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BRIDGE STREET NECK REVITALIZATION PLAN APPENDICES C&D AND BACK PAGE APPENDIX C   DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix C The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page C1   Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Resources for Homeowners to Deal with Foreclosure or Redeveloping Foreclosed Properties Local Programs City of Salem - Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Housing rehabilitation assistance program for low- and moderate-income homeowners for 1-4 unit homes http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_DPCD/housing City of Salem – North Shore American Dream Down Payment Initiative First time homebuyers (with incomes less than 80% area median income) program which provides down payment assistance http://www.salem.com/pages/salemma_dpcd/addiguidelines.pdf City of Salem – Pre-foreclosure Counseling and Working with Servicers Salem offers information on where programs are offered and great variety of resources available http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_DPCD/additionalresources/other State Programs Mass Housing Partnership – Enhanced Soft Second Program Offers attractive interest rates for homebuyers purchasing foreclosed properties http://www.mhp.net/homeownership/lender/soft_second_guidelines.php Mass Housing – MyCommunity Refinance Loans Allows homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages to take a proactive step toward stability before their loan becomes a burden https://www.masshousing.com/portal/server.pt?mode=2&uuID=%7B053B0514 -F267-4944-B7BF-7C396F32102F%7D Mass Housing – Home Saver Loan Programs Counseling and loan program that helps borrowers who are unable to repay their mortgage https://www.masshousing.com/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=228&&PageI D=2563&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true Mass Housing – Purchase/Rehabilitation Loans for Eligible Families Rehabilitation grants available to income-eligible households (up to 120% of area median income) and first time homebuyers for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed properties https://www.masshousing.com/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=228&&PageI D=2563&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true      DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix C The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page C2   Resources for Homeowners to Deal with Foreclosure or Redeveloping Foreclosed Properties (Continued) Federal Programs Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grants Administered by Mass Department of Housing and Community Development and City of Salem Details of homeowner eligibility and program components still being worked out http://www.chapa.org/?q=foreclosure_view_details/46 Making Home Affordable Program Help borrowers whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac refinance into a more affordable mortgage or favorably modify a existing one  http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/ First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit $8,000 first time homebuyer credit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206294,00.html Other Resources Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association Clearing House for Information on Foreclosure Prevention Programs and assistance for homebuyers and tenants. http://www.chapa.org/ APPENDIX D DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D1 MEETING NOTES Meeting Date: May 5, 2009 Meeting Topic: Small Group Discussions of Issues, Opportunities and Constraints during the Public Meeting Meeting Location: Carlton Elementary School, Salem, MA Project: Salem Bridge Neck Neighborhood Planning Study Attendees: Community members, The City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development, The Cecil Group and subconsultants Prepared by: Margarita Iglesia and Meghan Grafton Copies: Department of Planning and Community Development Project File Over 100 people attended these group discussions, which were held at the Carlton School. This was the first public meeting for the Salem Neck Neighborhood Planning Study. During the meeting the members of the Consultant Team were introduced, and the findings of an initial assessment of current housing, commercial and planning conditions in the neighborhood were presented to the participants. Additionally, the participants were divided into five small groups. A mapping exercise and discussion to share the neighborhood’s issues, opportunities, and constraints took place in each group. Goals and priorities for the neighborhood were also discussed. Section I of these notes is a summary of the concerns shared by the participants of the small groups, in which we have tried to reflect our findings and learning from the discussions as closely as possible. Section II contains a comprehensive list of the issues, opportunities, and constraints as they were noted by the group