SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
DECEMBER 15, 2010
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Diozzi, Mr. Hart, Ms. Harper, Ms. Bellin and Ms. Keenan.
Ms. Herbert entered later in the meeting.
135 Federal Street
Brenton Dickson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of three garage doors and the installation of a fence. Ms. Dickson and Helen Sides were also present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Fax of Proposal by Door Services, Inc.
- Sawmill Creek fax of proposed door Silver Series arched transom lite units per proposal #SC-SDOX011291
- Siemasko & Verbridge Site Plan Drawing
- Gemstone Aluminum fencing catalog page copy
Ms. Sides stated that they are proposing to replace all 3 garage doors with standing rolling doors with beadboard diagonally applied. The door itself will be rectangular with an arched top. The brick will conceal the top of the door so it will appear to be arched. There are similar doors on Warren Street.
Ms. Herbert joined the meeting at this time.
Mr. Hart asked if it will be solid wood.
Ms. Sides replied in the affirmative, stating that it will be cedar. They will be painted black.
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Sides stated that they are proposing to use the same fencing on the property beginning from the rear property line along the southern lot line approximately half way along the lot line and returning into the house at the porch corner. The fence will be Gemstone Opal Aluminum which will appear to disappear behind the shrubbery.
Ms. Herbert asked the spacing.
Ms. Dickson stated that the spacing will be the same as existing, but the spindles will be thinner than existing.
Mr. Hart stated that the existing fence is not visible due to the existing shrubs.
Ms. Harper made a motion to approve the fence as submitted. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
15 ½ River Street
Peter G. Eschauzier submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a one-story addition of a bathroom to the rear of the house. All materials and colors to match existing and new fence to match existing. Ms. Eschauzier and Helen Sides were also present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Helen F. Sides, Archititect LLC drawings
- Bay State Surveying Associates, Inc. mortgage inspection drawing
- Catalog page copies of Velux skylight
Ms. Sides stated that the addition will be visible from Andover Street. It will be going before the Zoning Board. It will be a one-story shed addition. The neighbor has kindly said he will let them use access through his yard to build, but his one request is to restore the fence in the same location. The building inspector has indicated that windows cannot be on an elevation with a zero lot line, so they are proposing skylights. They are proposing two of the smallest Velux skylights that are made. They will replant the existing trees or replace them, to make it dense again.
Mr. Hart asked the separation between the house and fence.
Ms. Sides stated that it will be really tight.
Mr. Eschauzier stated that the fence may be screwed to the addition and then be removable for maintenance between.
Mr. Hart stated that flashing should be considered.
Fred Biebesheimer, 17 ½ River Street, stated that the owners have been doing a terrific job renovating. He was in support of the application.
Mr. Hart stated that the roof should be 3-tab.
Ms. Herbert made a motion to approve the application as submitted, with a 3-tab roof to match the existing roof. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Other Business
A. Minutes
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the minutes of December 1, 2010. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
- Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Historic Properties Survey – Update Discussion
Ms. Guy stated that the City has hired Lisa Mausolf to undertake a historic properties survey in the Bridge Street neighborhood, which was proposed to survey 125 of the oldest un-surveyed properties in the Bridge Street Neck. Of the 125 that met this criteria, there are approximately 25 homes that are extensively altered and have seriously compromised integrity and Ms. Mausolf has suggested that she survey 25 newer homes that have more historic significance. The additional proposed criteria is:
- Any property pre-1850 (as suggested by MHC);
- Properties located in the existing National Register district ; and
- Properties closest to the Common end of the district, where there is some possible neighborhood interest to create or expand the local historic district (Northey St. area and the area between Bridge Street, Winter, Pleasant and the Common).
There are 143 properties that meet this criteria. Ms. Guy asked if the Commission had any comment on the proposed properties for survey and any recommendations on the whether the final 125 should be selected by location, by integrity or by age, or be left up to the consultant to decide based on all three.
Ms. Harper felt that the properties for potential historic district should be included.
Ms. Bellin agreed that the pre-1850 and the area were there is a potential for historic districts be surveyed and that the rest to be survey be at the consultant’s discretion.
Ms. Keenan was in agreement.
- Ms. Guy stated that to date there are no applications for the January 5th meeting, but that the deadline is December 20th. She noted that she will be on vacation from December 17th to December 27th and suggested that the Commission cancel the January 5th meeting. Ms. Bellin made a motion to cancel the January 5th meeting. Ms. Herbert seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
- Mr. Hart stated that he met with some people from Lynn who are concerned that there are Native American resources at the site of the proposed Walmart/Lowes project. He suggested that they hire a professional archaeologist. He asked if the city has any survey work there.
Ms. Guy stated she could check the archaeological report, but noted that the maps were not public documents. Mr. Hart asked for a report on the findings at the next meeting.
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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