SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
JULY 7, 2010
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Diozzi, Ms. Herbert, Ms. Harper, Ms. McCrea and Mr. Spang.
27 Herbert Street
Ms. Diozzi noted that a unanimous vote would be needed with only 4 members present.
Nancy A. Corral Realty Trust submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace 3 deteriorated concrete caps with bluestone. Existing brick piers to be reused.
Documents & Exhibits
John Walsh, 52 Orchard Street, contractor, stated that the bluestone will have an 1 ½” overhang all around. They will be approximately the same thickness as the existing caps.
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.
9 North Street
Historic Salem, Inc. submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove three oil vent and fill pipes on the north side of the building and to add a gas service pipe in the are of the existing oil pipes. All three existing holes will be plugged. The application is also to install an exhaust vent on the back (west) side of the building about 18” to the left of the window and about four feet above grade level as required by code. Two design options are 1) a single 6” vent with a circular cap (preferred, but may not longer be available) or 2) two separate pipes, respectively 4” and 3” separated by a distance of 12”, covered by a single rectangular cap. The exhaust vent is minimally visible from Eaton Place. The changes are need to replace an oil
boiler with anew gas boiler. The meter will be installed in the basement. Darrow Lebovici represented the applicant.
Documents & Exhibits
Mr. Lebovici stated that the 6” single concentric vent does not meet code, and that the plumber has indicated that a second one is needed. He stated that he was not sure if it will be a 4” and 3” or a 4” and 4”. He did not think there would be caps. The pipes would stick out about 4-6’. They are some kind of plastic, possibly PVC. He did not know if there would be an external plate and if so, if it would also be plastic.
Ms. Diozzi stated that she has not seen PVC pipes with a plate.
Mr. Spang asked if they needed to be so close to the window and believed they needed to be 10’ away from an operable window.
Mr. Lebovici stated that the idea is to run the pipe through the basement and then through the closet. He stated that the plumber spec’d it out, but noted that it is conceivable that it would have to be moved over.
Ms. Herbert stated that, if moved, it could be hidden with shrubbery.
Mr. Lebovici stated that the only public way it is visible from is Eaton Place. He stated that at the time of the application, they had not chosen a contractor. They now have a contractor.
Mr. Spang did not see the need for a covered cap over the two pipes.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application for two pipes on West side to code as far away from window and as low as possible.
Mr. Lebovici stated that he would like it 3-4’ above grade so it is not hit by snow plows.
Ms. Herbert added to the motion to remove the 3 oil and vent pipes on the north side. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
35 Flint Street
Bowditch Place Condominium Trust submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the existing slate roof shingles on the west side of the hipped roof on the 3 story portion of the building and replace with Certainteed Centennial Slate asphalt shingles – color Smokey Quartz – and install new copper valleys at the dormer. Remove and replace snow guards.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- New shingle sample
- Old shingle sample
Harry Gundersen, architect, stated that the rear section of the roof is in poor condition and is leaking. They will remove the slate and use the slates to repair the other 3 sides. The removed section will be replaced with asphalt shingles. It is possible in Winter to see a piece of the roof from Federal Street. Other than that it can only be seen from Kelleher Way. The proposed is similar in color to the existing slate.
Mr. Spang stated that the dormer is not original to the old school.
Ms. Herbert asked if it will have color variation as shown in the flyer.
Mr. Gundersen stated that he has a large sample piece and it does not appear as varied as the flyer.
Ms. Diozzi asked if it came without the beveled edge.
Mr. Gundersen replied in the negative for this style.
Ms. Herbert questioned if it should be considered non-applicable due to being minimally visible.
Mr. Gundersen stated that the purpose is to be able to retain slate on the other 3 sides as long as possible by using the slate on this side for repairs.
Ms. Harper asked if they have looked at other types.
Mr. Gundersen stated that they have looked at the Grand Slate, but prefer the Certainteed. In Grand Slate, they would prefer Essex Green or Bristol Grey.
Ms. Diozzi liked the compatibility of the Essex Green to the slate in color. She stated that she was troubled by the Certainteed’s shape. She was concerned that in the future the condominium would apply to replace additional sides of the roof.
Mr. Gundersen stated that they condominium purchased the shingles already and have engaged the contractor.
Ms. Harper stated that they know better, and are aware they are in a district.
Ms. Herbert stated that the owners should be able to return the purchased shingles.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the Grand Slate in Essex Green. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
10 Monroe Street
Mary and Ron Hartfelder submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for replacement of the fence encompassing the entire property, with the exception of the six foot barrier between # 6 and #10 Monroe. Will paint in existing fence color, but will change the design of the pickets and post cap size. The existing 4’ solid fence to be raised to 6’ on the Monroe Street side. Proposed color is Mayonnaise. The applicants were not present.
Mr. Orille L’Heureux, 6 Monroe Street, stated that he had no objection.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Paint chip – Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise OC-85
- Boston Fence Company proposal
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted with pyramid caps. New fence replacement to be painted mayonnaise as per proposal. Mr. Spang seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
24 English Street
Chalifour Limited Family Partnership submitted an application to waive the Demolition Delay Ordinance to demolish 24 English Street in its entirety. Original construction date is approximately 1850. Building size is 19’ x 28’, is deteriorated and under-built for current mass state building code renovation requirements. Existing shallow foundation is not suitable for re-use or renovation. The proposal is to construct a new 24’ x 28’ two storey single family dwelling with architectural features suiting the current neighborhood. Mary Woodcock and Alan Dennis represented the applicant.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application & cover letter
- Photographs
- Structural Report completed by Allan W. Dennis P.E., dated 5/27/10
- Architectural drawings of proposed new dwelling completed by HND Architects, dated 6/24/10.
Ms. Harper asked the building code renovation requirement.
Mr. Dennis stated that the new MA building code states that if spending 30%+ of fair market value of the building, the entire structure must be brought up to code.
Ms. Woodcock stated that she owned the abutting house at #22. The front house is a 2-family and the back house is a 1 family and we treat it as a 3 family. We have owned it since 1972. They go before the ZBA on July 21st. It will go from 19 x 28 to 24 x 28.
Ms. Diozzi asked the proposed siding material.
Ms. Herbert stated that the plans show vinyl siding.
Ms. Woodcock stated that the existing is asbestos and vinyl siding.
Ms. Diozzi asked if the front building was vinyl.
Ms. Woodcock replied that it is wood.
Ms. Diozzi asked if they would consider wood for the new house.
Ms. Woodcock stated that they could consider it. She stated that they also own and manage 42 rental units throughout Salem including 22, 24 and 42 English Street, as well as 4 and 13 Allen Street, that they have owned since the 1970’s. They are asking for the space to be larger so that they can keep a 3 bedroom unit.
Ms. Herbert asked if they could consider locating the new building behind the other to improve the parking situation.
Ms. Woodcock stated that they can fit 4 cars and 6 in snow emergencies. When they look for candidates to rent, they do not look for 3 roommates with 3 vehicles. They take the number of cars into consideration when renting.
Mr. Spang noted that it would cross the parcel line between 22 and 24.
Ms. Herbert noted that they could change the shape of the building to make it fit.
Ms. Woodcock stated that they are applying for special permit, not variances.
Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the application. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried. Ms. Harper abstained from voting.
Other Business
Ms. Guy stated that she received an additional 7 emails (3 from out of state, one from Topsfield and 3 from Lynn) regarding the Walmart/Lowes project near Spring Pond.
There being no further business, Mr. Spang made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Harper 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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