facilitators during the small group discussions. Section I Issues: • Utilities are an eyesore, especially some Verizon poles in which they added a new pole and attached the old one to it which makes them stand out even more. • Some houses are in disrepair and some properties have absentee landlords, which is often reflected in their exterior condition. • Sidewalks and street crossings need to be improved, ideally beyond the boundaries of the traffic and streetscape improvements planned for Bridge Street. DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D2 • Parking needs to be improved; in particular there is a lack of on-street parking for businesses. • The neighborhood should become a destination, in order to retain and expand the business customer base. Opportunities: • Historic character, this was the first settlement in the City. • Commuter Rail access within walking distance. • Pride in history and architecture, with many buildings contributing to the neighborhood historical character. • A certain number of properties available for purchase present an opportunity for homeownership and building improvements. • The neighborhood is located within walking distance to everything and close to downtown. • Friendly neighborhood. • The neighborhood is changing for the better. Constraints: • Power lines cross the Neck in the vicinity of the Clippership Inn. • Utility Corp/Appearance [?] of the industrial uses. • Absentee landlords and rundown buildings detract from the general quality of living. • Bureaucracy [?] • High commercial real estate taxes may pose an obstacle for some businesses. • Lack of a controlled signage program detracts from the overall design and image quality. • Decisions sometimes seem to be based on money and not on what is best for the neighborhood. • Traffic is heavy at some times, although commercial activity has decreased since the Bypass Road was built. • Bridge Street divides more than connects the east and west sections of the neighborhood. • Overcrowding of some properties DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D3 • [already listed above]Perception of security is not good in some areas (car break-ins, graffiti, some people are afraid to walk at night). • Vandalism of vacant properties and landscaping contribute to detract from the neighborhood’s image and appeal. Goals and Wishes: General themes for goals and wishes were attracting business and tourists, improving the appearance of the area, improving green space, and zoning concerns. The following is a summary list of the goals and wishes compiled at the meeting, grouped by categories. It is intended as a condensed version of the goals and wishes listed in Section II, and it has been edited to clarify some of the ideas based on our recollections as group facilitators. However, this summary should not be assumed to be comprehensive. Please refer to Section II for a complete list of goals and wishes. Appearance and Maintenance: • Get Verizon to fix the poles • Relocate utilities underground • Cleaning • Reuse of empty buildings, good maintenance • New and wider sidewalks • [doesn’t say where]Great signage - remove bad signs • Gateway to Salem – make it beautiful • Historic marker sign • New name - Harbor View? • Bridge Street beautification • Solve traffic problems, especially at Webb Street • Discourage graffiti • Clean and orderly - less graffiti – less traffic Attract business and tourism and improve the neighborhood feel: • Welcoming signs • Outdoor restaurant/ café seating • Nice like "Cabot Street" • Destination - not a pass through • Destinations to attract visitors • Marketing of businesses on Bridge Street • New businesses for tourists • Period lighting DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D4 • Ice cream shop/ stand • Tourist destination - Antique shops • Self-guided walking tour • Fishing destination • Parking on Bridge Street allowed • Retail and transportation signage • Better connections to Beverly, other Salem neighborhoods • Better signage for directions • Fix Swampscott sign • Get rid of Orange Street cleaning sign • Events at new Bridge Park • More family/park/block party events • Safe for walking and bikes • Keeping a mix of types and affordability • Consolidated Business District • Control the wildlife (squirrels, skunks) • Bring a flower shop, Trader Joe's • Feel connection to Salem Common • Slower traffic • A more affordable neighborhood • Market / shop • Movie theater • Motel redevelopment • Carts/restaurant/ice cream parlor • [already listed]Boat access (ideally to Collins Cove) • Fishing pier • Safety - Tracy walk-way [?] Green Space: • More green space • Walk all the way to the restaurants and the park • Bike path used in a better way • Better sidewalks • More pedestrian friendly • Better landscaping • More trees • Natural features and views / parks and trees Zoning: • Density - maintain lower level density • Worried about zoning changes - avoid big project DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D5 City Action: • City to show