2021-09-22 Meeting MinutesCity of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
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Board or Committee: Design Review Board – Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Meeting Location: Remote Participation via Zoom
DRB Members Present: Chair Paul Durand, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy,
Catherine Miller, Helen Sides, J. Michael Sullivan
DRB Members Absent: Marc Perras
Others Present: Kate Newhall-Smith
Recorder: Colleen Brewster
Chair Paul Durand calls the meeting to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken.
Signs in the Urban Renewal Area
1. 37 Central Street: Eastern Bank
Ed Batten, of Batten Brothers Signs, was present to discuss the project.
Batten noted that they’ve made several changes and provided two options for the sign
above the entry with their new single line logo. The sign will be halo lit and mounted on
an aluminum background. Their preferred sign is option 2, a 36-inch-high x 12-foot-long
halo lit sign with 2-inch-thick aluminum letters mounted to a 2-inch aluminum contoured
background onto the wood screen.
Newhall-Smith noted that sign options 1 and 2 are slightly over the allowable signage
square footage. Batten replied that the existing panel size with new lettering only and
they are unsure of what exists under the sign, but they could reduce the square footage
slightly. Newhall-Smith noted that grandfathering of sign sizes is not permitted, and all
new signage must meet the regulations. If not, then the applicant will need to seek a sign
variance from the ZBA. She noted that the backer panel counts as the sign, but if it
blends into the background of the building, then it won’t count toward the sign area
allotment. Chair Durand prefers the first option. Miller agreed with an earlier comment
by Perras, that adding signage to the wood screen, which is not designed to carry the
weight of a sign and is not the preferred option. She added that the wording in option 1
is crowded. Kennedy agreed and recommended reducing the logo by 5-8%. Batten
suggested making the sign 72-inches high but maintaining the 100-inch width, which will
bring the sign area into compliance.
Sides stated that the sign on the side of the building has more comfortable readability.
Batten will scale it down to fit the sign area regulations. Sides asked about the orange
stripe in the logo. Batten replied that it’s always been placed at the bottom of the sign.
Miller stated that the sign at end wall still looks oversized. Sullivan agreed. Batten
noted that only the bank name would be illuminated so it will a 16-inch-high x10-foot-
wide sign, centered on the brick wall. Kennedy suggested the width of the blue match
the width of the Century Bank sign despite the square footage allowance. Batten noted
that the size of the letters will be less than the height of a piece of paper if that were to
happen and they want to maintain their visibility. Sides noted that this area is mainly
pedestrian-oriented, vehicles drive by slowly, and its location will become known to the
neighborhood. The Board agreed that an 11-foot-long sign was more appropriate.
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Batten stated that the third sign is over the parking lot entry door and will have a new
face. Chair Durand reminded the applicant that internally lit signs are not preferred.
Batten noted that the ATM is also in this location but faces the parking lot. He
suggested the use of an opaque background with raised illuminated letters, but to still
reuse the lighting cabinet with only the letters being illuminated. Sullivan suggested
eliminating the cabinet. Kennedy noted that using the scale of the larger wall sign would
increase the text size. Sullivan agreed.
Miller asked about the entrance, exit, and drive-up ATM. Batten replied that all of them
would be changed to blue background and he’s not familiar with changing the lighting on
an ATM sign.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Sides: Motion to approve Sign 1, option 1, with a reduction in the height of the logo to fit
the sign regulation, Sign 2 using halo lettering and to be reduced in size, Sign 3 to use
the dimensions of wall sign number 2, and the ATM sign to be reviewed. Seconded by:
Kennedy.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
2. 32 Church Street: Jennie Stuart Fine Jewelry and Helios
Ken McTague, of Concept Signs, was present to discuss the project.
McTague stated that the central area of the 28-inch-wide x 37.98-inch-high sign will be a
cut-out, the flower and ring will be a carved element guild in 22 carat gold, the sign will
be 2-sided and mounted on an existing black bracket. Newhall-Smith noted that the sign
meets the sign requirements and will be a hanging sign that is not stationary so will
swing slightly. The Board has no issue with a swinging sign.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Miller: Motion to approve mounted on an existing sign bracket. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
3. 192 Essex Street: Witch Mansion Haunted House
Ken McTague, of Concept Signs, was present to discuss the project.
