SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 4, 2013
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Jessica Herbert (Chair), Kathy Harper (Vice Chair), Chad Garner, David Hart, Susan Keenan, Joanne McCrea, Jane Turiel, and Natalie Lovett.
135 Federal Street
Brenton Dickson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new second floor window along the street facing façade of the house. The window will match the existing windows in style and dimension. The new window will also have shutters to match the existing windows. Helen Sides, Betsie and Sandy Dickson were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 11/6/13
- Photographs: 11/6/13
Ms. Sides stated that they will be using a Boston Sash single pane, double hung window, with a 5/8” mullion. The new window will match the existing windows. The new window will add symmetry to the house in addition to brightening the bedroom.
Mr. Hart asked for clarification that the window will be wood.
Ms. Dickson responded in the affirmative.
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to accept the proposal as submitted. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
5 Monroe Street
John Hermanski & Barbara Taylor submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install venting and a condenser unit for an updated energy efficient air conditioning system. The condenser will be located along the side of the house, visible from Monroe Street. John Hermanski and Barbara Taylor were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 11/18/13
- Photographs: 11/18/13
- Specifications for the condenser unit
Mr. Hermanski submitted to the Commission an additional picture showing the suggested locations for the AC unit and venting.
Ms. Herbert asked if the house currently has air conditioning.
Mr. Hermanski responded in the negative. This project is a complete revamp of the HVAC for the entire house. There are currently two furnaces for the house. One furnace will need to be replaced, thus the venting. The incremental cost to install air conditioning, when you are already replacing the furnace, is reasonable. Because of how the house is situated on the property, there are limited places to put the condenser. The other wing of the house will be cooled with mini split units. This side of the house will require a condenser, and the proposed location is along the Monroe Street side of the house. The condenser will be mostly hidden from Essex Street. They are willing to consider a few options for concealing the condenser: planting evergreens around the unit, or hiding it with fencing. The venting pipes could also be
concealed with the fencing.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission could approve the condenser with shrubbery concealing it and then if that doesn’t to the trick, the applicants could come back with the fence design. She suggested that the applicants consider holly ink berry bushes. She also stated that whatever shrubbery is utilized should be at least the height of the condenser.
Mr. Hart stated that this project affects a minor façade of the house and with shrubbery he feels it should be acceptable. He adds that the venting pipes should be painted to match the house.
The public commenting period was opened.
Betsie Dickson, 135 Federal Street, asked about the location of the mini split unit near her property.
Mr. Hermanski clarified that the mini split was applied for under a Certificate of Non-applicability. It will be located along the brick walkway between the house and the Dickson’s garage.
The public commenting period was closed.
VOTE: Ms. Turiel made a motion to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Mccrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Ms. Herbert spoke with the Commission about an email sent by Ms. Harper earlier in the week. There is a house along the Derby Street, part of the Pickering Wharf Complex, that has been retrofitted with vinyl windows and it appears as though they may be doing additional work.
Ms. Lovett stated that she looked at the local historic district map and this property is not located within the historic district.
Mr. Hart and Ms. McCrea suggested that the Commission send a recommendation letter to the owners suggesting that they use wood clapboards and renovate the property according to historic district guidelines.
Ms. Herbert stated that she would work with Ms. Lovett to compile the letter.
Approval of Minutes
VOTE: Ms. Mccrea made a motion to approve the minutes from October 2, 2013. Mr. Garner seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
VOTE: Ms. Mccrea made a motion to approve the minutes from October 16, 2013. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Correspondence
Ms. Lovett stated that she received an email from Wendy Walsh, 33 Carlton Street. Ms. Walsh was asking for clarification on what specific information the Commission would like to see from their mason.
Mr. Hart responded that they would like to know the composition of the mix mortar, the appearance and color of the sand and the cleaning materials of the brick after repointing is completed. For the sand, they would not want to see powder sand used.
Ms. Lovett stated that she would convey that information to Ms. Walsh.
Mr. Hart stated that he has heard the MBTA will be installing very strong lighting at the temporary lot on Bridge Street. He asked if that work is within the historic district.
Ms. Herbert responded that the parking lot is not within the historic district.
Mr. Garner stated that he feels the light will be very helpful. It is very dark in that area of Bridge Street and dangerous for pedestrians.
VOTE: There being no further business, Ms. McCrea made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie BL Lovett
Community Development Planner
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