Historic Commission Spigot Installation (1)Dear Historic Commission:
Rose Vaciliou and I are owners of Unit 2 at 162 Federal Street. I am one of the Co -Chairs of the 162
Federal Street HOA and Rose is one of the trustees.
Since closing on our unit in mid-July and establishing residency in late-August, Rose and I have spent
many hours creating and establishing an outdoor gardening space. Our passion for gardening has been
noted through the countless heartwarming and gratifying comments we have received from our fellow
condo owners, our neighbors on Federal Street and the surrounding streets, as well as visitors to the
neighborhood. These folks have commented on the “charm and beauty” our garden area provides to the
outdoor space and the neighborhood. One visitor noted that she looked beyond the black iron gate to
find a “hidden garden and oasis”. Our hearts (and backs) appreciated the joy and gratitude expressed to
us by a stranger. This spring, some of our Federal Street neighbors, along with new friends from the
Salem Garden Club, generously contributed to our special garden space by sharing vintage and native
cuttings and samples from their own gardens. Truly, a joyful and meaningful gift that we want to
maintain and preserve as we enhance our garden space.
Maintaining our garden requires hand and/or hose watering (in accordance with Drought Restriction
Guidelines). There is currently a spigot located on the East side of the building (St. James side) but its
placement makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for users of the property’s outside spaces to have
access to this water supply.
We have obtained permission from the Condo Association and its Trustees to install a spigot on the west
side of the building in the space we purchased as an Exclusive Use Area (our garden space). Rose and I
will be covering the cost of its installation. Although the proposed spigot will be located within the area
assigned to our unit, the entire Condo Association will have access to the spigot for their respective
uses.
We have obtained a plumber’s quote for the installation (Vassily’s Plumbing) and they are
recommending the placement of the spigot in the area identified on the attached photograph.
Although the spigot they are recommending is frost resistant (see photo) we have elected to also install
an interior shut off to further reduce the possibility of freezing. The interior shut off will be housed within
our unit’s mechanical room and will be turned off in late fall/early winter.
The Condo Association and its Trustees are in full agreement with the spigot placement and installation
procedure, and its proposed usage and concur that it is necessary for a building of this size to have two
outside spigots. Additionally, we have the support of the Condo Association and its Trustees to seek
permission from the Historic Commission.
We hope that the Historic Commission will both understand our need and desire for the spigot
installation and approve our request. We are happy and available to provide any other additional
information you may need.
Warm regards,
Rhea Antonio & Rose Vaciliou