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McTague stated that at the sign will be mounted to the existing green sign band which
they don’t think they would be allowed to paint since it would be the width of the entire
storefront. The Board agreed to allow the painting of the background to black. The sign
size would be reduced. Miller requested a reduction in the text for readability. Kennedy
agreed. Sides suggested the word “WITCH” be raised slightly. Kennedy agreed and
noted it would also provide room around the sign.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Sides: Motion to approve with the existing metal sign band painted black, downsizing the
green “Witch Mansion” logo, and a reduction in the size of the window decals.
Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0
4. 6 Front Street: Front Street Coffee House
Ken McTague, of Concept Signs, was present to discuss the project.
McTague stated that the round 1” thick sign would be a carved with 22 carat gold lead at
the center symbol with ½” raised beveled edges, mounted to the existing bracket.
Newhall-Smith noted that the proposed sign meets the sign requirements, it’s a hanging
sign that is not stationary and will swing slightly.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Sides: Motion to approve as presented. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
Projects in the Urban Renewal Area
1. 73 Lafayette Street and 9 Peabody Street: Schematic Design Review –
Redevelopment of 73 Lafayette Street and 9 Peabody Street through the construction of
mixed-use structures for affordable elderly supportive housing, compact residential units,
the North Shore Health Center, and additional space for non-profit organization,
continued from 3/24/21, request to continue to 10/27/21
Newhall-Smith stated that the project is at the ZBA tonight with revised plans that have
been scaled down. If things go well with the ZBA it will return to the DRB next month.
Miller: Motion to continue to the next regular meeting. Seconded by: Sides.
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Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
2. 234 Bridge Street: Small Project Review – Installation of cellular infrastructure on
existing light pole, continued from 2/24/21
Attorney Daniel Klasnick, of Duval & Klasnick, was present to discuss the project.
Klasnick stated that at the February review to replicate the original light posts, the DRB
asked that Verizon investigate installing the equipment on the traffic light stanchion on
the corner of Bridge and Washington Streets. They also evaluated the light post which
is no longer an option. On the stanchion they can install a small cell 14-inch diameter x
36-inch-high “cantenna” painted black with concealed brackets mounted in a black U-
guard at the top of the pole, for an overall size of 55-inches-high x 19-inches-wide.
Cables will travel down the pole to a 4-foot-6-inch-high, black equipment concealment
enclosures, with the bottom height at 11-fett-8-inches above grade. The underside of
the utility meter that determines electrical usage will be installed at 8-feet above grade.
Chair Durand thanked the applicant. Miller encouraged the applicant to use this design
as a prototype for the future.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Miller: Motion to approve as a presented. Seconded by: Sides.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
3. 32-50 Federal Street and 252 Bridge Street: Schematic Design Review – Restoration
of historic courthouses and development of mixed-use structure, continued from 8/5//21
Adam Giordano, Adam Stein, and Ramie Schneider of Winn Development, and Brian
O’Connor and Steve Prestejohn of Cube 3, were present to discuss the project.
Giordano and O’Connor noted that they’ve explored the comments and feedback made
at the July and August meetings.
Building Design Approach
O’Connor stated that they’ve adjusted the light wood tone, they’ve decreased the
horizontal banding, and taken cues from Salem with respect to the roofline. The
horizontal reveal in the wood paneling remains because they felt it was important to
highlight the peeled back layers of the building, but they still want to minimize their
impact. They used a darker wood tone for added warmth and to compliment the brick of
the courthouse across the street. They reviewed Salem’s other rooflines but want to
push the architecture forward without breaking down the roofline, and there is a
correlation between the roofline against the massing of the building below. There is a
range of neighboring roof styles that they don’t want to replicate. The massing of the
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building responds to the water’s edge and creates a visual articulation from the ground
to the roof, which are reinforced by intersections of geometry.
