Historical Commission

DRAFT SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024 MINUTES A meeting of the Salem Historical Commission was held on November 6, 2024 at 6:00PM via Zoom Virtual Meeting. Present were Vijay Joyce (Acting Chair), Milo Martinez, Rebecca English, Margarida Raka-Goncalves, Kelly Tyler-Lewis (arrived late). Absent: Larry Spang, Mark Meche. Staff: Patti Kelleher. 29 Washington Square–continuation The Bertram House applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement. The applicants requested a continuation to the November 20, 2024 meeting. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. 31 Chestnut Street–continuation Michael Selbst and Bradley Williams applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an EV charger. The applicants requested a continuation to the November 20, 2024 meeting. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to continue the application to the next meeting. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. 19 ½ Washington Square–continuation BPM Productions applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install lift. The applicant requested a continuation to the November 20, 2024 meeting. Public comment: Robert Brooks noted having sent a letter to the City Building Inspector and Solicitor about the lift pertaining to issues such as easement, non-conforming use, zoning, etc. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried.  Historical Commission meeting minutes November 6, 2024 Page 2 of 7 10 Flint Street–continuation Mark Gelaides applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for heat pumps. Mr. Gelaides and Jen Gross were present. Mr. Gelaides noted undertaking plans to have line sets on the driveway side of house relocated. Mr. Gelaides noted having figured out a way to put them inside the house (i.e. routing through closet spaces), thus they were removed from exterior. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to accept withdrawal of the application. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. 180 Derby Street–continuation The Brookhouse Home applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for copper gutters and downspouts. The applicants requested a continuation to the November 20, 2024 meeting. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. 387 Essex Street–continuation Joshua Snyder and Ashley Gutierrez Snyder applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for heat pump conduits. A site visit was conducted in interim between meetings. The owner agreed to explore other options for the line sets in interior of home. The applicant requested a continuation to explore options. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to continue the application to the next meeting. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez Tyler-Lewis, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. 25 Warren Street Megal and Joel Nentwich applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for clapboard repair and paint; repair/replace front entryway porch and stairs. Documents and Exhibits: - Application 10/10/24 - Photographs Megan and Joel Nentwich were present. Ms. Nentwich noted front porch stairs were in disrepair and needed replacement. Ms. Nentwich also noted that aluminum siding on front of house was desired to be removed and replaced with clapboard. Chair Joyce clarified that the windows were not being replaced. Ms. Nentwich noted advice from contractor to look to detail of house next door (23 Warren) for instructive purposes.  Historical Commission meeting minutes November 6, 2024 Page 3 of 7 Mr. Martinez questioned why AZEK - a composite material - was being substantially used on the project, to which Ms. Nentwich noted preference of contractor. Ms. Kelleher noted that AZEK had only been previously approved in limited instances. Ms. Nentwich noted that siding would be replaced only on the facade and driveway side of house. Mr. Martinez advised against using AZEK for a cornerboard since it was not in a location prone to wet conditions. The expansion of AZEK was also said to be greater than wood. The applicants were advised to use wood materials. Public comment: Nick Lewis, 23 Warren, lauded the application as an abutter. Mr. Lewis questioned if there would be shutters added, to which Ms. Nentwich said no. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to approve repair replacement 3A in the application with the amendment of replacing AZEK for cornerboards with wood of applicants’ choice, to match as closely as possible the dimensions of property next door at 23 Warren. Ms. English seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka- Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis (abstained), Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. Discussion shifted to portion 3B of application on window trim to be repaired or replaced in kind. Chair Joyce noted that the SHC only has jurisdiction over color of storm windows. Ms. Nentwich clarified that the color of some storm windows and doors would be changed from gray to white. Ms. Nentwich noted the project contractor having said that they would be capable of maintaining or refashioning sill horns where applicable on windows. Ms. Kelleher noted that applicants could also reference trim on 23 Warren. Ms. Nentwich clarified that Chair Joyce had identified band molding around windows as a point of interest. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to accept 3B as submitted. Ms. English seconded the motion. to continue the application to the next meeting. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis (abstained), Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. Discussion shifted to portion 3C of application on front stairs and porch. Ms. Nentwich noted having instructed contractor to match existing. Chair Joyce noted that a turned porch column could be used in this particular instance, using painted wood rather than a post wrapped in AZEK. Chair Joyce showed an example of BROSCO porch posts for reference. Mr. Martinez questioned if size of porch columns was known at present. Mr. Nentwich noted that the existing posts were 3.5”. The applicants were receptive to Chair Joyce’s advocacy of a turned porch column. Ms. Nentwich questioned if the addition of a turned porch column would impact other elements of the porch design, such as the square posts and balusters running down the stairs. Chair Joyce said that square posts could still be used. Discussion shifted to PVC fascia boards for sides of the frame and stairs. An adjacent property on Flint was cited as a reference point for the current applicants’ plans, an image of which was shown. Chair Joyce said that square lattice could also be used. Mr. Martinez expressed general favor towards this portion of the application, while recommending that wood be used for roof of porch entry (including the ceiling) instead of the stated PVC. Mr. Martinez said that beadboard could be used in response to Ms.  Historical Commission meeting minutes November 6, 2024 Page 4 of 7 Nentwich’s question. Mr. Martinez also questioned the use of clapboard siding in the pediment. Chair Joyce said that the pediments could be simple or ornate. Discussion shifting to Hampton railings, which Mr. Martinez noted had been previously approved on Cambridge Street. Ms. Nentwich noted that the railings would be painted. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to approved 3C with the following amendments: that PVC slated for any roof work be changed to wood; pressure treated posts altered to turned 4x4 porch columns; ceiling to be wood beadboard; option to use clapboard inside of pediment or use flat panel; vertical lattice slats underneath the stairs to match house shown on Flint Street; and Intex railing to be painted to match the trim. Ms. English seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis (abstained), Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. Discussion shifted to the storm door in portion 3D of application, over which the SHC only had jurisdiction on color. Ms. Nentwich noted that the storm door would be wood and glass and would match neighboring property. Ms. Nentwich said that a sizeable portion of aluminum was used. Chair Joyce and Mr. Martinez advised replacing with wood instead of AZEK, with the applicants to return contingent to what materials were found behind aluminum siding. No public comment. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to approve 3D with the substitution of wood for AZEK in terms of the aluminum clad trim around the door. Ms. English seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis (abstained), Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. Discussion shifted to portion 4 of the application over paint. Chair Joyce advised the applicants to paint the house, trim, and door with swatches to be observed onsite. Ms. Nentwich asked whether samples provided by the paint manufacturer could be used instead of applying paint to the house. Ms. Nentwich said that existing samples could be arranged at the house. Mr. Martinez, Ms. Raka-Goncalves, and Chair Joyce expressed favor for the paint scheme that had been submitted in the application. No public comment. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to accept paint colors as submitted pending final review by Chair Joyce in the field. Mr. Martinez seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis (abstained), Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. 377 Essex Street Maureen McCarthy applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to alter chimney (after the fact). Documents & Exhibits: - Application: 10/10/2024 - Photographs/slideshow  Historical Commission meeting minutes November 6, 2024 Page 5 of 7 Frank Simmons and Maureen McCarthy were present. Two chimneys (primary and secondary) were identified at the property: the primary chimney was said to be in safe condition and untouched. The secondary chimney on the rear elevation was deemed dangerous and said to not be visible from front view of house. Ms. McCarthy noted having worked with Helen Sides on the present application. Upon inspection of chimney during tree work, Mr. Simmons said that instability of secondary chimney was discovered. A photograph was shown indicating area of structural compromise. The owners were fearful that the chimney could fall onto roof or an entry way. The applicants had the chimney dismantled down to just above roof level and capped while a manlift was onsite for tree work. Mr. Simmons said that it was not affordable nor reasonable to rebuild the nonfunctional chimney up to its original height. Mr. Simmons said that a building permit for chimney work was obtained on the day that the structural issues were identified. Mr. Simmons noted that a 10-foot portion of the chimney was unstable. In response to Chair Joyce’s question of what structural issues were observed onsite, Mr. Simmons said that mortar had fallen onto the roof and into the gutters, and that some areas of the chimney were completely without mortar. Ms. McCarthy said that the initial intention was to repoint the chimney, until the magnitude of deterioration was discovered. Public comment: John Hermanski, 5 Monroe St, and Bob Leveque, 373 Essex St, noted that the chimney in question had been in tough shape since 1999. Mr. Hermanski opined that the chimney should have been taken down and rebuilt earlier. Mr. Hermanski said that the chimney was highly visible from Essex St. Mr. Hermanski also said that the property includes fireplaces which will not be serviceable from the chimney at its truncated height. Mr. Levesque also alleged that the owners had attempted to remove gutters without a permit in the past. Photographs were shown of the chimney from a variety of angles and dates. Board members unanimously expressed the opinion that the chimney would need to be rebuilt back up in accordance with SHC guidelines. Mr. Martinez noted that previous applications - on Broad St and 9 North St - had rebuilt so-called “fake” chimneys to replace older nonfunctional chimneys. The material used in such instances was said to be wood with brick veneer. Ms. Raka-Goncalves wished to know the suggested minimum height of the chimney according to building