Zoning Board of Appeals
Regular MeetingSalem, MA · October 24, 2022
Minutes
City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals
Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2022
A special meeting of the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals (“Salem ZBA”) was held on Monday,
October 24, 2022 at 6:30 pm via remote participation in accordance with a Special Act extending remote
participation meetings until March 31, 2023.
Chair Mike Duffy calls the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Chair Duffy explains how individuals can participate in the meeting remotely via Zoom, and that
instructions to participate remotely can also be found on the Salem website. Mr. Duffy also explains
the rules regarding public comment.
ROLL CALL
Those present were: Mike Duffy (Chair), Carly McClain, Peter Copelas, and Paul Viccica. Also in
attendance were Daniel Laroe – Staff Planner, and Jonathan Pinto – Recording Clerk. Those absent
were: Rosa Ordaz, Nina Vyedan, and Steven Smalley.
CONTINUANCES
Location: 1 and 2 Leefort Terrace (Map 41, Lot 242) (R2 Zoning District)
Applicant: BC Leefort Terrace Lane Communities, LLC
Project: A continuance of a public hearing for all persons interested in the petition of BC LEEFORT
TERRACE LANE COMMUNITIES, LLC at 1 LEEFORT TERRACE LANE(Map 41, Lot
249) and at 2 LEEFORT TERRACE LANE(Map 41, Lot 242) (R2 Zoning District), for a
Comprehensive Permit pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B, to construct one hundred twenty-
four (124) new units, Fifty (50) of those units will be replacing the current units at Leefort
Terrace.
Documents and Exhibitions
• Application date-stamped April 11, 2022 and supporting documentation
Chair Duffy introduces the petition.
Attorney Scott Grover introduces himself on behalf of the petitioner, and notes he is accompanied
by Courtney Koslow as well as a full team of engineers, consultants, and other professionals
involved in the project. Mr. Grover explains that as part of the engineering review, certain
conditions were proposed and the peer review process continues tonight with input from the Board
and public. The all inclusive, site specific engineering conditions are now part of the decision that
is before the Board. Mr. Grover contends that all parties involved worked hard to develop
comprehensive engineering requirements. Representatives from the City engineering department
and the engineering consultants are present to discuss and answer questions regarding the
engineering peer review.
Deborah Duhamel, Assistant City Engineer, introduces herself and explains she has been involved
in the peer review process and participated in drafting the engineering conditions. Ms. Duhamel
states many of them are standard conditions. She discusses examples of conditions, such as
requiring camera inspection of sewage lines to ensure that flows can be accommodated. Such items
are usually conditions as they do not happen at this stage of planning but are required later. Ms.
Duhamel invites the Board to ask any questions regarding the conditions relative to engineering.
Steve Martorano of Bohler Engineering introduces himself as the project civil engineer. Mr.
Martorano speaks to the collaborative process and attempts to make the project as good as possible.
He discusses stormwater treatment and resiliency measures dovetailing to ensure longevity and
safety. Mr. Martorano briefly discusses changes to the plans, such as making sure all runoff is
captured and treated to the fullest extent possible. Most of the changes are underground and relate
to piping, and Mr. Martorano states the quality and quantity of capture on the site will be improved.
He notes other changes such as elevating the building six more inches based on DCR
recommendations to increase resiliency.
Alex Cedrone of Bobrek Engineering introduces himself and notes they were the peer reviewers of
this project. Mr. Cedrone discusses the peer review process and presents his letter response with
project summary and proposed conditions. The engineering review included the various iterations
and revisions to the project plans, civil drawings, drainage reports, permit applications, and other
documents. Mr. Cedrone describes the site and existing conditions, noting it is approximately 3.4
acres of land located along the southern side of Szetela Lane. There are eight existing residential
buildings with a paved private road, pedestrian walkways, landscaped areas, and off-street parking.
