Historical Commission

SHC Meeting Minutes February 3, 2021, Page 1 of 5 SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES February 3, 2021 A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:00 pm Zoom Virtual Meeting Present were; Reed Cutting, Rebecca English, Stacey Norkun , Milo Martinez, Mark Meche, Mark Pattison, Erin Schaeffer, Vijay Joyce and Larry Spang (Chair). Patti Kelleher, Staff. Request for determination of historic significance for Bertram Field. J. Michael Sullivan presented the request for a determination of historic significance for Bertram Field on behalf of the City. Esmeralda Bisono, Sustainability Coordinator, was also present. Mr. Sullivan discussed the City’s desire to seek a sustainable site certification, which includes points for historically significant sites. He noted that the site of Bertram Field has been in continued use as a recreation field since 1930 and has significant association as a Native American site. He presented a draft historical timeline of the site prepared by historian Jim McAllister and described planned improvements including sustainable features. The Commission discussed whether the site had significance as an historic or cultural landscape. Mr. Spang noted that due to the loss of the original features of the stadium, the site would likely not qualify as historically significant but may qualify as culturally significant. Mr. Sullivan noted that the field served as a refugee camp after the 1914 Great Salem Fire and has served as a football field since 1930. Mr. Meche noted that while the site has association with significant events, Bertram Field has lost integrity due to replacement of stadium features. He asked if the site has any archaeological significance. Mr. Sullivan responded that exploration was completed in the past but expects that little to no evidence remains since site has been heavily disturbed. Ms. Schaeffer and Mr. Joyce agreed with assessment that property lacks historic integrity. There was no public comment. Mr. Meche suggested that the City complete more research on history of site and return to the Commission for further discussion. Ms. Kelleher to assist with effort. VOTE: Mr. Meche made a motion to continue discussion to meeting on February 17, 2021. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. Ms. Schaeffer recommended City work with the Peabody Essex Museum on researching and presenting the Native American history of the site. 142-148 Derby Street - continuation Patrick Shea submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement (request to withdrawal) and approval of HVAC unit (after the fact) Documents & Exhibits ▪ Application: 1/4/21 ▪ Photographs Patrick Shea was present. Mr. Shea presented his application noting that he had recently purchased 140 Derby Street and is working to improve both buildings. He noted that he had withdrawn his request to replace windows on the building due to the  SHC Meeting Minutes February 3, 2021, Page 2 of 5 cost associated with using a wood exterior window. He expressed concern that the Commission was just now asking for review of the HVAC unit since the work was completed several years ago before he purchased the building. He expected that the exterior installation of the ductwork resulted from the difficulty and expense of running piping through the building. He noted that further investment in the building and the restaurant space would be a burden for the restaurant owner who was experiencing significant financial impacts due to COVID closure. He expected that it would cost between $3-4,000 to route piping though the building. He presented the alternative to replace the white plastic casing over the HVAC lines with a custom copper cover to mimic a downspout. Mr. Spang, Mr. Meche and Mr. Vijay expressed support for this solution. Mr. Pattison suggested that a scupper be made out of copper to match the roof flashing. Mr. Cutting voiced his support for this option. Mr. Shea noted that the contractor received proper permits, but the work never triggered Historical Commission review. VOTE: Ms. English made a motion to approve installation of a copper downspout with scupper to hide exterior HVAC lines. Mr. Cutting seconded the motion. Eight members were in favor (Mr. Joyce abstained) and the motion so carried. Mr. Spang left the meeting at this time. 49 Summer Street - Violation The Commission agreed to continue the discussion to the next meeting. VOTE: Ms. English made a motion to continue the discussion to the next meeting. Ms. Schaeffer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. 13 North Pine Street Jonathan Robinson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new vent on foundation. Documents & Exhibits ▪ Application: 1/7/21 ▪ Photographs Jonathan Robinson was present. Mr. Robinson presented his application to install a 6” x 6” vent on the foundation wall adjacent to Fowler Street to address interior damage to the building due to the lack of adequate bathroom ventilation. Mr. Meche expressed support for necessary bathroom fan vent but was concerned about quality of proposed plastic vent. He suggested applicant use a metal vent that could be painted to match foundation. Mr. Martinez noted that the Commission has approved vents but not on brick foundations. He asked if the vent could be located on wood water table instead. Mr. Pattison responded that there was likely a beam behind water table that would preclude the installation of a vent in this location. The Commission agreed that the location would be appropriate if a higher quality painted vent was used.  