SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 5, 2013
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Jessica Herbert, Laurie Bellin, Chad Garner, David Hart, Joanne McCrea, Laurence Spang, and Jane Turiel.
173 Federal Street
Gianna Della Monica submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a grapevine trellis. The trellis will be constructed out of unpainted pressure treated cedar wood. It will be 30ft in length and 6ft in height. The posts will be constructed out of 4x4s the rails 2x2s with a diamond pattern in the center constructed out of 2x2s. Gianna Della Monica and William Brooking were present.
Documents & Exhibits
Mr. Brooking stated that the fence will follow the fence line from the existing fence further back. He had already installed the posts. They are currently a little higher than 6’ but will be trimmed down. The fence will be in 8 foot sections that are 5 1/2 feet high. There will be a 2x4s along the top, connecting the posts. The fence will be approximately 50 ft long. There will be a net draped over the trellis to protect the grapes. They were planning to have a diamond design in between the posts, however they can just have wires if the Commission would prefer.
Ms. Herbert asked if there will be caps on the post.
Mr. Brooking responded in the negative.
Mr. Spang asked if the wires would be 1foot on center.
Mr. Brooking responded that the wires will be10” apart with one vertical wire connecting them.
Ms. Herbert asked if the applicants spoke with the neighbor about the trellis.
Mr. Brooking responded in the affirmative. The next door neighbor is aware of the trellis.
Mr. Spang asked if the wood would be left unpainted.
Mr. Brooking responded in the affirmative
Mr. Spang asked if the trellis will connect to the fence.
Mr. Brooking responded that there will be a space between the existing fence and trellis. The trellis will not extend up to the street.
There was no public comment
VOTE:
Ms. McCrea made a motion to approve the application as presented with the pro visa that the fence will end 10’ from the street.
Mr. Garner seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
106 Derby Street
Tina Leyser Layne submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to:
- On left side of house, remove awning window and install double casement window
- On right side of house:
- Remove awning window closest to street and awning window beyond chimney, close openings with siding to match surrounding wall.
- Remove aluminum frame sliding glass doors and install pair of double hung sash windows. Close lower part of opening with siding to match surrounding wall
- Remove awning window farthest from street and install double-hung sash window
Proposed windows will be Anderson 400 Series in the same style and color as windows approve and installed in 2008. Tina Leyser Layne was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/7/2013
- Photographs: 5/7/2013
- Window Specifications: 5/7/2013
Ms. Herbert stated that she reviewed the 2008 application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. It appears as though the approved windows have muntins that are permanently glued on the inside and outside of the window.
Ms. Leyser Layne responded that is correct for the windows on the front and side. The windows on the right side behind the chimney and last window on the left only have pop out grills.
Ms. Herbert asked if the proposed windows would have the permanent muntins.
Ms. Leyser Layne responded that she would prefer the pop out.
Ms. Herbert stated that the previous pop out grills were approved because they were minimally visible.
Ms. Leyser Layne noted that the proposed windows are also minimally visible.
Ms. Herbert passed around the minutes from the 2008 meeting to the Commission members.
Mr. Spang asked if the windows will be painted to match the existing windows.
Ms. Leyser Layne responded in the affirmative.
Ms. Herbert stated that in 2008 the commission approved the snap in muntins that can be barely seen. For the new windows commission could approve the similar thing but the highly visible windows may be fixed muntins.
Ms. Leyser Layn stated that the awning window in the proposal is over a sink. She would like that to be a double casement to make it easier to open.
There was no public comment.
VOTE:
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application as submitted due to the fact that the proposed windows are on a side elevation and barely visible from the street.
Ms. Mccrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
22 Chestnut Street
Nina Cohen and Craig Barrows submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install new double bead half round 16oz copper gutters across half the front of the house with a downspout at the end of the gutter, across the half of the back main house to replace the current deteriorated downspout, and along the new additional parallel to Hamilton St to replace a missing gutter. Nina Cohen and Craig Barrows were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/17/2013
- Photographs: 5/17/2013
Ms. Cohen stated that the house is being repainted and they are replacing the front fence for both 20 & 22 Chestnut Street. There hasn’t been a gutter on the building in at least 28 years.
Ms. Herbert asked if the gutters will be left natural.
Ms. Cohen responded in the affirmative.
Mr. Hart asked if the downspouts will be galvanized.
Ms. Cohen responded that for the gutter that blew off of the two story addition, the downspout already exists. The other downspout is in rough shape and will be replaced with a galvanized downspout and painted
Ms. Herbert asked if the existing downspout is the fluted.
