SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 18, 2015
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Kathy Harper (Vice Chair), Laurie Bellin, David Hart, Joanne McCrea, and Jane Turiel.
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.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 10/20/14
- Photographs
- Drawings
- Rendering
Ms. Lovett stated that the applicant has requested a continuance in order to allow time for them to investigate a new design for the ramp.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting. Ms. Turiel seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
57 Warren Street
As a continuation of a previous meeting, Kimberly Sparks submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a ductless mini-split heating/cooking system. The work was previously completed and the Commission issued a violation letter and requested the owner submit an application of approval for the work. The exterior portion of the system consists of two heat pump inverters and a series of PVC conduit runners connecting the inverters to the internal portion of the system. The inverters are located behind bushes on the side of the house that faces Warren Street Court, and are hidden of view from the street. The PVC conduit runners are visible from Warren Street, but the majority are hidden by the bushes and trees on Warren Street Court side of the house.
Kimberly Sparks and Greg Whitmore, contractor from Next Step, were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 1/3/15
- Photographs: 1/3/15
Ms. Harper stated that at the last meeting, the Commission questioned whether the piping needed to coming down the front façade of the building.
Mr. Whitmore responded that this was the cleanest option available given the manufacturer’s requirements and the layout of the house. He stated that they have had some success painting the pipes to match the house.
Mr. Hart stated that at the previous meeting the Chair asked if the vertical conduit could be run further down the interior wall then exit the house closer to the bay window roof.
Mr. Whitmore responded that is possible. It would be an issue of aesthetics for the condo owner.
Ms. Bellin stated that the Commission is reviewing this application as if the work hasn’t been completed. Had the Commission been consulted prior to the work being completed, they would have raised this concern.
Ms. Harper asked if there is another exterior wall for that room that the pipe could exit out of.
Mr. Whitmore responded in the negative. The other sides of the room are the eves of the roof.
Mr. Hart stated that if the vertical exits at the bottom of the roofline and the first horizontal section is painted to match the house body color it may be less visible.
Ms. Bellin additionally requested that they see if some of the horizontal run, up to the roofline, can be relocated to the interior.
Mr. Whitmore responded that they can remove some of the vertical, the only limitation is the floor. They will have to investigate whether they can remove some of the horizontal run.
MOTION: Mr. Hart made a motion for the applicant to explore moving the exterior vertical piping along the front façade to the interior of the building down to floor level; moving the horizontal to the left corner of the bay window; painting the portion of the pipe that is visible from the corner to the first elbow to match the house color; and to continue the application to the next meeting. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion.
Mr. Hart asked if a building permit was required for the installation of the mini-split unit.
Mr. Whitmore responded that an electrical permit was pulled.
VOTE: All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
8 Botts Court
Alexander Marks and Kimberly Tompkins submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two roof vents. The vents are necessary in order to decrease the temperature differential between the living and attic spaces as a result of 6” of new spray insulating foam having been installed in the attic. The vent will be either mushroom or square shaped. The precise location of the upper roof vents is unknown. Ideally, they will install the new vents at an equal distance and spacing from the existing vents.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 1/31/15
- Photographs: 1/31/15
Ms. Lovett stated that the applicant was unable to attend the meeting and has requested a continuance.
VOTE: Ms. Turiel made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Mr. Hart asked Ms. Lovett to ask the applicant if an engineer has evaluated the venting requirements for the roof.
Other Business
Approval of Minutes
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/21/15 with comments. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. Ms. Harper, Ms. Bellin, Mr. Hart, and Ms. McCrea were in favor. Ms. Turiel abstained. The motion so carried.
Correspondence
There was no correspondence
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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