Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council

Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council - Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 11, 2022, 7:00 P.M. Called to Order: 7:01 p.m. Members Present: Anne Sterling, Dennis Colbert, Flora Tonthat, Barbara Mann, Gabriel Ciociola, Richard Lindeman, Ellie Rounds Bloom, Nina Cohen, Lucy Corchado Staff Present: Dominick Pangallo (Office of Mayor Driscoll) Approval of April 12, 2022, minutes: Approved Special Guests: Barbara Warren of Salem Sound Coastwatch offered a presentation about the Greening the Gateway Cities program, the City’s own tree planting programs, and the Century Tree program. She then took questions from the group. Cassie Moskos from the City of Salem’s Planning Department offered a presentation about the Shetland Framework Plan, reviewing the initiatives goals and process. She then took questions from the group. Neighborhood Association Updates:  Greater Endicott Street: Wrong-way drivers on Endicott continue to be a challenge. Ask that the City look at replacing the flex posts with more permanent protection.  Bridge Street Neck: The neighborhood yard sale takes places this Saturday, May 14 th, from 9am-2pm.  Salem Common: Neighborhood Issues - Traffic: WSN crosswalks with thermos paint, bump outs & stanchions – delayed. Rubber speed cushions approved for Mall & Howard Streets. Hope to extend improvements to more streets & playground Rerouting 1A@Winter St to Wash St/Bridge St Ext. needs legislation. Bridge St. Neighborhood Association also supports. Crosswalks: annual spring painting needed urgently. Sidewalks: SCNA endorses ordinance with a brick option for property owners. Grant: Supporting House of Seven Gables on Open Space project. Common Enhancements - Tree pruning: Project completed by Arborist Bob LeBlanc & team. Lawn Revitalization: Ray Jodoin’s plan began rolling out on May 9th. Benches: ADA benches need transition points. 3 regular benches planned. Bandstand: Flower beds may be happening. Events - Next event is Café Claude: Sinatra Tribute 5/15 at on Common. SCNA is a leading sponsor of Garden Club’s July event. Arch Restoration - City: SHC hearing to approve Carvings on 5/18 at 6 via Zoom. Painting/Landscaping: Painting completed – landscaping to complete May. Carvings: Moving to contract with PEM endorsed designer: Skylight Studios. PEM: Access to McIntire originals approved by Curator Sarah Chasse. City Updates:  To donate to the victims of the Hancock Street fire, visit salemma.gov/relief.  The City is beginning our regular update to the Open Space and Recreation Plan and is seeking applicants for the advisory group. Interest residents should apply to tdevine@salem.com before May 24th.  The Salem Ferry season begins on Saturday May 26 th. Salem residents again receive discounted fares. Find the schedule and pricing at salemferry.com.   The COA and Salem for All Ages is conducting a survey to evaluate use and public feedback about the Community Life Center. While all are welcome to take the survey, they’re especially hoping to hear from people who do not usually go to the CLC for programs and services. The survey is online at salemma.gov/CLCsurvey through May 20 th.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is sponsoring free Bluebike passes each Sunday in May. Visit bluebikes.com to access the free pass each Sunday and use offer code BlueMiles15 on May 15th, BlueMiles22 on May 22nd, and BlueMiles29 on May 29th.  A Styrofoam recycling collection event will take place on June 11 th from 9am to noon at the CLC. No packing peanuts or food service containers.  Culture House Salem, who is helping to operate and program Old Town Hall, is inviting neighborhood associations to consider holding their meetings or events at Old Town Hall. If you’re interested in doing so, please reach out to Rishika at rishika@culturehouse.cc.  Free Trolley rides for Salem residents resumes June 1st and last until September 30th. Residents can receive a Resident Ticket by providing proof of residency at the Salem Trolley office at 8 Central Street. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 7:00 p.m. Adjourned: 8:00 p.m.