SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 19, 2007
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Bellin, Mr. Hart, Mr. Desrocher and Ms. Diozzi. Ms. Herbert and Ms. Harper joined later in the meeting.
Discussion – 20 Chestnut Street/fence installation
Ms. Guy stated that she received a call from the City Clerk’s office who told her that Mr. Schooley had called and said he would not be coming in. She noted that she ran into Ms. Usovicz and informed her that Mr. Schooley would not be at the meeting. Ms. Usovicz stated that Mr. Schooley has since boxed in the metal posts, which looks better, but that it is still over the property line. She stated that she may pursue the issue further at a later date, but would not be at this meeting.
The Commission took no action.
29 Washington Square
In continuation of a previous meeting, the John Bertram House Trust submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the third floor windows throughout the building with double hung insulated windows.
Ms. Guy read a letter from Richard Griffin requesting a continuation to the next meeting and waiving the requirement that the Commission act within 60 days.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the 3rd floor window replacement to the next meeting. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
10 Chestnut Street - Request for extension
Ms. Guy read an email in response to her telephone request to Marshall Strauss concerning their wall replacement which was due to be replaced over one year ago.
Mr. Strauss requested that the Commission extend the Certificate, noting that they continue to work with architects and others to determine a final design of the wall, as well as the front and side cast iron fence, in order to integrate the two projects.
Mr. Hart suggested that, in the reply, the Commission indicate that it looks forward to the submission of the decision as soon as possible.
Ms. Herbert and Ms. Harper joined the meeting at this time.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to extend the Certificate until April 30, 2008. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried. Ms. Harper and Ms. Herbert abstained from voting.
26 Winter Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Neil and Martha Chayet presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for amendments/clarifications to approved certificates including shutters, sign, fountain, flag pole, lattice screen, fence posts, pergola porch, window/door lights, lintels, thresholds, back door landing & stairs, gas meter and removal of chimney, as well as materials of chimney caps, landings, steps & railing and bay window. Larry Beals was also present.
Mr. Chayet requested an extension of all Certificates that they have received for one year, noting that the proposed construction completion date is slated for March, 2008.
Mr. Hart made a motion to extend all Certificates issued to the current owners for a period of one year. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #1 - Install copper chimney caps instead of cement. The elevations previously submitted indicated that the rebuilt chimneys would have typical cement caps at the top with a minimal amount showing at the edge of the bricks.
Mr. Chayet stated that the copper caps will be essentially a shoebox lid.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve Addendum #1 request as proposed. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #2 - Clarify Shutter Style. They received approval to install new wood shutters on the Winter Street and front facades. The initial spec sheets and photos provided showed a variety of styles, some with or without a vertical dowel on the lower section of the shutter, and the text of the application had indicated the use of the Salem or Beacon Hill style shutters which do not have the dowel. They are requesting approval for shutters without the dowel per the spec sheet for the Boston style fixed slat shutters.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Addendum #2 as proposed. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #3 - Revise text for the National Register plaque. They received approval to replace the bronze plaque on the Winter Street façade. They asked Professor Dan Coquilette, of Harvard Law School, the Joseph Story Scholar, to assist in approving the final language and provided the text as follows:
National Historic Landmark
The Joseph Story House
Built in 1811 for Joseph Story (1779-1845)
U. S. Supreme Court Justice, Father of the Harvard Law School, and its first Nathan Dane Professor of Law
This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.~ Designated in 1975 by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve Addendum #9 for the wording of the plaque as proposed. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #4 - Relocate fountain and flagpole. To accommodate the proper functional curvature for the driveway, as well as enlarge the space near the home for a garden, they propose to shift the location of the fountain and flagpole further away from the house, per the new landscape plan submitted.
Mr. Chayet noted that they have installed a geothermal heating and cooling unit which means that the 6 condenser units are no longer required outside. They will also be moving the lattice screen in order to hide the generator.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approved Addendum #4 as per the new landscape plan submitted. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #5 - Reconfigure and relocate lattice screen. They propose to reduce the size of the approved lattice screen, relocate it and create an “L” shape section rather than the long, straight “I” section previously approved. Also, rather than the diagonal lattice, they propose to use straight lattice with end posts and caps.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve Addendum #5 as proposed. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #6 - Winter Street round spindle fence design alteration. It has been suggested by the fence company that the long stretch of fence facing Winter Street be divided into three sections with the addition of capped wooden posts for both aesthetic and structural reasons. The posts would be similar to those being used for the pedestrian gate.
Mr. Chayet stated that they will no longer be using the Walpole fence, as this would require having a custom fence.
Mr. Hart suggested using Brattleworks in Cambridge.
Ms Herbert stated that the posts should be meaty.
Mr. Desrocher was in agreement, noting that otherwise they would look like toothpicks.
Mr. Hart made a motion to allow the fence to be from any manufacturer than can produce the approved design and to accept the addition of two intermediate posts, subject to design approval delegated to Ms. Herbert and for a copy of the final design to be submitted for the Commission’s files. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert suggested exploring weather the cannonball on the pillars is original, noting that it doesn’t look like it fits.