Leefort Terrace runs through the middle of the site, from Fort Avenue to the south and Szetela
Lane to the north. The site’s drainage connects to a manhole located on Szetela Lane, and water,
gas, and sewer connect to mains located along Fort Avenue. Mr. Cedrone explains that McPhail
Associates, LLC performed soil borings in October 2020, and groundwater was observed at depths
ranging form five to nine feet below the existing ground surface. Runoff from the east and west
sections of the site as well as runoff from Leefort Terrace is capture by two catch basins in Leefort
Terrace according to Mr. Cedrone. He discusses further drainage details, and notes the on-site
elevations range from seven feet at the northern section to ten feet at the southerly access point.
Mr. Cedrone explains that the proposed project includes the demolition of all existing improvements
on site, the construction of a new 33,320 square foot residential multi-family building with new
paved parking areas, landscaping, drainage conveying to the municipal drainage system, sewer
connecting to the municipal sewer system, potable water service and fire water service, as well as
electric service. Mr. Cedrone states the proposed design includes a six percent reduction in
impervious cover and a reduction of stormwater runoff. Pervious portions of the site include a
vegetated park, while impervious portions include a bioswale/bioretention area for a 15-parking
space portion of the paved area. Roof runoff will be conveyed directly to the bio-retention areas,
and pavement runoff is proposed to be conveyed to catch basins and a bio-retention garden with an
under-drain. Mr. Cedrone next presents initial comments from the review, the applicant responses,
and final engineering comments, noting updates and revisions from original plans to those currently
proposed. He notes that most questions and comments have been addressed.
Mr. Viccica asks about the roof drainage systems and if they lead to a bio-retention area or straight
to the sewer system. He also asks if there are drainage structures in the underground parking lot.
Mr. Martorano presents a site plan and explains that the drainage from the roof will be piped to the
left side of the bio-retention rain garden area, and the parking lot will pipe into the other rain garden.
For large events, overflows would go into the existing pipe that leans into Collins Cove. Regarding
garage drainage, Mr. Martorano indicates anything in the garage needs to pipe to the sanitary sewer
system per code. Those do not connect to site drainage or Collins Cove, but will go to the
treatment plant. Mr. Viccica states his understanding is the floor slab of the garage is about one foot
higher than the 100-year flood plain, and asks where the test pits have shown ground water levels are
currently. Mr. Viccica asks if the water table should rise or a flood event occurs that would inundate
the garage in some way, if there is a way to mitigate it to not tax the sanitary system with flood water
from the garage which would presumably collect oil, sand, dirt, and other debris over time. Mr.
Martorano notes the soil testing was completed and submitted to DPW and the Conservation
Commission, confirming that drainage systems will work as designed. Mr. Martorano states the
ground water is around elevation three and the garage is at elevation 11, and that the garage slab was
originally six inches above the hundred year flood plain, but is now a full foot above the flood plain,
which meets the full requirement of what a basement must be. The current method of protecting
the floor drains from flood waters is deployable flood barriers when a large event is known to be
approaching, according to Mr. Martorano. He suggests the lobbies are at 14.5 and the residences are
at elevation 21, as the focus is keeping the residents safe.
Mr. Viccica asks if the six inch increase raises the entire building by six inches, and Michele Apigian,
architect with Icon confirms that is the case.
Mr. Cedrone next goes through smaller comments regarding communications with tree wardens,
additional drainage, new sidewalk, accessible curb ramps to curb cuts on Fort Avenue, and others.
