SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 7, 2012
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 7:30 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Ms. Herbert, Ms. Harper, Mr. Spang, and Mr. Hart.
Ms. McCrea and Ms. Keenan arrived later in the meeting.
Ms. Guy stated that there will be no second meeting in November, as there are no applications and that it falls on the night before Thanksgiving.
15 Chestnut Street
Peter Gordon and Karen Hayes presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to repair the rear house gutter and install a white aluminum downspout. The current copper gutter is damaged, with a low spot draining water down the side of the house. The temporary repair is to create a drain outlet in the low spot with the downspout.
Documents & Exhibits
Mr. Gordon provided a picture showing the damage. He indicated that the proposal if for a temporary repair. In order to repair the entire copper gutter, they will need to rip up roof, so they won’t do the permanent repair until they are ready to replace the roof. He provided a picture with a mock up of the downspout.
Ms. McCrea joined the meeting at this time.
Mr. Gordon stated that they already have white downspouts at the corners of the house.
Ms. Herbert suggested painting the downspout to match the clapboard.
Mr. Gordon stated that he would be willing.
Mr. Hart asked if there was any way to jack the gutter up.
Mr. Gordon stated that some brackets are broken.
Mr. Spang suggested running the gutter to the left near the lower roof.
Mr. Hart asked which roofer he is using.
Mr. Gordon stated that they are using American steeple.
Mr. Hart stated that it will be minimally visible from street.
Ms. Guy suggested tucking it as close to the side and bottom of the window as possible and then running over to the corner of the ell.
Ms. Herbert stated that if they have a professional job, curving it around may look reasonable.
There was no public comment.
Ms. Harper stated that she liked the idea of running it over to the corner.
Mr. Hart stated that if they paint it out, it will be minimally obtrusive. He suggested allowing the temporary solution for 3 years .
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve temporary repair (not to exceed 3 years) of rear house gutter by installing aluminum downspout at the low point of the gutter straight down along side the left side third floor window and then running across left under the window to the corner of the house and straight down. Downspout to be painted to match the body color of the house.
Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Keenan joined the meeting at this time.
46 Chestnut Street
Randall Realty Trust submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness move an existing fence post 3 ½” to the right and move the entry gate further back on the property. This will allow for the addition of a parking space while preserving the iron fence. John and Catherine Randall and James Emmanuel were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- James K. Emmanuel Associates Landscape Architects drawings
A letter from Rick Jagolta, 41 Chestnut Street, in support of the application, was read.
Mr. Emmanuel stated that they are proposing to move a fence post to be parallel to the line of the house and to move a fence post and gate further back. They will add one piece of granite to allow the gate to latch to it. They will pave the area in brick. The fence section in front will be cut to attach the relocated post.
Mr. Hart asked the distance from the corner of the house to the gate.
Mr. Emmanuel stated that it is about 26’. He stated that from the corner of the house to the fence post is 6 ½ ft.
Ms. Randall noted that they only have one car.
Mr. Hart asked the width.
Mr. Emmanuel stated that it is just under 9’ wide at the fence post.
Mr. Hart asked who owns fence.
Mr. Randall stated that they and their neighbor jointly own the white fence.
Mr. Hart asked if there are any changes proposed for the white fence.
Mr. Randall replied in the negative.
Mr. Spang asked if they will need a curb cut.
Mr. Emmanuel stated that they will have to cut a piece. They will extend the granite cobbles.
Mr. Hart suggested checking with the building inspector to see if they need a permit for the curb cut.
Ms. Guy also suggested the city engineer.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Spang stated that he was not crazy about doing it, but noted that it makes sense in the modern world. He stated that for the gate in back, it would make sense to have the fence continue to the other fence.
Mr. Emmanuel stated that they are proposing a boxwood hedge.
Ms. Randall stated that she was willing to extend the fence all the way across.
Ms. Herbert stated that they may have some leftover fence from the front.
Mr. Spang stated that if it fits, it would be great, but if not it could be fabricated.
Ms. Randall stated that nothing will be thrown out. It will be kept and reused if possible.
Mr. Spang stated that they could the shift gate over and put the newer fence part toward the house, so as not to put the re-creation next to the original.
Ms. Herbert stated that it looks pretty simple to fabricate.
