SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 7, 2006
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on June 7, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Messrs. Spang and Desrocher, Ms. Diozzi, Ms. Herbert and Ms. Harper and Ms. Guy.
23 Warren Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Kelly Tyler and Nick Lewis presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace fencing and to install a rose arbor and gate.
Mr. Lewis explained that the Certificate issued for the fence, noted as B on the plan) needs to be amended to indicate a 5’ fence with 1’ of lattice on top with no lattice or fill on the bottom. Otherwise, the fence will match the rear fence in kind as approved.
Charlene Laurion, 21 Warren Street, stated that she is an abutter and wants to make sure that it is a 6’ fence because she has applied to do the same fence on her property at the next meeting.
Mr. Desrocher made a motion to clarify that the fence approved is a 5’ solid with 1’ of lattice on top for location B. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Tyler and Mr. Lewis withdrew the remainder of the application included fencing at locations A and C (including gate and arch).
29 Winter Street/39 Washington Square
In continuation of a previous meeting, Nikolaus Sucher and Maria Carles submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace all the windows with wood windows with 6 individual panes of glass, double glazed, and with clear glass.
Ms. Guy read a request from the applicant to withdraw the application.
59 Summer Street
Susan Sillars presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a deck and pergola-type screen at the rear of their home. The work has already been completed and photographs were provided.
Ms. Diozzi asked if the only angle visible is up the driveway.
Ms. Sillars replied in the affirmative.
Ms. Diozzi asked if it will be painted.
Ms. Sillars replied in the negative.
Ms. Herbert stated that she felt it was an excellent addition.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Mr. Spang seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
92 Federal Street
Susan Quirk, Patricia McIntire and Debra Capozzi submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to extend a roof overhang to take water away from the front side of the house. Present were Debra and Victor Capozzi.
Mr. Capozzi stated that he was a licensed contractor and noted that the roof currently overhangs by 1” over the house. There is a shed dormer which he proposes to create an overhang to match the roof overhang. He noted that the sills are rotting.
Ms. Herbert stated that she has gotten phone calls from neighbors, noting that one neighbor was concerned because there were no details of the proposal available prior to the meeting. She suggested a continuance to allow neighbors to review drawings. She added that she would not be in favor, since it would be creating a new roof for the shed dormer.
Mr. Desrocher agreed that more detail was needed. He stated that he would like to see how it would look from the front.
Jane Arlander, 93 Federal Street stated that she hoped the Commission could help the owners renovate the house, noting that she preferred it not be a quick fix. She provided pictures of the house and stated that there is a lot of rot around the windows and door. She noted that the overhang would not help the rotted windows on the ell. She suggested gutters to improve drainage. She noted that in Winter, icicles hang off the current roof overhang.
Dan McEachren, 94 Federal Street, stated that between their houses is 8’. He suggested a gutter system.
Mr. Capozzi stated that he did not want to spend money on architect’s drawings.
Ms. Diozzi closed the public hearing.
Mr. Spang asked when the last time was that the house was painted.
Ms. Capozzi stated that it was 12-15 years ago. She stated that she would like to address the problem of why it is looking so bad on the front but is not as bad on the side.
Ms. Herbert asked if this was rental property that is not owner-occupied.
Ms. Capozzi replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Spang stated that he did not believe that just extending the roof line would correct the problem. He noted that the wind will still splash rain back to the house. He stated that one or two gutters may solve the problem. He added that he did not feel it was unreasonable to ask for more detail if the neighbors are asking. He stated that he wanted to help solve the drainage problem.
Mr. Capozzi disagreed that water would splash back on the building and stated that the overhang will drive the water away.
Ms. Capozzi stated that only the top floor is suffering the damage.
Ms. Diozzi stated that if there is no gutter, how will the problem of ice on the sidewalk be solved.
Mr. Capozzi stated that it will not solve the problem. He noted that the building has never had gutters and that gutters would drain onto the sidewalk.
Ms. Herbert stated that Commission members often take it upon themselves to assist homeowners with finding solution. She stated that, in addition, Historic Salem, Inc. board members often donate their time to find solutions that are compatible with historic preservation.
Mr. Spang made a motion to continue the application in order for the applicant to provide additional information. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
102 Federal Street
Frederick Koopman, MaryAnn Williamson and Joseph Homan submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for permanent removal of the stockade fence. The application states that 3 sections have rotted and fallen over.
Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Guy asked the status of shutter replacement.
Mr. Koopman stated that they found some in the basement that need some fixing up. They will install them when they have funds available.
12 Winthrop Street
John & Judith Russell and Jeff and Jessica Perry submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a cedar or pine picket fence stained dark green to be similar to Orne Square fencing. The height will be 48” from the bottom of the concrete block wall, which is approximately 12” high. The length will be 24’.
Ms. Russell provided a photo of a fence at Orne Square and stated that they will replicate the fence. It will run along the back of the property on the lot line.
Mr. Desrocher made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
135 Derby Street
Robert Dana presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for paint colors. The body will be Philadelphia Cream and the trim will be Windham Cream.