Ms. Koslow states the latest plans have all the concessions incorporated. Mr. Cedrone indicates
there are a summary of conditions as well, which he goes through. The conditions require the
applicant to (1) provide the required letter from a licensed plumber confirming adequate water flow,
water pressure, water main capacity, and proposed demand; (2) coordinate with Salem Fire
Department for site hydrant requirements; (3) provide the plumbing and engineering plan including
information of the water meter; (4) provide information regarding fire sprinkler engineering design
and back blow preventer information; (5) provide the irrigation system design; (6) provide a plan for
the long-term source of on-site water; (7) have a licensed plumber evaluate the proposed potable
water demand to recommend appropriate sizes for meters prior to engineering department sign-off;
(8) provide the required CCTV and letter confirming adequate condition and capacity of the sewer;
(9) provide a utility conflict table or profiles demonstrating no conflicts between utilities as well as
confirmation that civil design standards and practices have been met; (10) coordinate with the Salem
Tree Warden and provide positive drainage toward existing catch basins in Szetela Lane where
existing curb cuts are closed to mitigate ponding; (11) provide the conduit and handhole locations
electric plan; (12) provide the information on how dewatering of utility trenches will be handled
during construction, including treatment and location of potential discharge; (13) submit as-built
drawings including all utilities and infrastructure prior to engineering sign-off on a final certificate of
occupancy; and (14) submit their engineer’s recommended repairs/replacements to the Engineering
Department for review and acceptance if any of the above inspections or reporting find
inadequacies in the existing property or supporting City infrastructure; (15) provide buoyancy
calculations for drainage and ensure all structures within City rights-of-way include extended bases;
(16) provide the required groundwater recharge letter; (17) provide the required Drainage Alteration
permit and documentation as required by City Ordinance Chapter 38, Article VI; (18) provide
information to connect to the City drainage system in luring but not limited to CCTV and cleaning
of the existing drainage system to verify adequate capacity and condition; (19) provide test pit
information; (20) provide a detail for the 24 inch perforated HDPE drainage pipe trench; (21)
provide the O&M log storage requirements in the O&M plan; (22) provide a Long-Term Pollution
Prevention Plan to be reviewed by the Board of Health; (23) provide a signed Illicit Discharge
Compliance Statement; (24) have its Spill Prevention and Response Procedure reviewed by the
Board of Health; (25) provide a demolition plan prior to street opening permit; (26) provide the
cutting and capping information for all existing utilities on the demolition plan; (27) cut and cap all
necessary existing utilities; (28) provide the asphalt impacts and proposed restoration; (29) provide
existing curb cut measurements on the existing conditions plan; (30) submit construction plans and
associated technical letters to the Department of Planning Community Development; (30) all work
shall comply with the standard requirements of the City Engineering including any findings from
peer reviews; and (32) all drawings, specifications, calculations, checklists etc. must be stamped,
signed, and dated by a professional engineer . Sign offs from Salem Engineering Department will be
required for all conditions. Mr. Cedrone next presents an overhead map of the Fort Avenue and
Leefort Terrace area cleaning and CCTV requirements for sewer, pointing out where municipal
sewer access is located. He also shows drainage on Szetela Lane and CCTV requirements.
Mr. Copelas compares the Bobrek letter with the draft conditions and asks Ms. Duhamel to confirm
that everything is encompassed in the draft conditions. Ms. Duhamel confirms, and explains why
some of the language does not match exactly. Mr. Copelas notes the draft has some conditions that
do not appear in the letter, and he asks if they are standard conditions of the building department.
She confirms and Mr. Laroe also provides input explaining that the numbering between the two may
not match exactly. The Board discusses and confirms their understanding of the conditions, noting
some are standard 40B requirements.
Chair Duffy asks about two of the drainage conditions seeking Board of Health acceptance, and asks
how the process would work in terms of Engineering Department approval. Ms. Duhamel explains
the contractor for the applicant will go to the Building Department and would submit a building
permit application. Once the application has been reviewed to make sure that it is complete, they
allow the other departments to conduct their sign-offs. In this case, Ms. Duhamel notes because
there are statements in the long term plans and procedures that are under Board of Health
jurisdiction. She explains the process details a bit more.
Chair Duffy notes the applicant is seeking a waiver of Board of Health review, and asks if the Board
of Health regulations and requirements are limited to those outlined in the draft letter. Mr.
Martorano provides some clarification, noting the long term pollution prevention plan is consistent
with the state stormwater handbook and state guidance on what should be included and has been
submitted. He explains that all requirements will be adhered to. Chair Duffy asks Mr. Laroe about
the section where the Board would grant the waivers and exemptions, and suggests the language
may want to reflect that the waivers are granted except where otherwise stated with respect to
condition requirements. Mr. Laroe states he can add that language. Mr. Grover points out existing
language that references the conditions, but says they are certainly willing to tighten up the language.
