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SHC W MASS HIGHWAY -� � �� -_ . _ _ -- -- - - - - J I I , : � JI ,♦ "�^.Y ��Yi i n n { ♦. �: Z � t \� ' I Jane Guy From: Lynn Duncan Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 9:06 AM To: Jane Guy Subject: FW: Salem Historical Commission Attachments: Salem Historic Comm 25%.pdf L=7 Salem Historic -omm 25%.pdf(1... fyi Lynn Lynn Goonin Duncan, AICP Director Department of Planning & Community Development City of Salem 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 T: 978-619-5685 F. 978-740-0404 -----Original Message----- From: Ackley, Brian [mailto:brian.ackley@tetratech.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 7:55 AM To: Lynn Duncan Cc: David Knowlton; Shute, Matt Subject: RE: Salem Historical Commission Lynn With the exception of the curb extensions, most of the comments were addressed to the extent that is physically feasible within the street. The curb extensions were eliminated from the project many years ago by Stan Bornstein, who was the public works director at the time, due to snow plow and maintenance issues that he had with that design. The lighting fixtures have been coordinated between our lighting subconsultant designer and the wires department. I depend on the city to be sure all of your departments are on the same page regarding the details of the light fixtures. Parallel parking on the southerly side of the street is retained. City of Salem Parking Ordinance establishes parking controls on Bridge Street. We are retaining the parking control signs that are currently out there on the street. We are providing a painted line to mark the edge of travel lane / parking lane. Proposed painted medians have been replaced with brick-textured pavement based on a spec Dave provided. Street trees are provided to the extent feasible. There are many subsurface utility conflicts. We put in as many trees as we could. They are not at regular intervals as 1 requested, however. A designated bike lane must be at least 9 feet wide. With the narrowing of the street to the requested 29 'h feet (9 meters) for the travel lanes and curb offset (shoulder) , there is insufficient space for a bike lane. Brian Brian Ackley I Senior Project Manager Direct: 508 . 903.2032 1 Main: 508. 903.2000 1 Fax: 508. 903.2001 brian.ackley@tetratech.com Tetra Tech Rizzo I Engineering &Architecture Services I Framingham 1 Grant Street I Framingham, MA 01701 1 www.tetratechrizzo.com PLEASE NOTE: This message, including any attachments, may include privileged, confidential and/or inside information. Any distribution or use of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by replying to this message and then delete it from your system. From: Lynn Duncan [mailto:LDuncan@Salem.com] Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 9 :21 PM To: Ackley, Brian Cc: David Knowlton Subject: Salem Historical Commission Brian, Do you still have a copy of the letter from the Salem Historical Commission to Rizzo dated February 7, 2007 regarding lA bridge Street 25% plans? Have we addressed all of their concerns? Some of their concerns? Which ones? Thanks, Lynn Lynn Goonin Duncan, AICP Director Department of Planning & Community Development City of Salem 120 Washington Street 2 E LIVE SAI EtA The Commonwealth of Massachusetts L/-",XRT"\G DEPT. William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission March 28,2002 Gregory H. Prendergast Deputy Chief Engineer MassHighway Ten Park Plaza Boston,MA 02116-3973 Re: Salem—Beverly Transportation Improvement Project,Bridge Street By-Pass, Salem,MA,MHC#2818 Dear Mr.Prendergast: i Staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission has reviewed the information you submitted,received March 6,2002,concerning the proposed project referenced above. In accordance with Stipulation I of the Memorandum of Agreement(MOA)for this project,MHC staff met with staff of MassHighway,the Salem Planning Board and the Salem Historical Commission on March 27,2002 to review the project. As a result of the meeting with the parties listed above,the project design satisfies Stipulation 1 of the MOA with the following issues to be resolved: L Plans for the reconstruction and/or repointing of the Howard Street Cemetery wall should be revised by MassHighway in consultation with the Salem Historical Commission and forwarded to the parties for review and comment. 2. Specifications for the types and styles of lighting fixtures,traffic signals,and traffic signal poles should be developed by MassHighway and options should be forwarded to the parties for review and comment. 3. MassHighway shall research the possibility of the covering of the chain link fence on the MBTA track side of the By- Pass with black vinyl. 