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2004-06-30 CITY OF BEVERLY Public Meeting Minutes BOARD: Historic District Commission SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: June 30, 2004 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, James Younger, John Frates, John Condon, BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Lewis OTHERS PRESENT: Leah Zambernardi RECORDER: Leah Zambernardi Mr. Finch calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 1. Certificate of Appropriateness/ David P. Saia c/o Marcia Talbot/ 53 Bartlett Street Chairman Finch states this is a request to replace the left front deck and to install a roof over the left front door. He stated that the work had already been performed some time ago and that having Ms. Talbot file an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the work is an effort by the Commission to ensure that all owners are treated in the same manner. Mr. David P. Saia stated he applied for and received a building permit for the work. He stated that the Building Department did not inform him that he needed to file for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Chairman Finch questions if any members of the public are present to speak in favor or in opposition to the proposal. Mr. Richard Lewis of 51 Bartlett Street and trustee of the properties condominium association stated he is in support of the project. There being no other comments from the public, Chairman Finch asks members for their comments and questions. Mr. Younger states he has no comments about the proposal as the changes are very minor in nature. He stated the greater purpose here tonight is to "step-up" the interest in historic preservation and to make sure there are no precedents set with allowing known violations to continue. Mr. Condon makes a motion to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the left front deck and to install a roof over the left front door of the property at 53 Bartlett Street. Mr. Frates seconds the motion and it passes unanimously. 2. Recommendation to Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC)/ Determination of Eligibility for National Register Listing - St. Margaret Church, MHC #223, 670 Hale Street Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – June 30, 2004 Page 2 Chairman Finch states that the parishioners of Saint Margaret's Church at 670 Hale Street have submitted an inquiry to MHC about the National Register of Historic Places program. In the response letter to Ms. Mary Murray, parishioner, MHC requested that the parish obtain a recommendation letter from this Commission to find out whether it recommends that the Church be nominated. Ms. Mary Murray of 650 Hale Street stated that MHC recommended to her that all three buildings on the site be included in the nomination. She states that the parish is concerned about the fate of their church. She states that the anticipated closing date for the church is December 2005. Mr. Younger states that it is unfortunate that the church is being closed. Mr. Younger makes a motion to write a letter to MHC from the Commission recommending that all buildings on the site be considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Condon seconds the motion and it carries unanimously. 3. Approval of Minutes Mr. Condon makes a motion to accept the minutes of the Commission's meetings of November 5, 2003 and December 10, 2003. Mr. Frates seconds the motion and it carries unanimously. 4. New/Other Business a. 2 Davis Street Mr. Finch states that the original Greek Revival door was replaced at this property without a Certificate of Appropriateness sometime last year. He referred to the Certificate of Appropriateness granted for this property and noted that the front door is not mentioned in it because the door was to remain the same. Since that time, the owners, Robert Laughlin and Chris Allen have "condominium-ized" the property and no longer have ownership. Ms. Zambernardi states that she sent two letters of notice to Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen over the past few months. When they did not respond, she called their offices and was informed that the last condominium had been sold and that they no longer have ownership. They directed her to contact the condominium association. She states that she has spoken with the City Solicitor to determine who a letter should be addresses to. He responded that it would run with the property and that the new owners should be contacted. Mr. Younger states that the important thing to find out is if the original fabric is still around. He suggests that a letter be sent to the Condo. Association alerting them to the fact that the door has been replaced without approval, asking them to see if the original Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes – June 30, 2004 Page 2 fabric is on the property somewhere, and to send copies of the letters to Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen. He also suggests that this letter be sent to Mr. Laughlin and Mr. Allen. b. Heritage Landscape Inventory Program Ms. Zambernardi states that the public meeting to identify sites in Beverly for documentation will be Thursday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Beverly Public Library. She asks members to attend if possible. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.