Public Realm
O’Connor noted that pathways and overall ramp design were revised to be less organic,
so the courtyard is no longer at odds with the building. The shared use path also seems
more integrated into the overall design. Prestejohn noted that the public realms have a
linear approach that shapes the spaces, delineate pathways, and create public seating
areas. The revised landscape areas show a redesigned shared access ramp and there
are 4 main zones. 1) A monumental stair with deep landings, angled greenspace,
seating, cascading planters, with future bollards and signage to activate the building
edge. 2) The overlook out from under the soffit to the sky above, with panoramic views
of the river, patterned pavers, lawn areas, angled seating integrated with the floor
patterns, and shared use path. 3) The boardwalk has sheltered seating area, bollard
lighting, building entries, planters, and shrubs with curb seating. 4) The Bridge Street
Plaza is the entry to the bicycle ramp and shared use ramp, it has integrated bench
seating, and a space for public art. The wood in the façade continues in the floor below
creating an inviting public space. Across the street is a Courthouse Plaza with public
area, seating, and plantings. The shared use ramp now follows the standard ramp
dimensions with a turning radius at the bottom to slow down bicyclists along with a
gentler slope.
Garage Strategy
Prestejohn stated that the one-way traffic pattern would interrupt the existing traffic flow
exiting the garage, so they’ve created a one-way in and out at the gated entry with
assigned spaces. The parking has been increased from 57 to 62 parking spaces;
however, the Bridge Street elevation won’t read that way. A site section showing the
neighboring building heights has been included and the roofline of the Ruane Judicial
center is approximately 26-feet higher than the roofline of the proposed crescent lot
building.
Sides stated that she was in favor of the darker color. Jaquith noted that the changes
are a big improvement. Miller was in favor of the darker color including the grey which
appears richer, she applauded the efforts put into the landscaping and shared path. The
plaza across the street will need to be accessible, they will need to work out how the
intersection where the bottom of the monumental stair, the sidewalk, and the pathway to
north Salem meet and work together. The lower public sidewalk seems pinched, and
the stair could be condensed so the corner recognizes the path across the street to
accommodate the significant amount of traffic that uses those sidewalks. O’Connor
agreed.
Sullivan stated that this is a beautiful and transformative project that reminds him of
projects in the Four Point Channel. This location will be inviting for people looking to
loiter on the steps and lighting could be incorporated for visibility and safety. O’Connor
replied that lighting will be critical and there will need to be eyes on the street where the
public path is under the overhang, so this area is clearly visible for safety purposes.
Sullivan and Kennedy were impressed with the progress to date.
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Chair Durand stated that the top penthouse on the Western edge may need some
embellishment, but it will provide good views. Sullivan liked the use of bold colors on the
balconies. Sides asked if the rooftop equipment would be concealed by parapet, visible
or pushed back toward the middle of the roof for reduced visibility. O’Connor replied that
the units will be small residential size and very had to see. Sides added that she was in
favor of how the building tops up, like the Ruane Judicial Center, and she commended
the design team on their efforts.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment.
Newhall-Smith acknowledges the comment letters submitted to the DRB in advance of
this meeting:
• HSI, September 20, 2021
• Anne Sterling, 29 Orchard Street, September 22, 2021
Barbara Cleary, 104 Federal Street. Plans were obscured and this will be their first time
reviewing them since they weren’t available earlier. This is an improvement project, but
the public should have been able to review the plans, this is an important project, and it’s
unfortunate that everyone is seeing this for the time tonight.
Anne Sterling, 29 Cedar Street. There are 57 garage space and 5 surface spaces. She
asked that they speak to the parking needs of the residential aspect of the project. Stein
replied that the project was always geared toward additional parking coming from the
MBTA lot. Sterling noted that the project is being based off a deficit of parking spaces.
Emily Udy, HSI and 8 Buffum Street. Appreciated the changes made based on their
previously submitted comment letter. Concerned with how the building tops off since
their preference would be for a stronger cornice to help define the rooftop of the building.
The protrusion of the façade does help define the roof, so it doesn’t look as if it fades
into the sky. Looks forward to the DRB evaluating the elevation along the Bridge Street
side of the slip ramp that will create an urban line. There is an urban forest at that
corner that will help soften the elevation. Window pattern on the warmer material has
regularized and creates a nice composition of windows. They look forward to meeting
with the design team next week.
Justin Wittier, 10 River Street. Hopes the Schematic Design approval will not be
decided tonight since the public is seeing the revised designs for the first time tonight.
