SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 16, 2009
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Diozzi, Mr. Hart, Ms. Harper, Mr. Desrocher and Ms. Bellin. Ms. Herbert joined later in the meeting.
Bridge Street Reconstruction
David Knowlton, City Engineer, was present and stated that he is trying to guide the Bridge Street Reconstruction project through the state and federal permitting hurdles for which the City has invested several years in the design of the project and almost a half million dollars in design and planning and permitting fees to move the project forward. The State will pay for all the construction costs. He stated that he was not aware that the comment letter on the 75% design that was sent by the Commission was not responded to by MassHighway. He stated that MassHighway does not feel there is any adverse effect to historic resources as a result of the project and that Massachusetts Historical Commission is looking for a letter from the Commission concurring that there is no adverse effect. MassHighway
needs to advertise the bids by tomorrow or risk losing the funding. Mr. Knowlton provided his responses to the Commission’s letter and noted that some have already been incorporated in the final design.
Ms. Herbert joined the meeting at this time.
Ms. Herbert asked what is specific width of the bike paths and if it is a State regulation that they need to be 4’.
Mr. Knowlton believed it was a federal regulation.
Ms. Herbert asked if bike paths are something that might be added after the project is done.
Mr. Knowlton stated that it was possible.
Mr. Desrocher made a motion to send a letter finding no adverse impact. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
4 Federal Court
In continuation of a prior meeting, Michael Digris and Michele Washburn submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for roof vent installation that has already been completed.
Mr. Digris provided an estimate to move the vent. He stated that at $3960 from Essex County Craftsman, it is approximately 1/3 of the cost of the project and the that contractor did not recommend moving it, because the vent should be as close as possible to the existing unit and ductwork. The price does not include new permits for construction or electrical.
Ms. Herbert asked if there are other options beside the round vent.
Mr. Desrocher stated that square or round, it is still a vent.
Ms. Herbert wondered if a square vent could be lower.
Mr. Digris stated that the support to the cap is round. He did not know if the manufacturer made a square cover.
Ms. Bellin stated that it is quite visible.
Mr. Hart suggested asking to swap out the round for low profile cap, either square or rectangular.
Ms. Herbert was concerned with approving as existing and setting a precedent and suggested continuing to see if one could be fabricated.
Ms. Diozzi stated that it looks as though the collar is not painted.
Mr. Hart noted that to achieve a lower profile, may require the vent to be bigger.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to continue. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried. Ms. Harper recused herself from voting.
95 Federal Street
Mr. Hart recused himself from this agenda item and sat in the audience, noting that he received an abutter notice.
In continuation of a prior meeting, Robert & Janet Kendall, William Aydelotte, Denae Comrie and Maryellen Forster presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace 73’ of existing wooden gutter with an open aluminum gutter system.
Mr. Kendall stated that the cost to go with aluminum gutter on one side versus going all around the house went from $3,000 to $12,000. It included the bay window. He stated that they would have to go with metal all around, because wood and metal can’t be joined. He stated that Kevin Kidney was contacted and informed them that the area of the gutter is not as much of a problem as the area of the downspout. Kidney proposes adding a fabricated copper collection box to the side of the house which would allow them to take out the circular gooseneck and put a 4 x 5 inch downspout. The collection box would be fabricated copper and the downspout would be metal. This would be similar to the Post Office. This would be needed just at the common entry side. He provided a copy of a photo
of a collection box installed on Chestnut Street.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the installation of a copper collection box at the top of the downspout and replace the gooseneck downspout with a 4 x 5” metal downspout on the Unit 2 side of the house. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried. Ms. Harper recused herself from voting.
Mr. Hart rejoined the Commission.
182 Federal Street
In continuation of a prior meeting, Alexa Ogno and Peter Parnassa of the 182 Federal Street Condo Association presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove aluminum siding from the mansard and replace with Timberline architectural shingles in charcoal color.
Ms. Ogno stated that using the 3-tab sovereign series, it will be $75 less for whole job. Using the GAF/ELK Slateline lifetime designer shingles it will be $600 more. Using GAF Grand slate would be $2400 more and using the Carriage House scalloped would be $2100 more. She stated that she liked the Slateline. She liked Grand Slate but did not have the extra money and noted that she is not a big fan of the scalloped because it is octagon and not rounded.
Ms. Bellin asked what color the shingles would be.
Ms. Ogno stated that whatever shade between black and gray that commission prefers is fine.
Ms. Herbert suggested that the dormer sides be siding, not asphalt shingles. She wondered if any cost would be saved by leaving the siding on the dormers.
Ms. Ogno stated that the concern is that water is getting in behind the siding, as well as bees. She preferred to use the roof material on the dormers.
Mr. Hart stated that it is unusual to see roofing material on the dormer sides.
Mr. Desrocher stated that clapboard would be neglected over time.
Ms. Herbert suggested keeping the aluminum on the dormer sides.
There was no public comment.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Slateline has an angled shape.
