SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
November 15, 2006
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on November 15, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Diozzi, Ms. Herbert, Ms. Bellin, Mr. Desrocher, Mr. Spang and Mr. Hart and Ms. Guy.
41 Washington Square North
Barbara Pervier, Sondra Henrichon Newman and Gordon Van Huizen submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to change the paint color of the front door to Gloss Black.
Ms. Pervier noted that the owner of 39 Washington Square has also agreed to paint his door black.
Ms. Guy noted that 39 Washington was not advertised and therefore will need to be applied for.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the change of the front door paint color to Gloss Black. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
138 North/2 Dearborn St.
In continuation of a previous meeting, Thomas Pelletier, Cynthia Pelletier and Kellie Overberg submitted an application for exterior alterations to a carriage house including replacement of windows, changing 3 doors to windows, installation of new door and installation of a/c vents and pipes through the Carriage House Ordinance. The applicants were not present.
Ms. Guy read an e-mail from Mr. Pelletier withdrawing his application and indicating his intention to hold off converting the carriage house until the Spring of 2007.
23 Winter Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Harry and Francoise McCoy submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a skylight with a new Velux skylight.
Ms. McCoy stated that they will go with a wood skylight and withdrew the Velux.
Also submitted was an application for a Certificate of Non-applicability to replace the black asphalt roof with new architectural black shingles, to replace wood shutters, painted dark green and to repaint the house white.
Mr. Hart stated that the Commission does not ordinarily approve anything but a 3-tab asphalt shingle.
Mr. Spang stated that they would need to see a sample if they are not replacing with 3-tab.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission can approve a 3-tab under the current application, but will need to apply for any other options and provide a sample.
Ms. Guy stated that they will need to apply under an application for Appropriateness to consider alternatives.
Ms. Herbert stated that if the roof were of an historical material, like slate, they would want to play up the roof. If using a non-historic material such as asphalt, they would want to keep the roof as simple as possible.
Ms. McCoy stated that the existing shutters are black and that the Commission previously suggested dark green.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the roof replacement with 3-tab shingles in black or charcoal gray, the repair/replace wood shutters to replicate existing, painted black, and to repaint the house to replicate existing. Shutters are to be hung with hardware, so as to be operable and, when closed, should fill the window and slats must point down to shed water away from the window. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
107 Federal Street
Christine Micciche and Keith McClearn presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for sign replacement. A design was provided.
Ms. Guy stated that she received an e-mail from Betsy Burns, 22 Beckford Street, stating that she felt the sign was entirely appropriate and very nice looking.
Ms. Bellin asked if the sign will be the same size as previous.
Ms. Micciche replied in the affirmative.
Ms. Herbert asked if it will be flat black.
Ms. Micciche stated that it will likely be semi-gloss or satin gloss with 22 karat gold trim. It will be wood, 2 sided and will use the existing hardware.
Mr. Spang asked if it is raised or recessed.
Ms. Micciche stated that it will be carved, but noted that the second line may need to be paint if space does not permit carving.
Ms. Pervier stated that it was very pretty.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the sign replacement with a new wood sign in same size and per photo design submitted. Sign to be two-sided with base color to be semi-gloss or satin black with 22 or 24 karat gold trim and lettering. Lettering to be carved, but 2nd line to be painted onto sign if carving is not possible due to narrow width of letters. Hung on existing hardware. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
268 Lafayette Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Christine and Keith McClearn submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for temporary construction of a deck in the back of the house for a period of one year. The deck has already been constructed.
Mr. McClearn stated that the top railing of the deck is visible. He stated it was built because during refinancing, they needed to show access and that the current design is temporary.
Ms. Herbert asked when it was constructed.
Mr. McClearn stated that it was built about one month ago.
Mr. Desrocher stated that the Commission needs to review the application as though it had not been built.
Ms. Guy agreed and noted that the Commission could either approve a temporary deck and set a time for its duration or could deny the application or could approve the deck with changes, such as a traditional railing, for which the applicant would have one year to complete, noting that, in the meantime, if the applicants wish to change the design, they can reapply.
Ms. Bellin stated that she hated the lack of risers.
Mr. McClearn stated that he could put in two boards.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to construct a rear deck with footprint as has already been constructed. Railings to be 2 x 2 square balusters, with standard Brosco top and bottom rail, with 4 x 4 wrapped pine posts with cap and footing detail, painted trim color of house. Railing to be similar to drawing on rear of page 29 in the Salem Historical Commission’s guidelines, but with simpler post cap (i.e. pyramid). Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
The owners also submitted an application for the installation of French doors, already installed.
Ms. Bellin asked when they were put in.
Mr. McClearn stated that they were installed approximately 1 ½ years ago.
Ms. Herbert stated that on September 9th, the Commission approved French doors installed at 266 Lafayette as installed because they would match those at 268. She noted that the Commission did not realize that the doors were not true divided lights and noted that they are visible from the public way, particularly because they are not painted. She noted that one set is not visible. She added that the Commission does not typically approve snap-ins, but noted that the dilemma is that if they deny the snap ins at 268, they will not match 266. She stated that it was an awkward position, particularly since a neighbor complained. She noted that she was wrestling with how to resolve if in a fair way.
Mr. McClearn stated that he did not know that Laurel Street was considered part of the district at the time the doors were installed.
Ms. Herbert stated that the doors may be better disguised if the doors, muntins and frame were all painted the trim color.
Ms. Bellin asked when the doors at 266 were installed.
Mr. McClearn stated that they were installed about 4 months after those at 268.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting and, in the interim, for the owners to paint the doors, frames and muntins in the house trim color and to submit new photographs.
Mr. Hart stated that he would like close-up photographs showing the profile of the muntins.
Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert suggested that Mr. McClearn encourage his brother at 266 to paint his doors, as well.
Other Business
Ms. Guy stated that she inquired with Massachusetts Historical Commission about the Commission reconsidering votes taken, and was told they are not aware of any Commission that has done so and advised against it. She also inquired with the City Solicitor who stated that the Commission could appeal their own decision to Superior Court within 21 days, providing that the City Solicitor is willing to proceed with the appeal.
Ms. Herbert suggested a mandatory site visit when work is done without prior approval.
Mr. Hart stated that 48 Bridge Street is before the Board of Appeal for condo conversion. He noted that it is a 1809 McIntire design with a pristine interior. At one time it was purchased by SPNEA and then was transferred to the Children’s Friend and Family with restrictions. He believed that 6 condominiums are being proposed. Ms. Guy added that the buyer has requested a continuance before the ZBA tonight so that Historic New England can meet with them.
There being no further business, Ms. Bellin made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Spang 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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