Ms. Guy noted that it is pretty far back as well.
MOTION: Ms. Harper made a motion, per drawings submitted, to remove a portion of fence and move the right front fence post over by 3 ½’ (to align with corner of house) to create approximate 9’opening. Move second fence post, gate and removed section of fence from the front fence back into yard to run from the corner of the bay window across to the white wooden fence. Fabricate additional balusters as need to match. Attach to foundation or option to add granite post.
Mr. Hart suggested an amendment that all metal work be black to match existing.
Ms. Harper so amended her motion.
VOTE: Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
20 Chestnut Street
Shawn and Craig Smith presented an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace and install a high efficiency heating and air conditioning system for the house, which will require 2 condenser units to be placed on the exterior of the property and a gas line run to the attic on the exterior side of the house.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Catalog page of Infinity System Condenser
- Site plan
Ms. Smith stated that the gas line will now be run on the inside. She provided a site plan showing the location of the condensers. There will be a small PVC pipe coming out of the rear roof of the house. The condenser units are about the same height as the fence. The top might be seen from Botts Court. It will be obscured with shrubbery. The units proposed have the highest rating, and are the quietest units. She noted that heating is uneven in the house.
Mr. Hart asked if there was visibility from Hamilton.
Mr. Smith stated that there was none.
Mr. Hart stated that the only visibility is Botts Court down the little alley way.
Ms. Smith stated that it is pretty much behind the fence.
Mr. Hart asked if the unit will serve the whole house.
Ms. Smith replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Hart stated that Mitsubishi systems are extremely quiet.
Ms. Smith stated that they have to use companies that work with Mass Saves, and that it should be comparable.
Mr. Smith stated that they were told the proposed is quieter than a window unit.
Lou Siriani, 6 Botts Court stated that his property abuts in the back. He stated that the neighbors are delighted with work the applicants have done since purchasing the property. He added that they notice the effort put into the landscape, which has a positive impact on the neighborhood. He stated that he was in favor of the proposal.
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the installation of two condenser units as noted in drawings submitted to be essentially concealed by fence and shrubbery. Install PVC pipe (black) on rear roof of house. Mr. Hart seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
MBTA Intermodal Station Project – Review/comment on submittals received including:
- MBTA letter dated 10/23/12 to Massachusetts Historical Commission, including Draft Memorandum of Agreement
- Public Archaeology Laboratory’s Technical Proposal for Archaeological Date Recovery Program for the railroad roundhouse
Ms. Guy stated that the Commission was emailed copies of the submittals on October 24th.
Mr. Hart stated that the MOA is certainly comprehensive and professionally prepared. He stated that he had no comments.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to send a letter that the MOA is comprehensive and professionally prepared and that the Commission has no comments. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
36 Felt Street
In continuation of a prior meeting, James R. Treadwell presented an application for Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance for the barn at 36 Felt Street (formerly at 18 Felt Street).
Documents & Exhibits
- Application
- Photographs
- Plan of Charles A. Ropes Estate, March, 1907
- Original plan of land, 18 Felt Street, by ICECAT, December 15, 2011
- Approved plan of land, 18 Felt Street, by ICECAT, June 18, 2012
- Memo from J.R. Treadwell summarizing inspection completed by Woodford Bros., Inc.
Ms. Guy stated that the Building Inspector has declared the barn an unsafe structure on November 6th and directed that within 24 hours the owner begin to secure, repair or remove the structure. She stated that Mr. Treadwell had submitted some drawings and photographs to the Building Department, which have been given to her. She added that Mr. Treadwell is willing to take additional digital photographs.
No further action is required on this application.
Mr. Hart suggested working out with the Building Inspector, before he issues the demolition order, that he request photo documentation and measurements.
Other Business
Ms. Guy stated that she drafted a letter of support for the City’s FY13 Survey and Planning Grant application for the Dickson Memorial Chapel in Greenlawn Cemetery.
VOTE: Ms. McCrea made a motion to submit the letter of support. Mr. Spang seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Ms. Guy reminded the Commission that Roll Barressi & Associates will be getting neighborhood input at the NIAC Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 regarding neighborhood history sign development. She encouraged Commission members to attend.
VOTE: There being no further business, Mr. Hart made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Spang 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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