Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council

Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council - Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 8, 2022, 7:00 P.M. Called to Order: 7:01 p.m. Members Present: Dennis Colbert, Cynthia Jeryzlo, Anne Sterling, Gabriel Ciociola, Christy Evans-Marcrum Staff Present: Dominick Pangallo (Office of Mayor Driscoll) Approval of May 11, 2022, minutes: Approved Special Guests: Joel Simonson of Salem Food for All talked about the work of Salem’s Food Policy Council and the 2018 community food assessment update underway. He invited members to reach out to their associations about participating in focus groups as part of the food assessment plan update. He then took questions from the Council. Regina Zaragoza Frey, the City’s new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) introduced herself and spoke about her background. She then explained a bit more about what DEI is, the work she’s undertaken so far with the City, and what work is still to come. She then took questions from the Council and offered to speak at any associations upcoming meetings. Neighborhood Association Updates:  Barnes/Clark/Wyman: Highland Avenue repaving project getting underway this week.  North Street Northfields: Public tour of the North Street Fire Station on June 25th. July 4th the bike parade at Furlong Park returns.  Willows: Garden tour July 23rd. City working on speed humps on Columbus Avenue and reconfiguration of intersection with Fort Avenue. Next meeting is in mid-June with Seth Lattrell, the City’s harbor planner. July 4th Horribles Parade is on.  Mack Park: Speeding still an issue on Tremont Street. Looking forward to selection of new caretaker at the Mack Park House.  Salem Common: Neighborhood Issues - Traffic: WSN crosswalks with thermos paint, bump outs & stanchions – now in place. Speed cushions approved for Mall & Howard Streets – waiting. 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: painting done at WSN; all Common crosswalks needed. Common Enhancements - Tree & lawn revitalization: Looks great & our thanks to Bob & Ray! Benches: ADA benches need transition points. 3 regular benches. Bandstand: Flower beds may be happening. Events - Next event: 4th of July Reading of Declaration of Independence. Mayor Driscoll speaking & possibly Councilor Merkl. Hoping Historic Salem can join us as well. Free coffee & sconces. SCNA is a leading sponsor of Garden Club’s upcoming July event. Washington Arch Restoration - City: SHC hearing on Carvings approval moved to 6/15 at 6PM. Painting/Landscaping: Both completed and look great! Carvings: Contracted PEM endorsed designer Skylight Studios. PEM: Access to McIntire originals approved by Curator Chasse. City Updates:   Free rapid COVID test kits continue to be available from the Health Department office for residents and the Curative PCR testing site will remain through at least the end of December.  Salem has launched a new community car share program called Getaround Salem. Using a mobile app, people can book one of a fleet of hybrid vehicles on an hourly rental basis. Visit salemma.gov/getaround for complete details.  The new pools and other facilities, including splash pad, concession stand, restrooms, and community room, at Forest River Park will open to the public June 18 th. Visit salemma.gov/forestriver for more details.  The City has a launched a 311 service. You can now dial 3-1-1 from any phone in the city and, during City business hours, you’ll be connected with a live operator who can answer questions about City programs, take reports and requests for City services, or connect you to additional information.  June 22nd at 6pm there will be a public information meeting with the team working on the offshore wind marshalling yard project. Register for the online presentation at salemma.gov/oswmeeting.  Independence Day celebration takes place with the usual concert and fireworks on Saturday July 2nd at Derby Wharf. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 7:00 p.m. Adjourned: 7:50 p.m.