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P. MInutes - October 5, 2011, Approved
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 5, 2011
        
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA.  Present were Ms. Herbert, Ms . Bellin, Ms. McCrea, Ms. Keenan and Mr. Hart.

McIntire Historic District (in front of 370-372 Essex Street and 310 Essex/9 North Street)

The City of Salem submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two Plymouth Style vintage bike racks on the sidewalk front the Salem Public Library and one on the sidewalk fronting the rear entrance to the Witch House.  Frank Taormina of the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development was present.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
  • Cycle-Safe Plymouth U rack - CAD detail
Mr. Taormina provided an updated photo showing only one bike rack in front of the library.  He stated that the Director of the Library asked to go from two to one due to the proximity to the handicapped parking space.  Mr. Taormina explained that the City is receiving the bike racks as a Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) grant and just has to pay for shipping and installation.  He noted that several have already been installed in the downtown, many of which were the sleeve type that is placed over existing parking meters.  He stated that they also have an historic style rack, which are located near Old Town Hall, the Visitors Center and Lappin Park, etc.  He stated that the MAPC program is available one last time to municipalities.  For this round, the City and the Bike Path committee went for city-wide locations, such as parks and beaches, in addition to a few missed civil buildings from the prior round, such as the post office, City Hall and the Library.  The racks will be 2’ set back from curb edge and will accommodate one bike on each side.

Ms. Herbert asked if there are additional bike racks available that could be placed on the library property.

Mr. Taormina stated that the Library has their own bike racks on the property now, but that they are usable only when the gates are open.  He stated that the program is designed to create consistency and rider expectancy.  They will auger a hole in city sidewalk.

Dorothy Hayes, 329 Essex Street, stated that there is a certain symmetry with two racks.  She suggested that if there is only going to be one, that it be moved to the side line of the building.

Mr. Taormina stated that it can be set further away, but that he would not want it too far away from the entrance.

Mr. Hart suggested having one on each corner of the building.

Mr. Taormina stated that a new location was found for the extra rack.

Ms. McCrea asked about the problem about locating it near the handicapped parking.

Mr. Taormina stated that the Director of the Library felt there were too many structures in the vicinity, including a sign and newspaper box, which could make exiting a vehicle difficult for handicapped patrons.  The City agreed not to put one on that side of the crosswalk.

Mr. Hart suggested lining it up with the corner of the building.

Ms. Bellin suggested providing a location window.

VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the location of one bike rack each at the Library and at the Witch House as submitted with the Library location to be moved to line up with the front, left corner of the Library.   Ms. Keenan seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

Mr. Taormina noted that there will be a small decal on the rack.

91-93 Federal Street

Jean Colby Arlander Realty Trust submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove black 3-tab roof shingles and rubber roof and replace with dark gray slate-line shingles and new generation black rubber roof.  The rubber roof covers the ell addition on the house.  The work will also include the replacement of copper gutters on the back (south elevation) with new copper gutters.  Jane Arlander was present.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
Ms. Arlander stated that the roof is only visible from North Street.  She stated that she decided to go with GAF/ELK Slateline Lifetime Designer Shingles in English Gray Slate.  She noted that the ell is on right side of house by the driveway.  The gutter will be replaced in kind and the snow guards will be replaced.

VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application as submitted and to include replacement of the snow guard.  Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

365 Essex Street

Alan & Alison Barth submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for fence construction to close off areas between properties.  The applicant was not present.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
  • Fence sketches
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting.  Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

92 Derby Street

Benjamin Merrithew, James Griffith and David O’Sullivan submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install white aluminum gutters and downspouts.  Dimensions are 4” x 5” and .032 gauge.  Lisa Ainsworth and David O’Sullivan were present.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
  • Estimate from Reynolds Seamless Gutter, Inc.
Mr. O’Sullivan stated that there are currently no gutters.

Ms. Bellin asked if they are proposing to install them all around the house.

Mr. O’Sullivan replied in the affirmative.  

