2020-02-26 Meeting Minutes
City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Meeting Location: 98 Washington Street, First Floor Conference
Room
DRB Members Present: Chair Paul Durand, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy,
Marc Perras, Catherine Miller, Helen Sides, J. Michael
Sullivan
DRB Members Absent: None
Others Present: Kate Newhall-Smith
Recorder: Colleen Brewster
Chair Durand calls the meeting to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken.
Signs
1. 30 Church Street (Hive & Forge): Discussion and vote on signage.
Miller: Motion to continue to the next regular meeting.
Seconded by: Perras. Passes 7-0.
2. Artists’ row (Chagall PAC): Discussion and vote on signage.
Dennis Schaeffer, tenant, was present to discuss the project.
Newhall-Smith stated that the Grace & Digs sign will be supported by an existing sign
pole and bracket.
Miller asked if the sign would be horizontal. Schaeffer replied yes. Newhall-Smith noted
that the sign will be non-illuminated. Schaeffer noted that he will put white vinyl over this
sign and reused it.
Sides asked if the proposed dimensions were defined by length of the text. Schaeffer
replied yes, it will be applied to scale on the existing sign. Sides requested that there be
sufficient white space at the perimeter of the sign. Schaeffer noted his preference for
the text on one line and not two which affects the white space. Kennedy requested a
minimum of 2-2 ½” of white space on all sides.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Miller: Motion to approve with condition to allow 2 ½” on each side and for Kennedy to
review.
Seconded by: Jaquith. Passes 7-0.
3. 73 Lafayette Street (North Shore Bank): Discussion and vote on signage.
Richard Batten, Batten Brother Signs. was present to discuss the project.
Batten stated that they want to change the bank signs to the new bank tenant to the
same type of sign in 4 different locations. The sign would have a black background and
raised gold letters, be laminated, and raised ½”. The background would be finished in a
satin black acrylic polyurethane paint that is not high gloss. They will use the bank logo
font and eliminated two of the rails. Four signs are proposed because they will replace
spaces for four existing signs. They will remove the ‘Commercial Lenders Sign” and
install a new sign. The “full-service bank” sign at the “Beverly Bank” side will replaced
with the new logo and this will remain the branch entrance.
Chair Durand asked if the ATM sign will remain. Batten replied yes and they will add
either a vinyl door sign or a small sign indicating the main entrance. Miller asked if the
upper poster signage will remain. Batten replied no. Sullivan suggested they either
remove ATM sign or make it smaller. Batten replied they will make the sign smaller and
make it horizontal not vertical.
Miller note that the “Commercial Lenders” sign fits the length of the masonry opening
when the other signs do not. The others could end at the end of the steel frame doors.
Batten replied it was extended to conceal the cracks in the concrete panel behind it.
Sullivan suggested they repair the cracks. Kennedy suggested they stop the sign at the
edge of the door frame.
Miller noted that the signs in the windows are in all façade windows. Kennedy noted the
newer black and gold sign, but the blue signs were existing. Newhall-Smith stated that
she was unable to find a record of the blue signs receiving approval. Chair Durand
noted the bank added their own signs without DRB review. Batten stated that they don’t
know the condition of the surface behind the adhesive decal. Kennedy suggested they
test removing the vinyl decal. Batten noted that the lettering of proposed vinyl sign is
scaled down. Kennedy suggested that for consistency they use the gold logo at the
ATM and the “Full Service Banking” sign at the curve. Batten noted that the four black
and gold signs and the changeover date is March 16th. Chair Durand stated that a
partial approval can be provided.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Kennedy: Motion to approve sign up top, above the frame of the door, repair the
concrete, and shorten the length of the black and gold sign.
Seconded by: Jaquith. Passes 7-0.
Batten requested to continue the review the additional window signs.
Sides: Motion to continue the second phase of the signage package.
Seconded by: Jaquith. Passes 7-0.
4. 193 Washington Street (East Boston Savings Bank): Discussion and vote on
signage.
Michael Brewster, Barlow Signs, was present to discuss the project.
Brewster stated that he wants to add three signs at the old Bank of America space, one
facing Washington Street, one facing New Derby Street, and one over the entrance
door. The existing signs are all semi-recessed and internally illuminated plastic letters.
