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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MEN
E%0#' EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION
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c MASSACHUSETTS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
DEVAL L. PATRICK1IIAII /�,1/( JAMES A. ALOISI JR.
GOVERNORV SECRETARY
TIMOTHY P. MURRAY Ir'+" LUISA PAIEWONSKY
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR COMMISSIONER
July 21,2009
RE: SALEM-BEVERLY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Bridge Street Bypass (005402)
Section 106 Review—Notification of Project Change
Ms. Hannah Diozzi, Chairperson
Salem Historical Commission
120 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Ms. Diozzi:
The Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) is in receipt of the letter from the
Salem Historical Commission (SHC) dated July 2, 2009, regarding MassHighway's proposed
changes to the connector ramps at the Bridge Street Bypass multi-use path. The proposed
changes are required to meet the standards of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
(MAAB). We appreciate the SHC's interest in,,this project and have considered the suggestions
the Commission has proposed.
MassHighway's proposal for this project change calls for the construction of new MAAB-
compliant asphalt ramps at the existing multi-use path connection points at the westerly ends of
Conant Street and Pearl Street. We also are proposing to install new MAAB-compliant hand
railings at the existing asphalt connector ramps at the westerly ends of Saunders Street and
Lemon Street. MAAB has granted a variance to allow MassHighway to retain the existing ramps
at Saunders Street and Lemon Street on condition of installing.the proposed hand railings.
Regarding the first point in the SHC's letter, MassHighway will be happy to adopt the SHC's
suggested paint scheme for the new hand railings at Saunders Street and Lemon Street. The
entire hand railing structure (posts and railings) at both locations will be painted a subtle shade of
green to blend in with the landscape, as the SHC has suggested.
Regarding the letter's second point, MassHighway and our design consultant have investigated
the SHC's suggestion that the straight ramps at the westerly ends of Saunders Street and Lemon
Street be redesigned as sloped, meandering paths. We have concluded, however, that the
construction of such paths that would be compliant with MAAB standards would be far less cost-
effective than the alternative of simply adding hand railings to the existing ramps, and would not
necessarily be an aesthetic improvement or provide any greater benefit to the potential users of
the multi-use path.
TEN PARK PLAZA, BOSTON, MA 02116-3969
TELEPHONE: (617)973-7800 •TELEFAX: (617)973-8040•TDD: (617)973-7306•WWW.MHD.STATE.MA.US
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The existing ramps at the ends of Saunders Street and Lemon Street are relatively unobtrusive
features within the context of the new multi-use path and brick plazas adjacent to the recently
completed Bridge Street Bypass at the far westerly end of the National Register-listed Bridge
Street Neck Historic District. We believe that retaining the ramps and installing new hand
railings will not adversely affect the National Register-listed historic district and will allow
MassHighway to comply fully with the MAAB variance at a relatively low cost to the taxpayers
of the Commonwealth.
In the opinion of our project designer, while a new meandering path might be feasible at
Saunders Street, it would have to be a larger and more obtrusive landscape feature requiring a
greater paved area, new built up sections with low retaining walls to provide for level landings
wherever the switchback path would change direction, and possibly also would require the
reconstruction or elimination of part of the semi-circular brick plaza at the end of Saunders
Street.
The project designer also believes that the grade at Lemon Street is probably too steep to allow
for the construction of any meandering path that would not also require hand railings. Besides
the concerns noted above for Saunders Street, any meandering path at Lemon Street also would
require the costly removal and relocation of existing electrical transformers, light poles, and
lighting load centers at the end of Lemon Street. It also would require construction of a portion
of the new meandering path immediately behind the c. 1850 house at 2-4 Smith Street at Lemon
Street, which overlooks the multi-use path and is a contributing property in the National
Register-listed historic district.
MAAB will allow MassHighway to retain the existing ramps at Saunders Street and Lemon
Street as long as we install hand railings along the ramps in compliance with the MAAB
variance. MassHighway assumes, therefore, that the conditions of the variance will allow the
existing ramps to provide an acceptable level of access for persons in wheelchairs who choose to
use those ramps. Longer, meandering paths with switchbacks, on the other hand, would become
an unnecessary inconvenience to all other users of the multi-use path, especially cyclists.
MassHighway is pleased to accept the SHC's request that the handrails be painted a subtle green,
but respectfully declines the Commission's suggestion that the existing straight ramps at the ends
of Saunders Street and Lemon Street be redesigned as meandering paths. We ask that the SHC
accept and support our proposal to meet the conditions of the MAAB variance as thus revised. If
you should have any questions,please contact Jeffrey Shrimpton(617-973-7497) of MassHighway's
Cultural Resources Unit staff.