4. Specifications for the design of the metal fence on the bike/pedestrian trail side of the By-Pass shall be forwarded to the parties for review and comment. These comments are provided to assist in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,as amended (36 CFR 800)and M.G.L.,Chapter 9,Sec.26-27C,as amended by Chapter 254 of the Acts of 1988(950 CMR 71.00). Please feel free to contact Taya Dixon if you have any questions. Sincerely, Brona Simon Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Massachusetts Historical Commission xc: John Rempelakis, MHD-CRS Alex Almeida,FHWA Lance Kasperian, Salem Historical Commission Joseph Walsh,City of Salem,DPCD 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470•Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.statc.ma.us/sec/mhc C Salem Historical Commission 120 WASHINGTON STREET,SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 - 1978)745-9595 EXT.311 FAX(978)740-0404 July 2,2009 Stephen J. Roper, Structural Historian Environmental Services Massachusetts Highway Department Ten Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 RE: Salem-Beverly Transportation Improvement Project Bridge Street Bypass(005402) Section 106 Review—Notification of Project Change Dear Mr. Roper: The Salem Historical Commission is in receipt of your letter dated June 24,2009 regarding the installation of hand railings or asphalt wheelchair ramps at four locations where the multi-use path intersects with the ends of local streets. By an unanimous vote,the Commission suggests,rather than painting the handrail posts black and the railings green,that the posts and rails be consistent and both be painted a subtle green to blend in with the landscape. By a vote of four in favor and one opposed,the Commission suggests, instead of the installation of railings,that MHD investigate if the straight paths at Saunders and Lemons Streets can be regraded to create sloped sidewalks that are MAAB compliant. It is the opinion of some Commission members that meandering paths that would keep the grade down would be more aesthetically pleasing. Thank you for your consideration. - Sincerely, Hannah Diozzi, Chair Cc: Jeff Shrimpton,MHD(By fax) Brona Simon, MHC 1 ��crhl�ate' Salem Historical Commission ONE SALEM GREEN,SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 - (978)745-9595 EXT.311 FAX(978)740-0404 ° August 6, 1998 Gregory H. Prendergast Deputy Chief Engineer Environmental Division Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 RE: Bridge Street By-Pass Dear Mr. Prendergast: At its regular meeting of August 5, 1998,the Salem Historical Commission reviewed conceptual plans provided by the Salem Planning Department for an alternative alignment of the Bridge Street By- Pass in order to determine its impact on nearby historic resources. The Commission determined that while the roadway in front of the two nearby National Register properties will be widened, thus potentially increasing the generation of noise, pollution and vibration and decreasing access,the elimination of the previously proposed viaduct which would have larger visual impact is an improvement for the community as a whole. In addition, the alternative alignment will provide an opportunity for a coordinated development of the Parker Brothers site and proposed new MBTA garage. This coordination of development in itself would have a mitigating effect for the historic properties. The one issue raised by the Commission was the concern for the stone wall of the 1801 Howard Street Burial Ground. The stone wall is already in a state of deterioration and additional pollution and vibration could increase the rate of deterioration. The Commission proposes that the repair and/or replacement of the stone wall be made part of this project as mitigation effort to protect this historic resource. Thank you for your consideration. f Sincerely, Helen Sides Chair Cc: Craig L. Wheeler 9 n c 'a AfO/A(IYE�a Salem Historical Commission ONE SALEM GREEN, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 June 10, 1991 By FAX (617-973-8035) Frank A. Bracaglia, Deputy Chief Engineer Project Development Massachusetts Department of Public Works 10 Park Plaza, Room 4261 Boston, MA 02116 Re: Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Salem/Beverly Transportation Project EOEA Number 0756 Dear Mr. Bracaglia: As you know, over the last twelve months the Salem Historical Commission has worked closely with the Department of Public Works, the Mayor's Office of the City of Salem, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, concerned neighbors, preservation groups, and other interested parties in an effort to minimize the substantial adverse effects that otherwise would have been caused to the adjacent national and state historic districts (i.e. mainly bordering the project between Flint and Washington Streets in Salem) by the original project design. Thanks to the cooperation of all concerned, we feel we have come a long way toward accomplishing that objective. However, notwithstanding the progress that has been made to date, we feel we can not join in the "No Effect" determination by your Department in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, at least at this time. Basically we feel that if the project is implemented