that they have heard Citizen’s input, follow up and act on recommendations • See action spreading fast - no more meaningless studies Section II Issues Utility construction Development at Bridge Park North End Street Walk Late night businesses Disrepair of houses on Bridge St Redundant light posts/phone polls Unfinished pier - not accessible Traffic coming off new bridge Lack of parking-whole neck Northey / Bridge St. Intersection is dangerous (mentioned 3 times) Need better restaurants Better retail corridor Need a laundromat Absentee landlords Proximity of aura-related businesses to residential Dangerous crossing for kids Sidewalks are bad Verizon telephone poles-double telephone poles Salem building and properties - need redevelopment Need for trash barrels Parking is lacking / invading residential area Blight Need to improve conditions at dilapidated properties Clustered foreclosures Deserted buildings on Bridge Street Snow removal problems Constraints Power lines Rundown buildings Utility Corp/ industrial uses appearance Absentee landlords Dealing with utilities and wires crossing streets Bureaucracy High commercial real estate taxes Getting more open space Lack of controlled signage program Lack of care for houses businesses Decisions based on money-not on what is best Traffic Bridge Street divides more than connects Overcrowding of some properties Graffiti need to clean Run down properties Car break-ins Some people are afraid to walk at night Vandalism of landscaping Vandalism of vacant properties Snowy sidewalks on Bridge Street Opportunities Building South Bridge Street Power lines underground Webb Street Park Better lighting Water on both sides Water views and water smell Historic homes/ beautiful houses Walkable DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D6 1st settlement Commuter rail Collins Cove Great potential to be beautiful Electrical utilities buried Pride in history and architecture Local restaurants Jail renovation Park on one end (gateway, green) Properties available (need to steer to owners vs. investors) Streetscape, sidewalks Bike path (Committee meeting on May 13) Walking distance to everything Local to downtown Very friendly Neighborhood is changing- for the better Have a hospitality place (could be improved) Park at the end of Bridge Street Goals and Wishes City to listen City to act on recommendations City to show that they have heard and follow up Density - maintain lower level density Worrier about zoning changes - means big project See action fast - will spread - no more meaningless studies See what other groups said Cleaning New sidewalk Walk all the way to the restaurants and the park Reuse of empty buildings, good maintenance More green space Welcoming signs Wider sidewalks Outdoor restaurant cafe Nice like "Cabot Street" Bike path used in a better way Get Verizon to fix the poles Send utilities underground Control the wild life (squirrels, skunks) Fishing destination Flower shop, Trader Joe's Feel connection to Salem Common Better sidewalks More pedestrian friendly Better landscaping Destinations More trees Cleaned up Slower traffic Marketing of businesses on Bridge Street New businesses for tourists Affordable for us Keeping a mix of types and affordability Better connections to Beverly, other Salem neighborhoods Better signage for directions Fix Swampscott sign Get rid of Orange Street cleaning sign Events at new Bridge Park More family/park/block party events Consolidated Business district Market / shop Movie theater Motel redevelopment Carts/restaurant/ice cream parlor Parking on Bridge Street Bridge Street beautification Retail and transportation signage Discourage graffiti Clean and orderly - less graffiti – less traffic (Webb street) Safe for walking and bikes Natural features and views / parks trees Parking Boat access New sidewalks Fishing pier Period lighting Ice cream shop/ stand Tourist destination - antique shops Self-guided walking tour Great signage - remove bad signs Gateway to Salem - beautiful Historic marker sign New name - Harbor View Improved appearance Safety - Tracy walkway Destination - not a pass through DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D7 Incentive for more retail and restaurants that will support foot traffic More like Rantoul Street - small businesses Cleaner improved utilities Bridge Street as a walking place Water oriented park at Bridge end Day care at Commonwealth and Bridge Street - pedestrian crossing Small business assistance Slow traffic on Bridge Street Improved business aesthetics Diverse retail Bike Lane-improved access Urban wilds Small retailers Pleasant walks on Bridge New park DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D8 MEETING NOTES Meeting Date: June 9, 2009 Meeting Topic: Small Group Discussions of Concepts and Recommendations during the Public Meeting Meeting Location: Carlton School, Salem, MA Project: Salem Bridge Neck Neighborhood Planning Study Attendees: Community members, The City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development, The