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HDC minutes_ 05.26 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION: Historic District Commission DATE: May 26, 2022 LOCATION: Google Meet(Virtual) MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch (Chair), Suzanne LaMont (Vice Chair),Wendy Pearl,John Leahy, Gregory Howard MEMBERS ABSENT: Caroline Baird Mason STAFF PRESENT: Darlene Wynne, Planning Director;Victoria Healy,Associate Planner OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Alpern;Zachary Brock; Kevin McMahon; Mike Tierney; Miranda Siemasko;Jim Patierno; Bruce Doig; Paul Leighton; Robert Porzio;Thad Siemasko RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury Call to Order Chair Finch calls the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. 1. Demolition Delay Reviews #275 —Flint Properties Miranda Siemasko represents the applicant, Flint Properties, Mike Tierney; Jim Patierno; Rick Alpern. This is a renovation project for a cannabis dispensary. M. Siemasko briefs the commission on the original scope of project and the current project status. M. Siemasko informs the commission, after the initial review, there is considerably more structural damage to the building than anticipated. Mike Tierney details the structural damage. The structural engineer expressed concerns over the original plans. The completed interior demolition demonstrated the significant amount of renovation work needed to improve the structural integrity. The project is aware of a fire many years ago,the damage caused and the repair work completed. Tierney reached out to a third-party firm that substantiated the original concerns of significant improvement and increase of the scope of work intended. The structural integrity of the building requires full demolition. Tierney discusses the plumbing, timber replacement, energy codes, and building codes. As a result, the team requests full building demolition instead of renovation. In attempting to renovate the building there would be too many replacements to the original woodwork and framing denigrating the historical significance of the building. Thad Siemasko presents the new building design and site plan modification. A two- story building to replace the 3-story building. Brock informs the Commission they would need to replace 90% of the wood structure of the building in order to renovate. Finch describes the facades, cornices, Italian immigrant history, flooring and storefront. Informs members to please review email and attachments pertaining to the building, sent last minute. The Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 building does have an inventory form completed in 1993. This building does not qualify for individual listing on the National Registry. Recess for Public Hearing 2. Public Hearing: Demolition Delay Reviews #275 —Flint Properties - Demolition of a building located at 350 Rantoul Street Finch opens for Public Hearing at 7:27 pm. Wynne confirms there are no members of the public present for comment. Hearing no public comments or concerns; Finch closes the Public Hearing 7:29 pm. Reconvene Regular Meeting 3. Determinations: Demolition Delay Reviews #275 —Flint Properties - Demolition of a building located at 350 Rantoul Street Finch reminds members their responsibilities are to 1) determine if the property is significant to the history of Beverly and 2) if the Commission determines the building is historically significant, to then determine of the building is preferably preserved. Finch asks for input from commissioners. Pearl does determine this building is historically significant, especially in lieu of the Rantoul developments in recent years. Leahy determines this building does maintain some historic features; and acknowledges the changes throughout the years. Leahy expresses concerns that if this building were to be demolished, where is the line drawn before all buildings of a similar type are razed. LaMont echoes the same sentiments of Pearl; the building's unique history and location on a fast-changing streetscape. Finch comments the store front was changed as of the 1970's and is not characteristic of the type of store front originally. It is representative of the typical triple decker buildings dispersed up along Rantoul streetscape. Finch's issue is that this is isolated at its current location among other present structures and is not a National Registry caliber building in its own right. If the modern code were applied to all the wood frame buildings present they would need to be razed. Finch notes that the type of building they are trying to create out of the existing structure represents a use change that will trigger current code updates to the building (roof codes/snow codes). Finch and LaMont discuss the current wood frame buildings and how the modern codes affect them. Finch believes this building is characteristic and reasonably stands out. Finch discusses the Victorian features, upper facade, cornices, finishes, and sign bands. Commissioners are concerned; and question how the development team could not have anticipated the extensive building damage with the project history known. A structural review completed by TFM Structural Engineers (2020), outlined the project needs as it related to renovation has been on file with the Planning Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8 Department and suggests that the applicant knew of these significant challenges before the building was vacated. The report noted the extensive fire damages and serves as a comprehensive analysis of additional building code challenges to the project. Brock discusses the original report where the finishes were removed. There were still tenants on the first floor. Once the tenants were vacated, further review of interior structure and fire damage were significantly more than originally thought. The extent of the damage was not known in the original report. There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter: Finch instructs the Commission to make a determination if the building is historically significant. Finch experiences technical difficulties. Members decide to pause the meeting in order for Finch to rejoin. Members decide they do not need a site visit. Finch rejoins