2 BLANEY STREET - DISTRICT FILES Certificates issued: 2 Blaney Street
9
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Jp�CIMINE W'�t
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM, MASS. 01970
NOTICE OF DENIAL OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
On Wednesday, November 2, 1977, the Salem Historical Commission voted 3
to 2 to deny the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for
demolition of the VFW property at 2 Blaney Street, Salem. This vote
was based on the Commission's finding that such demolition would be
incongruous to the historic aspects and architectural characteristics
of the surroundings and of the Derby Street Historic District. In
this finding, the Commission considered the arcitectural value and
general design of the building and the relation of such features to
similar features of buildi�ngs1 and structures in the surrounding area.
, Elizabeth B. Wheaton, Clerk of Commission,
attest that this is an accurate record of the vote taken, not amended or
modified in any way to this date.
K.CA\Dti�,
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM, MASS. 01970
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
Derby Street Historic District and 91, 95 Derby St. , 2 Blaney St.
February 17, 1971. .VFW Witch City Post 1524 acquires 95 Derby St. (book 5745, page 792)
March 20, 1972. ....VFW 'Witch City Post 1524 acquires 91 Derby St. (book 5850, page 781)
May 2, 1973.. ... ...Salem Historical Commission public hearing for "Custom House
District"--residents requests for expansion lead to
Derby Street Historic District
October 24, 1973. . .Salem Historical Commission public hearing for Derby Street
Historic District preceded 14 days by written notice to
all property owners--district unopposed by all residents present
November 30, 1973. .VFW Witch City Post 1524 obtains permit to demolish 91 Derby St.
December 12, 1974. .Salem City Council votes second passage to Derby Street Historic
District Ordinance
February 5, 1975.. .Salem Historical Commission letter to all property owners of
of district describing boundaries, requirements of ordinance
March 1, 1975. .. .. .Derby Street Historic District becomes effective
August 1, 1975. ... .Salem Historical Commission receives application from VF'W Witch
City Post 1524 for work at 95 Derby St.
December 18, 1975- -VFW Witch City Post 1524 acquires 2 Blaney St. (book 6205, page 778)
August 1, 1977. ... .Salem Historical Commission receives application for demolition
of property at 2 Blaney St.
September 14, 1977-Salem Historical Commission public hearing regarding application
for demolition of property at 2 BLaney St.
November 2, 1977...Salem Historical Commission votes to deny application
January 23, 1978. ..Complaint filed in VFW suit appealing decision of Salem historical
Commission to Superior Court
January 11, 1979...Salem City Council votes first passage ordinance removing
2 Blaney Street from Derby Street Historic District
January 25, 1979...Ordinance tabled
April 12, 1979.... .Salem City Council votes second passage
April 25, 1979... ..Mayor Jean Levesque vetoes ordinance to remove 2 Blaney St. from
district
May 24, 1979.......Salem Historical Commission, VFW Witch City Post 1524 meet with
Committee on Ordinances and Legal Affairs, agree to
consider alternatives
June 4, 1979..... . .Salem Historical Commission "Preliminary Report Containing
Recommendations Regarding Removal of 2 Blaney Street
from the Derby Street Historic District" submitted to
Massachusetts Historical Commission and Salem Planning Hoard
July, 1979.....*•••Salem Historical Commission requests House of Seven Gables consider
offering parking
July, 1979.. .. . . .. .House of Seven Gables offer of parking refused by VFW Witch City
Post 1524
July, 1979. ... . .. ..Salem Historical Commission requests informal meeting with VFW Witch
City Post 1524, meeting refused
July, 1979. . . . .. . ..Salem Historical Commission works with Planning Department, developers
to find alternative parking and secure renovation for 2 Slaney St.
July 19, 1979. . . .. .Salem Historical Commission meeting to discuss alternative solutions,
VFW 'Mitch City Post 1524 declinei to attend
August 6, 1979••• • .Salem Historical Commission public hearing on Preliminary Report
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 01970
FINAL REPORT
Containing Recommendations Regarding
Removal of 2 Maney Street
from the Derby Street Historic District
SUMTTED In
City Council
City of Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
September 10, 1979
I
FI�LLL fTr.PORT
Containing Recommendations Regarding
Removal of 2 Blaney Street
from the Derby Street Historic District
I
INTRODUCTION
In November, 1971, the Salem City Council passed the the Salem
Historical Commission Ordinance creating Salem's first local historic
district, the Chestnut Street Historic District. In response to strong
interest by residents and homeowners, three additional local districts
were created with the adoption of the Derby Street historic District
in 1974, the Federal Street Area Historic District in 1976, and the
Washington Square Historic District in 1977. These ordinances charged
the Salem Historical Commission, a seven member appointed volunteer
board, with reviewing any proposed exterior alterations to buildings
or new construction within the districts.