codes, particularly the height required of a functioning chimney. Mr. Simmons noted that there are no functioning fireplaces in the home, in response to a public comment that was made. Mr. Simmons expressed interest in creating a fake chimney, based on the options proposed. Mr. Simmons did not express interest in recreating functioning chimneys for fireplaces which were said to be nonfunctional. Ms. Raka-Goncalves cited section 3.124 from the SHC guidelines as to owners’ responsibilities in carrying out routine maintenance work to property, such as on chimneys. Chair Joyce recommended continuing the application to afford owners time to plan for chimney reconstruction. Ms. McCarthy requested that the Commission provide a specific recommendation as to what the owners should do to resolve the issue. VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to continue the application to the November 20 meeting. Ms. Tyler- Lewis seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried.  Historical Commission meeting minutes November 6, 2024 Page 6 of 7 16 Kosciusko Street Margarida Raka-Goncalves and Catarina Maria Goncalves applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness for foundation repairs and waterproofing Documents & Exhibits: - Application: 10/21/2024 - Photographs/slideshow Ms. Raka-Goncalves was present with Chris Sennott, contractor. Ms. Raka-Goncalves cited water damage in the basement, to the degree that underpinning was not possible. Ms. Raka-Goncalves noted that water was coming in sideways through the basement. Mr. Sennott said that removal of the foundation was planned, currently made up of brick and fieldstone, to be replaced with 12” concrete foundation. A red brick veneer was planned for exterior exposed foundation, the color of which was thought to be consistent with era of house construction. Ms. Raka-Goncalves also noted the intent to restore / add windows to areas of basement foundation that featured in historic photographs. Ms. Kelleher noted that jurisdiction for this property included visibility from Derby Street and Kosciusko Street. The foundation would not be visible from the adjacent park at Derby Wharf. Chair Joyce clarified that veneer would be added to north, east, and south sides of house (i.e. the original foundation). Ms. Raka-Goncalves believed that the current foundation had existed since approximately 1953. Ms. Raka- Goncalves also noted that entry stairs were not to code and would be altered, with the addition of a railing to adhere to appropriate building codes. Mr. Martinez directed attention to 19 Milk Street for reference of entry stairs that land into a sidewalk. Images were shown. Mr. Sennott said that the goal for entry stairs would be a concrete base, veneer the risers (along with sides), with bluestone steps. Ms. English clarified that the house would need to be lifted up in order to carry out foundation repairs, which Mr. Sennott affirmed. Chair Joyce specified that any brick veneer should have a waterstruck finish. Mr. Sennott said that basement windows would be consistent with style of existing windows on the house, which were said to be Andersen aluminum clad. Ms. Tyler-Lewis advocated replacing gutters and downspouts for improved water rerouting. Ms. Kelleher noted that dimensions of planned basement windows to be replaced were submitted in the application. Chair Joyce recommended that the applicant come back before the Commission with specific plans for entry stairs after further consultation with the building inspector. Mr. Martinez and Ms. English stated preference to see small windows with three lites in the front of house. No public comment. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to approve the application as submitted, with waterstruck brick to be used as veneer finish, three-lite windows per the plans using Andersen aluminum clad to match those windows existing on the house, with applicants to submit specific dimensions for windows after consultation with the building inspector. Ms. Tyler-Lewis seconded the motion. Roll Call: English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried.  Historical Commission meeting minutes November 6, 2024 Page 7 of 7 Request for Letter of Support Historic Salem, Inc. requested a letter of support for its Survey & Planning Grant application to complete the Greater Endicott Neighborhood Historic Resource Survey. Barbara Cleary and Dick Lindeman were present. Mr. Lindeman noted that HSI had been working with the Greater Endicott Neighborhood Association to request funds from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to carry out a survey to determine if the neighborhood qualifies for the National Register. Mr. Lindeman noted that the pre- application will be submitted and requested a letter of support from SHC. The neighborhood was said to have raised over $13,000 as the required matching funds for the project. Mr. Lindeman noted the intention to submit the application (i.e. a summary of the project as well as how the neighborhood was defined geographically) to MHC at the end of week. Ms. Cleary was desirous of the SHC voting on support prior to composing a letter draft for the Commission’s review. Members expressed support for the application and initiative. VOTE: Ms. Tyler-Lewis motioned to draft a letter of support for Greater Endicott Street Historic Resource survey. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. Baker’s Island Oil House A vote was requested to accept preservation restriction as a condition of Community Preservation Act funding. Ms. Kelleher said that Baker’s Island received a CPA award a number of years ago, and a vote was needed to approve a preservation restriction. VOTE: Ms. English motioned to accept the preservation restriction. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. Roll Call: Raka-Goncalves, English, Martinez, Tyler-Lewis, Joyce were in favor and the motion so carried. Adjournment VOTE: Mr. Martinez motioned to adjourn. Ms. Raka-Goncalves seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion so carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dan Graham, Historical Commission Clerk