Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council

Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council - Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 7:00 P.M. Called to Order: 7:05 p.m. Members Present: Margaret Crosby, Dennis Colbert, Barbara Mann, Dick Lindeman, Gabriel Ciociola, Nina Cohen Staff Present: Dominick Pangallo (Office of Mayor Driscoll) Approval of October 12, 2022, minutes: Approved Special Guests: Gini Cherol (Salem 400 Coordinator) and Michael Crounse (Signature Parks Project Manager) each introduced themselves, shared a bit about their professional background, and explained the work they are doing for the City. Gini took questions about the plans for Salem 400, what types of events and projects are in the works, and how groups can get involved. Michael talked about the current status of work on the six signature parks and what is next on the horizon for them. Neighborhood Association Updates:  Barnes/Clark/Wyman: trucks exiting the Tropical Products site continue to track debris onto Highland Avenue and Swampscott Road. Paving in the neighborhood is done and drainage work is underway. A marijuana delivery establishment is looking to locate at the old Puleo’s building.  Greater Endicott Street: High Street playground has excessive volumes of leaves. Also been more homeless hanging out under the pavilion. The flex posts on Endicott Street are still missing. Paving next year on Winthrop Street and the City is studying alternating one-ways for Winthrop and Hathorne Streets. Gas line repairs by National Grid in the area are now done.  Historic Derby Street: Offshore Wind Terminal meeting happening tonight. Some resident parking signage in the neighborhood is faded and needs to be replaced, will send the list to Dominick. Annual meeting takes place next week, including election of new officers.  Federal Street Neighborhood Association: Annual meeting takes place November 29th. Positive response to the traffic calming in general, some fine tuning required still, though. New trees have been planted. Feedback for police, public works, traffic management for October was generally good. Plug for the HSI Christmas House Tours, December 3-4.  Salem Common: Hoping to expand traffic calming to Washington Square East near the playground and still pushing for change to Route 1A designation. Working on installation of a Little Free Library. Positive feedback from Haunted Happenings and caretaking for the surface/landscaping. Some interest in exploring adult recreation equipment for near the playground. State funds secured to advance Washington Arch carving. Holiday tree lighting is November 27 th at noon and holiday concert is at Bridge at 211 on December 18th at 3pm.  Chestnut Street: Overall a good Halloween in the neighborhood. Street sweeping takes place this week. Increasing use of Chestnut Street Park for wedding and events, which has been nice to see. Traffic calming has been a positive for the street, as well. City Updates:  The City still has free rapid COVID tests for residents. You can pick them up from the Health Department offices at City Hall Annex during City business hours.  Due to a change in state law mattresses and box springs can no longer be thrown out and must be recycled. The City has contracted with Tough Stuff Recycling to provide this service. To view an FAQ  about mattress recycling through Tough Stuff Recycling, please visit www.salemma.gov/mattress. To schedule your curbside pick-up, please visit https://order.toughstuffrecycling.com.  Crowley and Avangrid will hold another public information meeting about the Offshore Wind Terminal project on November 16th at 6pm. Register at www.salemoffshorewind.com.  The next Textile Recycling Drive takes place November 19 th in Riley Plaza from 8AM-1PM. In addition to textiles you’ll also be able to drop off a variety of hard-to-recycle items for recycling. Find the full list and more details at https://www.salemma.gov/recycling-and-trash/events/327746. Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 7:00 p.m. Adjourned: 7:55 p.m.