Mr. Spang asked if trim includes the cornices and window trim.
Mr. Dana stated that he would also like to do the door surround and cornerboards around the bay in the trim color. He noted that the red does not hold up well to the sun.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the body and trim color, with the trim including areas currently painted the trim color. The cornerboards and paneling on the base and face of the building to be the trim color. The door surround is the option for the body or trim color. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
135 Derby Street
Robert Dana presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace asbestos shingles with wood clapboards.
Ms. Herbert stated that she noticed that the window trim is missing on one window.
Mr. Dana stated that he previously got approval to case around the window, but didn’t do the work because he was planning on siding the building. He stated that he was keeping the yellow color.
Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the application as submitted and to include replacing missing trim around the window and repainting in existing colors. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
47 Osgood Street
Debora Dawkins presented an application to Waive the Demolition Delay Ordinance for demolition of the house at 47 Osgood Street. Also present was Scott Costello.
Ms. Herbert asked the age of the house.
Ms. Diozzi stated that it was built in 1835.
Ms. Herbert asked what they plan to do with the site.
Mr. Costello stated that they have a plan for a new house and will be going before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Ms. Diozzi asked the siding of the new house.
Mr. Costello stated that it will be vinyl.
Mr. Desrocher asked why it is being demolished rather than gutted.
Ms. Dawkins stated that there is settling and cracking of walls in some of the rooms.
Mr. Costello stated that the basement columns had beetles and the columns are now like sponges. He noted that no door opens/closes properly in the house and everything is sinking.
Mr. Spang asked if they live there now.
Mr. Costello replied in the affirmative and added that it is infested with carpenter ants.
Mr. Spang asked if the new house will be modular.
Ms. Dawkins replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Desrocher asked if it will be the same size house.
Mr. Costello stated that it will be a little larger.
Ms. Dawkins stated that it will be wider and longer.
Mr. Desrocher asked if they have looked into gutting the interior and putting on an addition.
Ms. Dawkins stated that they have not gotten quotes.
Mr. Costello stated that the structure of the house is not stable enough. He added that he can poke into all the window sills.
Mr. Spang asked what the soil was like.
Mr. Costello stated that it is all sand.
Mr. Spang stated that they will need to put in decent footings.
Ms. Diozzi stated that it is a charming streetscape.
Mr. Costello noted that all the houses around them have vinyl siding.
Ms. Diozzi stated that she is not inclined to support a waiver, but would work the owners to come up with a compromise.
Bob Hamill, licensed building, stated that he has toured the property and that it is beyond renovation or repair. The foundation is in poor shape, floors are sagging and sills are rotted. He noted that it sits on the sidewalk and that they are proposing to set it back. He stated that there are all modern houses around and that the proposed would fit in nicely.
Ms. Guy indicated to the owners that the Building Survey indicates that the house “is representative of the important role maritime-related enterprises played in the development of the Bridge St. area. It is also significant for its association with Salem’s small black population.” She stated that the Commission members are likely struggling with approving a waiver.
Mr. Spang stated that the Commission recently denied a waiver for a historic property that also had structural issues. He suggested a site visit as part of the Commission’s due diligence. He suggested that the owners consider a plan closer to what is there, such as a 2-story. He noted that some of the character of historic streets is having properties at the sidewalk, even though it is not to current zoning.
Ms. Herbert asked how much they paid for the house.
Mr. Costello stated that it was $230,000.
Ms. Herbert asked the cost to demolish and build, and whether it would be worth it.
Mr. Costello stated that the total cost would be comparable to what houses are selling on the street. He added that the houses along the street stagger from the sidewalk.
Mr. Desrocher agreed that there should be a site visit.
Mr. Spang made a motion to continue the application pending a site visit on Saturday, June 13 at 8:30 a.m. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
6 North Pine Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Richard Grundy submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to strip the existing roof, install ice/water shield and architectural shingles, to remove existing siding and replace with cedar siding, replace gutters and downspouts and paint the house with paint chips provided. The applicant was not present.
Ms. Guy noted that the Commission approved 3-tab shingles at the last meeting and had continued the architectural shingles.
Ms. Guy read a letter from the applicant who provided photographs showing examples of the roof he would like.
Ms. Herbert stated that some of the photos show 3-tab roofing.
Mr. Spang made a motion to continue the application and to request a sample board. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the minutes of April 5, 2006 and May 17, 2006. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
For 10 Gifford Court, Ms. Guy stated that since there seems to be a solution for secondary egress and the Commission will be asked to issue a Certificate of Non-applicability. Ms. Herbert will provide a drawing of the proposed solution. In addition, the owners will be asked to provide a request that the Commission rescind its Certificate of Hardship. In this way, there will be no basis for the complaint and it will be withdrawn.
Ms. Harper made a motion that Ms. Guy contact the Salem Housing Authority and have them replace the snow guard or apply for permanent removal. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
There being no further business, Mr. Spang made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
Clerk of the Commission
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