Cecil Group and subconsultants Prepared by: Margarita Iglesia and Meghan Grafton Copies: Danielle McKnight, Department of Planning and Community Development Project File Over 40 people attended the second public meeting for the Salem Neck Neighborhood Planning Study. Participants were provided with an agenda for the evening’s meeting, a six page summary of notes from the first meeting, and a handout on housing assistance programs. After a brief introduction, the members of the Consultant Team shared the findings from the first Public Meeting and a summary of opportunities and constraints for the Bridge Street Neck neighborhood. An assessment of current commercial conditions and trends was presented followed by concepts and ideas for revitalization. The participants were divided into four small groups for discussions of those concepts and recommendations. Section I of these notes is a summary of the concerns shared by the participants of the small groups, in which we have tried to reflect the main topics of the discussions as closely as possible. Section II contains a comprehensive list of the feedback regarding the concepts and recommendations that was recorded by the facilitators during these small group discussions. In both sections the feedback has been organized into four topics concerning development: Residential, Business, Open Space, and Miscellaneous. DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D9 Section I: Summary of Key Points Residential • Residential development could be good as long as it is low density, low profile (crowding should be discouraged) • Need guidelines for building maintenance and improvement, but not historic requirements. Hearings at the historic commission are so difficult - requirements are too strong. • The City needs to enforce the code in rental units in the middle district- too many families are living in units that are designated as single family. • Envisioning the Brake and Clutch site as residential in the long term is a good idea. Business • An ice cream parlor/snack stand near the new park would be great. • Bed and breakfast done well could be a positive use in some areas (there are currently two in Winter St. and one in Northey) • Could the boat storage relocate? They are close to residential properties and sometimes get noisy. Moving them to another location within the Neck, surrounded by businesses would be good. • Northern end should have art galleries in addition to more restaurants. • More development focused around an anchor and complementary businesses and attractions should go in northern end • A good food/grocery store could be good (such as Trader Joe’s). • Create a destination within the neighborhood. Open Space • This should be a walking neighborhood (traffic out is a benefit) • A bike and pedestrian path should go along the residential sections along Collins Cove all the way to the proposed park at the north end-the bike path needs to go to more places. • There is potential for improved greenspace in the lots at the end of Saunders Street. • Collins Park could be a great amenity but the City needs to fix it up. It is underutilized and neglected. Tree, better lighting and gardens should be added. Miscellaneous • Design guidelines should be created to set height, scale, look and feel. • A boat landing should go in at the northern end. • Festivals could become a summer attraction. • Greater commitment to fight crime and drug dealing – people coming in from out of area • There should be improvements made to the side streets. • Focus on abandoned and empty buildings. DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D10 • Zoning shall allow good development like second story residential above retail. • The neighborhood should improve upon the historic character-but it has to be affordable. Section II: Complete List of Suggestions Residential • Residential development could be good as long as it is low density, low profile • The density of residential properties is important (crowding should be discouraged) • Transformation from single residential to multiple residential would not be good; more single family homes are needed. • The city needs to enforce the code in rental units in the middle district-too many families are living within units that are designated as single family. • The Bridge Street Neck neighborhood should try to mimic the feel of the residential neighborhood that is between Conner’s Cove and the Common. • Not enough focus on home ownership • Brake and Clutch as residential is a good idea. • No change in neighborhood scale and character • Side street improvements are needed. • New multifamily residential at plumbing site • Undeveloped area between Hubron and Thorndike should become residential. Business • An ice cream parlor near the new park would be great. • An upscale food store could be good (such as Trader Joe’s). • Classy music and/or entertainment in the business district would be okay. • Bed and breakfast done well could be a positive use in some areas (there are currently two in