faithfully according to the latest modified designs, taking into account the comments we made in our March 6, 1991 letter to Anthony J. Fusco, Division Administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation, the adverse effects caused by the project will be acceptably minimized. We are enclosing a copy of said letter, which is incorporated herein by reference. f Frank A. Bracagfia 2 June 10, 1991 i; On the other hand, if the project is not strictly and faithfully implemented, and we point out there are still key details remaining to be worked out, primarily landscaping and illumination, as more particularly set forth in the enclosed letter, we feel the potential adverse effects caused by the project could be severe. In this sense, the question is not whether constructing a new four lane by- pass road so near to the adjacent historic districts will have an adverse effect on the districts, such as through increased noise and air pollution, vibration, illumination spill-over etc., but whether those adverse effects will be kept to an acceptable minimum level. Again, because there are critical (albeit specific) design details still to be worked out, upon which the success of the whole project depends (in terms of its impact on the adjacent historic district), we feel we cannot join in your Department's "No effect" determination until those issues are successfully resolved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, based on our experience to date, we have every confidence that those design details can and will be successfully resolved, and in a timely manner, particularly since the comparatively much tougher problem--i.e. arriving at an acceptable overall conceptual design--is now behind us. For our part we look forward to working with you as soon as possible so that the specific remaining design issues (see enclosed letter) can be resolved at the earliest opportunity. Very truly yours, SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION B 9- John H. farr, Jr., Vice 1hair an' Enc. cc Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Federal Advisory Council Brona Simon, Massachusetts Historical Commission 'in the absence of the Chairman, who is on vacation Salem Historical Commission ONE SALEM GREEN,SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (617)745-9595.EXT. 311 March 21, 1991 Anne Booth Massachusetts Department of Public Works 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 RE: Salem-Beverly Transportation Project Mass. Project BR-F-54 (005) Beverly-Salem HB-MA Dear Ms. Booth: As an interested party participated in the Section 106 Review process, the Salem Historical Commission respectfully requests a copy of the final Phase II Archaeological Survey Report completed by the University of Massachusetts Archaeological Services. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. erely, Q o) THE SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Annie C. Harris Chairman M15WP cc: Brona Simon V4.COVOIT, ORS �fOI�IIM1E 0. Salem Historical Commission ONE SALEM GREEN,SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (617)745.9595,EXT.311 June 8, 1989 Ms. Ellen DiGeronimo Associate Commissioner Commonwealth of Massachusetts D.epartment of Public Works 10 Park Plaza, Room 4141 Boston, MA 02116 Dear Commissioner: The Salem Historical Commission (SHS) invites you to attend an meeting of the Commission at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 , 1989 prior to its regular public meeting which will be postponed until 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to have an informal discussion of the status of the by—pass road and connector bridge project. Attached is a list of concerns that the Commission would like to review. Please contact Jane Guy at the Salem Planning Department (508 745-9595, ext. 311) to confirm your availability to attend. Thank you in advance for your time to review the project with the Commission. We look forward to meeting with you. - Sinc ely THE SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION Annie C. Harris Chairman cc: Valerie A. Talmage, SHPO, MHC Brona Simon, MHC R156 ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION 1 . The Skerry House: — Review of what measures are being taken to preserve the Skerry house at its current location or to relocate it; 2. The Planter's Settlement Site: — Review of (and copies provided to SHC) literature search, and status of archeological evacavation findings/report; 3. Adjacent Historic Properties and Districts — Discussion on possible adverse impacts on existing historic properties and districts located adjacent to the proposed bypass; 4. Discussion of possible impacts on the North Street bridge revolutionary war confrontation site and North River Canal site. RI 5.6 e COND,171 c u �T\ Y's C < T n�14,11NE lwo Salem Historical Commission ONE SALEM GREEN, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 March 16, 1989 Ms. Ellen DiGeronimo Associate Commissioner Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Works 