Mr. Viccica asks if this would also apply to the waiver concerning stormwater management, and Mr.
Grover indicates it would. The Board discusses further refinement of the conditions and language.
Chair Duffy indicates in the findings section of the comprehensive permit, he did not see anything
spelled out regarding the affordability restrictions. Ms. Koslow suggests she can add language to
ensure it makes its way into the decision, and she and Mr. Grover determine they can add language
from the initial application that covers affordability.
Mr. Viccica asks if the drawings are the ones that will be issued to the Building Department for a
permit to build, and Ms. Koslow explains they will be modified for the building permit to reflect
further construction details. Mr. Viccica asks about value engineering and if there is something in
the comprehensive permit document that protects the City from an extensive value management
component. He notes Board approval would include scope of landscape, architecture, etc., and if
there should be some change in pricing, he would like to know what processes exist to address such
changes. Mr. Grover explains that the plans would be approved as submitted, so any material
change to the plans would require an amendment to the decision. Mr. St. Pierre confirms that one
of the standard conditions includes an adherence to submitted plans, and that any change must
require consultation with the Board. The Board discusses the standard conditions and requirements
regarding petition changes that are substantive. Monique Hall of BSC group provides further
clarification with respect to landscaping plans and notes those could not change without Board
approval. Mr. Viccica and Mr. Copelas suggest the standard conditions appear more comprehensive
with respect to review resulting from substantive changes, and request it specify consultation with
the building inspector or some other entity to ensure any modifications would come back for review
in addition to the city planner. Chair Duffy proposes revisions to address the concerns raised. The
Board also discusses the role of the clerk of the works and specifics of 40B petitions. Mr. Viccica
raises concerns about the role being filled by a yet to be known person, and that person having
primary review and approval for changes to Board decisions, and states that the language
surrounding the role seems too broad. Ms. Koslow indicates the clerk of the works role was
intended for the public right of way, and not for the overall project, and Mr. Martorano confirms.
Mr. Viccica asks if there would be anyone from the City during construction to make sure things are
not being decided on site that have not been approved. Ms. Koslow states a Certificate of
Occupancy is required to be obtained at the end, and Mr. Viccica notes that at the end there may be
pressures to approve a certificate if all the work is done. Ben Phillips of Beacon Communities states
that typically the conditions of approval are all met through the permitted drawings and any changes
that need to be made to them must be reviewed and approval. He contends there are several points
at which review and approval are needed before proceeding to ensure compliance with final
drawings. Mr. Phillips acknowledges changes can happen along the way, but that they would require
Board approval. Mr. Viccica asks if there will be a representative from Icon at construction
meetings, and Ms. Apigian states there will be. Mr. St. Pierre provides assurance that he will also be
part of the checks and balances as construction progresses.
Ms. Koslow presents the language she added from the permit application regarding affordability,
noting 100 percent of the 124 units replacing the existing 50 will be subsidized deed restricted
affordable housing for 99 years. All units will be affordable for households at 60 percent AMI or
less, with 13 percent for households under 30 percent AMI. Ms. Koslow thanks the Board for their
work and review of the application, as does Cathy Hoog of the Salem Housing Authority. They
both provide concluding remarks, including the need for redevelopment as opposed to simply
renovating.
Chair Duffy opens the floor to public comment.
Leslie Niccolini of 13 Fort Avenue introduces herself and states she has been speaking with her own
lawyer regarding this application and they are looking at the hydrology with their own researchers
and scientists. Ms. Niccolini indicates they will also examine the issue of Leefort Terrace being a
private drive where her driveway resides. She insists none of her concerns have been addressed and
that she is forced to go through this process.
Ward 1 City Councilor Bob McCarthy introduces himself and thanks the Board for their diligence
and work. Mr. McCarthy states he wishes the building was not as high as it is, and asks if they have
looked into waterproof manholes. Mr. McCarthy opines that the City will likely need to take a good
look at issues regarding inundation and flooding and overburdening SESD. He suggests looking
into gate valves for the drain lines specific to the parking garage that ties into the system. Regarding
the perforated piping discussed tonight, Councilor McCarthy notes it seems to run along the existing
tree line, and asks what measures will be put in place to protect the trees, as they are a buffer
between the property and the school.
