Your Input is Needed for the Salem Artists Row Public Forum

The City of Salem has hired The Cecil Group to coordinate a process to re-envision Artists’ Row, with a goal to spur revitalization of the space so that it can be a renewed focal point of Salem’s creative economy.  A plan for Artists’ Row will be developed and focus on design, uses and programming, and management and operations.  We would like to know your thoughts on how the City can address these critical issues to improve Artists’ Row in the short term and for years to come.

Earlier this week, the City held one of two public forums to gather input from the community on this issue.  Below is a link to the presentation that was shown at the meeting.  Below the presentation link is a link to an online survey that we kindly ask that you fill out and submit by noon on Friday, June 26th.  If you have any questions about this project you may contact Andrew Shapiro at ashapiro@salem.com or 978-619-5685.

Thank you in advance for providing your valuable feedback on this important project.
Artists’ Row Envisioned Presentation (Powerpoint)

Survey

Meetings on Pedestrian Mall Phase 2 Improvements

Design discussions focused on the second phase of improvements to the Essex Street pedestrian mall will be held this month. The first discussion will be at the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The second discussion will be at the Design Review Board (DRB) meeting on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 6:00 PM. Both meetings will be held on the third floor of the City Hall Annex at 120 Washington Street.

BACKGROUND

On April 11, 2012, the SRA approved the conceptual plan for pedestrian mall improvements. The work was divided into phases, and construction of phase one was completed on September 14, 2012. The work in the first phase was limited to the removal of the landscaping beds located in the following three locations: 226 Essex Street (Coon’s); 213 and 215 Essex Street (The Magic Parlor and Derby Square Bookstore), and 197-201 Essex Street (Witch History Museum). These areas were filled in with brick to match the existing pattern.

The design discussion for the second phase of improvements will focus on the refurbishment of the fountain at Washington Street and the treatment of the cobblestones.

Please note: Some elements were approved on April 11, 2012, but they were not implemented during phase one construction. These elements will be included in the next phase of construction and include the addition of canopy trees, the removal of the bulletin board kiosk in front of 216 Essex Street (Cabot Money Management), and the removal of the landscaping beds in front of 186 Essex Street (Witch City Ink) and 182 Essex Street (The Bootery). As was done in the first phase of construction, the areas that have something removed will be filled in with brick to match the existing pattern. The removal of the concrete circular planter in front of 210 Essex Street (Salem Five) was also approved on April 11, 2012. However, the revised design has the planter remaining.

Public Hearing on Downtown Renewal Plan

The City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Salem City Hall, 93 Washington St., to consider approval of an updated, consolidated and revised Urban Renewal Plan for the City of Salem, titled Salem Downtown Renewal Plan, in accordance with 760 CMR 12.00 Urban Renewal Regulations, Section 12.03 (2) Major Plan Changes. The Salem Downtown Renewal Plan seeks to preserve and enhance key areas of Salem’s downtown, promoting revitalization opportunities and economic development while protecting historic resources.