SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
November 20, 2013
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednes-day November206, 2013 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Jessica Herbert (Chair), Laurie Bellin, David Hart, Susan Keenan, Larry Spang, and Natalie Lovett.
173 Federal Street
Gianna Della Monica submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to add four (4) peaked cap pediments above the 1st floor windows. The size of the pediments is 67 ½” W x 72” OW x 24 ½” H x 3 1/8” P. The pitch is 6/12. The pediments will be made out of pine and would be painted to match the existing trim color.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 9/25/13
- Photographs
- Pediment Specification
Ms. Lovett stated that Ms. Della Monica has requested, by email, to withdraw the application at this time.
13 Washington Square West/132 Essex Street
Robert Monk, representing the Peabody Essex Museum, submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the existing asphalt roll and shingle roofs with new slate and flat seamed soldered copper on the historic John Daland Tucker House and Plummer Hall buildings of the Phillips Library. Work also includes the in-kind restoration and painting of existing wood and metal cornices and repair and/or replacement of copper gutters and downspouts. Robert Monk was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/23/13
- Plans: 3/25/13
- Photographs
Mr. Monk summarized the project. The roofs on the buildings are currently asphalt shingles, probably installed in the 1960s. The upper flatter portions of the roofs originally had either copper or metal roofs, which are now covered by a rolled roof material. The PEM is proposing changing the roofing material to a North Country non-fading black slate. The same slate is currently used on the roofs of the Garner Pingree House, East India Marine Hall, and the Ropes Mansion. For the top portion of the roofs, they are proposing a flat seamed soldered 20oz copper roof.
The project will also include restoring the cornices and soffits. This is the 1st phase of a multi-phase restoration for the buildings. They hope to begin this work by next month and complete the project by the spring.
Mr. Hart disclosed, for the record, that he has a consulting contract with the PEM but on this project he has no financial interest.
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to accept the proposal as submitted. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
180 Derby Street
Kevin Daley, President of the Board of Government of the Brookhouse Home for Aged Women, submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a stainless steel or copper crown to the chimney. The purpose of the crown is to prevent further damage and water infiltration. Kevin Daley was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/31/13
- Photographs
Mr. Daley stated that their chimney needs to be repaired. They have already received a Certificate of Non-Applicability for the repair. For this application, they are requesting adding a chimney cap. It will be very similar to that on the chimneys at the Custom House. The chimney is no longer operational. The mason originally suggested a granite top, but the cost was prohibitive.
Ms. Hart asked if the chimney cap will corbel out like the custom house chimney cap.
Mr. Daley responded that he believe the chimney design will not change.
Mr. Spang added that the application is just for the cap. There will probably be a lip for the cap but no additional brickwork.
Ms. Herbert asked which color the Custom House chimney cap is.
Mr. Daley responded that he is not sure, but he was told by the mason that they would look the same.
Ms. Bellin asked if, because the color of the Custom House cap is unknown, the Commission could approve just the copper cap now, and continue the metal cap discussion.
Ms. Herbert agreed that she would be OK with approving the copper cap. She worries about how the stainless steel cap would look. The metal itself could be colored and the owner would have to worry about repainting it.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Daley stated that he would prefer the Commission allow copper or dark colored metal.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to accept the application with the pro viso that the metal chimney cap be limited to copper. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue review of the stainless steel chimney cap option to the December 4th meeting. Mr. Hart seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Community Preservation Committee Guidelines
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is requesting input from various City boards and commissions regarding the development of a CPA Plan. It is requested that the Commission develop a consensus on a list of survey questions and submit its comments to Jane Guy, in the Department of Planning and Community Development, by noon on Friday, November 22nd.
Documents & Exhibits
- Overview and Implementation Guide
- CPA sample success stories across Massachusetts,
- Examples of evaluation criteria from other communities
- Survey questions
- Taxpayer Information Guide~
Ms. Lovett handed to the Commission members a draft recommendation letter to the Community Preservation Committee. The letter incorporates their individual comments submitted by email. She added Ms. McCrea also send a last minute comment that is not yet incorporated into the draft letter. Ms. McCrea’s comment was that one guideline for CPC projects should be that priority should be given to projects that will benefit the greatest number of people.
Ms. Herbert asked who would be drafting the applications for projects.
Ms. Bellin responded that it would be whoever is applying for funds. Applicants can be the City, non-profit groups, private group, etc.
Ms. Herbert questioned whether the applications will go through a refining process before they are voted on. She feels the applications should be review in order to make sure the applications are as complete as possible. The City, or CPC staff, could work with applicants to develop their application, at least in the beginning years.
Mr. Hart questioned whether projects should be limited to National Register properties. He suggested that the projects should also include structures listed on the MA State Register. He feels this letter should resist supporting specific projects, but would like to keep in it funding an update to the Preservation Master Plan.
Ms. Bellin added that the letter should include a comment that priority be given to projects that take note of what have been recommended in city plans.
The public commenting period was opened.
A member of the public asked if individuals were also eligible to apply for funds.
Ms. Herbert responded that there seems to be few restrictions for who the applicant is, but the project needs to meet a public benefit requirement.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to submit the Community Preservation Guidelines letter with the discussed edits. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Approval of minutes
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to approve an extension for the Certificate of Non-Applicability issued to 23 Warren Street to make in-kind repairs to the side porch. The extension period will be for 6 months. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve an extension for the Certificate of Appropriateness issued to 31 Chestnut Street to construct a fence. The extension will be for a period of 6 months for completion. Ms. Bellin 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. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie BL Lovett
Community Development Planner
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