Ms. Herbert asked if they will have an ogee profile.

Mr. O’Sullivan replied in the affirmative, noting that they will be heavy gauge.

Ms. Herbert asked if the downspouts will be fluted or square.

Mr. O’Sullivan stated that he did not know.

Ms. Herbert stated that rectangular is a little less ornate.

Mr. O’Sullivan stated that they would like to keep it simple so that they are essentially invisible.

Ms. Herbert asked if they will be white.

Mr. O’Sullivan replied in the affirmative.

VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the application as submitted for white OG profile aluminum gutters and white rectangular downspouts.
Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

95 Federal Street

Robert & Janet Kendall, Wm. Aydelotte, Denae Comrie and Jo Fladger submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install 20 lineal feet of snow guard over the left upper level roof and to replace approximately 12 missing, cracked or loose slate on the left upper level roof. Bob, Denai and Jo present.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
  • Estimate from United Roofing Contractors
Ms. Herbert asked how the heater on the downspout was working.

Mr. Kendal stated that it seems to be working.  He stated that both the collection box with the larger downspout and the heated downspout worked last year, but noted that the snow was so great, they determined they need a snow guard.  He stated that it will go over the flat roof of the top roof.

Mr. Hart asked the finish on the snow guard.

Mr. Kendall stated that it will be stainless steel painted black.

VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application as submitted for a snow guard over the left upper level roof, stainless steel painted black.  Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

12 Rawlins Street

Eric Couture submitted an Application for Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance for complete demolition of 12 Rawlins Street.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
  • Email from Thomas St. Pierre, Building Inspector
  • Drawing of new property
Mr. Couture stated that he is going to the Zoning Board of Appeal to change it to a two-family.    He noted that it doesn’t meet set-backs.  He will use the same house design that that was built at 43 School Street.  

Ms. Bellin asked when they will start building.

Mr. Couture stated that they want to do the demolition and put in the foundation before November 15th, in order to get water and sewer.

Mr. Hart stated that it is inconceivable that the house would have been built with an average of 6’3” high ceilings.  He stated that he would like a site visit.

There was no public comment.

Ms. McCrea asked if the neighbors are in favor.

Mr. Couture replied in the affirmative.

VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting, pending a site visit on 11:00 on Saturday, October 8.  Ms. Bellin seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

14-16 Hodges Court

In continuation of a previous meeting, Gary and Gillian Benton submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove existing wooden entry stairs and wooden handrails and replace them with granite steps and wrought-iron handrails and to remove the fill pipe for an oil tank.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Photographs
  • Photo-shopped simulation of proposed steps
  • Owner’s drawing
The applicant was not present.

VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting.  Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

66 & 68 Derby Street

66 Derby Realty Trust submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the rear portion, renovate and add to 66 Derby Street and to construct a new residence at 68 Derby Street.  David Jaquith, Neal and Jay Levy.

Documents & Exhibits
  • Application
  • Drawings prepared by David F. Jaquith Architects & Planners
Jay Levy stated that the plan was initially for three units, but that the Building Inspector did not believe that the ZBA could grant a variance because of the change in use.  They decided to go back and revise the plan, which is now to subdivide the parcel, construct a new single family on one side and renovate the existing structure on the other.  He stated that the Building Inspector felt that this was something he could get behind.  They had to go before the ZBA for a number of dimensional variances.  They met with the Derby Street Neighborhood Association and with the neighbors.  The new plan is overwhelmingly  supported and it has been approved by the ZBA and Planning Board.  He stated that they plan to set the foundation for #68 now, and not construct until Spring.  He stated that they would like to spend more time on the #66 plan so that they can get renovation underway.  

Mr. Jaquith reviewed the drawings with the Commission.

Jay Levy noted that they have already gutted the interior so that they could evaluate.  

Neal Levy stated that the floor systems in the entire building were so bad, they were not salvageable.  They will need new floor joists from one end to the other.