Chair Durand asked if the letters can be halo lit. Batten replied that all other signs on
building are internally lit, as is the logo. Perras asked if the text can fit into the wood
area instead. Batten replied that they are allowed 47 square-feet, the box cuts their
square footage in half with 12-inch-high lettering. They are screwed into the masonry on
a raceway to give them some flexibility. They want to stay within the mortar joint and
there would be one penetration through the building to provide power and a spacer that
goes back to the building
Kennedy noted that all other signs are within the sign band and the proposed is above it
and in the brick façade, which is problematic because it’s another change to the building.
Sullivan noted that the building tells tenants where to place the signs and there are
seven panels to work within. Batten replied that the proposed locations are within the
brick coursing but would still be on the column.
Chair Durand suggested the Washington Street sign move it left one bay, since they
have three bays on their unit and not one like some of the others, and closer to the
corner condition because placing it in the middle bay would look odd. Jaquith suggested
using the shorter logo and keeping it on one panel. Newhall-Smith suggested placing
“East Boston Savings Bank” since at the corner panel and only the logo on the side or
the stacked logo on the corner panel. Miller agreed with using the stacked logo at the
corner panel. Kennedy suggested the stacked logo be placed in the middle panel of the
side elevations. Sullivan believed that would cover the divisions of the existing panels
on the sides.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Sides: Motion to continue.
Seconded by: Kennedy. Passes 7-0.
Urban Renewal Area Projects Under Review
1. 15 Crombie Street: Replacement of rotting columns on rear porch of 3-unit residential
structure, request to continue to 3/25/20
Sides: Motion to continue to continue 3/25/20 meeting.
Seconded by: Jaquith. Passes 7-0.
2. 112 Washington Street (Lappin Park): Review of pilot program to install synthetic turn
on a portion of the park
Ray Jodoin of City of Salem was present to discuss the project.
Jodoin stated that the front island along Washington Street side of the park will be part of
a pilot program, where there is excessive foot traffic and the trampling of tree roots,
however; they will protect the existing infrastructure. The same in-fill has been used at
the tree pits on Carrolton Street. The irrigation system wouldn’t be used during the trial
program. Anything that lands on the surface would be filtered down and into the soil.
This is necessary because they can’t keep the grass green and protect the trees. The
trees provide shade to the area and this is an opportunity for storm water remediation
too.
Chair Durand requested the length of the pilot program. Jodoin replied one full season
to see how it holds and up to the seasonal change.
Perras requested the lifespan of the turf. Jodoin replied 20+ years with proper
maintenance. Sand will be used to stability which is permeable, and hardscape will go
around the drip edge. It will be anchored with plastic pins. Miller requested the span of
the drip edge. Jodoin replied that it will be different for each tree. Miller stated that she
would prefer crushed stone paving rather than turf. Chair Durand noted that hardscape
seems permanent rather than part of the trial. Jodoin replied that they have 1 year of
experience proving it works well, at the tree wells on Carrolton Street. There are 50
different types of turf styles to choose from and with either one they would need to dig
down 4-inches to install. Miller suggested a crushed stone paving as an option. Jodoin
replied that that can be discussed and priced in the second phase.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Perras: Motion to approve pilot program limited to 1 year from installation.
Seconded by: Sides. Passes 7-0.
3. 65 Washington Street: Review of 100% Construction Drawings
Steve Tise was present to discuss the project.
Tise stated that the building has been permitted by the Building Department. There
have been minimal changes since their latest review to stay on budget. The bicycle rack
has been deleted, the sidewalks were revised to match landscape design, selected trees
will be removed and replaced as per city arborists request, and the emergency generator
was located. Miller asked if the landscaping was delated behind the neighbors building.
Tise replied that during excavation the footings weren’t building as shown on original
plans and they had to underpin the Pitman building, the stairwell was relocated to within
the garage to eliminate the proposed areaway, but the landscaping remains the same.
Miller noted that the roof terrace above upper parking level has a revised retention
system.
Perras requested the material change on the elevations. Tise replied that at the rear
elevation and end return walls they initially used thin brick due to a structural problem
building over Pitman’s building because they aren’t allowed to suspend any items over
the party wall. They changed the end walls to the same material to face the window
bays. They will install a thick Japanese panel system is back fastened where they were
originally calling for a metal called Longboard with an embossed wood panel. The
windows above Pitman’s building aren’t allowed by code due to common ownership so
they were eliminated. The make-up at the end walls will be cement panels at every
floor with a 2x2 accent strip to break up the verticality. The North and West facades are
the same combination of cast stone, brick, and art panels along the end of Washington
and Federal Streets. Perras asked if the same horizontal panels will be used at the
bays. Tise replied yes, it will also be used at the top penthouse level. Green wall panels
will also be used along North Federal Street.