Sincerely,
or—
Stephen J. Roper
Structural Historian
Environmental Services
CC: Brona Simon,State Historic Preservation Officer
Damaris Santiago,Federal Highway Administration
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WILLIAM F.WELD
GOVERNOR
ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
RICHARD L.TAYLOR
SECRETARY
JAMES J.KERASIOTES
COMMISSIONER
RE: Beverly Salem
Transportation Project
October 22, 1992
Ms. Annie Clay Harris
f� Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
One Salem Green
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Ms. Harris:
The Massachusetts Highway Department has prepared a treatment
plan for the enhancement of the Beverly approach portion of the
Beverly/Salem Transportation Project. A presentation and
discussion of the plan is scheduled for November 5, 1992 at 10: 00am
in Room 4260 at the Department's Headquarters, 10 Park Plaza,
Boston. Although the presentation will focus on the Beverly
approach to the new bridge, you are welcome to participate.
Yours truly,
Frank�A Bracag1E.
Deputy Chief Engineer
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Jane Swift
March 4, 2002
RE: SALEM M-ERLY TRANSPORTATION PAPROVEMENT PROACT
Bridge Street By-Pass (Salem Cotttract#5)
Ms. Jane Guy
Salem Historical Commission
120 Washington S:aeet
Salem. MA 01970
Dear Ms. Guy:
Please find en(losed a set of revised 75% design plans for the proposed Bridge
Street by-pass segment (Contract#5) of the Salem Beverly Transportation Improvement
Project_ These revised plans, prepared by Edwards & Kelcey, Inc., reflect many of the
changes requested by Salem city officials, the Salem Historical Commission, the Bridge
Street Neck Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Salem Neighborhood
Association and o:ier members of the Salem community. As part of the consultation
process under Section 106 and in accordance with the terms of the executed
Memorandum of.4greement(MOA), we have forwarded these plans to the
Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Salem Planting Department_
We propose to hold a meeting Wednesday, March 27, 2002.among the signatories
of the MOA to di3cws any comments these parties may have regarding the design
changes. We hay a reserved MassHighway's Environmental Division Conference Room
4260 at 10:00 ADL for this purpose. Please let us know if this date fits your schedule
by contacting Steven McLaughlin of MawHighway's Highway Engineering Division(at
617-973-7245)of John Rempelakis of MassHighway's Environmental Division(at 617-
973-7493).
Sincerely,
css
Gregory H- Prender
Deputy Chief Engineer
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WILLIAM F.WELD -
GOVERNOR
ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
RICHARD L.TAYLOR (61 7) 973-7800
SECRETARY
JAMES J.KERASIOTES
COMMISSIONER
February 12, 1992
Ms. Annie Clay Harris,
Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
One Salem Green
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
RE: Salem/Beverly Transportation Project Consultation Meeting
Dear Ms. Harris:
This letter is to inform you that the consultation meeting scheduled for February 19, 1992 at the
offices of the Department of Highways, has been re-scheduled from 10 AM to 1 PM. The
purpose of re-scheduling the meeting is to allow the Advisory Council staff an opportunity to
view the project site. If you would like to join us in the morning, you may meet us at the Salem
MBTA commuter rail parking lot at 9:30 AM.
To allow us to make appropriate preparations please inform us of your intent to attend one or
both of the meetings by calling Ms. Anne Booth at 973-7497.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL SWANSON, P.E.
Chief Engineer
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9,ahieC2116.3973
WILLIAM F.WELD
GOVERNOR
ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI
UEUTENANTGOVERNOR
RICHARD L TAYLOR January 29, 1992
SECRETARY
JAMES J. KERASIOTES
COMMISSIONER
SALEM-BEVERLY TRANSPORTATION PROJECT
Annie Clay Harris
Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
One Salem Green
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Ms. Harris:
On behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, you are
invited to attend a Section 106 Consultation Meeting for the Salem-
Beverly Transportation Project. The meeting will take place on
Wednesday, February 19, 1992 at 10: 00 A.M. in the Conference Room
of Room 4260, at MDPW headquarters, 10 Park Plaza, Boston. The
meeting is being held at the recommendation of the Advisory
Council, as indicated in the attached letter from the Council dated
December 26, 1991, to discuss this project's outstanding Section
106 issues.
If you should have any questions, please call James E. Elliott
or Anne Booth of the Department's Cultural Resources Section at
973-7494 or 973-7497 .
Sincerely,
MICHAE W. SWANSON, P.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER
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9a le,949pa, e.0,4Z,,z 02116.3973
WILLIAM F.WELD
GOVERNOR
ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI
IJEU ENANT GOVERNOR
RICHARD L TAYLOR 'i
SECRETARY June 28, 1991
JAMES J. KERASIOTES
COMMISSIONER
SALEM-BEVERLY TRANSPORTATION PROJECT
Annie Clay Harris
Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
One Salem Green
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Ms. Harris:
Thank you for your Commission's comments on the Section 106
Documentation, and for your participation in the May 16, 1991
on site review and the May 17 , 1991 Consultation Meeting for the
Salem-Beverly Transportation Project. The Department has carefully
considered the Salem Historical Commission's comments on the
Section 106 Documentation and the frank discussions of the May 17,
1991 Consultation Meeting which was attended by Ms. Weinheimer
representing the Advisory Council. The recommendation contained in
our June 12 , 1991 letter (attached) to FHWA is that the project
will have No Effect on historic properties within the project area.