Ms. Cohen stated that she believes it is fluted.
Mr. Hart stated that the downspouts appear to be fluted, in the picture.
Ms. Turiel asked what color will the spouts be painted.
Ms. Cohen responded white. They would prefer if the spouts came down the edge rather than wrapping around the corner of the house in order to keep the water off the sidewalk.
The public comment period was opened.
Meg Toohey, 122 federal Street, supports the application.
The public comment period was closed.
VOTE:
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application as submitted with pro visa that new downspout is galvanized metal to match the rest of the house and painted white.
Mr. Garner seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
103 Federal Street
John McIver submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a rear 2nd floor balcony. The balcony will be 6ft by 16ft built on top of an existing sunroom structure. The railing for the balcony will be 42” high, the design will mimic the fence at 97 Federal Street. The railing will be painted white. John McIver was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/14/2013
- Photographic Depiction: 5/14/2013
Mr. Hart stated that he will be recusing himself as a direct abutter and moved to the audience.
Ms. Herbert stated that, while she had recused herself before as having a potential financial conflict with this applicant, her potential financial conflict no longer exists.
Mr. Spang asked what the rules were for an applicant reapplying to the Historical Commission after previously receiving a denial.
Ms. Herbert responded that the Assistant City Solicitor, Robin Stein, send an email that she is not aware of a waiting period to reapply.
Mr. McIver stated that in the current application they have moved the door to the deck towards the middle of the house. The flat roof for the sunroom was deformed from the weight of snow sitting on the roof. Access to the roof by way of a balcony would help to alleviate the snow removal issue.
Ms. Herbert noted that the proposal does not include a trellis for screening from the neighbors. She mentioned that, as discussed at previous meeting, the Historical Commision has no jurisdiction over privacy or zoning issues. She also stated that the proposal is minimally visibility from Federal Court and is not visible from Beckford Street. She question whether the Commission should wait to vote on the application until they receive a final decision from the City Solicitor regarding the legality of reapplying.
John Carr, stated that Chapter 40A and the Rules of Order for the City do not allow for an applicant to reapply unless a motion to reconsider is made immediately after the denial. He question whether the ¾ hip roof was a change. Procedurally, the Historical Commission would not want an applicant coming in every 2 weeks on an application because they are denied.
Ms. Bellin noted that there is a difference between a prevailing vote and motion that failed. There was not a prevailing vote against the previous application.
Mr. John Carr responded that once an application lacks the vote for approval, it is over. He questioned the legality of Mr. Garner stating his approval of the previous application, despite the fact that he had missed meetings on the item.
Mr. Garner responded that he had missed one out of several meetings on the application. He was at all prior meetings and was advised that he could make the statement.
Mr. Spang would like the City Solicitor’s guidance on the issue. Specifically, he would like an official decision on what the regulations are regarding reviewing an application that previously failed to be approved.
Ms. McCrea stated that at the last meeting, she understood that there would be a closing on the real estate. She asked if there is now a new owner.
Mr. McIver responded that he is moving the application forward for the buyers, they would continue.
The public comment period was opened.
Jennifer Luct, prospective buyer of 103 Federal Street, asked if as the new owners can could apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the balcony.
Ms. Herbert responded that the Commission would get an answer on that.
Jane Arlander, 93 Federal St, questioned when the roof was changed from a ½ hip roof to a flat roof. Looking at google maps, the roof was historically not a flat roof. Additionally, the large fascia was not previously there. Finally, there are pictures that show the balcony is visible from Beckford Street.
Ms. Herbert responded that of Mr. McIver made any changes to fascia or pitch of the roof, hee should talk with Ms. Lovett about how to get approval for those changes.
The public comment period was closed.
VOTE:
Mr. Spang made a motion to continue the application until the next meeting so that they may receive an official decision from the City Solicitor regarding whether an applicant reapply to the Historical Commission after a denial with an identical application and whether a change in ownership changes the reapplication procedure.
Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. Ms. Herbert, Ms. McCrea, Ms. Turiel were in favor. And the motion so carried. Mr. Garner abstained from the vote.
41 Flint Street
Wayne Sousa and Mary Simpson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new fence along their property line. The fence will be a 36” wood picket fence increasing to a 6’ flat board fence. The pickets will be 2x2” square with 6x6” posts. The picket fence will be black to match the existing fence in front of the house. The board fence will be left natural to match the existing fencing surrounding the remainder of the house. Wayne Sousa and Mary Simpson were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/17/2013
- Photographs: 9/24/2012 &5/15/2013
- Plot Plan: 5/17/2013
Ms. Simpson stated that there will not be a fence where the shed is.
