Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council

Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday. September 13, 2017 7:00 P.M. City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor Members Present: Pat Liberti, Anne Sterling, Christian Haselgrove, Jim Kearney, Barbara Mann, Jerry Smith, Rosemary O’Connor, Norman LaPointe, Flora Tonthat, Nina Cohen Staff Present: Dominick Pangallo (Mayor’s Chief of Staff) Guests Present: Kate Fox (Destination Salem), Ellen Talkowsky (City of Salem), Kevin Cornacchio (Community Preservation Committee) Approval of July 19, 2017 Meeting Minutes: Approved Public Comment: None Haunted Happenings 2017: Ellen and Kate provided an overview of the major events, including new events, planned for this year’s October festival. The Council discussed parking options for residents (free on weekends for residents at Church Street and depot lots) and asked how residents can get additional information (click on the “Locals” link at www.hauntedhappenings.org). Kate and Ellen also shared that the operational plans for Halloween itself will be largely the same as years’ past. The two largest changes are the new “Wicked Wednesday” family-friendly events and the weekend closure of Essex Street from Barton Square to Washington Street. FY18 Community Preservation Plan: Kevin shared the public comment process and deadlines for neighborhood associations to share input for the forthcoming FY18 Community Preservation Plan. He also distributed a list of past projects funded by CPA and encouraged groups to consider applications for the next round of funding if they have potentially eligible projects. The Council asked questions about the types of projects that can be funded and how to apply. Council Updates: Northfields – Sargent Street cleaned of trash and overgrowth and looks great. Gallows Hill/Ward 4 – Brush growing through fence at Transfer Station site could be cut back. There was a homeless encampment on Barcelona that the City cleaned up. Mack Park – Ward 6 candidates’ debate on 10/10. Will be raising funds for the Salem Police K-9 unit Saturdays on the Pedestrian Mall in October again. Bridge Street – Ward 2 and 6 candidates’ forum on 10/17. Collins Cove pickleball courts are open and look good. New interpretive sign at Remond Park. Salem Recycles screening “Bag It” documentary at CinemaSalem on 9/24. Derby Street – Ward 1 candidates’ debate 10/10. City did a walk-through of sidewalks slated for upgrades last week, went well. Looking forward to paving work being completed. Chestnut Street – the association’s private park will soon be available for private event rentals. Salem Common – Holiday concert will be at Bridge@211. Lots of events through October, all on the association website. Thanks to the City for covering up the bandstand cellar entry. Could use more lighting on the playground area at night. Essex Street – no updates. City Updates: Street sweeping underway. Schedule for streets and alternative parking locations distributed. FY2018 road repaving schedule was distributed. Updates are available on the City Engineering website. Fall tree planting list distributed. Approximately 220 locations throughout the City, to start planting late September through late November, pending review with abutters and checking for gas leaks. SalemRecycles Book Swap takes place on Saturday from 10am to 1pm at the Council on Aging. Salem for All Ages is hosting a free, public symposium on Universal Design in Housing, 120 Washington Street, September 26, 3pm and 6pm. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Adjournment: 8:13 p.m.