Alayna Eimer of 8 Prescott Street introduces herself and expresses support for the project. She
notes there has been robust discussion and rigorous review throughout the process, including
tonight with the engineering review. She commends the City and stakeholders for their work, and
states she is excited as a Salem resident to get to know some new neighbors and to see the residents
of Leefort Terrace get much needed improved living space.
Stacia Kraft of 140 Federal Street introduces herself and contends she was asked to advocate for
some of the residents of Leefort Terrace. Ms. Kraft indicates they have been blocked from
participating at times, the police have been called when advocates have stood with Leefort Terrace
residents, and that many are unable to participate in this process because they do not have the
technology to participate. She also notes that initially this was proposed as having market rate units,
and that it did not become 100 percent affordable until they got involved. Ms. Kraft states that
Climate Ready Boston indicates the seaport will be under water and that the billions invested there
may be lost, so we should be looking at the future. She references Salem Sound Coast Watch and
the Woods Hole Group, who have made a map regarding future flooding. Ms. Kraft expresses
concern about roads being under water and adding so many units to the area, and suggests that once
the Board approves the petition and changes an R1 zone to R2 , it will set precedent and suggests
implications for places like Camp Naumkeag, the Plummer Home for Boys, and Cat Cove, which
she and others suspect are desirable for development. Ms. Kraft asks that the Board look closely at
the proposal and consider flood plain predictions, and states there is more beyond the
“bureaucracy” that needs to be looked at. Ms. Kraft suggests the existing homes at Leefort Terrace
look very sturdy and she does not see why steps and handicap ramps could not be installed. She
states she is skeptical about this whole project, and expresses concern regarding older residents
needing to move during construction.
Lori Stewart of 7 Barnes Road introduces herself and speaks in favor of the project. Ms. Stewart
states it is difficult listening to the people who are opposed to the project, noting that she has
actually been inside the units and that the conditions are deplorable and inaccessible. She states that
for every mention of an older resident, the flip side is denying someone like Shannon Bailey, who is
the duly elected tenant president, because many bodies made sure there was representation for those
affected by the process. Ms. Steward speaks to the need for this project due to the housing crisis,
stating that she works in public houses and gets over 20 calls a day from people seeking applications
to be on the four year waiting list. She suggest the numbers for the Salem Housing Authority could
be even higher. She asks the Board listen to the people in Salem who want the project to be there.
Flora Tonthat of 30 Northey Street introduces herself and thanks the Board for their work and
review. She states she supports the project and is very excited, speaking to the housing affordability
crisis. Ms. Tonthat also indicates she appreciates how resilient the project has become. She echoes
the positive and supportive comments from others provided to date.
Perla Peguero of 30 Boardman Street introduces herself and states she appreciates the Board’s
discussion this evening regarding oversight and the conditions. Ms. Peguero states she worked in a
new building that from the beginning had a water infiltration problem that never got fixed, despite
having a clerk of the works. Ms. Peguero suggests an affordable housing project is an excellent
thing for Salem, but wishes the Board had addressed more of the neighbors concerns. Ms. Peguero
states the project has been like a steam train that is difficult to stop or deviate. She wishes the Board
would acknowledge that some in the neighborhood feel the building is too tall. Ms. Peguero
suggests it is not that the neighbors do not want this project, but rather would like it to be
something that fit in the neighborhood. She expresses hope that the project fits and meets the
needs of Salem residents, even though she states the project is not just for Salem residents. Ms.
Peguero indicates she votes but that she has not felt like she has had a voice here.
