SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
July 15, 2015
A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Jessica Herbert (Chair), Kathy Harper (Vice Chair), Laurie Bellin, Reed Cutting, David Hart, and Susan Keenan. Joanne McCrea arrived after the meeting had commenced.
13 Chestnut Street
Nicholas & Jennifer Kiefer submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to change the exterior paint color of the house and garage. The applicants consulted with Historic New England’s Senior Manager of Historic Preservation Services, Sally Zimmerman, to ensure that the selected colors are historically appropriate. The proposed paint colors are:
Body: Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray
Trim: Navajo White
House and garage doors: Fine Paints of Europe Delft Blue
Window sashes/grills: Black
Review of the garage door paint color was continued until the applicants are able to show a sample of the color.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application submitted 4/23/15
- Photographs
- Paint chips
- Proposal from Cosmos Painting Company
VOTE: Mr. Cutting 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.
53 Summer Street
Chris and Stacey Norkun submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace all 27 windows and exterior trim frames on the house. The current windows are in a state of extreme rot and deterioration which requires full replacements. Install all-wood sash, trim and frames to copy original. Incorporate modern energy-saving features like hidden weather tripping and jamb liners. Window sizes and grill types to match the existing. The exterior trim & frame will be painted off-white. The exterior mullions and sashes will be painted black or dark green.
The proposed windows are Marvin Ultimate.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/15/2015
- Photographs
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
95 Federal Street
Robert Kendall submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace all the existing wooden gutters, including the porches, with 6” aluminum gutters pre-painted with an Ivory finish to closely match the existing trim color.
Robert Kendall, Janet Kendall, and William Aydelott was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/22/15
- Photographs
- Estimate from New England Gutter Kings
Mr. Hart recused himself and moved to the audience.
Ms. Herbert asked what the dimensions are of the existing gutters.
Mr. Kendall stated that the interior of the existing wooden gutters is smaller than 6”.
Ms. Herbert she asked if the gutters were repaired or replaced several years ago.
Mr. Kendall responded that the gutters have been repaired over the years. They have been before the commission before to ask to replace a portion of the gutters with aluminum but the Commission was not in support of there being piecemeal gutters. The aluminum gutters have a much greater capacity than the wooden gutters.
Ms. Lovett left to retrieve the property file with more pictures of the house.
Ms. McCrea arrived at this time.
Ms. Bellin asked for clarification on which gutters would be replaced.
Mr. Kendall responded that the gutters would be replaced along the top of the house, above the bay, and above the porch entrance.
Mr. Kendall showed the Commission a picture of the proposed gutter. It would be an ogee profile and the color would very closely match the existing off-white trim. The contractor would be New England Gutter Kings.
Mr. Aydelott asked if the Commission would allow them to replace just the portion of the gutters above the porch entrance.
Ms. Herbert responded that the gutters are along a very prominent façade and it is difficult to join the wood gutters to the aluminum gutters. She asked what the additional capacity of the aluminum gutters is.
Mr. Kendall responded that it is almost 8:1 because while they are both 6” gutters the aluminum is much thinner than the wood.
Ms. Herbert stated that it would be helpful to have more information on the proposed gutters and the details of the existing. They would like better photographs and a letter from New England Gutter King stating the additional capacity of the aluminum gutters. She added that this property has been gradually homogenized over the years.
Ms. Kendall asked what other options they have for the gutters.
Ms. Herbert stated that you could have a wood gutter with an aluminum lining along the trouble section of the roof.
Ms. Bellin asked if the water issue has always existed.
Ms. Herbert added that the brick sidewalk doesn’t help. The gutters overflow and the corner also has a tree that shades the area so the water freezes. She added that the applicants could investigate whether a copper piece could be fabricated to mimic the shape of the cedar gutter.
Mr. Kendall stated that there is another portion of the gutters where the gutters are rotting and overflowing. They treat the gutters every year, they rotted just the same. They may not be pitched correctly.
MOTION: Ms. Harper made a motion to replace the wooden with ogee shaped gutter, as submitted.
Ms. Herbert asked for public comment.
Francoise McCoy, 23 Winter Street, questioned whether the existing gutters could be re-pitched.
Ms. Herbert stated that the collection box was supposed to increase the capacity of the downspout.
Rob Levesque, American Steeple and Tower, stated that the collection box could be formed out of copper and welded.
Ms. Harper recinded her motion
Ms. Harper asked Mr. Kendall to bring a piece of the wooden gutter and a sample of the proposed aluminum gutter to the next meeting.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Mr. Hart returned to the table at this time.
12 Chestnut Street
Richard Wyke submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to:
- Remove a gutter and PVC downspout
- Install and ice and water shield on the roof
- Repair the slate roof
- Repair and repaint the cornice moldings
All work was previously completed.
Richard Wyke, and Rob Levesque, American Steeple and Tower, were present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/16/15
- Photographs
- Site plan
- Letter from Richard Wyke dated 6/10/15
Mr. Wyke stated that the trim is currently white.