Giordano stated that the design team is meeting with HSI on Monday. Chair Durand
noted that a review by HSI should occur before schematic design approval. Newhall-
Smith questioned if their review would change the DRB’s opinion or the design. Chair
Durand replied no. Miller agreed with Durand, that the public process needs to play out.
Chair Durand suggested a special meeting be held to speed up the process. Stein
agreed. Giordano noted that HSI’s concerns are not with height and context so there
may not be too much additional work needed. Sides stated she would be willing to
approve it but the public and not just HSI should have the opportunity to review the
revised plan first.
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The Board agreed to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
Newhall-Smith noted that updated drawings will not be expected, it will be informative
No one else in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Jaquith: Motion to continue with a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 at
6PM. Seconded by: Sides.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
4. 14 New Derby Street: Small Project Review – Installation of rooftop mechanicals for
Flip the Bird, continued from 8/25/21
Ryan McShera, of Red Barn Architecture, was present to discuss the project.
McShera stated that the DRB previously want the screening to be stepped back to
obscure the air handling unit, and they were to determine the screening material. The
front of the roof will have residential units and the landlord wanted to limit the screening,
so the tenants view wasn’t obscured. He urged them to propose two elements of
screening at the sides and rear. The screening would be 4-feet-high and consist of
pressure treated framing with a Boral face and an 8-inch reveal to provide some detail.
The screening would be painted to match the window sashes, so it doesn’t stand out.
Chair Durand, Miller, and Kennedy agreed the screening will work well.
Chair Paul Durand opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Chair Paul Durand closed public comment.
Miller: Motion to approve as presented to be painted black. Seconded by: Sides.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan, Durand in favor. Passes 6-0.
5. 14 New Derby Street: Small Project Review – Modification of rear and side elevations
to include restoring window openings, adding residential entrances and exterior lighting,
and repointing brick façade.
Peter Pitman, of Pitman & Wardley, was present to discuss the project.
Pitman stated that the windows are black and some of the window openings have been
modified more than once with different shapes, as well as patching and repairs. The
steel frame industrial windows remain and there is interest in utilizing an industrial feel in
the residential loft spaces. The SRA voted to retain the existing chimney and either
repair it or reconstruct it; the owner does not want to keep the chimney. Pitman states
that the SRA referred the project to the DRB for their recommendation. Small overhangs
and lights would be added to the façade for the two residential units and the side
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elevation has no public view and in some instances is less than 5-feet from the fire
station. New windows along that façade are subject to Building Inspector approval.
Newhall-Smith stated that the SRA was clear that the chimney must be retained, and
either fixed or recreated. Pitman believed it was open for discussion and there was still
an opening to remove it. Sides stated that while she loves to see free-standing
chimneys remain, she doesn’t see the significance in retaining this one. Jaquith agreed.
Chair Durand stated that seismically it would take more than repointing to save it.
Sullivan agreed that the chimney is not historic and has no character. Newhall-Smith
replied that the SRA is aware that the chimney is not original or functional, but it’s part of
the visual character of the building. Sullivan also raised seismic concerns. Miller stated
that they are bring back the large windows, keeping the brick line, cleaning up the corner
is important to creating a cohesive design, and she could live without the chimney.
Sullivan asked if landscaping is proposed. Pitman replied no, there will be flush
sidewalk pads only, with new bollards at the entry doors. They can’t do a raised
sidewalk due to the finished floor at the interior finished floor, and the bollards are
proposed as schedule 40 pipe painted yellow so drivers can see them. Miller suggested
the bollards be black to match the look of the building since they will be hit either way.
Pitman suggested adding reflectors at the top of the bollards for added visibility.
Chair Durand left the meeting. Vice Chair Sides took over the meeting.
Vice Chair Sides opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Acting-Chair Sides closed public comment.
Sides stated that the SRA will get the final word on the chimney and requested window
details. Pitman replied that the windows will be simulated divided lite.
Newhall-Smith reiterated that the SRA voted that the chimney is to remain and
requested advice regarding retention versus reconstruction from the DRB. The Board
agreed that there are safety concerns with saving or recreating it, the façade would be
improved if it were removed, and they are making a unanimous request to remove it.