Cindy Jerzyło of 17 Bayview Avenue introduces herself and states she has attended all meetings
related to this project. Ms. Jerzylo thanks the Board for the work they have done but indicates she is
opposed to the project, and asks what happened to the “friendly 40B” this project started as. She
asks if the Board has considered that they provided 200 signatures opposing the project from
abutters and surrounding residents. She suggests that many speaking in favor of the project are not
actual abutters and will not be directly affected. Ms. Jerzylo contends the project does not fit the
neighborhood and that the height is too high. She also raises concerns about the project being in a
flood plain. Ms. Jerzylo suggests that Ms. Hoog has not been forthcoming during this process and
has denied members of the public access to meetings and process.
Judith Reilly (no address provided) introduces herself and thanks the Board for balancing conflicting
needs and opinions with respect to this project. Ms. Reilly states she appreciates learning many of
the technical aspects of resilience. She states she is in favor of the project and has met some of the
LTO residents. Ms. Reilly recommends listening to the conflicting needs and desires but that the
best thing is to move forward with this project. Ms. Reilly indicates that while she does not abut the
project she thinks the elevations look nice, and that she herself lives in a neighborhood with mixed
height buildings.
Ward 7 City Councilor Andy Varela of 23 Cedar Crest Avenue introduces himself and speaks in
favor of the project, noting the comprehensiveness of the engineering study. He acknowledges the
height concerns, but suggests the project is necessary and that the height is important for the
elevation of the garage. Mr. Varela commends the project resiliency and efficiency.
Christine Madore of 120 Federal Street Unit 8 introduces herself and expresses thanks to the Board
for their diligence and review of this project. Ms. Madore speaks in support of the project and states
she excited to welcome new community members to Salem. She states many of those that will
benefit cannot be here to advocate for themselves, but that this project is about giving them safe
homes and a sense of dignity. Ms. Madore suggests having more neighbors makes us a stronger
community, and speaks in favor. She states many of the concerns are repetitive and unfounded,
noting that the answers to many of their questions are found in the facts of the proposal, and that it
is easier to keep asking questions simply to oppose the project.
Jennifer Gaffney of 18.5 Webb Street introduces herself and states she is close to Leefort Terrace.
Ms. Gaffney indicates her home was built in 1840 and she has concerns about what will happen to it
during all this construction. Ms. Gaffney states she agrees with some of the comments and agrees
there is a need for affordable housing, but suggests Salem provides a lot of affordable housing. She
states she has spoken to some of the Leefort Terrace residents and that while some want to see this
project go forward, some do not because they are happy where they are and are fearful of what will
happen. Ms. Gaffney suggests these people have also not had a voice. She states she knows the
project is going forward, but hopes the Board is careful about what they approve and sign.
Richard Stafford of (no address provided) introduces himself and asks about the rationale for raising
the project six inches when the projections for 2070 still show the garage being affected. Regarding
discussions of simple measures to prevent floodwaters entering the garage, Mr. Gaffney states he
hopes there are specific items mentioned in the Boards conditions to make sure they are in place,
and not simply waiting for future technology. He states oversight will be critical as the project
moves forward as he assumes it will be approved, and asks that the Board seek input from the City
Solicitor so that the language has a City perspective, since most has been drafted by the developers
counsel. He adds that he thinks this project is a missed opportunity for the City, and that the size
and massing will be out of character with the local construction.
Elizabeth Kavanaugh of 48 Webb Street introduces herself and states she is essentially an abutter.
She expresses concerns regarding construction noise, street parking, and traffic, but states she is not
opposed to tearing down and renovating the buildings. Ms. Kavanaugh states she takes issue with
the height and massing of the building, as well as the number of families and associated cars and
traffic and their impact on the area. She notes she would be okay with the impacts of construction if
she felt like the number of units was appropriate for the space. Ms. Kavanaugh indicates she does
not feel like she had a voice from the beginning, and that the project was basically decided from the
start. She asks why the project is Beacon Communities or nothing and why it could not be put out
to RFP or some other process. Ms. Kavanaugh also states she gets offended anytime someone
suggests that she does not want to help or is against working with neighbors and public housing.
She clarifies she is merely concerned with the impact it will have on her life.