Winter St. and one in Northey) • Design guidelines to set height, scale, look and feel. • Northern end should have art galleries in addition to more restaurants. • Signage-street, amenities, flags/banners • More development in northern end focused around an anchor and complementary businesses and attractions • Create a destination within the neighborhood. • A water taxi from the proposed park to Beverly would bring in tourists and support businesses. • Parking at northern end needs to be addressed in order for businesses to grow. • Physical attractiveness and pedestrian improvements would create better stopping environments • Improve appearance at northern end • Find uses like Essex in terms of antiques • There is not enough assistance provided to older businesses for upkeep DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D11 • More business should open around Coffee Time-people come from out of town to go to Coffee Time. • Some type of Salem Museum could go in northern end-Maritime, art, Salem Fire. • Commercial façade improvements are needed. • Waterfront restaurants/park with appropriate scale development 2 floors Open Space • Collins Cove pedestrian access is necessary. • Greenspace for the section of property between March and Burnside. • There was once a Victorian garden overlooking Collins Cove. A flower garden along the water would be great. • Public access/beach behind “Street Market” • Connect bike trails-take trail to Winter Island/Willows. • The bike path needs to extend to more places. • A bike and pedestrian path should go along the residential sections along Collins Cove all the way to the proposed park at the north end. • The bike path should be extended past the Willows and along Collins Park. • Waterfront walk at north end with beach access • Collins Park could be a great amenity but the City needs to fix it up. It is underutilized and neglected. Tree, better lighting and gardens should be added. • The bike path and walking paths should connect the neighborhood to the commons. • There is potential for improved greenspace in the lots at the end of Saunders Street. • Collins Cove beach needs to be improved. • Graffiti at Collins Cove needs to be cleaned up and prevented. Miscellaneous • Could the boat storage relocate? They are close to residential properties and sometimes get noisy. Moving them to another location within the Neck, surrounded by businesses would be good. • Don’t discourage boating; it would be great to have a place to dock and visit a restaurant (floating dock). • This should be a walking neighborhood (traffic out is a benefit) • Need guidelines for building maintenance and improvement, but not historic requirements. Hearings at the historic commission are so difficult - requirements are too strong. • Peabody has no historic feel anymore. • Bridge Street has the historic character (own a 1795 house) • People need to maintain historic character, but it has to be affordable. • Festivals could become a summer attraction. • The neighborhood could become a destination for artists and create a community of artists with cottages and galleries. • Bridge Street needs to feel safe. • Loitering in old plumbing building needs to be stopped. • Insufficient parking on side streets needs to be addressed. DRAFT Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Appendix D The Cecil Group • GLC Development Resources • Peter Smith Associates • Tetra Tech Rizzo Page D12 • The neighborhood should have historical markers/pamphlets with map for a historic walk through the area. • The neighborhood needs to create an identity for itself. Some people think the neighborhood says “Cars”-with so many businesses dealing with and servicing cars. • More parking for residential and commercial areas is needed. • The City needs a greater commitment to fight crime and drug dealing – people coming in from out of area • 47 Bridge Street not specifically addressed • Would like to place utility wires underground as part of the plan • Look at connecting sidewalks in the neighborhood. • Speeding up Lathrop Street needs to be stopped. • Utility pole reduction • New mixed use development • Focus on the stretch of Bridge Street between Lathrop and Merrill for improvements. Focus on abandoned and empty buildings. • Townhouses or shops could go in front of the buildings at the corner of Lathrop and Bridge • Middle scale adequate density to make change feasible in the Brake and Clutch lot site. • A key property for the neighborhood (the old bridge/future park area at the north end) is now vacant. • Improve-Burnt out building at the corner or Osgood and Bridge Street • Mixed use is good in the Brake and Clutch site. • Location planning for the Brake and Clutch Site is important. • Storefront residential/live work for the Brake and Clutch site • Focus improvements on the lower end of the Bridge Street • Zoning shall allow good development like second story residential above retail. THE CECIL GROUP, INC. GLC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES PETER SMITH ASSOCIATES