By letter dated June 14, 1991 (attached) the FHWA has agreed with
our No Effect recommendations and has notified the SHPO. This
letter is to notify the Salem Historical Commission, on behalf of
the FHWA, of this finding.
Sincerely,
MICHAE W. SWANSON, P.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER
CEWED
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Att. ,IUL 11991
SALSA PLANNING DEPT.
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WILLIAM F.WELD
GOVERNOR
ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI
UEU ENANT GOVERNOR
RICHARD L TAYLOR
SECRETARY May 3 , 1991
JAMES J. KERASIOTES
COMMISSIONER
SALEM-BEVERLY TRANSPORTATION PROJECT *
Annie Clay Harris, Chairman
Gipo 17
Salem Historical Commission zAy quo 1
One Salem Green ` '' t^�
Salem, Massachusetts 01970 -g3 C �W4�Ii�a�9 P
Dear Ms. Harris:
Thank you for your comments on the Section 106 Documentation
for the Salem-Beverly Transportation Project which we submitted to
you in January, 1991. Enclosed is the Department's response to
comments from the consulting parties on the Documentation.
Prior to their formal submission of the effect findings to the
State Historic Preservation Officer, FHWA plans to convene the
consulting parties for a final discussion concerning those findings
during the week of May 6 or May 13 , 1991. FHWA has invited the
Advisory Council on Historic Preserrvation to participate in these
deliberations. We will advise you by telephone as to the date and
time for the meeting of the consulting parties when it is confirmed
with FHWA, MHC, and the Council.
Please note that the photographs of the "See-Side Eye Clinic"
building at 15 Cabot Street, which are referenced in the response
text, have not been included because they pertain to the Beverly
portion of the project.
Sincerely,
HAEL SWANSON, P.E.
HIEF ENGINEER
AB/do
Att.
�rit �.fJaalon,0216-399.Y 1
August 8, 1990
Salem Historic Commission d�qq � r�^"1 � � 711
One Salem Green 0 `=_-'1 _-
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Salem, MA 01970
Dear Commission Members :
Thank you for your response to the Salem Beverly
Transportation Project Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report. (EDEA #0756 ) '
Your comments will be considered during the preparation of
the final Supplemental Impact Report.
Sincerely,,
vl.
Jane F . Garvey
Commissioner
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June 22 , 1990 47sza ''
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Dear Sir /Madam : .+ .r
In ac ordance with Chapter 30, Section 62 - 62H of the �; Y
Massachusetts General Laws and 301CMR 11 .00 (MEPA ; ,,,`
Regulations ) , we are enclosing for your review and comment
the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the
following proposed project :
"
S 4 C
Salem-Beverly Transportation Project
Salem-Beverly Bridge
Bridge Street. By-Pass
Bridge Street Reconstruction T."
EOEA Number 0756
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Please forward your comments by July 25 , 1990 to Frank A .
Eracaglia, Deputy Chief Engineer , Project Development ,
Massachusetts Department of Public Works 10 Park Plaza, sz.
Roum 9261 Boston MA 02116 . Also submit a co of
comments to Secretary John DeVillars, Executive Office of
Environmental Affairs , 100 Cambridge Street, Boston ,
.E
Masschusetts 02202 .
Sincerely , �rr,� ,. Prt
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`nn
ane F . Gary y
Commissioner
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January 25, 1973
Robert L. Scagliotti, Chairman
Historical District Commission
4 Andrews Street
Salem, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Scagliotti:
The Department of Public Works is presently engaged in
studies regarding the feasibility of constructing a new bridge between
Salem and Beverly and a proposed Salem - Peabody Connector with
improvements to the local roads from Salem and Swampscott leading
to the proposed Connector. The Department is concerned about the
probable impact of these projects on the total environment. This
concern pertains not only to the study corridors, but extends to all
environmental conditions in the surrounding area for which a
measurable impact may be foreseen.
We are requesting your attendance at a special meeting
(workshop) of civic leaders, federal, state 'drill local officials on
Wednesday, February 7, 1973, at 7:00 P. M. in the Bates School,
Liberty Hill Avenue in Salem. This special meeting will be followed
by a general public meeting (workshop) at 8:00 P. M.
The meeting will be conducted by the Environmental
Section of this office. The intent of this first meeting is to integrate
your inputs and values at the early stages of the study. The meeting
is concerned with the environmental issues to be identified and to
have values assigned. Engineering details of design and proposed
construction will not be presented at this meeting, but will be the
subject of discussion at a later date in the project development.
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Additional environmental input will be welcomed by mail,
to my office, within a period of about one week after the meeting date.
Thank you for your interest in this project and its
relationship to our environment. Your cooperation is appreciated,
and it is my hope that you will be able to participate in this meeting,
on the date indicated.
Very truly yours,
Robert T. Tierney
Acting Chief Engineer
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