Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council

Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council - Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 7:00 P.M. Called to Order: 7:05 p.m. Members Present: Dennis Colbert, Hope Carpenter, Anne Sterling, Denise Regan, Mira Riggin Staff Present: Dominick Pangallo (Office of Mayor Driscoll) Approval of June 8, 2022, minutes: Approved Special Guests: John Berry (Crowley Maritime), Patrick Johnson (Avangrid), and Seth Lattrell (City of Salem Port Deputy) spoke about the status of the offshore wind terminal project along Salem Harbor. John shared a slide presentation reviewing the conceptual plans for the site and summarizing the types of activity that could be expected there. He also talked about workforce development efforts for the project. Patrick and Seth discussed the offshore wind sector in general and the Commonwealth Wind program. Council members asked about construction traffic and noise, parking, buffers, project communication protocols, and opportunities for STEM and other educational engagement. FY2023 Community Preservation Plan: Dominick reminded Council members that public comment for the FY2023 Community Preservation Plan should be submitted by neighborhood associations to Jane Guy in the Planning Department before October 21st. Neighborhood Association Updates:  Barnes/Clark/Wyman: Concerns about speeding, there was a request for possible traffic calming review and additional selective enforcement from the Salem Police traffic division.  North Street Northfields: Anne announced that this would be her final NIAC meeting as they are moving. Ellie Rounds Bloom will be the new NIAC representative for North Street Northfields.  Salem Common: Neighborhood Issues - Traffic: Create a plan like the WSN solution for Playground crossing. Stop sign at Andrews & speed cushions on Washington Square. Rerouting 1A@Winter St to Wash St/Bridge St Ext. needs legislation. Bridge St. Neighborhood Association also supports. Common Enhancements - Little Library: SCNA has begun approval process. Benches: New AARP bench installed thanks to Patricia Zaido. Lawn: Extra cleanups & landscaping are helping it look good. Bandstand: Waiting to hear – may have flower beds. Playground: Tables need painting as rust poses risk. Events - Movie Series & Lawn Party on Common were a great success. Community Yard Sale: Saturday the 17 th from 10 to 2. Block Party: Sept 24th at 4 PM at Pleasant Street Avenue. Kids Fun Fest: October 22/23 & Oct 29/30. Holiday Concert: Dec 18th at the Bridge@211. Washington Arch Restoration - City: SHC & MHC approved work proceeding on Carvings. State: Funding approved to help to complete Carvings. Skylight Studios: SCNA & City will contract with this carver. PEM: Access to McIntire originals approved by Curator Chasse. City Updates:  COVID testing: Curative is now offering rapid PCR at their trailer site for $135. Hours and details are at salemma.gov/testing. The Health Department has plenty of free rapid antigen test kits, as well, available for pick-up by residents in the department.   The Health Department is conducting a free monkeypox vaccination clinic at the CLC on Monday, September 19th. Eligibility restrictions apply. People can check eligibility and register for a vaccination by visiting healthinnovationsinc.com.  September Salem Days are underway at the Museum of Science; through September 30th Salem residents get free admission to the museum. Just show your ID with Salem address and you’ll be admitted. Find more details at salemma.gov/news.  The North Shore CDC is holding a lottery for the 46 affordable units in their new Lighthouses buildings. Income eligibility details and the lottery entry form can be found at livethelighthouses.com.  The Salem for All Ages speaker series has started its fall program with free talks on Tuesday evenings at the CLC. Find the lineup and register to attend by visiting salemforallages.org.  The next electronics waste collection day takes place September 24 th from 8am to noon outside Salem High School. Any item with a plug can be turned in. Most items are free, but some items do have a $20 per item charge, cash or check only. Visit salemma.gov/calendar and click on the event on September 24th for details.  The Food Truck Festival returns to Salem Common September 24 th and 25th. Visit foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem for complete details. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 7:00 p.m. Adjourned: 8:08 p.m.