Mr. Levesque stated that that cornice molding has not b een painted for a number of years. The Slate roof repair and the cornice repair would be in-kind. The ice and water shield is not visible because it is under the slate. The only change would be the removal of the gutters.
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the application, as submitted. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
52 Charter Street
The Peabody Essex Museum submitted an application for a Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance for demolition and removal of the entire former boiler plant building currently located on the south eastern most corner of the Peabody Essex Museum site. The boiler plant has been replaced by a new central plant “penthouse” which was constructed on the roof of the museum’s Dodge Wing. The new plant was fully commissioned in November 2013. The removal of the former boiler plant is necessary in order to comply with MA DEP RTN 3-23396 in the removal of sub-surface soils contaminated with #6 fuel oil. The future development of the site is undetermined, but may be a future location for electrical service equipment, land or hardscaping features.
Robert Monk was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/24/15
- Photographs
Mr. Hart recused himself due to the fact that he has a contract with the PEM and he works with Bob Monk. He moved to the audience.
Mr. Monk stated that the building was built in the 1950s, added to in the 1970s and also changed in the 1980s. He stated that the area will eventually be part of the loading dock and there will be some landscaping. Until the plans for the museum expansion are completed, he can not say with certainty what will be there. The existing configuration is an issue for security.
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the application with the pro visa that the applicant submit photographs of all facades of the building with height and footprint dimensions. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Mr. Hart returned to the table.
89 Federal Street
T. Jane Graham-Dwyer submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the existing roof with architectural shingles.
Jane Dwyer was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/25/15
- Photographs
Ms. Dwyer stated that she originally thought that she could replace the shingles with anything because the shingles would be the same color. However, Ms. Lovett notified her that she would need a Certificate of Appropriateness. There are a number of other houses with in the district with architectural district.
Ms. Herbert stated that a number of houses have unapproved roofs.
Ms. Dwyer stated that she did some research and her house would have originally had shakes. She believes that the architectural shingles look more similar to shakes.
Mr. Hart stated that traditionally, the historic houses would have had a uniform look. Where as many of the architenctural shingles are angled.
Ms. Dwyer stated that her contractor stated that her contractor said it would cost $5,000 more to install 3-tab.
Ms. Herbert stated that the contractor may have quoted her a heavier weight 3-tab.
Ms. Harper asked if the guidelines state which architectural shingles have been approved.
Ms. Lovett stated that the Guidelines state that 3-tab is preferred but that the Commission will review applications for architectural shingles on a case by case basis.
Ms. Dwyer stated that her house has an orange tin roof underneath the 3-tab.
VOTE: Ms. McCrea made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Ms. Herbert asked Ms. Dwyer knew when she had the purple door color approved.
Ms. Dwyer responded that it was approved around 1994. The house colors were approved shortly after they bought the house.
21 Winter Street
Sean Maher submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the existing 4’ fence with a 6’ fence. They would like to increase the height of the fence in order to keep his dog contained within the yard.
Sean Maher was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/29/2015
- Photographs
- Picture of proposed fence design
- Site plan with location of proposed fence
- Opposition letter from Jeffrey Barrows, owner of 17 Winter St., and 2, 3, & 4 Pickman St.
Mr. Maher stated that the new fence would continue along the perimeter of the property except that the fence would make a jog at the location of the neighbor’s downspout
Ms. Herbert read into the record a letter of opposition for the increase height from abutter Jeffrey Barrows.
Mr. Maher stated that he wouldn’t be opposed to lowering the height of the fence if the neighbor is opposed.
Ms. Herbert stated that another option would be to add spacing in between the slats. She asked if a cedar fence would be installed.
Mr. Maher responded in the affirmative. He would like to stain fence.
Francoise McCoy, 23 Winter Street, asked for clarification of where the fence would connect to her fence.
Mr. Maher showed her on the site plan where the fences would connect.
VOTE: Mr. Cutting made a motion to approve a 6’ fence cedar stained clear or light stain, design as proposed. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
20 Warren Street
Dan Randall & Phil Gillespie submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the garage doors with Clingerman custom wood overhead doors. The doors would be constructed out of Mahogany and would have an overall thickness of 3”.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/29/2015
- Photographs
- Estimate from Salem Overhead Door Co. Inc.
- Specification sheet from Clingerman Doors
- Clingerman brochure
VOTE: Ms. McCrea made a motion to continue the hearing to the next meeting. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
31 Broad Street
Brian Boches submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to:
- Remove 2 existing double hung windows and 1 awning window and install 3 new Andersen 400 Series double-hung windows in their place.
- Replace an existing triple mulled Anderson window with 1 new double-hung Anderson window with 6 over 6 sash
- Re-use the triple mulled unit on the rear side to replace two existing double-hung windows.
- Repair the porch as needed with similar products
- Paint colors:
- Body- BM Crowmell Gray
- Trim- BM Rockport Gray
- Sashes- Black
Brian Boches was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/29/2015
- Photographs
- Rendering of window layout
- Paint chips
Mr. Boches stated that he was proposing to move the Anderson window that is currently on the house, however after listening to the Commission’s conversations with the other applicants it is probably likely that existing triple window was never approved by the Commission. He would like to add snap on grids to the existing Anderson windows that have no sash lines. For the replacement windows he would like to use Brosco.