Pitman noted that the owner understands that the DRB is providing a recommendation
only and they will ask the SRA to reconsider based on the DRB recommendation. If the
SRA were to say no, they would be obligated to structurally reinforce the chimney.
Kennedy asked if the chimney affects the interior use. Pitman replied minimally and the
closet below would be enlarged if the chimney were removed. Sullivan asked if the
original use was known. Pitman replied that it may have been part of the coal heating
system.
Miller: Motion to approve with the recommendation that the chimney be removed due to
seismic concerns and the insignificance of its previous use. Seconded by: Sides.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan in favor. Passes 5-0.
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6. 17 Central Street: Small Project Review – Repointing of brick façade, restoration of
façade elements
Newhall-Smith stated that it resembles an in-kind repair but that needs to be determined
by the DRB. The work would also include a lintel replacement to galvanized steel at the
rear nine windows and the door. Jaquith suggested the steel be painted black.
Kennedy stated that the mortar mix should match the existing as well as the custom fan
shape of the bricks over the windows. Newhall-Smith noted that the applicant will use
S&H brick for what can’t be reinstalled. Sides noted that the mortar should be mixed
with color to match existing. Kennedy noted that the use of a wider brick means a wider
fan line. Miller suggested requesting the mason save as many bricks as possible and try
to match the mortar color.
Vice Chair Sides opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Vice Chair Sides closed public comment.
Miller: Motion to approve with high quality masonry work, all details to match existing,
and to dye the mortar so it matches the existing mortar color. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan in favor. Passes 5-0.
7. 133 Washington Street: Small Project Review – Installation of replacement windows
Dennis Droggitis, representing the owner, was present to discuss the project.
Droggitis stated that the building owners want to repaint and replace all second and third
floor windows. The proposed would be a Silverline vinyl window with simulated divided
lites and to replace all deteriorated trim with painted PVC. The replacement windows
would slightly downsize the existing opening.
Jaquith stated that he is not in favor of reducing the sash size or the use of vinyl
windows. Sides noted that she would consider a composite material but not vinyl.
Jaquith agreed. Miller asked if HSI has replacement window brands to recommend.
Newhall-Smith replied that HSI does not have a brand list, but windows in a historic
district need to be wood. Sides stated that bright white vinyl looks like plastic, but
composite is higher quality and can be painted.
Miller asked if the shutters would be reinstalled. Droggitis replied that they will be
restored and reinstalled unless they are too deteriorated. Miller noted that exterior grid
and removing the storm windows will also be a big step in the right direction.
Vice Chair Sides opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
Vice Chair Sides closed public comment.
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Miller: Motion to continue to the next regular meeting. Seconded by: Sides.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides, Sullivan in favor. Passes 5-0.
Sullivan left the meeting.
Projects Outside the Urban Renewal Area
1. 373 Highland Avenue: Design Review for Entrance Corridor Overlay District Project –
Construction of manufacturing building and associated site improvements for Tropical
Products.
Ed Berman Owner of Tropical Products, Regan Andreola, Landscape Architect with
Beales + Thomas, and Harry Samolchuk of Connolly Construction were present to
discuss the project.
Ms. Andreola stated that they are also presenting to the Planning Board, a portion of this
site falls within the overlay district, and they will disturb undisturbed areas of land. The
existing 50,000 square-foot building is used to make pet care products and the owner
wants to expand but to say in Salem. The site is currently unoccupied, they will combine
several existing parcels and relocate Cedar Road to the north side of the parcel to
construct the building. The current Cedar Road dead ends and moving it will provide
contiguous access around the new development, by creating a southern entrance and
northern exit onto Highland Avenue. They will take advantage of the west to east site
slope by constructing a building that appears as single story from the west and becomes
two story at the rear where there will be docks for truck loading.