SHC Meeting Minutes February 3, 2021, Page 3 of 5 VOTE: Mr. Martinez made a motion to approve the application as presented with recommendation that different model of vent be used. Mr. Pattison seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. Mr. Martinez and Mr. Pattison agreed to work with the applicant on different vent models. 14 Flint Street Chris Anderson submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for architectural roof shingles. Documents & Exhibits ▪ Application: 1/9/21 ▪ Photographs Chris Anderson was present. Mr. Anderson presented his application to use GAF Timberline architectural roof shingles in Fox Hollow Gray. Ms. Norkun stated that she had reviewed the application and felt the proposal was appropriate. The shingle color was solid as preferred by the Commission. She noted that this project is very similar to 88 Federal Street. Mr. Meche agreed. VOTE: Ms. Norkun made a motion to approve GAF Timberline shingles in Fox Hollow Gray. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. 7 Cambridge Street/9 Chestnut Street Hamilton Hall submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new free-standing marker. Documents & Exhibits ▪ Application: 1/20/21 ▪ Photographs ▪ Example of Pomeroy Foundation suffrage marker Michael Selbst and Otis Edwards were present on behalf of Hamilton Hall. Mr. Selbst provided the history behind the effort to install the new suffrage marker to honor the Remond family, noting their association with Hamilton Hall and both the abolition and suffrage movements. The proposed marker conforms with the City’s sign ordinance and the proposed white and purple colors were selected for their association with the suffrage movement. He noted that the Hall does not have control over the design or color of the marker as it is a standard design used for all markers on the national suffrage trail but they will have involvement with the text that will be on the sign. This narrative is in progress. The final sign will honor two underrecognized groups – women and people of color. Mr. Edwards presented some history on the Remond family and their association with Hamilton Hall, which served as their home in the 1820s, when daughter Sarah Remond is born. Mr. Joyce stated his support for the proposal, noting that the colors and design of the marker was not selected arbitrarily. Mr. Meche agreed, noting that consistent coloration is important for waypoints on a trail. He stated that he was more concerned with readability of the font. Public Comment:  SHC Meeting Minutes February 3, 2021, Page 4 of 5 Lori Boudo, 16 Cabot Street, expressed her support for the proposal, noting that she had been a contributor to Salem’s Black History audio tour and it was great to acknowledge Salem’s history of women’s rights and black history. Thomas McDonald, 15 Lafayette Place, expressed his support for the proposal noting that he is a member of Hamilton Hall. Mr. Cutting suggested that the Commission allow historians to determine the final historic text on the sign. Ms. Schaeffer recommended that the press be contacted when the sign is ready to be installed. VOTE: Ms. Norkun made a motion to approve the installation of an historic marker as presented with the final text to be established by the applicant. Ms. English seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. 19 Fowler Street Charles Bean and Susan Linder-Bean submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for fence alterations. Documents & Exhibits ▪ Application: 1/14/21 ▪ Photographs Ms. Kelleher reported that the applicants were unable to attend the meeting and she presented their application to remove fence panel to accommodate a recently installed fire hydrant. Mr. Meche noted that end posts would need to be patched to close holes were rails were once located. He also questioned whether half of the panel should be retained to align with patio on adjoining property. Mr. Joyce responded that a new post for a half panel would likely cause damage to the adjoining tree. VOTE: Mr. Meche made a motion to approve the application to remove a portion of the fence to be no more than one panel with preference for removal of only a half panel. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Ms. Norkun recommended an amendment to require holes for cross beams be patched. Mr. Meche and Mr. Joyce accepted the amendment. All were in favor and the motion so carried. Mr. Pattison noted that applicant could reuse existing end post when they remove fence section. Update on 123 Federal Street violation Ms. Kelleher reported that the owner will be submitting a new application before the next meeting. VOTE: Mr. Meche made a motion to approve continuing discussion to the next meeting on February 21, 2021 if the applicant does not submit a new application before the meeting. Ms. English seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. Meeting Minutes The minutes of the October 7, 2020 regular meeting minutes were reviewed. VOTE: Ms. English made a motion to approve the October 7, 2020 meeting minutes. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. All were in favor (Ms. Norkun abstained) and the motion so carried. Adjournment  SHC Meeting Minutes February 3, 2021, Page 5 of 5 VOTE: Ms. English made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30PM Respectfully submitted, Patti Kelleher Community Development Planner