SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
April 15, 2009
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Chairman Diozzi, Ms. Herbert, Ms. Harper, Ms. Bellin, Ms. McCrea and Mr. Hart.
30 Warren Street
The Conservatory Condominium submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for paint colors at 30 Warren/15 Flint Street. The body is to be Historic Morning Dew, trim to be California Paints Shearling and the Flint Street door to be Newbury Moss. Patricia Cornacchio and Roger La Montagne represented the condominium association.
Mr. LaMontagne stated that they are replacing a significant number of clapboards.
Bruce Goddard, 17 Flint Street, stated that he is a direct abutter. He stated that he was concerned that 3 sides have been prepared, but not the fourth side, which he believes has not been painted in 20 years and is the view from his house as well as from the street. He was concerned that the back side would be left as is for a period of time. He stated that he would like the certificate to state that all 4 sides be done in a timely manner.
Ms. Cornacchio stated that they will be doing all four sides, but the fourth may not be done until the fall, due to the amount of clapboard they are replacing.
Mr. La Montagne stated that it may not be done until fall or next Spring and noted that one section of the back side will need a significant amount of repair. He noted that they are spending a sizable amount of money and home to do by October or next spring.
John Casey, 17 Flint Street, stated that he is a former Commission member. He stated that he would like assurance in the approval that there will be a time frame. He stated that it has a direct impact on the value of his property and noted that it is in a tourist area.
Ilsa Peirce, 5 Flint Street, stated that the proposed colors were tasteful and nice.
Ms. Herbert suggested that the condo association address the clapboard replacement and scrape and prime the bare areas to better preserve the wood. She stated that they need to deal with the mold and dampness issue and suggested that they deal with it now.
Ms. Cornacchio stated that they will be replacing gutters.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve paint colors of 1) Body – Historic Morning Dew, 2) Trim – California Paints Shearling and 3) Flint Street Door only – Newbury Moss with painting of all four sides to be completed within one year. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Hart noted that if for some reason they cannot complete it within one year, they can come back and ask for an extension.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve a Certificate of Non-applicability to repair/replace clapboards where needed to replicate existing and repair/replace fir gutters where needed to replicate existing. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
315 Essex Street
In continuation of a previous meeting, Stephen Morris submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to change the first floor street façade to make more residential and various other additional window locations. David Jaquith, architect, 81 Railroad Avenue, Rowley, MA 01969, provided a new drawing.
Mr. Jaquith stated that the band in the front will be changed to MDO with applied molding to create a panel effect. They will rebuild the pediment to fall in under the fascia and overhang. They will rebuild the columns and reduce the size to 9 ½ x 9 ½ with a base on the bottom and crown molding on the top.
Ms. Herbert asked if the brick will be left natural or painted.
Mr. Jaquith stated that they will not be touching the brick.
Ms. Herbert stated that the brick is not an appropriate element and suggested painting it the clapboard color.
Mr. Jaquith stated that they will reduce the trim around the corner. Mr. Jaquith stated that he preferred to leave the brick alone. The leader pipes will be painted the color they run down along.
Ms. Herbert asked the door color.
Mr. Jaquith stated that he could not remember what was approved.
Ms. Herbert stated that the brick is very 1950’s and she preferred it to be the body color to help minimize it and so the grey grout can’t be seen. She stated that from a distance it will read as wood and be more solid looking.
John Carr, 7 River Street, stated that it is obvious that the brick is an afterthought and that at some point the whole first floor had been done over. He stated that he liked Ms. Herbert’s suggestion because it makes it more uniform.
Mr. Hart was also in agreement. He stated that a good masonry paint will be long lasting.
Ms. Herbert stated that she thought the transomed windows would be operable and suggested that they consider making the transoms operable, so that the windows can be covered for security and privacy.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve removal of storefront, alteration of front façade and window installation on sides per plans dated 4/15/09. Corner columns to be rebuilt and reduced in size to approximately 9 ½” x 9 ½”. All painted to match existing paint colors. Brick to be painted to match the body of the house. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
13 River Street
Delpar, LLC submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for paint colors, new cornerboards and to raise the roof on the existing rear addition. Present were Ray Dellovo and Marc Parella.
Mr. Dellovo stated that Waters and Brown picked the colors, which are Langdon Dove for the body, Jewitt White for the trim and black door.
Ms. Herbert stated that she met with the owners at the site and noted that they are allowed to keep the shingles, even though they are not historic to the building. The owners stripped a corner of the building and found that there are existing cornerboards, watertable and clapboards. They are amenable to removing the shingles and getting rid of the funky window to do this properly. This is their first historic project and this could be a signature piece for them. They paid a lot of money for the building and it needs total renovation, so it will be tough to produce a good product within their budget, but they want to work toward that. She stated that the concern is being able to produce a product that will sell in this tough market, so they need to focus their decisions. She stated that
there is a possibility to build to suit for a potential buyer if agreed to ahead of time. She stated that the owners must not be in a pinch to do things inexpensively.
Mr. Dellovo stated that they put in high quality products in their houses. He stated that Ms. Herbert was very helpful.
Ms. Guy stated that shingle removal will need to be advertised; therefore they will need to apply.
Ms. Herbert stated that she could see there was some mold under the shingles and that they will need to power wash with a bleach solution to kill the mold and let it dry out well.