Ms. Herbert clarified that instead of the pickets it will be the spindles.
Mr. Sousa responded in the affirmative. The fence will gradually rise to 6’.
Ms. Herbert asked if the wrought iron fence will remain.
Ms. Simpson responded in the affirmative. The wrought iron fence has no end post, so the wooden fence will start with a post.
Mr. Spang asked if the adjacent existing wooden picket fence will remain.
Ms. Simpson responded in the affirmative. That is the neighbor’s fence.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Spang wondered about the paint color. He suggested that the fence might be white.
Ms. Herbert stated that there is a nice green black picket fence on Broad St.
Ms. Simpson stated that the window sash is black, the house color is gray.
VOTE:
Mr. Hart made a motion to accept the application as submitted with the pro visa that the fence can paint white or dark gray to match existing shutters.
Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
9 Chestnut Street/7 Cambridge Street
Adelaide Vander Salm, on behalf of Hamilton Hall, Inc. submitted an application for a Certificate of Non-Applicability to restore windows. The work will include removing the wndow sash, repair and restore wood, reglaze using original glass where possible. Do any necessary jamb repair, paint. All work will be in-kind. Two windows were already restored, prior to submitting the application for a Certificate of Non-Applicability.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/16/2013
- Photographs: 5/16/2013
Ms. Lovett stated that this application is for a Certificate of Non-Applicability. She had inadvertently advertised it as a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Mr. Hart stated that he saw the windows and they look terrific. Hamilton Hall should be commended for their restoration work. The windows are original sashes, approximately 150 years old, and they will now last another 150 years.
VOTE:
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the Certificate of Non-Applicability. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
115 Federal Street
Darleen Melis submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace wooden gutters on the kitchen and back ell with K-shaped 16oz red copper gutters. The downspout for the upper kitchen gutter will remain. The downspout for the back ell will be copper and follow the previous downspout route directly into the dry well.
On the front of the house, the half-round copper gutters would be replaced with K shaped gutters. The reason for the change is to keep the rainwater off the siding and from falling on heads exiting from the kitchen.
On the front door porch and back bay window, the applicant would like to add copper inserts to improve protection for the existing wooden moldings. There will be 1” of copper overhang that will be visible over the existing wooden gutters.
Rolled black asphalt roofing for both small roofs will be replaced to match the existing roofing. construct a porch off of their kitchen. Darleen Melis was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/16/2013
- Photographs: 5/16/2013
Ms. Melis stated that there was a 1” gap between the house and the gutter where water could get in. The modillion underneath the gutter is falling off and the gutter has failed even with maintenance.
Mr. Hart recommended that copper downspouts are bolted to the house with bolts and straps instead of a flimsy wire in order to prevent theft.
Ms. Melis stated that they have never had a problem with theft, but would appreciate the option for galvanized downspouts in the Certificate.
There was no public comment.
VOTE:
Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the application as submitted with an option for galvanized steel downspouts painted to match existing.
Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
4 Hamilton Street
Greg & Alexis Dwyer submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new fence on the right side of their property. The fence will be 4-6ft tall flat board fence with a lattice top. The material will be wood. Post caps will be pyramid design. The color of the fence will be natural wood or to match the trim of the house. Lattice design will be as shown in the application. Greg Dwyer was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application:
- Photographs:
- Drawings:
Mr. Dwyer stated that he brought a revised design without a lattice top. The 6ft section will be a traditional flat board privacy fence. In the revised design it is marked in blue, around patio. 4ft picket fence would be along the back. Preference would be to leave color open ended but may paint white to match trim. Picket would mimic Hamilton st example in packet. No graduated between fences, even break.
Mr. Hart asked what species of wood the fence would be.
Mr. Dwyer responded that they hadn’t decided.
Mr. Hart stated that traditionally the wood would be a red or eastern white cedar. This is especially important if the fence is left natural. He would recommend that wood even if the fence is painted, though.
There was no public comment.
VOTE:
Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the fence as submitted. The fence design will mimic that of the fence at 4 & 6 Hamilton Street. The applicant will use Eastern white or red cedar for the wood. The applicant has the option to paint or stain wood as detailed in the application or leave the fence natural.
Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
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,
Natalie BL Lovett
Community Development Planner
| 