Sides stated that the material changes haven’t been adequately being described and
presented and the Board needs to see clear substitutions. Hersh replied that they will
present before and after images and materials to clarify the changes. Sullivan requested
they include revised rendering and to compare old and proposed plans. Perras
requested they also bring samples.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Jaquith: Motion to continue to the next regular meeting on March 25, 2020.
Seconded by: Perras. Passes 7-0.
4. 30 Federal Street: Development Project Review – Construction of a mixed-use addition
with retail space, four residential units, and six parking spaces
Mike Becker, Owner, John Seger and Sanir Lutfija of Seger Architects were present to
discuss the project.
Newhall-Smith stated that the SRA voted to refer to DRB and they supported the
concept, but there were numerous concerns with the proposed design. Several
condominiums are behind the building that Mr. Becker owns. Lutfija note that the site is
on the corner of Federal and Washington Streets and the West elevation faces the
courthouses. Constructed in the 1980’s the façade is brick and clapboard with white trim
and aluminum windows. The existing building is currently commercial use as offices and
the only addition proposed is at the North façade within the parking lot and a walkway
leading towards Washington Street. A large sloped well will provide light to the finished
basement windows. Becker noted that there is a party wall that separates his parcel
from the neighboring parcel and there is a right of way that allows him to cantilever the
addition over his four parking spaces.
Lutfija noted that they will reduce the window will create a plaza space off of the retail
space just outside the first floor and the addition. The building will cantilever over 3 of
the 4 parking spaces. A relief will be provided at the private residential entrance along
Washington Street to enhance the streetscape. The current path to Washington Street
will be relocated at the end of the addition so allow other condominium owners continued
access to Washington Street. The walkway is partially on their property but it’s new
location will not interfere with the neighbors parking. Becker noted that one of his
parking spaces is on the neighbor’s property. The neighbors parking spaces are
oversized, and they had no interest in restriping to reduce their size, so all of his parking
will be placed on his own property and the remaining space will create a 4-foot-wide
walkway to Washington Street. The two proposed parking spaces on Federal Street
have been eliminated.
Lutfija stated that the Tree Warden told them there is a penalty to remove the existing
trees that aren’t in great shape, so the street trees will remain, and they will add two
shade trees. The Crab Apple trees, and vegetation are not on their property and will
also remain. Miller noted that two Crab Apple trees will be removed but aren’t shown on
the plan. They should discuss removing tree so close to the street with the warden,
despite the cost.
Lutfija stated that the building is stepped back from sidewalk to create some public
space. The existing basement will house the trash, recycling, storage and access to a
central circulation space with an elevator that divides the two spaces. The first floor will
have new space in both the existing and new addition, and the four parking spaces
beyond. The Lobby and retail entry will be at the lot line and will have a metal clad
cantilever. Becker noted that the front setback is zero on a new or existing building,
particularly in a B5 district. Lutfija added that there will be 850 square-feet of retail
addition and a rear walkway if the neighbors agree to it. They will add aluminum
storefront to the existing brick facades. The second floor will have two 2-bedroom rental
units with minor renovations to the allow for the elevator and the front stair will be
removed. The third floor will become townhouse rental units. The previously proposed
building was taller, and they reduced the building size to match the ridge height.
Lutfija stated that along Washington Street they will remove two windows, add 2
windows, ground floor retail with storefront windows, a new door from retail to plaza,
they will paint the clapboard and brick “Iron Spot Grey.” They will continue the same
massing to the addition along Washington Street, but it will be broken up to resemble the
townhouses that are skewed to match the property line, to add some rhythm to the
streetscape. They will add a tower on the North façade to mimic the existing chimney
along Washington Street. Miller asked how the top floor of the tower will be used.
Lutfija replied as a window well to bring light down to the floor below or they could
reconfigure the 4th floor and include it to a bedroom and provide a view to North Salem.
