38 Willson St decision 11.28.23
DOMINICK PANGALLO
MAYOR
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF APPEALS
98 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
TEL: 978-619-5685
December 11, 2023
Decision
City of Salem Board of Appeals
The petition of GAETANO FODERA at 38 WILLSON STREET (Map 24, Lot 39) (R1 Zoning
District) for a Special Permit per Section 3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures of the Salem
Zoning Ordinance to extend the existing second-floor mudroom approximately 10 feet
outward to be flush with the existing deck. The existing deck would also be closed by
the extension of the existing roof.
A public hearing on the above petition was opened on October 18, 2023 and was
continued to the November 15, 2023 hearing. It was closed on November 15, 2023.
On October 18, 2023, the following members of the Salem Board of Appeals were
present: Peter Copelas (Chair), Nina Vyedin, Rosa Ordaz and Hannah Osthoff.
On November 15, 2023 the following members of the Salem Board of Appeals were
present: Peter Copelas (Chair), Paul Viccica, Nina Vyedin, Rosa Ordaz and Hannah
Osthoff.
Statements of Fact:
The petition is date stamped September 6, 2023. The petitioner proposes to extend the
existing second-floor mudroom approximately 10 feet outward to be flush with the
existing deck. Petitioner proposed to enclose the extended deck.
1. 38 Willson Street is owned by Gaetano Fodera.
2. The petitioner was Gaetano Fodera.
3. The representative was Marc Maniscalco.
4. 38 Willson Street is located in the R1 zoning district. (Map 24, Lot 39).
5. On October 18, 2023, Marc Maniscalco presented the plans to the board.
6. Mr. Fodera purchased the property in 2017. They want to expand the living
space to accommodate their growing family.
7. The property is a two-family residence, in which Mr. Fodera and his family live on
the second floor.
8. Mr. Maniscalco reviewed the submitted plans for the board. The proposed
addition to the mudroom would add an additional four hundred (400) square feet
of living space.
9. Hannah Osthoff stated that she was having a hard time understanding the
requested relief based on the plans. She inquired if the first floor under the
proposed extension will continue to be exposed or is it being closed in as well.
10. Mr. Maniscalco showed board members photographs of the property to try and
give a better understanding of the requested relief.
11. Board members expressed their concern for this petition with the lack of
submitted details in the plans.
12. The Board requested the representative to continue to the next board meeting.
This was to provide additional time to gather the proper documentation for the
next board meeting. Board members requested renderings and elevations to
accompany the petition.
13. Mr. Maniscalco agreed and requested to continue to the next meeting that is on
November 15, 2023.
14. On November 15, 2023, Mr. Maniscalco reiterated to the board that the variance
request for this petition had been removed after discussions with the Building
Commissioner. They were only seeking relief via special permit.
15. Mr. Maniscalco shared with the board the petitioner’s updated elevations and
renderings for the project. The deck would be covered and it would be flush
with the roof.
16. Mr. Maniscalco reiterated the elevations for the structure would not change with
this project. And the house is within the required setback for the R1 Zoning
District.
17. Mr. Maniscalco stated that this needed a special permit and not by-right is
because the structure exceeds thirty (30%) percent of lot area coverage due to
its non-conforming nature.
18. Mr. Copelas opened the meeting to questions from the board. There were none.
19. Mr. Copeals opened the meeting to public comment. There were none.
20. Hannah Osthoff made a motion to approve the petition.
On the basis of the above statements of fact and findings, the Salem Board of Appeals
voted five (5) in favor (Peter A. Copelas(Chair), Nina Vyden, Carlie McClain, Hannah
Osthoff and Paul Viccica and none (0) opposed to grant GAETANO FODERA at 38
WILLSON STREET (Map 24, Lot 39) (R1 Zoning District) a Special Permit per Section
3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to extend the existing
second-floor mudroom approximately 10 feet outward to be flush with the existing
deck. The existing deck would also be closed by the extension of the existing roof.
Receiving five (5) in favor votes, the petition for a Special Permit is
GRANTED.
Standard Conditions:
1. Petitioner shall comply with all city and state statutes, ordinances, codes and
regulations.
2. All construction shall be done as per the plans and dimensions submitted to and
approved by the Building Commissioner.
3. All requirements of the Salem Fire Department relative to smoke and fire safety
shall be strictly adhered to.
4. Petitioner shall obtain a building permit prior to beginning any construction.
5. Exterior finishes of the new construction shall be in harmony with the existing
structure.
6. A Certificate of Occupancy is to be obtained.
7. Unless this Decision expressly provides otherwise, any zoning relief granted does
not empower or authorize the Petitioner to demolish or reconstruct the
structure(s) located on the subject property to an extent of more than fifty
percent (50%) of its floor area or more than fifty percent (50%) of its
replacement cost at the time of destruction. If the structure is demolished by any
means to an extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost or
more than fifty percent (50%) of its floor area at the time of destruction, it shall
not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of the Ordinance.
8. All construction shall be done per the plans and dimensions submitted to and
approved by this Board. Any modification to the plans and dimensions must be
approved by the Board of Appeals unless such changes are deemed a minor field
change by the Building Commissioner in consultation with the Chair of the Board
of Appeals.
9. Petitioner shall schedule Assessing Department inspections of the property, at
least annually, prior to project completion and a final inspection upon project
completion.
___________________
Peter A. Copelas/ Chair
Board of Appeals
A COPY OF THIS DECISION HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE PLANNING BOARD AND
THE CITY CLERK.
Appeal from this decision, if any, shall be made pursuant to Section 17 of the
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, and shall be filed within 20 days of filing
of this decision in the office of the City Clerk. Pursuant to the Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 40A, Section 11, the Variance or Special Permit granted herein shall not
take effect until a copy of the decision bearing the certificate of the City Clerk has
been filed with the Essex South Registry of Deeds.