Mr. Jaquith stated that the rear portion has no merit and is probably mid-1800s, maybe 1840s.   They will bring back a center entrance with simple Colonial door.  The ell sticks out and is a gambrel and has a back door. There will be cedar clapboards, 4” to weather.  They do not know the paint color yet.  He stated that they are proposing an aluminum clad Jeldwen window, same as the Elks.

Ms. Guy pulled the Elks file and stated that the windows approved were Marvin Ultimate Double Hung.  The certificate did not specify wood or aluminum, but she stated that she is certain that the intent would have been for an all wood window.  She noted that she now specifies in the Certificates that windows must be wood exterior, as there appears to be instances where developers/owners/contractors are installing wood interior with exterior clad with aluminum, which was never the intent.

Jay Levy stated that they are willing to go with wood.  He stated that the Jeldwen window is available in wood.

Mr. Hart stated that the muntin profile appears to be close to a traditional profile.

Mr. Jaquith stated that this period house would have a thinner profile.

Mr. Hart stated that he wanted to make sure the exterior muntin has a putty line.

Neal Levy stated that it has the historic sill on the bottom.

Ms. Herbert stated that if there is a choice of metal casing on the panes, the Commission prefers bronze.

Mr. Jaquith stated that the chimney will be taken up higher to meet the code for the fireplace.

Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission will want to know the color of the brick.

Mr. Hart suggested a conventional water struck brick.

Ms. Herbert stated that the mortar should have an antique look.
        
Mr. Hart suggested a harder, weathering mortar composition for the chimney.  

Jay Levy stated that he preferred an architectural roof shingle.

Mr. Hart stated that he preferred 3-tab.

Ms. Keenan asked how many square feet the building will be.

Neal Levy stated that it will be around 1800 s.f. on three floors.

Mr. Jaquith stated that the heating will be back in the jog .  He stated that if they go with foam, no ridge vent is needed.

VOTE: Mr. Bellin made a motion to approve the demolition of rear addition.  Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve Plan #1 and Plan #2 for dated 9/19/11 for 66 Derby Street with the following specifics:
  • Replace existing skylight with Velux skylight of same size and location
  • Doors to be 6 panel, solid wood with solid wood surrounds
  • Front and back door to have 1 or 2 granite platform steps
  • Gambrel trim at transition between lower & upper roof to be painted Azek, between 6-8” for length of roof
  • Windows to be Jeldwen Premium Siteline EX with wood exterior, 5/8” profile, with bronze metal casing on panes if available.  To be 6 over 6 sash  per Plan 1 and 2 with the exception of 4 over 4 where  noted on Plan #1.   Window casings to have lentils.  
  • Roof to be 3-tab black or charcoal grey.  No ridge vent.
  • Chimney to have natural water or sand struck brick, with light grey or white cement in mortar mix.  Terra cotta flue.  Lead flashing.  Owner to provide sample of brick for approval before construction.
  • Vents, gas meters & air conditioning equipment  to be non-visible from the public way.  Water/electric meters to be interior installed.  Plumbing vents through roof be located toward house rear, PVC, black
  • Lot line wall to be retained and repaired using stone-washed color stucco and cement cap
  • Cedar clapboards, 4” to weather; Install conventional wood water table and cornerboards
  • Owner to apply for paint colors and fence at later date.
Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

Jay Levy stated that for 68 Derby Street, they are looking for approval of shape and foundation.

Mr. Jaquith reviewed the 68 Derby Street Plan #1, #2 & #3 dated 9/19/11 and Plan C site plan dated 10/5/11.

VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve construction of a foundation at 68 Derby Street as shown in Plan C dated October 5, 2011.  Owner to apply for remainder of house details at later date.  Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried

Other Business

Violations/Complaints

Ms. Guy stated that the Building Inspector cited 388 Essex Street for porch work.  The owner has called he and will be applying.