Addendum #7 - Relocate stairs from pergola porch. The approved porch called for steps to be attached on the front face. Based on the curvature of the driveway and the desire to enlarge the garden area near the house, the prefer to relocate the steps to the side. A sketch was provided.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve Addendum #7 as proposed. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #8 - Clarification of window and door dimensions, location of lintels and thresholds and reconfiguration or pergola porch. They found minor inconsistencies between the drawings, minutes and certificates. In addition the original application indicated four panel (two French doors and two fixed side lights). They propose to 1) clarify that the lintels and thresholds will be the same height and level, 2) that the opening for the paned door/window grouping will be 9’ wide and 7’ tall and 3) the configuration will be 3 panels (two fixed and one hinged door). A sketch was provided.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Addendum #8 as proposed. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #9 - Clarify materials for landings, steps and railings. Hand railings and balustrades will be wrought iron. Steps will be stone. Decks will be grey painted wood (except existing cement back entry landing). The back porch is the exception in that it will be all wood with trim, balustrades, posts and risers painted white and steps and decking painted grey. A sketch was provided.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Addendum #9 as proposed. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #10 - Clarify style of window replacement for 5-bay window.
Mr. Chayet stated that JB. Sash will rebuild the Palladian windows, but it will require a horizontal line due to having to create the windows in two pieces, as indicated in the photograph that is marked up.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the bay windows being rebuilt in two sections each with horizontal mullion to be located under the arch (so that each upper and lower section is square) as drawn onto the photograph. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #11 - Removal of the ell single chimney. The ell chimney had been taking down to the roof line with the intention of rebuilding, until it was discovered that portions of the support structure on the second floor and at the roof had been removed. It cannot be rebuilt because there is nothing upon which to fasten it and a new one is not feasible due to restricted space.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve permanent removal of the ell chimney. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #12 - Clarify configuration of the back door landing and stairs. They discovered inconsistencies in the various drawings submitted. They are asking for confirmation that the stairs will be on the carriage house side of the deck platform into the courtyard per sketch provided.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve permanent removal of the ell chimney. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #13 - Relocate gas meter. They were able to locate the water meter on the inside of the house, but are unable to do so with the gas meter per Keyspan. The meter will be located in the Oliver Street courtyard and will not be seen after the approved fence is built.
Mr. Chayet noted that with bushes and a fence, the meter will not be seen.
Ms. Bellin asked how far out it will project.
Mr. Chayet replied that it projects 1 ½ feet.
Ms. Herbert stated that this is less than the stairs, but noted that it will need balusters for protection.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Addendum #13 as proposed for the installation of the gas meter in location noted on west elevation drawing. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Addendum #14 - Clarify window configuration for Oliver Street entry door. The door into the common hallway off Oliver Street currently has a Plexiglass insert in a prairie style frame. Their elevations showed both a paneled door and a nine-light door. They are seeking approval for a nine-light door with 2 lower panels as noted on west elevation drawing.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Addendum #14 as proposed. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
396 Essex Street
Gaffney House Condo Trust presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove a 3’ high side picket fence, which has already been completed.
Ms. Guy noted that the replacement fence was approved at the last meeting and that this application is simply housekeeping.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried. Ms. Bellin abstained from discussion and voting.
Windows
Ms. Guy provided a sample of the Bonneville simulated divided light window with 7/8” mullions to compare with the previously approved J. B. Sash window.
Mr. Hart stated that there should be not inner molding.
Ms. Herbert stated that the mullions should be more at an angle, so that it becomes thinner.
Mr. Hart stated that the Commission should advocate for repair before approving replacement windows.
Ms. Herbert stated that she preferred a good replacement window over storm windows.
254 Lafayette Street
Ms. Guy stated that she forwarded an email from Lewis Legon that he sent in response to the Commission’s letter of August 8, 2007. Ms. Guy provided a draft response letter.
Mr. Herbert noted that the 3rd floor deck has since been painted and the spindles have not been corrected. She noted that the landscaping appears completed.
Ms. Guy stated that the Commission’s letter will be cc’d to the Building Inspector and that it is his decision as to whether to hold up Occupancy Permits.
Ms. Herbert suggested adding to the letter that the entry deck was supposed to be the same as the upper deck, noting that one has risers and the other does not. She stated that the deck may not be finished as yet. She noted that the hand rail does not terminate with a matching post.
Ms. Guy will revise the letter and provide to Ms. Diozzi and Ms. Herbert for approval before sending.
Other Business
Mr. Hart stated that he received a copy of a letter from David Attinger to Massachusetts Historical Commission concerning the disassembly and re-erection of National Register listed buildings. It is noted that due to tight regulations, such buildings are subject to de-listing and that often Building Inspectors will not permit the work, because the building no longer meets code.
There being no further business, Ms. Bellin made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Hart 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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