SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 18, 2009
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Chairman Diozzi, Ms. Herbert, Mr. Desrocher, Ms. McCrea and Mr. Hart.
42 Broad Street
Brian McAdams presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a vent for a direct vented gas fireplace insert. The vent will be installed through the brick exterior wall in the approximate location indicated in the photographs provided. A catalog cut of the vent was provided showing that the cap can be made of galvanized metal which could be painted, or of copper.
Mr. McAdams provided a picture from the street and stated that the vent will be located at the far end of the house. He noted that the last half of the house is a new porch addition.
Mr. Hart asked if the galvanized was paintable any color.
Mr. McAdams replied in the affirmative and noted that there is special high temperature paint available for them.
Mr. Hart questioned what color copper would turn when heated up and stated that he preferred it be painted the brick color. He asked how much separation distance is needed from the house’s flammable materials.
Mr. McAdams stated that he did not know, but stated that there is an approximate 2’ gap between the ceiling and the next floor and that it will fit somewhere in between and that the contractor knows the specifics and would handle the exact location.
Ms. Diozzi asked if the condominium association was okay with the proposal.
Mr. McAdams replied in the affirmative and stated that they had a condo meeting in December.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted for the installation of a galvanized vent per specification submitted in location approximated in photograph and as far back on house as possible, to be painted a matte finish to match the brick color. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
310-310 ½ Essex Street
The City of Salem Park and Recreation Department presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of a bulkhead and the sealing of a basement window in brick at the Witch House. Representing the applicant was Elizabeth Perkins and consultant William Finch.
Mr. Finch stated that as a result of the recent handicapped access work, water has been more directed to the bulkhead, causing a majority of the water problems in the basement. He is proposing a bulkhead similar to the one on the Narbonne House and also showed a photo of one he completed at Winslow House in Marshfield. The bulkhead may be raised as high as just under the existing window sill, so the more pitch, the more it will shed water. The contractor will try to put a membrane up under the clapboards up a foot or so.
Ms. Herbert asked if they will use 1 x 6 boards or something wider as with the Winslow House.
Mr. Finch stated that it made no difference to him.
Ms. Herbert stated that either would be appropriate.
Mr. Finch stated that he provided a picture of the Narbonne House bulkhead and that the contractor indicated that he can readily get the bead board. They will also bring the skirtboard of the bulkhead down a little bit.
Mr. Finch stated that, for the basement window which also has water pouring in, there is a metal well there and the window is down in that well. He did not think he would want to remove the well, but rather bring the earth up to the well, preferring not to bring soil right against the brick work. He stated that he would want to keep the brick accessible somewhat. The window will be sealed with brick and probably a coat of mortar with stucco on it.
Ms. Herbert suggested covering the well with evergreen shrubbery.
Mr. Hart asked the proposed bulkhead finish.
Mr. Finch stated that he assumed they would stain it to match the house.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to replace the bulkhead to be similar to photograph provided of the Narbonne House bulkhead, using match bead board. Top of bulkhead to be raised no higher than below window sill above. Bulkhead to be painted to match the house.
Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to seal Northeast basement window as proposed and repair clapboards as needed to match existing.
Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the minutes of 12/17/09. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/7/09. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Desrocher made a motion to approve the minutes of 2/4/09. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
There being no further business, Ms. Herbert made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Desrocher 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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