10 Park Plaza, Room 4141 Boston, MA 02116 RE: 1. Route IA Bridge over Danvers River between Salem and Beverly 2. Viaduct over railroad tracks, North Street bridge and interchange at Bridge Street, Bridge Street By-Pass to Bridge Street Connector Viaduct 3. Bridge Street Bypass from North Street to Flint Street and reconstruction of Bridge Street to Boston Street Dear Commissioner: On December 14, 1988, a meeting was held at the offices of the MDPW to address the concerns of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) , the Beverly Historic Commission (BHC) , and the Salem Historical Commission (SHC) , with respect to the impact of the proposd Route 1A Bridge and Salem By-Pass Road. Attending the meeting were Brona Simon of the MHC, William Finch of the BHC, representatives of the Olde Salem Village and the House of Seven Gables, the Salem Planning Department and the MDPW, and myself representing the SHC. The purpose of this letter is to request a response to the concerns discussed at the December meeting and during subsequent conversations with myself and other members of the SHC, updating all attending parties as to the status and progress of each of the following outstanding issues: 1 . The determination of applicability of the re-evaluation of the Section 106 Review Process of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (36CFR8OO) , and concerns with adverse visual effects on the following existing historic and archeological resources in Salem: A. The Skerry House located at 22 Conant Street; a National Register eligible first period house dating to c.1725; B. The Planters archeological site located near the Danvers River and North River; the site of the first colonization settlement in the Massachusetts Bay Colony founded by Roger Conant; l C. The Federal Street National Register Historic District bounded by Bridge, North, Washington and Federal Streets; D. The National Register properties and sites consisting of the First Universalist Church at 211 Bridge Street and the Bessie Monroe House at 7 Ash Street; E. The Chestnut Street National Register Historic District bounded by North, Bridge, Flint, Warren, Pickering, Winthrop and Broad Streets; F. The Peirce-Nichols House, a National Historic Landmark at 80 Federal Street; G. The site of the first Revolutionary War confrontation between Colonial forces and British troops at the North River Bridge. 2. The provision of additional visual materials to be made available by the MDPW, clearly showing the relationship of the historic districts and properties to the proposed Bridge and By-Pass roads. We requested additional material in the form of aerial photographs and plans delineating the historic districts and properties. It was also requested that the model should also include the historic districts and properties. The MHC indicated that it could not make any findings in this matter until such additional material was provided to the MHC by MDPW. The MDPW indicated that it intends to address the concerns of noise and traffic impacts in detail in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, which will be available for review in the Summer of 1989. 3. The determination of the feasibility of moving the Skerry House and its additions to a suitable and acceptable site. Also requested and agreed upon was the preparation of an in depth historic structures report for the house and property, providing an inventory of 'its historic fabric and details, and forming the basis for the ultimate relocation and restoration of the house. 4. The archeological excavation projects for the Planters Site; a report on the proposals, technical reports and status of the contracts and commencement with work on the project. It has also come to the attention of the SHC that the model prepared by the MDPW and presently on display at Beverly City Hall, does not represent the entire scope of the project. As indicated in Item 2 above, it was understood that the model, as well as all other visual materials made available by the MDPW, would represent the entire Bridge and By-Pass Road project. The' SHC requests therefore, that the MDPW proceed immediately with the completion of the model segments which accurately represent the additional scope of the project from the March Street Overpass to Boston Street, including to proper scale and location, all adjacent historic sites, properties and districts as enumerated above. Thank you for giving this matter your immediate attention, and providing a written response at your earliest convenience. S ' erel Annie C. Harris Chairman cc: Robert Johnson, MDPW Frank Bracaglia, MDPW Don Klima, ACHP James A. Walsh, FHWA Valerie A. Talmage, MHC Robert G. Neiley, BHC William Luster, Salem Planning Dept. James S. Hoyte, EDEA Robert T.' Tierney, EOTC Commander (Obr) , First Coast Guard District Brona Simon, MHC Ann Booth, MHC J2914 i i 'r _. yam•-/y - /zip? aoly) . t s �wric�� dpC-/ �� S - f E Gv 5 d�C o2D00 . i F+ /fv 5-40 C),)-m/ elw i . 1 ! •Y r >.c) 6Gy/ & 9K ��