Historical Commission

SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 MINUTES A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on September 4, 2024 at 6:00PM via Zoom Virtual Meeting. Present were Mark Meche, Rebecca English, Milo Martinez, Larry Spang (Chair), Margarida Goncalves (arrived late). Staff: Patti Kelleher, Absent: Vijay Joyce, Kelly Tyler-Lewis. Presentation on Native Spaces Project Sarah Kanouse, Northeastern University, was present with Elizabeth Solomon of the Ponkapoag Massachusett tribe. Ms. Kanouse presented slides on Native Spaces Project. Ms. Kanouse noted that the tribe has been developing a relationship with Salem for 5-7 years. The tribe was invited to produce programming responding to the conservation of the Salem Deed, signed in 1686 - 60 years after initial settlement. Indigenous signatories made their mark on a separate document that was then added to the deed. An audio platform was co-created offering Indigenous and pre-colonial perspectives on sites and themes of significance to the Massachusett People. The audio platform features relationship-centered interviews that were conducted in people’s homes and at tribal events. Audiences wishing to engage with audio-augmented reality will be able to scan QR code to load website (no download necessary). Location-aware mobile site will live-mix audio files based on a person’s location. Desktop version allows location selection for offsite experience. Transcripts for audio will be available. The platform was built with Roundware, an open-source software built by local creative technologist Halsey Burgund. Has been used in both art projects and public history (e.g. Manzanar “One Square Mile”). Screenshot of web-based platform was shown. Ms. Kanouse also played audio samples of the types of recordings that would play through the app. Physical installation was discussed. Temporary mural decals would be installed (2x2 ft) where pedestrians enter a sound zone. The decals were adapted from graphics developed for the Massachusett Tribe by Native designer Sadie Red Wing from artifacts in the Harvard Peabody Museum. Ms. Kanouse said that future plans include pavement murals by tribal members, city personnel, and/or school and community groups engaged around the deed. Ms. Kanouse said that the project has been in development for two years, supported by NEFA and faculty grants; interviews and audio workshops with tribal youth conducted March-June; finalizing UI and debugging website sound playback; seeking to collaborate with City and neighborhoods on decal sites. The audio project is slated to launch on October 11 to coincide with events at City Hall including the return of the deed. Continued public events are planned for 2024-2025. Ms. Kanouse said that Salem Parks, Recreation, and Community Services were paying for signage, select tech costs, and public programming. Chair Spang noted that SHC does not have jurisdiction over sidewalks. Ms. Kelleher said that decals would be placed, among other areas, at the intersection of Essex and Boston Streets which is in the McIntire District. Ms. Kelleher said that the decals would be temporary. Ms. Kanouse said there would be five zones in response to Ms. English’s question. Mr. Martinez noted having counted approximately 30 of the decals. Mr. Meche clarified that the locations were established based on archaeological or historical evidence of the Massachusett tribe’s presence. Ms. Solomon noted that more sites exist but were determined to not be included for concerns of cultural sensitivity. Chair Spang lauded the project and urged slip-resistant decals, which Ms. Kanouse confirmed. No public comment.  Historical Commission meeting minutes September 4, 2024 Page 2 of 5 VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned that the SHC prepare a letter of enthusiastic support of project. Ms. Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: English, Martinez, Meche, Goncalves, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 6 Harrington Court – Request to review siding and trim details Anil Mezini was present. Applicant requested to review clapboard and trim details per previously issued conditional Certificate of Appropriateness. Ms. Kelleher noted that the applicants were to return with final details of Hardie Plank siding. Ms. Kelleher presented photographs of house prior to work undertaken. Various stock details of siding were shown with the exception of waterboard / skirtboard. The clapboards would terminate at the trim, which would not go over the cornerboards. Mr. Mezini noted that when the layers of siding were removed, there was no watertable present to use as a reference. Foundation sits proud of sheathing, Chair Spang noted, thus there was a need to determine how to cover that space. Chair Spang noted that what were identified as details #6 and #8 of the presented details could be used as potential references to fill that gap (i.e. use something like a skirtboard). Mr. Mezini noted that GFC Construction explained there would be (where house meets foundation) a flat piece of siding that would have metal drip cap going under the last piece of siding. Mr. Mezini was provided with a reference drawing. Mr. Meche noted that the edges of cornerboards where clapboards had been cut were visible in previous photographs submitted. Ms. Kelleher cited 149 Federal as having recently installed a historically appropriate watertable. Mr. Meche said that there were more handsome ways to achieve the function of aluminum flashing. Discussion shifted to window casings. Images were shown of Colonial-style windows. No details were provided, Mr. Mezini said, because the windows are all custom-sized. Ms. Kelleher recommended the applicant look at 149 Federal property for reference. Mr. Meche and Chair Spang recommended that the applicant install mockups of planned materials for Commission members to inspect via site visit. Ms. Kelleher proposed deputizing members. Mr. Meche reiterated that the clapboards should be smooth side out. Mr. Mezini noted having proposed white for both the clapboard and trim colors. Mr. Martinez expressed desire to see white finish prior to approval. Arctic White was shown on Hardie website. Mr. Meche said that the white looked more like an off white than a brilliant white. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to approve in general concept Hardie Plank smooth clapboard to match existing exposure of 4 ½ inches with cornerboards and a watertable, details to be confirmed by Mr. Meche and Chair Spang, with proposed Arctic White color to be confirmed in the field. Ms. Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: English, Martinez, Meche, Goncalves, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 19 ½ Washington Square–continuation BPM Productions applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install lift on rear of building. Biff Michaud was present. A site visit was conducted in the interim by Chair Spang and Ms. Tyler-Lewis. Chair Spang surmised that the lift would be visible from Brown St. Ms. Kelleher noted opinion of City Solicitor: if Kimball Court is a private way, SHC jurisdiction is only what is visible from Brown. If owners on Kimball Court petitioned that the street be formally accepted as public way, then SHC jurisdiction would extend to what is visible  Historical Commission meeting minutes September 4, 2024 Page 3 of 5 from Kimball Court. Mr. Martinez questioned if Kimball Court was named in the district, to which Ms. Kelleher said “no.” Ms. Kelleher read off names of streets in the Washington Sq District: Kimball was not listed, though Brown Street was. Chair Spang also raised the issue of whether a safety fence would be needed to surround lift for safety, and whether or not the applicant possessed a right of easement to extend beyond property lines with installation of lift (which was said to potentially extend 61 inches beyond property). Chair Spang said that these issues would need to be addressed prior to continued discussion. Mr. Michaud identified a neighbor (Debra Whitmore, now of Vermont) as the owner of a majority of Kimball Court. Mr. Michaud also said that there is no parking on Kimball Court. Mr. Michaud expressed a willingness to paint the lift Essex Green. Mr. Michaud also noted that the lift could be programmed to raise up to 13 feet instead of 16 feet, which would allow most of the lift to be screened from Brown Street by a porch railing on adjacent building. Mr. Michaud acknowledged that a portion of the lift would be seen from Brown Street. Public comment: Richard Brooks, 2 Kimball Court, wondered whether Kimball Court was along the edge of a historic district. Mr. Brooks proposed having a title examiner determine Mr. Michaud’s ownership of Kimball Court. Mr. Brooks also sent an email noting that Kimball Court has been treated like a public way for many years. Mr. Brooks wanted to see the City resolve the issue of Kimball Court being a public or private way prior to reaching a decision. Laurie Brooks, 2 Kimball Court, noted that the lift would be clearly visible from Brown Street. Ms. Brooks said that the characterization of the lift as “tiny” was incorrect. Ms. Brooks also noted that the lift takes three minutes to raise and three minutes to lower and would also be noisy. Ms. Brooks said that Kimball Court is a residential rather than commercial area and did not feel that the addition of a lift would add to historic character of neighborhood. Chair Spang noted that the product specs did identify the size of the lift as 61 inches. Chair Spang reiterated the need to confirm whether Mr. Michaud has the right to extend beyond property line into Kimball Court, and confirmation from building inspector that the installation would meet safety requirements. Mr. Michaud was amenable to these requirements. Mr. Michaud also distinguished between a wheelchair lift and a cargo lift, the latter of which was said to be smaller than 61 inches. Chair Spang wanted to see information verifying these details. VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to continue the application. Ms. Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Goncalves, Meche, Martinez, English, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 29 Washington Square–continuation Bertram Home applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace windows. The applicants were still working with an architect. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to continue the application to next meeting. to allow time for a site visit. Ms. English seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Martinez, English Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 31 Chestnut Street–continuation  Historical Commission meeting minutes September 4, 2024 Page 4 of 5 Michael Selbst applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install EV charging station after the fact. The applicant requested a continuation. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to continue the application to September 18. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Martinez, English, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 10 Flint Street–continuation Mark Gelaides applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install heat pump minisplit. The applicant was not present. VOTE: Ms. Goncalves motioned to continue the application. Ms. English seconded the motion. Roll Call: English, Martinez, Meche, Goncalves, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 387 Essex Street–continuation Joshua Snyder and Ashley Gutierrez Snyder applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install heat pumps. Ms. Kelleher recommended setting up a site visit to determine where line sets were planned for installation, and where to move them to not be visible from Essex. VOTE: Ms. Goncalves motioned to continue the application to allow time for a site visit. Mr. Meche seconded the motion. Roll Call: Spang, English, Martinez, Meche, Goncalves were in favor and the motion so carried. Other Business 96 Derby Street Ms. Kelleher noted that new Harvey Majesty windows had been approved with half screens at this property. The applicant noted that the windows ordered came with full screens and wanted to explore possibility of receiving approval for those screens. Minutes VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to approve minutes for June 20, 2024. Ms. English seconded the motion. Roll Call: Goncalves, Meche, Martinez, English, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. St. James School The Commission discussed the ongoing renovation work at the school building for housing. Ms. Kelleher noted that the Commission reviewed the project previously and it was also reviewed by MHC and the National Park Service as a historic tax credit project.  Historical Commission meeting minutes September 4, 2024 Page 5 of 5 Adjournment VOTE: Ms. English motioned to adjourn. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Graham, Historical Commission Clerk