Historical Commission

SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 MINUTES A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on October 9, 2024 at 6:00PM via Zoom Virtual Meeting. Present were Mark Meche, Vijay Joyce, Milo Martinez, Larry Spang (Chair), Kelly Tyler-Lewis, Margarida Raka-Goncalves. Staff: Patti Kelleher. Absent: Rebecca English. 34 Chestnut Street Historic New England applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a roof replacement. Ms. Kelleher reported that this application was considered under the minor change category per the Historical Commission policy regarding architectural roof shingles. No abutter objection was received and a Certificate was issued. 134 Federal Street James Yamada applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for chimney repointing and chimney caps. Ms. Kelleher reported that this application was considered under the minor change category per the Historical Commission policy regarding architectural roof shingles. No abutter objection was received and a Certificate was issued. 137 Derby Street Robert Dana applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for new paint colors. Ms. Kelleher reported that this application was withdrawn by the applicant. A Certificate of Non- Applicability was issued for in kind painting. 29 Washington Square–continuation The Bertram Home applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace windows. Ms. Kelleher reported that the applicant requested continuation to November 6 meeting. VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to continue the application to November 6 meeting. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 31 Chestnut Street–continuation Michael Selbst applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an EV charging station after the fact. The applicant was not present and had requested a continuation to the next meeting to allow Ms. Kelleher to provide additional information on previous requests.  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 2 of 8 VOTE: Mr. Joyce motioned to continue the application to October 16 meeting. Ms. Tyler-Lewis seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 19½ Washington Square–continuation BPM Productions applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install lift on rear of building. Ms. Kelleher noted ongoing discussions with City Solicitor and Building Inspector for opinion on permissibility of extending lift over another person’s property; and if permissible, whether fencing would need to be installed. Biff Michaud was present. Mr. Michaud noted having received permission to build from a neighbor / property owner on Kimball Ct, as well as intention of purchasing a safety barrier from Uline, pending approval from the Commission. Chair Spang expressed appreciation for Mr. Michaud’s comments, though noted that the Building Inspector’s decision was still needed. Mr. Michaud was under the impression that the City Solicitor had already made a decision on the permissibility of extending the lift beyond property lines. Chair Spang advised Mr. Michaud to have the City Solicitor and Building Inspector contact Ms. Kelleher in order to move the discussion forward. VOTE: Ms. Raka-Goncalves motioned to continue the application to October 16 meeting. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, 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. Ms. Tyler-Lewis abstained from discussion as an abutter. Mr. Gelaides and Jen Gross were present. Chair Spang met with applicants in interim. Chair Spang showed markup of installed linesets with locations of potential reinstalled placements: lineset and head unit (inside) moved to the left, tucked in next to existing downspout; with the rear lineset moved to the right, also tucked in next to the downspout (lateral would be required at trim due to foundation). Chair Spang also wanted to see the return of linesets removed from water table. Interior photographs of basement were also shown to discuss the feasibility of moving linesets and/or downspouts. Mr. Joyce expressed favor for the proposed alterations. Mr. Meche questioned if the same lineset covers would be used (painted to match house), which Mr. Gelaides affirmed. Mr. Meche questioned if hydronic or steam system still existed in the building, which Mr. Gelaides affirmed. Mr. Gelaides said there were no current plans to remove the hydronic system, which still services the third floor. Mr. Meche said that if this item were approved, then painted linesets may be established as setting a standard or precedent, especially given that this item was coming to the Commission as an after-the-fact installation. Chair Spang speculated on the possibility of further moving linesets to the rear of house so as to diminish visibility. Chair Spang wanted to see solutions that were cognizant of both sustainability and preservation. Ms. Raka-Goncalves agreed with Mr. Meche’s concerns regarding the current application  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 3 of 8 as precedent-setting. Mr. Meche wanted to see the lineset product options to potentially identify a more favorable alternative. Mr. Martinez questioned if the lineset on the left could be moved to the center. Mr. Martinez also raised the possibility of running linesets inside of downspouts, so as to camouflage linesets, a proposal which was discussed further by Commission. Discussion shifted to jogs in the downspouts and linesets to follow the flare of the building where the first floor meets the second floor. Mr. Gelaides questioned whether electrical lines could be run through metal downspouts. Mr. Meche believed that they could, and that doing so would be no better and no worse than the alternative. Mr. Gelaides also questioned if the linesets would be as secure if they were in downspouts. Mr. Meche noted that there would be approvable means of better securing downspouts. Chair Spang recapped the proposed changes as follows: run the rear lineset around and up the back of the house and then at the midpoint of the house attempt to disguise the lineset run through a downspout. Mr. Gelaides noted that there was not enough room to run a lineset around the back of the house given existence of window. Ms. Gross also spoke to minimal space being available for installation. Chair Spang was under the impression that cornerboard spacing could be used. The applicants noted that a downspout already existed on the proposed rear cornerboard location. Mr. Gelaides and Ms. Gross expressed concern about moving the lineset to abut a window that was near to an interior shower. VOTE: Mr. Joyce motioned to continue the application. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis (abstained), Martinez, 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. The applicants were not present. Ms. Kelleher proposed that members conduct a site visit to examine planned placement and visibility of intended line sets. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to continue the application. Ms. Raka Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 293 Lafayette Street Michael McLaughlin applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove asphalt siding and install clapboards. Documents & Exhibits: - Application 9/3/2024  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 4 of 8 - Photos & slides The applicant was not present and Ms. Kelleher presented on their behalf. Photographs of home were shown. The intent was to restore the existing wood siding that was present under the asphalt shingles, similar to what had been done at 149 Federal. Chair Spang expressed general favor for the application. Ms. Kelleher noted that similar application had received conditional approval to coordinate further with SHC should alterations be needed. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to grant approval to remove asphalt shingle siding and conditionally approve restoration of existing clapboards (or whatever materials are found beneath upon review). Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll Call: Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce, Raka-Goncalves, Meche, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 135 Derby Street Robert Dana applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for new paint colors. Documents & Exhibits: - Application 9/23/2024 - Photos & slides Mr. Dana noted that he owns both 135 and 137 Derby; the former being salmon-colored. Mr. Dana noted the following Sherwin Williams colors as planned for #135: “Retreat” (SW6207) for body, “In the Navy” (SW9178) for doors, and “White Snow” (SW9541) for trim. Chair Spang noted that such cases typically involve a conditional approval to be verified by site visit of Commission member(s). Mr. Meche questioned the planned color of window sashes. Mr. Dana stated belief that they were currently “wine red” and would be kept as-is (currently behind storm windows). Mr. Joyce questioned if the trim color would be the same as 137 Derby. Mr. Dana said that the trim at 137 was more of a “creamy” white, different from the planned “White Snow”. Mr. Joyce proposed keeping the trim color as-is to match 137 Derby, which Mr. Dana was amenable to. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Joyce motioned to conditionally approve the colors discussed (“Retreat” for body and “In the Navy” for doors, with trim to remain as-is) for verification in the field. Mr. Meche seconded the motion. Roll Call: Spang, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce, Raka-Goncalves, Meche were in favor and the motion so carried. 149 Federal Street Joseph and Kathy Archambault applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove window. Documents & Exhibits: - Application 9/24/2024 - Photos & slides  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 5 of 8 Ms. Archambault was present. Photographs of property were shown. Window proposed for removal was shown, currently featuring on a one-bay “Beverly” jog of the property. Ms. Kelleher noted that a bay at house next door also featured without a window on the first floor. Chair Spang noted that in such applications owners have been encouraged to keep a trace of the original window rather than entirely clapboarding over. Ms. Archambault noted the intent to clapboard over the space of the removed window, noting privacy concerns given that bathrooms and showers were installed in the windowed space under question. Ms. Archambault also noted dangers of adjacent traffic on Flint Street. Mr. Joyce opined that the arrangement of windows was deliberate and expressed favor for putting in clapboards. Mr. Martinez and Mr. Meche agreed. Chair Spang surmised the Commission’s preference for removing sash, leaving frame and surround, and filling in with plywood / weatherproofing and clapboards. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Joyce motioned to approve the application of removal of sash but retaining frame and exterior trim, and in-fill on exterior with clapboards, painted to match existing clapboards. Ms. Tyler- Lewis seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 180 Derby Street The Brookhouse Home applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for copper gutters. Documents & Exhibits: - Application 9/18/2024 - Photos & slides Scott Kidney and Julia Coffin were present. Ms. Coffin noted water issues in basement and said that the east and west sides of property have never had gutters. Gutters had been recommended to applicants by contractor in order to move water away from the foundation. Ms. Coffin noted the intent to place downspouts on front of property. Ms. Kelleher showed view of Orange St side of property. Diagram of planned placement of copper gutters was shown, identified as 6” double bead half round (on both east and west side of building). Copper gutter downspouts would all be 16 oz gauge 4” smooth round copper, installed to drain gutters and placed on each corner (east and west) of the building. All end caps seams and outlets would be soldered. Ms. Kelleher attested to having seen evidence of water damage at property. Mr. Meche was appreciative of the applicant’s need for gutters, identifying half round or deep half round as ideal; and wanted to see details of how they would be installed. Mr. Kidney said that the installation cannot be K style gutter and said that the process of installing 6” hanging gutter double bead would be to hang by brass rods that hang from roof, pull some slates off, set hangers equal distance apart, then get hangers placed under the reapplied slates. Mr. Kidney said that the objective would be to have one large downspout, with placement to be determined. Mr. Kidney said the bottom of downspout would be angled to garden area in front of building. Chair Spang questioned where existing downspout drained out to on rear part of building. Chair Spang proposed a site visit. Mr. Meche was not in favor of downspouts moving laterally and proposed removal of such features. Chair Spang was not in favor of directing  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 6 of 8 downspouts to a sidewalk. Mr. Kidney was dubious of directing a downspout into an existing storm drain. Chair Spang questioned whether Commission members were comfortable with what Mr. Kidney had described concerning the gutter installation. Mr. Meche was in favor of provisionally approving a gutter as described but requested pictures/details. Ms. Coffin said that the new gutters would be hung in the same fashion as preexisting. Mr. Martinez provided a detail drawing of the planned product in question. Ms. Tyler-Lewis questioned if the intended utters were consistent with existing gutters, which the applicants affirmed. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to continue the application with the intent of obtaining more information on the downspout and to conduct site visit. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Raka-Goncalves, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried. 180 Derby Street The Brookhouse Home applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct ground hatch opening. Documents & Exhibits: - Application 9/23/2024 - Photos & slides Existing conditions were shown. An old “doghouse” attached to side of house was shown in an historic photograph, which Chair Spang surmised may have been a coal chute. Ms. Coffin proposed recreating the apparatus shown in the historic photo. Chair Spang requested a drawing of the proposed construction for the record. Chair Spang also questioned if the downspout could be run into this chute for drainage in basement. Mr. Meche did not believe that stormwater could be put into a sanitation system. Mr. Meche wanted to see more details of the new construction of previously existing structure. Ms. Raka-Goncalves and Mr. Joyce expressed favor for the proposal. Martha Ryan, of the Brookhouse board, questioned whether the applicants could stick with the existing footprint. Chair Spang advised coordinating with the Building Inspector to determine what if any types of permits needed to be procured. Ms. Ryan asked if shingles would be appropriate for roof. Chair Spang proposed that the applicant look into metal instead of shingles. Mr. Meche also noted that the applicants’ contractor could utilize copper. There was no public comment. VOTE: Mr. Joyce motioned to continue to allow applicants to return with more details, a sketch, etc. of the sidewalk hatch. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried.  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 7 of 8 331 Essex Street The Salem Inn applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for solar panels and chimney removal. Documents & Exhibits: - Application 9/10/2024 - Photos & slides Dick Pabich was present. Mr. Pabich noted intent of eliminating natural gas and going green entirely. Twelve heat pumps were added on property, without being seen (through interior and in-wall installation). Mr. Pabich noted desire to add solar panels in back of house on flat roof. Mr. Pabich said that the panels would not be seen from the street. Mr. Pabich noted that a chimney on rear of house (not in use) was obstructing path of intended installation. Mr. Pabich said that an old oil furnace that used the chimney was already removed. Mr. Pabich wanted to remove chimney to allow more solar panel installation, noting that the chimney would reduce solar capability by 25%. Chair Spang showed a Google Earth view of property. Mr. Pabich clarified that the property was a duplex, in order to distinguish which parts of roof he owns. Ms. Kelleher noted that the edge of solar panel array may be visible from a distance. Mr. Pabich noted that the solar panels would need to be recessed four feet from edge of roof due to fire code. Mr. Pabich noted that electrical conduit would need to be added to building along existing fascia, to be painted white to match. Mr. Pabich said that no meters or cutoff switches would feature on exterior, as they would all be installed inside. Mr. Pabich said that the solar panels were completely black and had no metallic features. No members spoke in favor of retaining the chimney. Ms. Tyler-Lewis and Ms. Raka-Goncalves lauded the applicants’ work on making the property completely green while maintaining the exterior facade. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to approve the application as submitted. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Spang, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce, Raka-Goncalves, Meche were in favor and the motion so carried. Request for comment on the FY25 CPA Plan Ms. Kelleher reviewed CPA plan comments from previous year to prioritize preserve vacant and underutilized historic buildings and resources; undertake resiliency planning for historic resources; and encourage continued use of funds to properties owned by private and non-profit entities. Mr. Meche and Chair Spang proposed recommending that studies be undertaken to preserve barracks and hangar (i.e. buildings in danger of falling down). Chair Spang also proposed adding photographs. Ms. Kelleher and Chair Spang to work on comment letter highlighting this recommendation. Other Business Minutes VOTE: Mr. Meche motioned to approve August 7 minutes. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Meche, Raka-Goncalves, Joyce, Tyler-Lewis, Martinez, Spang were in favor and the motion so carried.  Historical Commission meeting minutes October 9, 2024 Page 8 of 8 Correspondence Reconstruction of Bridge Street A letter was received pertaining to reconstruction of Bridge Street from Salem train station to Flint Street. No plan of proposed improvements was known to exist. Ms. Kelleher to ask for more information. String Lights on the Common Friends of the Salem Common questioned if SHC has jurisdiction over orange string lights on the Common. Ms. Kelleher did not believe this was the case (though free-standing light poles are under SHC purview). Mr. Martinez noted that the string lights had become permanent over the past 4-5 years. Mr. Martinez said that the city electrician did not believe that they could be replicated if taken down. Mr. Martinez noted that many of the lights have been now bolted into the trees. Ms. Tyler-Lewis questioned the Salem Tree Commission’s involvement in discussion. Haunted Happenings Structure in Salem Common Mr. Martinez noted that a shipping container was left in the Salem Common for use as an information booth. Chair Spang questioned whether the object would be removed and when. Mr. Martinez noted that the object was left on the premises until Thanksgiving in previous years. Adjournment VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to adjourn. Mr. Meche seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Graham, Historical Commission Clerk