Lutfija stated that the windows will be aluminum clad, glass will be used at the wall to
provide light to the circulation spaces, they will continue the storefront along Washington
Street, and they want to maintain the rhythm of gables above. They will continue the
brick pediment along Washington Street, provide stand-alone signage along the canopy
above the storefront. The metal cladding at the façade will be in a vertical bond to break
up the material changes and was selected as an homage to the metal panels of the
courthouse across the street. There will be 2” painted trim around the windows, wood
paneling also painted “Iron Spot Gray, in a finish with the same exposure, and asphalt
shingles to match existing. Along the East elevation, the paneling between the windows
is like the existing façade and in the same proportion. The few balconies will have the
same cladding instead of railings, the roofline will be maintained, and the dormers will be
recess dormer. Flat boards with a 7-inch exposure are proposed at the ground floor exit
to continue the commercial feel. At the South Elevation along Federal Street they will
wrap the canopy around to meet the door, and the remaining façade will remain and be
repainted. At the North Elevation facing the train station, the canopy and metal band will
continue, the tower will be wrapped in clapboard siding with metal paneling at grade,
with Cedar horizontal screening to conceal the parking spaces below the addition. All
the Hardi panel clapboards will have mitered corners, the siding will continue at the
parking area with soffit panels above. Lighting will be installed under the canopy to
minimize light pollution.
Lutfija presented the shadow study complied for Dec 21st and June 21st that show the
new addition in shadow of the courthouses. There will be no change in the shadow
during the window months but slight additional shadowing in the summer.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
Ann Loften, 20 Federal Street. Concerned with the impact on neighborhood and the
renderings that didn’t fully show the neighborhood and condominiums next door. The
building at 1 Washington Street is complimentary and not matching. Several
condominium buildings will face the proposed addition. The proposed walkway location
is a right-of-way for pedestrian traffic that many use. Mature trees are being removed
and the trees to remain aren’t as mature. Proposed materials are similar but not a
match and the dark gray proposed doesn’t match the lighter color of their buildings or the
neighborhood.
Steve Immerman, 20 Federal Street. The condominium is in the way of the existing
condominium walkway. All of his windows would look at this proposed addition and
eliminate his view of Washington Street, making it an unfortunate design. Transit
orientated design is important, but the façade looking at the train station is the first thing
visitors will see when they walk into Salem. The design is unintelligent, uncomfortable,
tucked into the area and doesn’t fit with the neighborhood, they shouldn’t paint the brick.
They lower the massing which is good, but many people use the walkway and it’s
unknown if the condominium association will allow replacing it since it’s not all on the
developer’s land. Had concerns with retail on this corner too and the number of vacant
retail space around the City. Immerman asked what kind of retail would this be and what
would it look like at the edge of the neighborhood. This area was designed by SRA as
an experiment and the SRA should protect the character of the neighborhood.
Michelle McHugh, 1 Washington Street. The views of the parking lot side of the property
doesn’t show the scope of what it does to their parking lot. The Planning Board should
redo the calculations of the space because the footprint seems too large and there will
be difficulty turning around, parking, and maneuvering a moving truck. The proposed
design doesn’t fit within historic Salem.
Bill Yuhas, 28C Federal Street. This building is across from their condominium units and
the proposed will impact them, and he suggested the Board make a site visit. He met
with the architect, developer, and SRA that was also opposed to adding a 4th floor which
he believed was removed but added in again, and he’s adamantly opposed to it. He’s
concerned with snow removal and their building being in the shadows and the lack of
sunshine on their building, particularly during the winter months. The East elevation
doesn’t show the fenestration on their buildings or how it the proposed addition relates to
their building. They suggested a solid railing for privacy and other improvements which
the architect included. The metal siding doesn’t really relate to the courthouse across
the street like they say, and the new North tower doesn’t correlate to the chimney on
Washington in size, scale or material. The architectural elements are fighting against
each other on the North elevation because there are too many materials. The
Washington Street façade also has too much going on, the roof ends are different sizes
and angles and don’t relate to anything else in the downtown area. The proposed
storefronts should have some rhythm and relate to the materials of the floor above, but
nothing relates to the red brick wall and no homage has been paid to the courthouses.
The walkway from parking lot to Washington Street will be voted on by the New Salem
Condominium Board, there is a lot of commuter traffic going through their property
relocating the walkway will become an issue. They would prefer not to have the
walkway but would need a super majority vote to achieve that. He asked the DRB to
consider the SRA and resident concerns. The 1970’s design is the first SRA
development, but it encompasses the Washington, Bridge, and North Fed Street
condominiums. He will provide his design comments to Ms. Newhall-Smith.