Mr. Cutting asked if the rear ell window is visible from a public way.
Mr. Boches stated that it is visible from Hathorne Street. He asked if the Commission would approve the triple window with grids added to be moved to the rear kitchen bump out.
Ms. Bellin asked where the Commission’s jurisdiction ended on Hathorne Street.
Ms. Lovett briefly left to get a map of the McIntire District.
Mr. Boches stated that he would like to change the layout of the windows so that the windows along the rear ell and the main house align.
Mr. Cutting asked when the bump out was approved.
Mr. Boches stated that he wasn’t sure of the date but it is not original to the house.
Mr. Cutting stated that he feels the two windows may be more appropriate than the triple window.
Ms. Herbert stated that a late Victorian could have had triple windows.
Mr. Boches stated that for the porch he would like to change the material to cedar and make the railing more decorative. Additionally, the lattice below the stairs will need to be replaced.
Helen Sides, 35 Broad Street, stated that she is concerned about the windows. The ell is original to the house, because it has a full basement. The ell is architecturally distinct from the main portion of the house. The height of the casement along the main house should not align with window along the ell. The header of the casement replacement needs to align with the main house windows. She added that a corner board along the exterior of the house partitioning the ell from the main house would help visually on the exterior.
Mr. Boches stated that he would also like to move the window by the rail.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the paint colors, as submitted, and the 8 window replacements, as revised on the drawings. The windows will be Brosco true divided light, all-wood windows with 6 over 6 sashes, with the exception of the one window on the rear which will match the height of the window to the left. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue discussion of the porch rebuild to the next meeting. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
122 Federal Street
Darrow Lebovici & Meg Twohey submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to:
- Change the Federal Street fence with a small modification to allow a cap on the top of the fence and to eliminate the portion of the fence in front of the large fir tree. The front gate posts would be moved approximately 1’ to the right to accommodate the tree, eliminating 3 pickets adjacent to the house. Metal rods will be installed on either side of the tree to support the fence and avoid the tree’s roots.
- Add a solar-powered vent to the small rear roof between the main part of the house and the porch to provide ventilation for the attic. The vent will be centered on the roof. The vent will replace a previously approved vent which leaked and was removed. The roof is visible from Lynn Street.
Meg Twohey was present.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 6/29/15
- Photographs
- Manufacturer specifications for vent
Mr. Hart stated that he is a personal friend of the applicant, however he does not feel it impairs his ability to be impartial.
Ms. Twohey stated that they would like to replace the fence in-kind with two changes: the addition of a top cap and a break at the location of the tree. The fence posts would be moved over slightly so that there would be fewer pickets on the house side of the gate. Metal rods will be installed near the tree to secure the fence.
Ms. Twohey added that they have a vent that was installed on the rear house that had leaked and they eventually had it removed. They would like to install a new solar vent.
Mr. Cutting asked if the vent was going to be concealed by the chimney.
Ms. Twohey stated that it would be visible from Lynn Street.
MOTION: Mr. Cutting made a motion to approve the fence replacement as submitted, and the installation of the roof vent not to exceed 6” in the height and 12” diameter. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion.
VOTE: Mr. Hart amended the previous motion to state that the diameter of the vent will not exceed 9”. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Ms. Twohey stated that if the vent cannot be vented out the roof they will need to add a small vent out the side along the second floor to match the first floor vent for the kitchen fan.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve the option to install a second floor vent directly above the first floor vent. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
161 Federal Street
On behalf of Dan Botwinik/161 Federal Street, LLC, Epsilon Associates, Inc. submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for improvements to the former Saint James Rectory, including renovations associated with a new residential use. The project will include repairing and repainting (same colors as existing) the exterior wood clapboard siding, retaining and repairing the existing wood windows and doors and replacing missing or damaged slates from the roof with in-kind materials. A new roof dormer will be added to the rear (south) slope of the hip roof to provide adequate clearance at the attic level.
Discussion of the roof dormer was continued in order to allow the applicant time to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application submitted 4/21/15
- Photographs
- Ganek Architects, Inc. drawings dated 4/17/15
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
142 Derby Street
Daniel Crowther, owner of the business Derby Joe, submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a wall and hanging signs for his business, Derby Joe. The wall sign will be 55.83” x 20” and the hanging with will be 36”x 30” and hung off of an existing hanger.
Discussion of the wall sign was continued in order to allow the applicant to revise the design according to the Commission’s comments.
Documents & Exhibits
- Application: 5/19/2015
- Sign rendering with dimensions
- Revised wall sign rendering with dimensions
There was no public comment.
VOTE: Ms. Bellin made a motion to approve of the revised sign as submitted. Ms. McCrea seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried. Mr. Hart abstained.
VOTE: There being no further business, Ms. McCrea made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Bellin seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion so carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie BL Lovett
Community Development Planner
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