SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
December 3, 2014
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Jessica Herbert (Chair), Laurie Bellin, David Hart, Susan Keenan, Larry Spang, and Jane Turiel.
33 Chestnut Street
Thomas J. Vander Salm submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two new roof vents. The attic was recently insulated and the building code requires that vents be installed. There will be two (2) black, mushroom-shaped vents. The diameter will be 18” and the height 6”. The vents will be on the back of the house facing Warren Street as indicated in the picture submitted with the application.
Thomas Vander Salm was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/28/14
- Photographs: 10/28/14
Mr. Vander Salm presented the Commission with a picture showing two options for the vent style. He also presented a letter from the Mass Save contractor discussing the venting requirements for the roof.
Mr. Vander Salm explained to the Commission that the attic is divided into two sections. One mushroom vent is necessary for each side of the attic. The square vents have only 40% of the free air flow of the mushroom vent. As a result, four of the square vents would be necessary.
Ms. Turiel asked for the height of the vents.
Mr. Vander Salm responded that the vent is approximately 8” high and the square is approximately 5”.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Hart summarized that the Commission has an option between two mushroom or four square vents. Also, the vents will only be visible from Warren Street and set back from that street.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to accept the application as submitted with the pro viso that the installation will include two mushroom vents to be mounted on the elevation of the roof facing Warren Street, and that the vents will not be visible from Chestnut Street. They will be mounted equally spaced and as close to the ridge as possible without being visible from Chestnut Street. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. Ms. Bellin, Mr. Hart, Mr. Spang, and Ms. Turiel were in favor. Ms. Herbert and Ms. Keenan abstained from the vote. The motion so carried.
Ms. Bellin left the meeting at this time.
396 Essex Street #3
Sue Benedict submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install vents for a new high efficiency combination heat and hot water system. The intake and exhaust pipes penetrate the skirt board of the house. The pipes are 3” PVC, one pipe has an elbow facing down and the other pipe has a T. The terminating pipes will be painted to match the color of the house. A small sign will also be installed, as required by MA building code.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/27/14
- Photographs: 10/27/14
Ms. Herbert stated that the applicant was unable to attend the meeting and requested a continuance.
VOTE: Ms. Keenan made a motion to cContinue to the application to the next meeting. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
18 Washington Square West
As a continuation of the previous meeting, the Hawthorne Hotel submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to modify the hotel’s main entrance for universal accessibility. The changes include the installation of a new ramped entrance to replace the existing temporary ramp, a lowered sidewalk, curb cut, and new handrails and planters along the ramp.
At the previous meeting, the Commission approved the installation of the planters and removal of the associated step. The Commission found that they did not have jurisdiction over the ramp, curb cut, or sidewalk. Discussion of the handrail design was continued.
John Goff and Juli Lederhaus were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/20/14
- Photographs
- Drawings
- Rendering
Mr. Goff stated that he looked at a number of wrought iron railings in the McIntire District. The railing on 13 Chestnut Street newel post has a pineapple top that may be nice to have. The MAAB requires that there be two railings, one above and one below. He stated that the front railing should be something that is prominent and reflects the character of the hotel. As a result, there seems to be a conflict between traditional fence and stair and railing design and the MAAB requriemnts for accessibility. The
Ms. Herbert suggested that Mr. Goff contact the National Trust because they may have some examples for the railing.
Mr. Spang questioned whether the twist in the rail met the MAAB requirement or whether the railing needed to continue out further.
Mr. Goff stated that the Building Inspector was not concerned with the railing design. He added that there are several other reviews and approvals necessary for the application: Design Review Board/Salem Redevelopment Authority, City Engineer, and Department of Public Works. He stated that they may need four newel posts in order to stabilize the railing, which would slightly defeat the purpose of a newel post.
Ms. Herbert suggested that the railing could have two newel posts and the center posts could be small versions or more simple.
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Ms. Turiel made a motion to continue the application to the January 7th meeting. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
125 Derby Street
As a continuation of the previous meeting, the Derby Street Condo Association submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a rear wood gutter with an aluminum gutter. The gutter is limitedly visible from Derby Street. It is located on the back of the home and wraps around the right corner.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 9/18/14
- Photographs: 9/16/14
Ms. Herbert stated that the applicant has withdrawn the application.
47 Summer Street
Philip Marchand submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the front facing chimney. The chimney has been deemed unsafe by the Building Department and a potential hazard. The letter from the Building Department required that he either remove or rebuild the chimney.
Philip Marchand was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 11/7/14
- Photographs: 11/7/14
Mr. Marchand stated that this chimney is not in use. Harry Wagg, from the Building Department, has deemed the chimney unsafe.
Ms. Herbert asked if the rear chimney is shorter or whether the chimneys are a pair.
Mr. Marchand responded that the rear chimney is shorter. He thought it may have been built higher after the Great Fire.
Mr. Hart stated that this application came in as an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, however this should possibly be reviewed as a Certificate of Hardship with a requirement to rebuild the chimney in the future.
Ms. Herbert stated that the difficultly is enforcing the rebuild.