City Councilor at Large Conrad Prosniuski introduces himself and states he agrees with Councilor
McCarthy that he wishes something could have been done to limit the size of the building as it has a
direct impact on neighbors. He also states he has seen what Beacon has built in other communities
and they seem to fit in nicely, but suggests what is proposed here does not seem like it would fit in
Salem or even New England. Mr. Prosniuski states the residents would prefer to look at something
nicer and that fits in better than what is currently proposed, so he hopes there is still some wiggle
room.
Chair Duffy asks if the applicant would like to address anything specific that came out of public
comment. Ms. Koslow notes that a statement was made about the developers attorney drafting the
decision, and she clarifies that that was not the case. Mr. Laroe confirms it was drafted by himself
and staff at City Hall. Ms. Koslow adds that she appreciates and acknowledges this project will have
an impact on the community. She maintains they have been listening quite a bit and made many
changes to the proposal over time and the building has become smaller, more condensed, and pulled
back. She references community discussions and resident meetings and indicates they are being
considered every step of the way. Regarding relocation and impact on current residents, Ms.
Koslow states Beacon will work individually with every resident to customize their individual plan
identifying their needs in the transition at no cost to the residents. She states change happens all the
time in communities, and that it is important to consider the benefits this will provide.
Chair Duffy asks about the perforated drain line mentioned in comment, and how far from the
boundary line it will be and if there is any concern about the impact on the trees. Mr. Martorano
explains that it looks closer on the plans than it actually is, noting it will be effetely where the
building is today and at the same elevation as existing footings. He adds that the trees were certainly
considered, and that there will be additional trees added to the area.
Chair Duffy asks Board members if they are in a place to vote on the application or if before that
anyone would like to make any other motion concerning the proceedings.
Mr. Copelas asks if we the decision would simply make reference to the draft, as amended. Chair
Duffy states the vote is to approve the application for a comprehensive permit to build the project
as stated in the petition, and would be doing so not with the Board’s standard conditions, but with
those in the draft decision pursuant to the statement of facts and findings in the decision, to grant
the waivers listed, subject to the limitations and pursuant to the special conditions included in the
decision as discussed and amended. The Board will then have a period of time before issuing a final
written decision.
Mr. Grover states it is important to explicitly grant the waivers in the motion as it is an essential
action the Board needs to take. He adds that the Board should also close the public hearing before
taking a vote.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Copelas motions to conclude the public hearing portion of tonights meeting. Ms.
McClain seconds the motion. The vote is all in favor, the motion passes and the public hearing is closed.
Chair Duffy asks if any Board member would like to put forth a motion to approve the petition.
Motion and Vote: Mr. Viccica motions to approve the petition of BC LEEFORT TERRACE LANE
COMMUNITIES, LLC at 1 LEEFORT TERRACE LANE(Map 41, Lot 249) and at 2 LEEFORT
TERRACE LANE(Map 41, Lot 242) (R2 Zoning District), for a Comprehensive Permit pursuant to M.G.L.
Chapter 40B, to construct one hundred twenty-four (124) new units, Fifty (50) of those units will be replacing
the current units at Leefort Terrace including the decision as drafted for this October 24, 2022 meeting of the
Zoning Board of Appeals, and subject to the draft decision, to grant the waivers, exceptions, and special
conditions as put forward and amended per discussions during the meeting.
Mr. Copelas seconds the motion. The vote is four (4) in favor (Mike Duffy (Chair), Paul Viccica, Carly
McClain, and Peter Copelas) and none (0) opposed. The motion passes.
MEETING MINUTES
The Board members indicate they are behind on reviewing the minutes and postpone the approval
to the next scheduled meeting.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion and Vote: Mr. Viccica motions to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Copelas seconds the motion.
The vote is all in favor. The motion passes.
The meeting ends at 9:08 PM on October 24, 2022.
For actions where the decisions have not been fully written into these minutes, copies of the
Decisions have been posted separately by address or project at:
https://www.salem.com/zoning-board-appeals/pages/zoning-board-appeals-decisions-2022
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel Laroe, Staff Planner
Agenda
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF APPEALS
98 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
TEL: 978-619-5685
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
MAYOR
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals will be held
on October 24, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
**Via remote participation**
This is in accordance with Chapter 107 of the Act of 2022.