Ms. Diozzi agreed, noting it was like shakes.
Mr. Hart stated that he preferred the 3-tab or Grandslate.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve Sovereign 3-tab in either nickel gray or black. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Slateline in English Grey or Antique Slate. Ms. Harper seconded the motion. There were no votes in favor, all were in opposition. The motion did not carry.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Carriage House in Black Pearl. Ms. Harper second the motion. Ms. Bellin and Ms. Herbert voted in favor. Ms. Diozzi, Ms. Harper, Mr. Hart and Mr. Desrocher voted in opposition. The motion did not carry.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve Grandslate in Bristol Grey. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the option for wood clapboard on dormer sides with 4” exposure. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the use of roofing material on dormer sides. Mr. Desrocher seconded the motion. There were no votes in favor, all were in opposition. The motion did not carry.
88 Federal Street
In continuation of a prior meeting, Jackie Lander presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a black chimney cap. John Lander represented the applicant.
Mr. Lander provided photographs of the proposed. It will be 51” x 40” X 10” stainless steel chimney cap, powder coated black.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the chimney cap as shown in photo. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
16 Orne Square
Orne Square Condo Trust submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a fence on one corner with a new fence to match the style on the corner across the street. Present was James Connelly, who provided a copy of the J.C. Fence proposal.
Mr. Connelly stated that it will match 19 Orne Square, with the only difference is taking off the cap and a double board on the top to protect the pickets. It will be painted the same green. Per the J.C. fence proposal, the fence will be on two sides.
Richard Griffin, 37 Turner Street, stated that he was in favor of the proposal.
Ms. Herbert made motion to approve the replacement of the fence along Hathorne Street and Orne Square to match the existing fence at 19 Orne Square without the cap and with the addition of the double board, painted to match existing color per photographs and J.C. Fence proposal provided. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
361 Essex Street
Timothy and Alice Clarke presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for interior kitchen renovation which involves a rear deck expansion and rear entry addition. The application states that the elements of the work visible from the public way will be a portion of the deck addition and the infill of existing rear porch windows with clapboard siding to match existing siding. Also present was Richard Griffin, architect.
Mr. Hart stated that he would like to see an elevation of the right hand side.
Mr. Griffin stated that there will be a 6’ screen fence and you would need to look between the screen fence to see another fence, so it is essentially not visible.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Hart stated that down the road if an owner wanted to take down the second fence, they would need to come before the Commission.
Mr. Griffin stated that you will see the clapboards in place of the windows.
Mr. Hart stated that you might see the top of the second fence.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Harper seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
156-161 Federal Street
St. James Parish submitted an application for a Certificate of Hardship for the replacement of an existing non-functioning inclined platform lift with an enclosed vertical platform lift. The new lift will be located at the southwest corner of the building close to the accessible parking spaces and will provide access to one of the three front doors to the sanctuary. The solution is considered reversible, since it causes no alterations to the historic elements of the building. The color of the lift’s metal framing and tower enclosing mechanism will match the existing granite base of the building. The now steel guardrail will be painted black to match the historic wrought iron stair railing. Drawings and specifications were provided. Josh Safdie and Deacon Norman LaPointe were
present.
Ken Wallace, 172 Federal Street, stated that churches need to be able to get their people in the building, that it is necessary and won’t interfere with pedestrian of vehicular traffic.
Mr. Safdie stated that the Institute for Human Centered Design is a 30 year old non-profit that focuses on issues of accessibility and universal design. He stated that the Parish approached them on issues of accessibility to the church. They are working with a builder that does a lot of retrofit for buildings. The entire enclosure will be 13’, with two towers – one which holds the machinery. The enclosure must be tall enough to get a person from grade to the top step while enclosed. The unit holds one person.
Mr. Hart stated that access is an issue and must be provided for. He stated that he heard through grapevine that it was discussed at the Federal Street Neighborhood Association meeting where it was implied that the design could be enhanced.
Ms. Harper stated that the panels are changeable and there are options for color.
Mr. Hart stated that even though it is reversible, it will be there for quite a while.
Ms. Harper asked if there was any other location that it could go.
Mr. Safdie replied in the negatives, noting that since it is a one-way street, for cars going by it is screened. He noted that the parking lot is also there and it is financially better. There is a ramp at the rear which accesses the community room downstairs, but it does not provide access to the sanctuary. An elevator would be at least $250,000.
Ms. Herbert asked if the ramp was removed from the front.
Deacon LaPointe replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Safdie stated that the unit is really an off the shelf product. It can be any factory finish color wanted and that glazed portions can be shaded or not. He noted that the Parish prefers tinted, which provides more privacy.
Ms. Herbert asked if the top piece of rail will be removed.
Mr. Safdie replied in the affirmative, stating that it is noted in plans what will be removed. He stated that the weight of unit is at the bottom; therefore he felt it would be better to read as part of the plinth and to match the color of the watertable and foundation, as opposed to matching the brick color.