Samolchuk stated that the new building has a 70,000 square foot footprint, will be two
levels with a product warehouse, shipping and receiving on the lower level accessed by
angled docks and doors on the east. The single-story office area facing Highland will
provide at-grade access that hides the rear uses. The exterior will have a single plane
flat roof, a height that varies throughout the building, from 16-feet at Highland Avenue to
35-feet at the rear loading dock. The building will be clad with a vertical insulated metal
panel façade on the west and north façade and pilasters projecting horizontally and
vertically. The north-west main entrance corner at the office will have a reverse battered
sloping fascia with a curtain wall and tinted glass. A small flat roof canopy over the entry
will be used to mount a street number. Flanking either side of the entry will be bays of
painted split face masonry units, a three-course kicker wall below three slots of tinted
insulated glass. Punched windows will be placed along the high bays of the south and
east façades for light and visual interest.
Samolchuk noted that the HVAC system will be single packaged 10–20–ton units placed
on the roof that will require screening. They are proposing horizontal slats clear
anodized in either white or grey. They will plan for a solar array on the roof that will also
be screened. A dumpster at the rear will have solid screening, either PVC or composite
vinyl, and a proposed standby generator will be at the interior of the building. Signage
will be placed at the west façade facing Highland Avenue and it will meet the sign
requirements.
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Samolchuck stated that the color palette proposed is a pale grey steel insulated panel,
with medium/charcoal gray pilaster, and smooth gray aluminum composite material
(ACM) with either an orange/terra cotta tone or a matte black with a dry joint to highlight
the reveals. The masonry will be terra cotta color tone, Benjamin Moore: Terra Mauve.
Andreola stated that the landscaping plan is robust, with large deciduous shade trees, a
15-foot wide densely planted evergreens to the south to shield a residential neighbor
along Highland Avenue only since the remainder of the southern edge is undeveloped
with significant grade changes and existing plantings as screening. Large deciduous
shade trees will be planted along the northern edge of the property and additional trees
were added along Highland Avenue at the request of the Planning Board. Internal
plantings are proposed at the internal islands and along the face of the building. No
fencing is currently proposed since they believe they’ve achieved screening with
plantings only.
Andreola noted that their photometric plan of the light fixtures includes LED lights on
posts and wall mounted, all with cut-offs to angle the light down. The finish would be
black or bronze depending upon the final color palette of the building.
Sides noted her excitement to see the expansion and suggested the use of a darker
grey on the façade and to possibly use the same darker color at the front wall. The
rooftop screening should be dark, and she was glad to have solar panels proposed.
Miller agreed with the use of a darker façade color and suggested that the entire building
be dark grey to highlight the texture rather than the lighter color. She noted concerns
with applying leaning panels at the front door which she doesn’t want it to look like faux
granite, supported the addition of more trees, and requested the lower wattage, 3,000-
kelvin, lighting option. She asked if the project would return for Schematic Design
review. Newhall-Smith replied that the project is before the DRB because it’s on an
entrance corridor, the Planning Board is seeking a recommendation. The project can
either return to the DRB with revised drawings, or the Board’s recommendations can be
shared with the Planning Board for its consideration.
Jaquith stated that he doesn’t like the pilaster panels, and they should maintain the
horizontal look but use a darker shade of grey will help break up the façade. He noted
that HC spaces should be placed at the front entrance, the landscaping is good, and
they could include more plantings at the front door. He concluded that this is a great
project for this site.
Kennedy agreed with the darker color choice and encouraged the use of a darker
window trim.
Sides stated that as a member of the Planning Board, she felt it was ready to return to
them for review.
Vice Chair Sides opened public comment
No one in the assembly wished to speak.
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Vice Chair Sides closed public comment.
Miller: Motion to recommend with a darker façade color – not pale grey – so the façade
is articulated through textural changes, all screening to be dark grey or black, exterior
lighting to be no more than 3,000-kelvin, additional planting to be added at the front
entrance, and to darken the window trim color. Seconded by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides in favor. Passes 4-0.
New / Old Business
1. Approval of Minutes:
a. July 28, 2021
Miller: Motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 28, 2021. Seconded by:
Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides in favor. Passes 4-0.
b. August 25, 2021
Miller: Motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 25, 2021. Seconded
by: Jaquith.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides in favor. Passes 4-0.
2. Staff Updates, if any:
Adjournment
Sides: Motion to adjourn. Seconded by: Sullivan.
Roll Call: Jaquith, Kennedy, Miller, Sides in favor. Passes 4-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 8:45PM.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 and City
Ordinance Sections 2-028 through 2-203