Mr. Spang added that he may require that the chimney be removed in such a way that it can be rebuilt. He also wonders if it may be better to bring the roof down to a few feet above the roofline rather than capping it at the roofline.
Mr. Marchand responded that several years ago he did have a contractor look at the roof to see about bringing it down to the height of the other chimney. The cost was more than he could afford.
Mr. Hart agreed with Mr. Spang that bringing the chimney down to a height of just a few feet above the roofline would at least signify that there was a chimney there and that the house is a Greek Revival style.
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the application under a Certificate of Hardship as submitted with an approach that the applicant is going to remove the chimney and cover with shingle to match the existing; and with an option to leave the chimney in place at a height of 2’ above the roof, subject to Building Inspector approval, and capped with a black aluminum or similar product. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
278 Lafayette Street
Robert Willwerth submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the existing slate roof and replace it will architectural shingles. The application also proposes to remove all existing railings and modify them to meet the current building code.
Robert Willwerth was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 11/12/14
- Photographs: 11/12/14
Ms. Herbert asked if the applicant had brought a design for the railing.
Mr. Willwerth responded that he has not yet received a design for the railing from the architect.
Mr. Willwerth stated that they are doing a substantial amount of work on the exterior of the house. He has contacted several slate roofers. His estimates have ranged from $50,000-80,000. The roof has a number of valleys that complicate the repairs. He has repaired the roof throughout the years, however it now needs more significant repairs.
Ms. Herbert stated that the original front railings, which have now been removed, could be reinstalled. She suggested that the applicant speak with the Building Inspector. She added that for the second floor balustrade, she suggested that a parapet be installed so that the original railing could be reinstalled as well.
Mr. Hart returned to the roof discussion. He stated that the house is an excellent example of Queen Anne architecture. He added that he is hesitant to approve the removal of a slate roof.
Ms. Herbert asked if the condition of the roof in the front of the building is salvageable. She also asked about the roof condition for the carriage house.
Mr. Willwerth responded that the roof on the carriage house is stable at this time. On the main house, the valleys at the top of the dormer and the area around the chimney are leaking. He questioned whether a patchwork roof would look appropriate.
Deb Hilbert, 23 Linden Street, stated that she has a concern with removing the slate roof. She asked if there are any new composite materials that better replicate slate.
Ms. Herbert stated that typically the Commission approves 3-tab shingles. There are some architectural shingles that the Commission has approved.
Mr. Willwerth presented a sample of the proposed roofing.
Mr. Hart stated that he had the valleys torn out on his own house, double layer copper installed, and the slate reinstalled. He stressed that if you fix a slate roof, it will last a long time.
Mr. Willwerth agreed but he stated that he cannot afford to replace the roof at this time.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission is not supposed to take into account cost.
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the replacement of the existing decking on the porch on the south elevation in order to repair the deck and replace the roof to be replaced in-kind materials and configuration. The motion also includes reinstallation of the original front railings, subject to approval by the Building Inspector. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert stated that she would like to see an evaluation from a qualified roofer discussing the slate roof issues and what it would take to correct the damage. The most desirable option would be to repair the roof. The second option could be to maintain the slate along the front and side elevation and replacing the remainder of the roof with asphalt. Because this is an important building, the Commission needs to have a solid basis to approve removal of the roof.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to continue the discussion of the slate roof replacement and railings along the south elevation. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
56 Washington Square South
Duncan Hsu submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the existing wood gutters with seamless aluminum open gutters in the color white.
Peter Hart was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 11/17/14
- Photographs: 11/17/14
- Scope of work from A&A Services
There was no public comment.
Ms. Herbert stated that the important part of this gutter replacement is that the aluminum gutters will be the same size and profile of the existing wood gutters so that it doesn’t overlap or go below the cornice.
MOTION: Ms. Turiel made a motion to approve the installation of aluminum gutters so that they match the existing gutters and any associated repairs.
Mr. Hart suggested that they should only require the aluminum gutters to match as closely as possible.
VOTE: Ms. Turiel amended her motion to include Mr. Hart’s suggestion. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Preservation Plan Update
Community Opportunities Group consultant, Patti Kelleher, was present to discuss the City’s project to update the 1991 Preservation Master Plan. COG was hired by the City to complete the update. The project is being funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
Mr. Hart stated that he feels the consultant for the Preservation Plan should take a look at the existing district ordinances and the Commission’s jurisdictional visibility of district properties from public ways adjacent to, but not included within, the district.
Ms. Kelleher stated that if you are going to update the ordinance that it should be done comprehensively. She asked if there are other concerns the Commission has with the Commission’s jurisdiction or the ordinance’s generally.
The Commission members discussed possible issues to investigate, including:
- Enforcement of violations
- Increased staff support
- The length of the Waiver of Demolition Delay
- Ongoing demolition in the Willows, which is currently unprotected
- Increasing the educational and advocacy role of the Commission
- Technology changes for windows, roofing, siding products as well as the increased installation of cell towers and solar panels
- Streamlining of the regulatory review process
- The need for increased integration between the various City boards and commission
Ms. Lovett stated that there will be additional opportunities for the Commission and the public to provide input into the development of the Plan over the next few months.
VOTE: There being no further business, Ms. Keenan 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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