Mr. Hart stated that they should be cautious about power washing with a lot of pressure and suggested they use low pressure.
Mr. Dellovo stated that they may need to brush by hand.
John Carr, 7 River Street, asked if the cornerboards and window surrounds will be highlighted in the trim color.
Mr. Dellovo replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Carr stated that he was in favor of the colors.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the paint colors as submitted. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert stated that they should also remove the braces over the front door and rebuild it appropriately. She believed that there is a piece of supportive molding that is missing.
Mr. Dellovo stated that they propose to raise the rear roof 12-18”, noting that the existing is not to building code. He stated that they will keep the same pitch (1 pitch) and will use rolled rubber roof.
Mr. Carr asked if the fascia, cornerboards, clapboards etc. will remain.
Mr. Dellovo stated that they will match, but there are no clapboards.
Mr. Carr asked how it will interface with the second story window.
Mr. Dellovo stated that there will be no change to the window.
Mr. Hart stated that the cornerboard at the end of the main house will differentiate it from the rear addition, which is appropriate.
Ms. Herbert asked if they will change the windows and door.
Mr. Dellovo replied in the negative.
Mr. Carr stated that River Street has 17 houses, which at one time were virtually all absentee owned and in deplorable condition. He stated that now all but one are owner occupied and all but 3 are single family. He stated that the neighborhood has always taken the position that no corners be cut and that good preservation is good business. He stated that he has a petition with 100% signatures requesting that the Commission only approve exterior changes to 13 River that include 1) clapboards in substitution of the existing inappropriate shingles, 2) cornerboards and watertable where there are currently none, 3) 6 over 6 windows instead of the existing 6 over 1 windows, 4) elimination of the current square single-paned window on the sidewalk side of the building 5) restoration of the front doorway and its
surround, including restoration of the period fluted pilasters and entablature and 6) an appropriate sidewalk fence. Mr. Carr stated that the property does not really have a driveway and that the curbcut was put in at the request of the prior owner so that it would leave a parking space available in front of the house. Mr. Carr stated that the curbcut was taken out in exchange for the prior owners consent for brick sidewalk.
He stated that in talking with the new owners, they have been very pleasant guys.
Ms. Herbert stated that the driveway could be important in terms of selling and that it would take two cars off the street.
Carol Carr, 7 River Street, stated that there is not enough room to fit a car and it has never been used as a driveway. The prior owner did not even drive.
Mr. Carr stated that he was in favor of raising the roof. He asked if it would still be a single family.
Mr. Dellovo replied in the affirmative.
Ms. Herbert asked if it would be rolled rubber and if the rakes will be the same as the rest of the house.
Mr. Dellovo replied in the affirmative.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve raising the roof of rear addition approximately 12-18” to bring to code level, with rakes, cornerboards and watertable to be added to match the dimensions on the rest of the house. Windows and doors to remain. Rolled rubber roof. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert stated that the neighbors would like the lower sash changed to 6 pane, but noted that it was the option of the owners to apply. She stated that she felt it would be a financial advantage and suggested at a minimum it be done on the driveway and street side (8 sash – 5 on street and 3 on front).
Mr. Dellovo stated that he and Mr. Parella will need to discuss it.
Ms. Guy wondered if Window Woman or Pane in the Glass could create mullions out of the existing.
Ms. Herbert suggested talking to any potential buyer so that they could renovate to suit.
Mr. Dellovo stated that they would be happy to remove the small window.
Mr. Carr stated that the sidewalk fence was removed without a permit.
Mr. Parella stated that it was rotted.
Ms. Guy stated that they still need to apply and can either request replacement in kind, request permanent removal with no replacement, or request replacement with something different.
4 Andover Street
Joel and Judy Caron submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the side (west) fence with a wood Molly Pritchard fence, as described in the submitted estimate. Fence to be painted to match the house. Photos of the proposed fence were provided. The applicant is proposing a 3’ fence. The applicant was not present.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted for a 3’ fence with the fence being the same design as the picture provided of 104 Federal Street fence, with beveled post tops, painted to match the house. Ms. Harper seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
144 Canal Street
144 Canal Street Nominee Realty Trust submitted an application to waive the Demolition Delay Ordinance to completely demolish the structure, including foundations.
Ms. McCrea stated that the neighbors are very happy that it is being demolished.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the waiver, conditional that archival quality photographs of all four sides be taken in perspectives and a measured plan of the building footprint be submitted to the Commission prior to a demolition permit being issued. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
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 second meeting in May, 2009.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the second meeting in May, 2009. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Minutes
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the minutes of 3/18/09. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Violations
Ms. Guy read a letter from Douglas McNeish, 39 Washington Square, requesting an extension of the deadline from May 5 to August 5, 2009.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the extension based on the information provided in the email and to cc the remaining condo owners in the building. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert stated that she went by 170 Federal Street, that the fence has been installed and that the violation can be removed. Ms. Bellin made a motion to remove the violation from the list. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Correspondence
Mr. Hart stated that he reviewed the Project Notification Form for 10 White Street and did not have any comments. Ms. Bellin made a motion for Ms. Guy to advise Vine Associates and Massachusetts Historical Commission that the Salem Historical Commission does not have any comments to submit. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Hart suggested that the application packets forward to Commission members be sent via PDF through email, rather than copies in the mail.
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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