SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
January 7, 2015
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Jessica Herbert (Chair), Kathy Harper, Susan Keenan, and Larry Spang. Ms. McCrea arrived late.
18 Washington Square West
As a continuation of a 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 a 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 was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/20/14
- Photographs
- Drawings
- Rendering
Mr. Goff updated the Commission on the project. Options for newel posts are being reviewed. The scope of the project will likely be expanded to include the replacement of the streetside bollards. They are waiting for review and approval for the plan from the Engineering Department.
VOTE: Ms. McCrea made a motion to continue the application to the 2/4/15 meeting. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
92 Federal Street
Steve Sass submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install aluminum gutters and downspouts. The gutters and downspouts will be white and run along the 1st and 2nd floors of the front façade.
Steve Sass was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 12/8/14
- Photographs: 12/8/14
Ms. Herbert asked if there was any water infiltration in the building due to the lack of gutters.
Mr. Sass responded that he believes so.
Ms. Herbert asked if the gutters would be an ogee profile.
Mr. Sass responded in the affirmative. He stated that the downspout and gutter would run down the trim.
Ms. McCrea arrived at this time.
Mr. Spang asked if the gutter along the 1st floor is necessary.
Mr. Sass responded that it was recommended by the gutter company. There is a bit of a lip between the first floor windows and the dormer.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Sass asked if he is able to repair the portico above the front door.
Ms. Herbert stated that the Commission can only vote on the gutters tonight, however the portico is an issue. It may be rotted and needs to be rebuilt. The portico is probably not original to the structure, so another option would be to remove it. If the house built in the 1830s, there may have been a small lintel over the doorway.
There was no public present.
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the application, as submitted. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion. Ms. Herbert, Ms. Harper, Ms. Keenan and Mr. Spang were in favor. Ms. McCrea abstained. The motion so carried.
148/150 Washington Street (Joshua Ward House)
Epsilon Associates submitted a request, on behalf of ZXE, LLC, for a letter of support from the Commission for their Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit application. The project includes restoration of the Joshua Ward House, so that it may operate as a bed and breakfast.
VOTE: Ms. McCrea made a motion to approve the letter of support. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
3 Webster Street
Epsilon Associates submitted a request, on behalf of Renewal Ventures, LLC, for a Letter of Support for their MA Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits application. Constructed in 1887 by the Lynn & Boston Electric Railroad Company, the Car Barn is a unique example of the industrial architecture built in Salem during the late 19th century. The project will involve converting the Car Barn into six residential units.
VOTE: Ms. Harper made a motion to approve the letter of support. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Congress St./Ward St. and Congress St./Dow St. Apartments
The North Shore Community Development Corporation submitted a request for a Letter of Support for their MA Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit application. The project will include the restoration of several buildings within the Point Neighborhood.
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the letter of support. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Jane Arlander, 93 Federal Street, stated that she arrived after the application for 92 Federal Street was voted on. She stated that she has a picture showing the original building with the front portico. She added that the new owner has made some great improvements to the building. She was in support of the application.
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. At the previous meeting, the Commission voted to have the applicant reinstall the original front balusters. Discussion of the redesign of the south façade 2nd floor deck was continued.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 11/12/14
- Photographs: 11/12/14
Ms. Lovett notified the Commission that the application has reached the 60 day decision deadline. Because the applicant was not present to waive their right to the 60 day decision, the Commission must vote on the application.
VOTE: Ms. McCrea made a motion to deny the application without prejudice. Mr. Spang seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Other Business
Approval of Minutes
VOTE: Mr. Spang made a motion to approve the minutes of 10/15/14 with comments. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
VOTE: Ms. Keenan made a motion to approve the minutes of 11/5/14 with comments. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Correspondence
Ms. Harper stated that residents Joe Pyfrin and Lou Sirianni will be applying for Community Preservation Act funding to reinstall brick sidewalks on several streets in the Historic District. They would like a letter of support from the Historical Commission stating that brick sidewalks are historically accurate for these streets.
Ms. McCrea stated that it is a fine line between what is maintenance vs. preservation. Maintenance projects cannot be funded with Community Preservation Act funds.
Councilor Legault stated that the brick sidewalks were brought up during a Council discussion last year concerning CPA. The Council was told that the funds could not be used for that purpose, but he encouraged that they still go through the preapproval process.
Mr. Spang stated that a letter of support should specify that the brick sidewalks need to be done in a way that is historically appropriate and that they match the existing brick.
VOTE: Ms. Harper made a motion to approve the letter of support. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
VOTE: There being no further business, Ms. McCrea made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Keenan seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie BL Lovett
Community Development Planner
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