the meeting. LaMont informs Finch the group consensus determined a site visit was not necessary. Motion: LaMont moves the Commission finds the building is determined to be historically significant on the basis of the uniqueness to the 19th century period of industrialism, the immigrant neighborhoods, and prevailing architecture at the time. Finch suggests an addition to the motion that it is an important component of the 19th century streetscape. LaMont amends the motion. Pearl seconds. The motion carries, 4-1. Howard dissents. Determination: The building is determined to be historically significant. Ms. Siemasko comments to the commission regarding how preserving the building relates to the public interest. Reminds the commission the building will not be historically preserved even if determined it is preferably preserved. There will not be much left of the building once those structural repairs are made. Finch clarifies preserving the facade and storefront would be more important as opposed to interior preservation. Pearl inquires 1) how this change in plan affects the change in permits already secured; 2) during the long process to secure the permits, what was the public interest or support for the project; and 3) if there was public support, it was it related to preserving the historic building. M. Siemasko discusses the public process. The project must go through the host community agreement process and the selection process. The owner of the building at the time, Rick Alpern, was active in the process and in general afe is quite active in the community. The Zoning Board was more focused on the use, not the historic preservation. M. Siemasko informs the commission the project voluntarily went to the Design Review Board seeking approval. M. Siemasko notes the project will need to return to the Planning Board, Design Review Board, Parking and Traffic Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8 Commission for site plan modification and review of special permit. M. Siemasko notes this applicant did not undertake this consideration lightly to return to these boards for site review. Rick Alpern requests permission to speak. Finch grants permission. Alpern explains the community meeting process and feedback to the Commission. The overwhelming response was that people were more curious about the specific proposed business use as opposed to the history of the building. Two members of the public were vehemently against legalized marijuana. There was not much focus on the historic preservation. There was more focus on parking, safety, and business type. From a community stand point no one came to the meeting to discuss the historic value. By way of explanation to those vehemently against legalized marijuana, this process occurred before so many dispensaries were established. Finch notes this is a background building and is not a major architectural landmark. There being no further comments or questions regarding the matter: Motion: Pearl moves the building is determined to be preferably preserved as an example of the 19th century streetscape and unique survivor of that era. LaMont moves to amend the motion. This is a building with historical ties to a notable Beverly family, the Fortunatos. Pearl accepts amended motion. Lamont seconds the original motion. The motion fails, 2-3. Finch, Howard, and Leahy dissent. Determination: The building is not determined to be preferably preserved. 4. Review of Proiect for North Shore Community Baptist Church—1 Hart Street— EBI Consulting o/b/o Dish Wireless a. Installation of antenna and equipment modification atop existing bell tower/steeple Finch updates the Commission on the modification and understands the changes occurring are within the tower, not on the exterior. This is fairly straightforward review. Members determine the project has no adverse effect on the property. Wynne will draft a letter in support of the project. 5. Request for Letter of Support: Historic Tax Credit Application for 3 Essex Street, Beverly, MA—Powers & Company for Monarch Companies Wynne provides the updates and discusses the extension to file the tax credit due to missed deadline and change in meeting times. Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 Kevin McMahon represents the project. Finch explains the commission is not approving the project, debut they should consider if the project meets the secretary of interior standards and, if so, moves the application forward. Finch notes, does the commission have major concerns about the project. McMahon discusses the prior window replacements; in 1994 they were not of the highest quality. The applicant would like to redo the windows for better quality. McMahon confirms for Leahy there are no original windows to the building. Finch confirms they are not doing any roof top changes to the addition, and recalls the shingles are asbestos slate. McMahon confirms yes, and those will be retained. Per McMahon the changes are minimal including repairs to the railing. Motion: Leahy moves the Commission draft a letter of support for the project. Howard seconds. Wynne asks if there is anything to attach to the motion that can be detailed in the letter. Finch notes the building is an important community landmark. The motion carries 5-0. 6. Bass River Rezoning: Discussion and consideration of letter to Mayor Wynne notes the letter is not time sensitive and can be moved to next month's meeting. Members agree to review at the next regular meeting. 7. Neighborhood Conservation Districts Ordinance: Subcommittee report and discussion The commission will table to next month's meeting. Members request this is the first agenda item for June's meeting. 8. Designate HDC representative to the Community Preservation Committee Pearl describes the CPC position and gives up her representative position. LaMont expresses interest. Motion: Finch moves to nominate Suzanne LaMont as designated representative to the CPC. Howard seconds. The motion carries 5-0. 9. Approval of minutes a. January 26, 2022 Regular Meeting (amended) Motion: Pearl moves to approve the amended minutes. Howard seconds. The motion carries 4-0- 1. Finch abstains. The motion carries. Members will review and approve additional minutes at the June meeting. Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 b. March 30, 2022 Regular Meeting C. April 7, 2022 (Bass River Rezoning Subcommittee Meeting) d. April 14, 2022 Regular Meeting e. April 27, 2022 (Bass River Rezoning Subcommittee Meeting) f. April 27, 2022 (Neighborhood Conservation Districts Ordinance Subcommittee) 10. New/Other Business a. Project Update: Restoration of the staircase between Gillis Park and Pleasant View Beach Finch provides the updates for the Commission and notes this is a contractor's review. Doig presents the project to the commission. Finch is seeking details on the project scope, including what specifically is to be done and how is it the work is to be monitored. Since this is a CPC project, Finch wants to ensure the project meets Secretary of Interior Standards. Doig explains the pandemic held up the project. He was not able to get in touch with the original masonry company who bid and quoted the project. The second quote is not as specific as the first quote, however; Doig assures commissioners the scope of project has not changed. The original quote is from the Murray Masonry Corp., but Robert Tremblay of A&R Construction will be executing the project. LaMont would like to have the specifics of the types of stones to be used by A& R Construction. Members agrees this project needs design specifics. Pearl opines this project needs more than just repair. As it is a CPC historic project, there is needs to be a clear defined scope of work. Pearl applauds and understands the desire to get the project completed. Doig explains he will defer the expertise to the Planning Department. Doig is ok with putting the project on hold to have the design specifics correct and iterates he is looking for guidance on how to move forward. Doig inquires if there are consultants to hire who can review the project and better define the scope, including increasing the funding and making sure this is done to proper preservation standards. Wynne informs the commission the planning department does not have the resources available at the moment. Wynne echoes LaMont's request for a detailed scope of work and list of projects the mason has completed. Otherwise, the project will need to go out to bid. b. Other discussion or action items related to Commission business, if any Leahy informs the commission he is relocating to Wenham. The mayor's office is aware and approved his continued membership on the HDC. 11. Adiournment Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 Motion: Leahy moves to adjourn. Howard seconds. The motion carries 5-0. Meeting adjourned 8:59 pm. Next meeting scheduled 6/23/22. 1. Draft Review of the NDC Ordinance Leahy confirms with Healey the two different versions of the draft. Members discuss the two versions of the draft to resolve confusion on which one to vote and submit to the Planning Board for next steps. Leahy iterates he did not think it appropriate to make changes on behalf of the HDC in one version of the drafts presented. Pearl clarifies the difference between documents while Healey reviews next steps to move the draft forward. Pearl confirms this version reflects discussion from last meeting. Members review comments from the Planning Director. Pearl notes it is important the neighborhoods feel empowered to start the process themselves. Pearl does not want the administrative process supplanted by authorities from other entities. Members agree there will be levels of authorities and roles. Mason is in favor of voting on the current document as it knowing it will pass onto other groups such as the Planning Department and Legal for their comments. Mason notes the commission was charged with creating a draft. Mason advocates to vote on the draft and continue moving forward. Finch suggests sending the draft to the Planning Department first and let them send to Legal as they are the appropriate body to forward onto Legal. 2. Draft Vote and Next Steps Motion: Pearl moves to finalize the document as the final draft of the NDC Ordinance and to send the draft to the Planning Department. Mason seconds. The motion carries 5-0. Pearl asks Healey who has the final say in the Ordinance and also inquires if there is an Ordinance Committee. Healey discusses the procedure before it goes to City Council for final approval. Members ask there to be a public hearing before the Ordinance is final. Leahy suggests since there are two drafts including one from the Planning director,the subcommittee can now get together and incorporate those comments. Healey advises not to meet it would not be a productive use of time. The comments from Planning department can be answered by Legal. Leahy withdraws his suggestion. Sidebar: Historic District Commission May 26,2022 Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8 Finch observes through a Globe article the Boston City Council approved the architectural conservation district of Roxbury's Highland Park district. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/05/metro/city-approves-architectural-conservation- district-roxburys-hi hlg and-park/ Healey confirms RFQs for the Rantoul survey and the National Register for Lynch Park went out. Finch asks Healey to contact the Building Inspector's Office to review the application for the demolition request 62 Ober Street. Finch would like to see if this is a partial or full demolition as part of the remodeling plans. Members would like to update the form to be specific for what exactly will be demolished on the property. Pearl provides some history to the architectural style of the home, suspecting that it might be a Royal Barry Wills (1895-1962) house in the traditional Cape Cod style. Wills was an American author and architect who mastered the Cape Code type house (1930-1950), a Colonial Revival incarnation. Healey will email Historic Beverly for any additional information pertaining to 62 Ober Street. LaMont asks if the 218 Cabot Street and 478 Rantoul will have demo hearings for the next regular meeting July 28, 2022. Healey asks members if they would like to continue remote meetings and members affirm. 1. Adiournment Motion: Pearl moves to adjourn. LaMont seconds. The motion carries 5-0. Meeting adjourned 8:59 pm. Regular meeting scheduled 7/28/22.