Becker stated that the parking won’t be moved, no increase or decrease to the turning
radius is proposed, and they’ve only shifted the addition wall three-feet South. The paint
color isn’t as dark as presented and there is some precedent to painting brick facades.
The only material change proposed is the metal panels. Lutfija noted that the drive aisle
is 24-feet-wide.
Seger stated that the proposed metal panel façade came from a rooftop of the
courthouse. Nichiha panels is what is proposed and there will be storefront at the first
floor for a more pedestrian field. Lutfija added that the removal of some trees will help
create the large patio space and the Tree Warden didn’t want them to add more trees to
the wells along Washington Street. Becker noted that the other condominium pushes
snow towards Washington Street, the new building will have snow on the roof so that
snow shouldn’t be included in their snow removal equation. They will continue to
manage the snow removal and there is an agreement in the works.
Joan Hopper, 28 Federal Street. Noted his concerned with snow removal and the
removal of the green space that runs to the end which is where they put their snow.
Chair Durand stated that snow removal will be a concern of the Planning Board.
Dikran Artinian, Unit 301, 1 Washington Street. There is a liability issue with mixing
pedestrian traffic and vehicular traffic if they move the walkway, because someone could
get hit or fall as they walk through the parking lot/driveway. Snow will make the walkway
more challenging. The rear crab apple trees to be removed to construct the proposed
addition and the landscaping of evergreen bushes that they maintain will be eliminated.
The proposed building will block their view of North Salem and Washington Street, and
their property values could go down.
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
Jaquith stated that there is too much visual architecture and they are trying too hard to
be different The existing South elevation is the best view, the proposed metal panels
don’t work with the existing condos, he questioned painting the brick, suggested
removing the North tower which has too many materials. He’s not in favor of building
over the retail and there is no visual elements to help them, and the roof pitches are
varied. It will be difficult to include retail into the existing facades and they are missing
the continuity to the ground as well as lintels.
Sides is okay with the massing and breaking up of facades but not a fan of metal
paneling, there are too shocking in a contrasting color. Less contrast would be better
because they seem to be trying too hard. The North tower is odd and doesn’t work, and
neither is the material they proposed to carry around it. Along the Federal Street façade,
the window and panels are also too much of a contrast and should be lighter. The entire
building could be lighter and simplified.
Kennedy noted that with work it could be nicer presentation but not in this current space
because it doesn’t fit this location, on this corner, in this landscape, or next to the new 65
Washington Street building. The style can be enhanced but this doesn’t fit.
Sullivan asked if the proposed fourth floor was removed and reincorporated. Lutfija
replied that it received negative reviews from neighbors as well as the massing. They
minimized it due to shadow concerns of 65 Washington Street. Becker added that they
matched the existing ridgeline, but the fourth floor hasn’t returned. Sullivan stated that
they should simplify the design and massing and the tower is arbitrary when it’s 10’x10’
not responding to a chimney. The design could improve with a material change. The
canopy at the front also appears to float over the storefront. Seger agreed with stripping
down the design, removing the metal panel and using Nichiha panels instead. Sullivan
suggested they pay homage to other materials on neighboring buildings and added that
the retail needs to be more architecturally appealing.
Chair Durand stated that they want it to be an extension of many buildings under
development, but it being rotated off the street is counter-intuitive and doesn’t relate as a
continuation of Washington Street. The gap at the parking lot is a weakness that needs
to be strengthened and the retail doesn’t meet grade well either. Seger agreed and
added that they want to fill the urban edge coming from the train station. The proposed
North façade is eclectic and needs work as one of the first things you seen when
entering Salem.
Miller stated that the applicant will need approval from Tree Commission for the removal
of three trees. The condominiums are in the middle and this addition could become
more of an ell and needs to be defined.
Perras appreciated them lowering the roofline but the design needs simplification and
they should consider an addition with a flat roof. They could use the gable extrusion and
windows to add a simple gable, different materials, and to change up the windows to
have a straight extruded expression, but that would create an issue with fourth floor
headroom. The addition is minimal and a similar size to the existing building. They
could find other ways to make it more modern by replicating the gables and wrapping
them around the addition. The West elevation is currently the best elevation.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Jaquith: Motion to continue to next regular meeting.
Seconded by: Sides. Passes 7-0.