Ms. Herbert asked if it would be possible for the top half to be brick color.
Ms. Safdie stated that he would check.
Mr. Hart suggested trying to tinker with it to try to make it fade away a little more.
Ms. Herbert suggested a pitched roof.
Mr. Safdie stated that he felt it would be difficult to make it look different. He stated that he thought it would bring more attention to it, if there was a peak cap on top and it would look like the cap was dropped on it. He added that he felt that dressing up the mechanism will look hokey and call more attention to it.
Ms. Bellin stated that granite color makes sense.
Ms. Herbert stated it should be flat finish.
Mr. Safdie stated that the mechanism would be on parking lot side.
Ms. Bellin asked if there was any snow concerns.
Mr. Safdie stated that there is some maintenance.
Ms. Herbert asked if the guard rail will match the railing going up the stairs.
Mr. Safdie stated that it can, but will need to meet codes, such has having balusters.
Ms. Herbert suggested picking up the simple theme of fence in guard rail, but the guard rail be capped.
Ms. Bellin asked the deck material.
Mr. Safdie stated that it is perforated metal to allow water to run through. He stated that a small portion of vertical aspect will be visible in front as shown in drawings, which will be steel, painted to match the granite so it will disappear.
Mr. Hart stated that he would like to see them give additional work to the off the shelf components to make it more attractive.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission can assume that it meets the guidelines for handicap access in shape and height. She suggested approving everything with exception of the color or any other requested modifications.
Mr. Safdie noted that the project still needs to go through inspectional services.
Ms. Herbert suggested getting samples of color and materials, noting the Commission can’t alter shape.
Mr. Hart wondered if there is a way to adorn it.
Ms. Herbert stated that tinted glass is a good idea and suggested a bronzy color of the metal to blend with the glass, rather than the granite color.
Ms. Harper suggested getting samples of glaze and finish.
Ms. Herbert stated that a bronzy matt finish would help make the metal not stand out.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the platform as submitted, with the guardrail designed to replicate the fence but with a top rail and to continue the unit pending samples of color and finish.
Mr. Hart recommended an amendment to the motion to request that the architect explore options for an ameliorated cap.
Ms. Safdie stated that he did not know what sort of a warrantee could or couldn’t be voided by adding additional things. He also noted that the Parish has worked very hard to raise the funds they have available. He was concerned about any additional cost.
Ms. Herbert asked the footprint of the top.
Mr. Safdie stated that it is approximately 3’9” x 4’8”. He was concerned that without some direction, he would be spinning his wheels.
Ms. Herbert amended her motion to request that they explore the cost for a peak in glass or other material manufactured by the company and to see if they have done anything with one before.
Ms. Bellin seconded the motion.
Mr. Hart stated that he would like to get design excellence, rather than this is the best we can do because we don’t have a lot of money.
Ms. Herbert stated that we are limited with the size handicapped requirements.
Ms. Bellin requested they get a more specific drawing to show what the horizontal bars will look like based on the height.
Ms. Herbert suggested it show the color with it being sort of monochrome
The motion was voted upon. Ms. Diozzi, Ms. Harper, Mr. Desrocher, Ms. Bellin and Ms. Herbert voted in favor. Mr. Hart abstained from voting.
39-41 Washington Square N/29 Winter Street
Douglas McNeish, Diane Gaston, Daniel Igo, Barbara Pervier, Maria Carles and Nickolas Sucher presented an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to add new gutter and downspout at 29 Winter Street, replace slate on roof in kind, replacement of iron fence removed for repair and replacement of Juliet balcony tines on 39-41 Washington Sq. Mr. Igo was present.
A letter from Barbara Pervier was read.
Mr. Igo stated that they essentially want to remove the gravel cleat and open the existing gutter.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to remove the gravel cleat. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve a Certificate of Non-applicability to repair the slate roof as needed, replace the iron fence in kind that was removed for repair and replacement of the Juliet balcony tines as needed to replicate existing. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
- 232 Essex Street – Storefront Rehabilitation - Request for comment
Ms. Guy stated that 232 Essex Street will be undergoing storefront improvements utilizing CDBG funds. She provided drawings for the Commission’s review.
Ms. Herbert stated that the sign looks almost cartoonish and is out of proportion with building. She suggested that they look at the signage approved for the Witches Brew with gold/brass letters.
Ms. Guy stated that it will go through Salem Redevelopment Authority design review.
Ms. Bellin stated that she did not mind the windows.
Mr. Hart recommended that windows have bronze finish and stated that the door color should match the windows.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Witches Brew signage and color scheme are a nice example.
Ms. Bellin suggested a dark sign with light lettering.
Ms. Herbert suggested a dark green background, with white trim with 3 dimensional, gold lettering. She stated that the style of letter should be more classical, similar to Witches Brew. She also suggested deleting the circles on the sign.
Ms. Herbert made a motion for Ms. Guy to forward the above comments. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
There being no further business, Ms. Bellin made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Herbert 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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