they continue any further; Mr. Giard recommended that the applicant investigate the site planning suggestions made by Fred Johnson and Chris Green and that these suggestions may alleviate some of the circulation and open space concerns.