2002-01-17Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes - January 17, 2002
Page 1
CITY OF BEVERLY
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Historic District Commission
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: January 17, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Matt Lewis, James Younger
John Condon
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: John Frates
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Diane Presutti
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.
1. Certificate of Appropriateness - 37 Front Street/Robert G. Neiley/Roof Hatch
Mr. Finch states that he received a call from Mr. Neiley asking for his application be
addressed at the next meeting due to illness. Mr. Finch then asks the Board to make a
motion to table Mr. Neiley’s application of COA until the next meeting.
Mr. Condon makes the motion, seconded by Mr. Lewis.
Motion carries 5-0.
2. Certificate of Appropriateness - 2 Davis Street/Chris Allen & Robert
Laughlin/Exterior Renovations
Mr. Finch addresses the Board and states that Mr. Allen and Mr. Laughlin has recently
purchased 2 Davis Street. The above address, being within the Historic District,
warranted a phone call from Mr. Finch alerting them to the procedures that must be
followed prior to any exterior renovations. Mr. Finch had noticed that approximately nine
original windows had already been replaced with vinyl replacement sashes.
Mr. Finch had visited 2 Davis Street and met with Mr. Laughlin to discuss the
renovations that the new owners wished to make. Mr. Finch also took pictures of the
property to present to the Board.
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Meeting Minutes - January 17, 2002
Page 2
Mr. Laughlin approaches the Board and explains the renovations he and Mr. Allen wish
to make to the building. He begins by explaining he would like to vinyl side the entire
building and replace any rotted wood. He wishes to redo the roof with asphalt shingles.
The building contains three chimneys that need some brick replacements and some stucco
work. He wishes to replace the wooden gutters with aluminum seamless gutters. He also
states some sills need replacing along with the brick steps. He wishes to replace the rear
deck and stairs with pressure treated wood for frame and the rest to be fir. Colonial
balusters to be used for railings. The vestibule on right side of building he wishes to tear
down. It is not part of original structure. The foundation and entry porch are in good
shape. He wishes to replace front columns. Mailboxes for tenants will be inside front
entry way. The driveway may be extended 3’ to 4’ and top coated with asphalt. They
wish to remove front trees that may be a hazard to gutters and siding.
Mr. Laughlin also states that the Board consider the vinyl replacements that have already
been replaced remain. He brings to the Board’s attention that the neighbor directly next
door has all vinyl replacement windows.
Mr. Finch states that the Board was not aware of the neighbor installing vinyl windows
and so notes the issue of non-compliance.
Mr. Finch opens the Public Hearing for comments regarding the application.
Mr. Ron Costa approaches the Board and commends Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen for the
improvements that have already taken place on the property. He asks the Board to
consider allowing the vinyl replacements to remain and by moving them to the side and
rear of building. He also asks the Board to allow Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen to comply
with Historic District guidelines (6 over 6 windows) on front of house only.
Mr. Finch reads a letter faxed to him by Miss Davis and Mr. Crosby of 16 Davis Street
objecting to Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen’s request.
Mr. Harold Pinkham, a history teacher and Salem State College approaches the Board
with information regarding the background of the home. He educates the Board on the
home’s history and recommends that the new owners preserve the characteristics of the
home.
Mr. Mike Gaudette of South Street reminds the Board of prior COA applicants requesting
to install vinyl siding and being denied. He also wishes to remind the Board of the
repeated permits being issued by the Building Inspectors for work not permitted in the
Historic District.
Mrs. Gaudette of South Street approaches the Board and also commends Mr. Laughlin
and Mr. Allen for improvements on building. She feels the Board should not compromise
but will back up moving the vinyl sashes from the front to the side.
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Meeting Minutes - January 17, 2002
Page 3
There being no further comments from the Public, Mr. Finch closes the public meeting.
Mr. Laughlin states the vinyl sashes were custom made and cannot be returned.
Mr. Finch states that there are other less visible openings on the building where the vinyl
sashes would fit.. The openings are not on the front of the house.
Mr. Costa asks the Board to consider a 15 minute recess.
The meeting reconvenes at 8:20 p.m.
Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen return and approach the Board. The agree to replace all
windows on front and street side of home with wooden Brosco sashes with true divided
lites. He also states that they request the vinyl sashes to be moved to the side or rear of
home.
They also state they will withdraw their request to install vinyl siding and instead will
repair and repaint the existing wood siding and trim provided they are allowed to install
the vinyl windows on the rear driveway side.
Mr. Younger states for the record that we recognize hardship and honest mistake that the
new home owners were not aware of the Historic District Commission. He also
recommends rewriting application for COA with exact renovations complying with
guidelines.
Mr. Finch asks for a motion to resubmit application for COA describing and locating the
exact exterior repairs in detail including painting and models of windows; and with the
understanding that the following treatments will be acceptable:
1. The double glazed replacement windows installed in the first floor on the Stone Street
façade (3 windows), Davis Street façade (4 windows), and the return of the main block
along the driveway (2 windows) will be removed and replaced with single glazed thru
muntin 6/6 sash by Brosco without the added energy panel. Aluminum exterior storm
sash are not regulated by the Commission and may therefore be added at your discretion.
2. Double glazed replacement windows may be installed in all the windows on the
driveway side of the rear ells (11 windows) and the rear façade of the main block
(3windows, 2 currently having the double glazed replacement windows). The
replacement sash are to be the units removed from the windows listed in item 1 above or
similar units sized to match the existing window frames.
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Meeting Minutes - January 17, 2002
Page 4
3. The existing siding (both clapboards, flush boarding, and trim boards), window and
door frames, and main entry woodwork will be retained, repaired, and repainted.
Individual devective clapboards sections of trim will be replaced with matching new
wood clapboards and trim. It is understood that the bulk of any clapboard and trim
replacement will be on the rear-most ell. The wood shingles on the rear elevation of the
rear ell will also be retained.
Mr. Condon motions, seconded by Mr. Lewis.
Motion carries 5-0.
3. Other business
Mr. Finch addresses the Board regarding demolitions of 8 Willow Street corner of Elliott
Street and Echo Avenue. He states that a hearing must be held within four weeks,
abutters must be notified as well as the public. He asks the Board to get back to him with
a date that is convenient.
Mr. Condon motions to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Younger.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.