5. 49 Federal Street: Review of proposed façade restoration project and construction of
rear 10’x22’, two-story addition.
Mike Becker, Owner, John Seger and Sanir Lutfija of Seger Architects were present to
discuss the project
Newhall-Smith stated that the plans have been slightly revised based on comments
received from Patti Kelleher. Seger stated that the proposed is a conversion was a
funeral home, offices, and is not vacant but five residential units are proposed. The
original building was constructed in 1873, with second empire architecture and
decorative brackets at the mansard roof. The aluminum siding will be removed to reveal
the wood clapboard, quoins and other details that have some deterioration. Some front
entrance modifications were made, including enclosing the front porch, cutting away the
eave to allow for a fire escape, and an added dormer. The aluminum shutters, siding,
and fire escape will be removed, however; the granite base, mansard roof, and 2 over 1
windows will remain. The rear not easily seen from Lynde Street and the rear entrance
to be replaced, as well as the bulkhead at the rear and side (East elevation.)
Seger stated that the second-floor balcony is shared and two condenser units will be
placed there. The rear addition will house kitchen and bathroom on first floor, and they
will restore the window trim, frieze board, brackets, replace the asphalt shingles, add a
balcony over the porch, replace one entry door, and reduced the size of the entry stair.
Along the West driveway they will restore the eave, remove the door and provide a
couple windows at the dormer. At the rear balcony the glass enclosure will have double-
hung window. The rear two story addition foundation will be poured concrete and they
will replace the gable with 2 doors at the shared balcony. The chimneys will remain, any
deteriorated materials will be replaced, and the clapboard exposure will also remain.
They won’t use PVC trim, but the decking will be composite in a painted wood finish.
The window will be restored, and any new ones will be vinyl clad wood with external
muntins. They will also add a skylight on the side of the building that is not easily visible
from the street.
Newhall-Smith added that the houses at Lynde Street are approximately forty-feet from
the rear property line and there were some concern people looking down from the 3rd
floor roof deck down into the neighbor’s windows.
Chair Durand stated that is a successful restoration plan, but the Board will want to see
detail of the posts, balusters, rails, windows of all new materials. Seger replied that they
will provide it once they determine the remaining details.
Jaquith suggested they change the dormer size above the fire escape which looks too
small to fit. He also suggested the post at rear balcony be pushed back towards the
building and that they attempt to match the water table.
Becker stated that the four windows changed will be changed to three, so they aren’t so
squished. They will also recess the entry door off the porch because the glass door is
currently all on the step.
Miller asked about the remaining proposed condensers. Becker replied that three will be
on the ground and the two above will be on the deck.
Miller asked about proposed trash barrel storage. Becker replied they will be on different
sides at the rear.
Perras asked why a dormer was proposed and not a skylight. Becker replied that it’s
tight at the side wall and it would be partially in the stair or the roof.
Perras requested floor plans. Becker replied that they could submitted a rough floor plan
that hasn’t been finalized. Perras suggested that a dormer would be easier to build.
Chair Durand opens public comment.
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Durand closes public comment.
Jaquith: Motion to continue to next regular meeting.
Seconded by: Sides: Passes 7-0.
Old/New Business
Hampton Inn Sign: Newhall-Smith stated that the SRA liked the recommendation for the
alternative design and requested they return if the Owner said no. She spoke with the applicant
and they are closer to getting the other sign.
Crombie Street: No site visit is necessary. She informed the applicant of what the Board wants.
Superior Court: The RFP is due April 30th and the SRA interviews will begin in early June.
1 Derby Square: The half round window proposed by Board Member and architect for the
applicant David Jaquith was approved and some windows are already being replaced.
City wide update: On-line permitting has been good for a City perspective and people who need
to review application will be sent a notification to review it.
SRA Goals: One goal is to look into notifying abutters. They currently don’t have to tell abutters
about upcoming projects, but some abutters need to know at the beginning of the process. She
will explore doing a post-card mailing with a link to find the proposed plans as well as the cost.
SRA has no review fee, but they want to recoup the cost of mailing letters. Sullivan noted that
the Conservation Commission requests that receipts from abutters be included in the
submission, so they know abutters are aware of the project.
Minutes
No minutes to review.
Adjournment
Sides: Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by: Jaquith. Passes 7-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 9:00PM.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 and City
Ordinance Sections 2-028 through 2-2033.