SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 4, 2009
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Chairman Diozzi, Ms. Herbert, Mr. Desrocher, Ms. McCrea and Mr. Hart.
329 Essex Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Eric and Dorothy Hayes submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for trim paint color and installation of air conditioning condensers.
Ms. Guy read a request from the applicants to continue the application to the meeting of April 15, 2009.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to continue the application to the meeting of April 15, 2009. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
31 Flint Street
Jonathan (Russ) L. Felt and Suzanne Felt presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace two windows and install a French door to the side yard as part of a kitchen renovation. Proposed is the replacement of the two first floor windows at the furthest rear of the right side with Pella Architect Series windows and to install a Pella Traditional Series door on the south side of the rear ell. Both alterations are toward the rear end of the house.
Mr. Felt stated that they may not replace the windows, but would like the approval just in case. He noted that the windows are currently two different sizes and configurations. He stated that they would increase the smaller window so that both match in size. He stated that inside is a plaster wall stuck right over the interior trim of one of the windows, which he will fix internally. He noted that it appears that all of the windows are original, except for the two he proposes to replace.
Mr. Hart suggested replacing with 2 over 2 windows to match the rest on this side of the house.
Ms. Herbert suggested using a Brosco single glaze window with a storm to match the rest on the side of the house for one window and to restore the existing 2 over 2.
Mr. Hart suggested that the windows be lined up vertically.
Mr. Desrocher made a motion to approve the replacement of one window (right side of house, first floor, second from rear) with new single glaze wood, true divided light, clear glass window to match the 2 over 2 windows next to and above it and to repair existing window (right side of house, first floor, furthest rear) as needed to replicate existing. The motion is also for the installation of French door on south side of rear ell with Pella Architect Series Traditional standard grill pattern with 7/8” permanently bonded integral Light Technology grilles. Option for doors to be 5’ or 6’ wide. All to be painted to match existing trim color.
Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the minutes of 2/18/09. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Guy stated that she received a copy of a letter dated 2/24/09 from Massachusetts Historical Commission to the U.S. Post Office finding “no adverse effect” for the facility repair at the Salem Main Post Office.
Ms. Guy stated that she sent a letter of support, that was sent via email to Commission members, for the First Church in Salem’s application for a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund grant.
Ms. Guy stated that she received a supplemental response to the 80% comments letter from DCAM dated 2/26/09 in response to Ms. Herbert’s concerns about DCAM’s initial comment response letter.
Ms. McCrea asked if the Commission approved the “Central House” sign on the old Salem News building.
Ms. Diozzi stated that the Commission does not have jurisdiction over that building, on waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance approval.
Ms. Herbert stated that she was concerned that the mechanical equipment on the roof is very obviously pushed up to the front and painted a nasty yellow. It is very obvious. She added that when the Commission approved demolition, they were asked to reuse the brackets. She stated that what is there now, only suggests bracketry. She stated that the rounded part and the trim on the windows looks like some kind of metal which looks cheap and ugly. She stated that the brick windows are just punched out and there is no definition over them.
Ms. Guy suggested that Commission members attend SRA meetings for projects they are interested in. She suggested that Ms. Herbert stop by the DPCD, talk to Tom Daniel and review the SRA’s approved RCG plans. She added that there are layers to building buildings and that some of the work may not be done.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission may want to write a letter to the SRA.
Ms. Guy suggested tackling one outstanding violation on the list per meeting, noting that some of the violations are over ten years old and may no longer exist or be relevant. She stated that the oldest on the list is 384 Essex Street, which following the required fence removal, exposed porch columns that had been altered. Mr. Hart will take a photograph of 384 Essex Street for the next meeting.
Mr. Hart stated that on April 25, 2009, Historical Salem, Inc. and the Essex County Forum will host an energy conference.
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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