Mike Duffy, Chair
Important Announcement:
Every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the
proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do
so on matters not requiring a public hearing, we will post on the City of Salem’s website
an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as
soon as possible after the meeting.
Individuals may participate remotely in the meeting via a remote participation platform
called Zoom. Members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to
attend this meeting may access the remote participation meeting through any one of the
following ways:
Attending the Virtual Public Meeting:
• Go to the website link
• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82312928649?pwd=MUlpRGgweGNkVjZud3IyQkdQNHhLZ
z09
• Or, go to the website linkhttps://zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID #823 1292
8649 followed by meeting password 346958 if directed to do so on screen.
• Dial toll-free phone number 877-853-5257. When prompted enter meeting ID #
823 1292 8649 followed by meeting password 346958 if directed. Those
calling in will not have access to the direct video feed of the meeting, but can
follow along with the project materials available for
download at Salem.com/ZBA
• Watch the meeting live on Salem Access Television Chanel 22.
• Project materials are available for download at this link
(https://tinyurl.com/SalemZBA)
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City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals
Agenda for October 19, 2022
Page 2 of 6
Providing Public Comment During the Meeting:
Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make
comments during the portion of the hearing designated for each agenda item. Members
of the public will be asked to use the virtual “Raise Hand” function in Zoom to indicate
that they would like to provide comment.
• Dial *9 on your phone’s dial pad to raise your hand if you are using the toll-free
number.
• Click the “Raise Hand” button if you are using the Zoom application on your
computer or phone.
For each agenda item, the moderator will identify attendees with raised hands by their
screenname or the last 3 digits of their telephone number and will then unmute them.
The moderator will then request that the attendee unmute their device to provide their
full name, address, and comment for the record.
The moderator will go down the list of attendees in the order presented by the Zoom
application. The attendee list is ordered so that phone numbers are first, followed by an
alphabetical list of the screen names of attendees accessing Zoom through a computer,
tablet, or smartphone. Anyone that speaks about an issue unrelated to the agenda items
will be immediately muted.
Providing Public Comment Before the Meeting:
Members of the public can alternatively email their comment before the start of the
meeting to zoningboardcomments@salem.com.
Familiarizing Yourself with Zoom:
We encourage members of the public to install and familiarize themselves with Zoom in
advance of the meeting.
If you plan on providing public comments and are logging into this meeting via the
Zoom application, please test your speakers and microphone ahead of time. If we have
trouble hearing you when you speak, we will move on to the next person and try to
return to you later in the list. If this happens, we recommend that you call the toll-free
number to access the meeting and provide your comment.
The Zoom meeting will open 15 minutes before the start of the meeting to allow
participants to connect and practice with the audio and raise hand functions.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenging
circumstances.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A § 18-25 and City Ordinance § 2-
2028 through § 2-2033.
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City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals
Agenda for October 19, 2022
Page 3 of 6
MEETING AGENDA
I. ROLL CALL
II. CONTINUANCES
1)
Location:
1 and 2 Leefort Terrace (R2 Zoning District)
Applicant:
BC Leefort Terrace, LLC
Description:
A continuance of a public hearing for all persons interested in the petition of BC
LEEFORT TERRACE, LLC at 1 LEEFORT TERRACE (Map 41, Lot 249) and at 2
LEEFORT TERRACE(Map 41, Lot 242) (R2 Zoning District), for a Comprehensive
Permit pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B, to construct one hundred twenty-four (124)
new units, Fifty (50) of those units will be replacing the current units at Leefort Terrace.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
IV. OLD/NEW BUSINESS
V. ADJOURNMENT
Persons requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign
language interpreter, an assistive listening device, or print material in digital format or a
reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or activities, may contact the
City of Salem ADA Coordinator as soon as possible and no less than 2 business days
before the meeting, program, or event.
This agenda is subject to change.
Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A § 18-25 and City Ordinance § 2-
2028 through § 2-2033.
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