SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
May 2, 2007
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on May 2, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Diozzi, Ms. Bellin, Ms. Herbert, Ms. Harper, Mr. Hart and Mr. Desrocher and Ms. Guy.
31 Chestnut Street
William and Laura Wrightson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to 1) add gutters where none currently exist, matching existing copper gutters, 2) replace wood side fence with new iron fence to match front fence, including rock foundation, with new fence to extend back to arbor, 3) replace existing arbor rafter and beams with new wood and remove lattice work and 4) replace existing flat rubber roofs and replace with flat seam copper.
Mr. Wrightson provided a plan of the 1828 house and two additions and indicated on the plan where the two gutters would be added. He noted that the house has a lot of drainage issues.
Mr. Desrocher made a motion to add ½ round copper gutters to the rear addition façade which faces Pickering Street, with gutters to match those currently on the house. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Wrightson stated that they want to replicate the cast fence using granite columns as close as they can get them.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the replacement of the side wood fence with a wrought iron fence on a granite base interspersed with granite columns matching existing spacing.
Mr. Wrightson questioned if the spacing doesn’t work, would the Commission want a short section or to change the spacing to equal sections.
Mr. Hart stated that he preferred equal sections.
Ms. Herbert amended her motion for the sections to be equi-distant from the arbor post to the existing post and with spacing as close to the existing first section as possible.
Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Wrightson stated that the arbor is a u-shaped brick structure with 2 walls and 2 gates. The lattice work is coming apart and the arbor is untreated and rotting. They would like to remove the lattice, replace the beams in kind and come back with a new design treatment.
Ms. Herbert asked if it is wisteria now growing on the arbor.
Mr. Wrightson replied in the negative and stated that it is just an invasive vine.
Ms. Diozzi stated that it looks like bittersweet.
Mr. Hart suggested removing the arbor and beams and coming back with a design prior to installing the replacement beams.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the demolition of the lattice fence above the brick wall and arbor beams - conditional that within six months, the owner submit an application for a new design that meets the Commission’s approval for an appropriate replacement for the existing arbor enclosure. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Wrightson withdrew the application for the roof replacement as this was already approved under a Certificate of Non-applicability.
12-14 Carpenter Street
In continuation of a prior meeting, Neil and MaryJane Hansen submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to create a second egress to #14 condominium on the first floor by converting an existing window into a glass paneled door. The applicants were not present
Ms. Bellin made a motion to deny the application without prejudice, noting that a denial may actually help the legal situation. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Guy will contact the owners and advise them that they may reapply at any time.
Other Business
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the minutes of 3/21/07. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Guy stated that the City received a notice of grant award from Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for $18,000 to conduct a neighborhood architectural conservation district study.
Ms. Guy stated that 18 Crombie Street will be receiving a MHC 2007 Preservation Award.
Courthouse Project
Ms. Guy stated that there will be a tour of the 3 houses on Federal Street on May 3rd at 3:00 p.m.
Ms. Guy stated that at the next Commission meeting, the Commission will review a Historic Salem document regarding the historic features and characteristics of the 3 houses in order for the Commission to provide comments to DCAM.
Mr. Hart stated that there will be a meeting as part of the ongoing Section 106 review process at 11:00 am on May 16th at 1 Ashburton Place.
Mr. Hart stated that he was informed by Barbara Cleary that Scheme B is off the table. He noted that Scheme C keeps the 3 houses and that Scheme A is the same footprint as Scheme C, but retains the 3 houses.
Mr. Hart indicated that HSI has provided an alternative scheme that retains the 3 houses.
Ms. Herbert asked if anyone has come up with a budget to renovate the 3 buildings if they are retained. She noted that there cannot be 3 eyesores with a beautiful new courthouse.
Mr. Hart stated that a Request for Proposals has been issued to relocate the buildings. He noted that DCAM is obligated to present all alternatives to mitigate or eliminate threats to historic properties.
Ms. Diozzi stated that while she does not agree with the argument that the three houses constitute a security threat, she prefers that the houses be relocated for aesthetic reasons and that the open space provided by removal be public space.
Mr. Desrocher stated that he felt that it looks better without the 3 houses and feels that they should be relocated.
Ms. Harper was in agreement.
Mr. Desrocher stated asked if the property behind the Boxcar Café is State property that could be given back to the city and if the houses could be moved there. He noted that the state has hired a real estate consultant to find the highest and best use for the two 19th century courthouse buildings which will not be part of the project.
Ms. Diozzi stated that she believed that after the project is complete, the Registry of Deeds will move back to the site, most likely the District Court building at Washington and Church Streets. The Registry will be at Shetland Park for 5 years.
Salem Jail Redevelopment
Mr. Hart recused himself from the discussion.
Ms. Diozzi stated that the City is seeking comments on the Jail Preservation Plan. She noted that Mr. Spang has reviewed the plan and emailed her “it's consistent with various discussions that have occurred over the course of the last year or so”.
There being no further business, Mr. Hart made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Bellin 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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