Ms. Guy stated that she received an e-mail from a resident at 70 Essex Street, Unit2, regarding 60-62 Washington Square.  The issues raised were duct tape wrapped faux chimney in the rear and brown storm windows.  Ms. Herbert stated that she contacted Mr. Legon, who stated that he will have the chimney completed within a week.  She noted that the Commission does not have jurisdiction over storms.  She noted that, if asked, owners will be advised that the Commission recommends that paint color of sash and storms be the same color.  

Ms. Guy noted that the she recalled from years ago, at the Commission’s request, adding into the guidelines that the Commission has jurisdiction over storm color, but stated that it is not specified in the ordinance and has never been challenged in court.  She did not know if the Commission could actually assert jurisdiction.

Ms. Herbert noted that, for this property, three condos have been sold, so they are no longer under the same ownership.  She guessed that Mr. Legon painted the storms in an attempt to match the church in Beverly for which the Commission approved the paint scheme for this address.

Ms. Guy noted that past practice has been not to saddle a new owner with a violation that was not of their making and questioned if the Commission actually could consider this a violation.  She noted that there was another recent paint job on another property, where the storms were painted a different color and the Commission did not take any action.

Mr. Hart stated that the Commission does not have jurisdiction over storms, but does have jurisdiction over paint. He stated that for future applications, the Commission needs to ask.  He suggested that when the owners of this address repaint in a few years, they should be asked to paint the sash and storms in the same color and that a note be placed in the file in this regard.

Ms. Guy stated that Ms. Herbert has suggested putting together a checklist of items to review for these larger renovations.

Other

Ms. Herbert stated that she and Ms. Bellin attended the meeting of the consulting parties at DHCD in Boston for the St. Joseph’s redevelopment project.  She noted that she previously told HSI that the only way there might be consideration for saving the church would be if a plan that saved church was developed.  She stated that Ed Nilsson, architect, came up with a plan to put in 51 units and have 1750 s.f. of community space into the church.  It keeps the center of the church open in order to have atrium go all the way up.  His plan adds a third strip of windows to the side, so there is minimal change.  The tower would stay. The crucifix would come off the front.  There was a second plan done by Morris Schopf with 32 untis, which also provided community and performance/gallery space.  At the consulting parties’ meeting, Brandee Laughlin from MHC was quite interested in the Nilsson scheme and saw the merit of investigating it.  POUA needs to review the plan and come back within a few days.  She noted that POUA has funds for a new building.  She stated that if the Nilsson plan is feasible, there is still the question if they can take the current funding and apply it to the redevelopment of the church.  The consulting party next meeting is October 17th in Boston.  

Mr. Hart stated that the Section 106 process specifies that if a building is threatened when using state or federal funds or permitting, the proponent is obligated to investigate alternatives to avoid or mitigate adverse effects.  He stated that POUA was responsible for investigating.

Ms. Herbert stated that they did discuss other mitigating factors.  She stated that because the church is so large, it limits who could use it, such as performance space, noting that there are other performance spaces available, including Old Town Hall, Salem State, etc.  and that anyone who could use the church space probably would not have the funds to purchase it.  She noted that she was told that if all 4 buildings are kept, they would be eligible for tax credits; but, once the interior of the church is changed, the tax credits go away for the church.

Mr. Hart stated that it would be advantageous to hire someone who does tax credit work for a living to investigate.

Ms. Udy asked if there are any ideas on what the convent could be used for.

Mr. Hart stated that it could be SRO, but did not think the neighbors would want that.

Ms. Herbert stated that Lifebridge does not have the funds to build over the bingo hall yet, so they may be looking for space.  She stated that one of problems is that currently federal funds are only available for affordable rental housing in perpetuity, so there are no market rate units.  She stated that the idea now is to try to expedite this and see if a new plan can be done and what we can do to make it happen really quick.

Mr. Hart stated that he is very encouraged that MHC is having the proponent pursue alternatives.

VOTE: There being no further business, Ms. Bellin made a motion to adjourn.  Ms. McCrea  seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane A. Guy
Clerk of the Commission