SALEM — The developers of the proposed senior center project at the corner of Boston and Bridge streets are expected to file plans with the city this month and hope to start construction in the spring.
High Rock Development this week released new drawings of the project, which includes space for a senior center, offices and a privately owned fitness center.
The drawings show a curvy, two-story building that wraps around the Boston and Bridge street corner where the fitness center would sit.
The building stretches down Bridge Street, expanding into a three-story, all-glass atrium, then reaches four stories, which would be occupied by the senior center on the first floor and offices on the top three.
"It's a really attractive building," said Mayor Kim Driscoll, who met with the developers last month. "I think it's going to be one of those signature properties where you recognize you've arrived in Salem."
High Rock does not have tenants signed for much of the upper-floor office space, according to the city.
The senior center would be 20,000 square feet on one floor, and seniors would have access to 370 parking spaces, according to the city. By contrast, the existing senior center on Broad Street has 15,000 square feet over three levels, with about two dozen off-street spaces, though there is also parking on the street.
David Sweetser, a principal at High Rock, was unavailable for comment. However, the city expects the developers to file plans with the city this month.
From there, it must receive approvals from the Planning Board and, because of its proximity to the North River, from the Zoning Board of Appeal and Conservation Commission.
Each board would have to hold its own public hearing, according to City Planner Lynn Duncan. She expected the Planning Board could hold a hearing as early as December, and, if that goes smoothly, the project could be given the full go-ahead by January. That would give the developers plenty of time for a spring 2010 construction start.
"I think this project will be a real asset to the neighborhood and a real catalyst for other appropriate developments," Duncan said. "It's just been sitting there vacant for the longest time."
Enthusiasm for the project, however, is hardly widespread.
Many seniors are concerned about the lasting remnants of the former Sylvania light factory that occupied the site. The property is indeed polluted, but the project's licensed site professional has assured residents that the site is safe with only trace levels of contaminants.
Even if the developers obtain all their permits, the city still has to settle one lingering question: what to do with the existing senior center on Broad Street.
The City Council has declared the property surplus, the first step in selling the building. A hearing Wednesday night over the reuse of the building drew only a handful of residents.
Some city councilors want to see the building become a new home for the City Hall Annex, now on Washington Street just down the street from City Hall. Ward 2 Councilor Michael Sosnowski has equated the potential sale of the Broad Street building to "selling our history."
On the other hand, renovating the existing senior center for another use would cost money, Driscoll said. Plus, financing of the new senior center hinges on revenue generated from the sale of the Broad Street building, she said.
"It's an integral part right now," Driscoll said.
Driscoll expects to get about $750,000 — even in a down market — for the Broad Street building.
"We definitely think it can work," Driscoll said. "We think it's a go."
Staff writer Chris Cassidy can be reached at ccassidy@salem news.com.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
