2015-02-25Beverly Historic Commission
Minutes — February 25, 2015
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CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Historic District Commission
February 25, 2015
Beverly City Hall, City Council Chambers, 191 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA.
William Finch, Chair, and Wendy Pearl, Martin Lian, Suzanne
LaMont
James Younger
Allison Crosbie, Staff Planner
Eileen Sacco
Finch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
6 Echo Avenue — Beverly School for the Deaf — Vaughan Dormitory — Response to
Demolition Delay
Mark Carlson addressed the Commission and explained that he has submitted additional
information showing the emerging process regarding the Vaughan Dormitory since 2004 and
their decision to seek a demolition permit for the property. He reviewed the information with the
Commission including estimates of the cost of renovation of the building and feasibility studies
that were considered as well. He also reported that Lamont visited the School Museum since the
last meeting.
Carlson reported that the Fire Department has come to a resolution regarding the issues around
the sprinkler system and notes that the electric bill for last month was $5,000.
Finch noted that they are asking to lift the demolition delay.
Finch stated that it seems clear that they are not interested in having a third party operating in
that building.
Lian stated that he read all of the materials submitted and it seems that they have no other option.
LaMont noted that Appendix I of the Master Plan proposes an addition within the same spot.
She questions if there is any way to repurpose the building and keep the same fagade. Carlson
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Beverly Historic Commission
Minutes — February 25, 2015
explained that in 2001 they explored putting a skyway to the third floor of the Vaughan elevation
and they found that the foundation would not support that. He further explains that if the master
plan goes forward the new entrance would be off Echo Avenue.
Pearl asked if they considered the adaptive reuse of the building. Carlson reported that they got
an estimate in 2008 to replace what is there and Harvard Graduate School looked at adaptive
reuse as well.
LaMont reported that she visited the Museum and was chatting with the director and in the
course of the conversation it was mentioned that the family and students who lived in the
Vaughan Dormitory didn't have any attachment to it and it does not seem that it would be
missed.
Pearl noted that some in the city will be shocked to see the Vaughan building come down.
Carlson noted that it has not been used as a dormitory for 15 years.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
LaMont: motion to lift the demolition delay order issued for the Vaughan Dormitory, 6
Echo Avenue, Beverly School for the Deaf. Lian seconds the motion. The
motion carries (4 -0).
Crosbie will send a letter to the Building Inspector notifying him that the HDC has lifted the
Demolition Delay for the Beverly School for the Deaf.
Community Preservation Act Historic Preservation Project Funds: Review Application for
Determination of Historic Significance
8 Dane Street — GAR Hall Restoration — Ward 2 Civic Association
LaMont recused herself from discussion of this matter.
Finch notes that the GAR Hall is on the Massachusetts Historic Commission inventory so this is
not an issue.
Pearl: motion to approve the Determination of Historic Significance for GAR Hall — 8
Dane Street. Lian seconds the motion. The motion carries (3 -0).
Discussion of Mass Historical Commission Planning Survey Grant
Crosbie reported that the grant has been submitted and the City should be hearing something in
early March.
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Minutes — February 25, 2015
Old/New Business
Finch reported that the Commission has been made aware that the owner of a property at the
corner of Bartlett and Front Street has replaced some windows without approval of the HDC. He
explains the history of the property noting that it was changed to condos in 1985 and a couple of
years ago the owner changed some windows and at the time he went out to the site. He
explained that after the owner came to the Commission and they made a finding he appealed and
the decision was in favor of the Commission.
Finch explained that it is still the same owner and he has pulled the windows out again and
replaced them without a permit. He notes that he pulled a permit to replace the shingles on the
roof but not for the windows. He notes that roofing does not require a certificate.
Finch stated that there are some FAQ's on the website that were written by a former employee
that indicates as long as what is replaced does not change the look of the building using the same
materials in is appropriate. He stated that he feels that this could be misunderstood by owners
referring to the website for information.
Finch noted that replacing window sashes does require a permit. He asks what the Commission
would like to do.
Pearl questioned if the Commission should have them take them down.
Crosbie reported that the owner has been contacted to submit an application for the windows but
he has not responded.
Pearl asked if the Building Inspector has been notified. Crosbie states that the Building Inspector
has been notified.
Pearl suggested that the Commission have the owner come before the Commission to explain his
actions. Finch agreed and noted that at least it would be educational.
Finch stated that one can understand that the may have misinterpreted the FAQ's. He suggests
that the FAQ's should come off the website because they are inaccurate. Crosbie will take the
FAQ's down from the website.
Crosbie will invite the owner to the next meeting of the Historic District Commission.
Pearl suggested that the Commission consider having signs put on buildings that are on
demolition delay. Finch explained that it would require an ordinance change. He suggests that if
a hearing is held and a property is determined to be historically significant then a sign could go
UP.
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Minutes — February 25, 2015
Pearl stated that she thinks it is something to consider. Crosbie suggested that a press release
announcing the determination and the status of the demolition might be helpful. Pearl states that
she thinks that would be a good practice. Finch cautioned that a press release would have to be
extremely neutral. Crosbie states that she will check on this with City Planner Aaron Clausen.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Beverly Historic Commission meeting held on January 6, 2015 were
presented for approval.
Pearl moved approval of the minutes as amended. Lian seconds the motion. The motion carries
(4 -0).
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Beverly Historic Commission this evening,
Pearl moved to adjourn the meeting. LaMont seconds the motion. The motion carries.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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