With the adoption of these four local historic districts, the Salem
City Council has provided the City with the means to protect the architectural
heritage that is uniquely Salem's. Our city is as justifiably proud of
its national reknown as a showplace of American architecture of the eigh—
teenth and nineteenth century as it is of the strength and architectural
integrity of our neighborhoods. Local districting has meant that Salem
can protect these assets of our past for the enhancement of today's
neighborhoods as well as the enjoyment and education of our visitors. -
Careful review by the Historical Commission of proposals for exterior
alterations allows for each proposed change to be assessed for its impact -
on the architectural character of the building, street, and area. Designs
for new construction are encouraged if they are compatible with the
historical and architectural aspects of the surroundings. Salem is fortunate
to have a broad diversity of styles and periods, and in most sections, a
variety of colors, designs, and materials can be appropriate. This, and
the enthusiasm and pride of Salem's residents in preservation and restoration,
make the job of the Salem Historical Commission a generally agreeable task.
Since 1972, the Salem Historical Commission has reviewed close to
70 applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for painting, fence
construction, door and window replacement, signs, siding, roofing, and
general restoration work. In some cases, applications have been approved
as submitted; in others, applicants have worked with the Commission toward
mutually agreeable specifications. This process has resulted in the
issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness in every case but two. It
is the matter of one of these denials which has occasioned this report.
In August, 1977, the Salem Historical Commission received the application
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Witch City Post #1524 for demolition of
their building at 2 Slaney Street, Derby Street Historic District, to allow
for additional parking for their nearby facility. After thoughtful review,
much deliberation, and careful consideration of public sentiment expressed
at the Commission's hearing on September 14, 1977 and in written form, the
Commission voted to deny the application. In its notice of denial and letter
to the applicant (see Appendix.), the Commission explained its responsibility
to protect the historical character of Derby Street and its finding that the
removal of this building would have a serious negative impact on the area.
Thus, though the building in question was not considered to be an outstanding
example of period or of outstanding historical import, the Commission recognized
its strength as it contributed to the continuity of style, line, and scale of
the street itself. While the loss of the building would have meant the loss
of a nice example of the period, the greater loss would have been to Derby
Street itself and to each other building located there.
In January, 1978, a complaint was filed to the Superior Court of Essex
County by the VF%J, Witch City Post #1524 appealing the Commission's ruling.
This case has not yet come to court.
The applicant's continuing interest in demolition of this structure led
to a request by Jean A. Levesque, Mayor of Salem, to the Salem Historical
Commission to prepare a preliminary report with recommendations regarding the
removal of 2 $Laney Street from the Derby Street Historic District. As specified
in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C, Section 3, such a report to the
Massachusetts Historical Commission and the local planning board and followed
by a public hearing in not less than 60 days is required in the case of the
enlargement or reduction of an historic district. The Commission's report
was submitted on June 4, 1979 with a public hearing on August 6, 1979. At
that time, numerous individuals were heard both in favor and opposed to the
Commission's preliminary report. In preparing this final report, the Commission
gave careful consideration to the views expressed at the public hearing as well
as responses of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Salem Planning
Board. This review, coupled with new information regarding other options
for the site and alternative parking (pages 6, 7,), led the Commission to the
unanimous endorsement of its orginal recommendations reiterated herein.
II
EFRBY STREET HISTORIC DIS'T.RICT INVENTORY
AND FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ORIGINAL BOUNDARIES
As noted above, the Derby Street Historic District was adopted in 1974
with boundaries including the property at 2 Blaney Street, as shown on the map
which is appendixed to this report. Survey and inventory work preliminary to
the district proposal was begun in 1972 with the assistance of board members of
Historic Salem, Inc. and following the guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts
Historical Commission. Review of these materials and study of other areas in
the City worthy of historic district status and protection led the Historical
Commission to the determination that the wharf and Custom House area so closely
tied to Salem's history would be a logical choice to be next designated as an
historic district.
Boundaries for the new district originally were to include properties in
the Custom House area only. At its public hearing on May 2, 1973 to discuss
the proposal in detail and to obtain a reaction from residents, the Commission
received not only a favorable endorsement but many requests that the boundaries
be extended to include a much larger area. New boundaries extended the district
to Block House Square and were reviewed at a second public hearing, October 24,
1973, notice of which was mailed to all property owners in the proposed district.
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Again the district met rorith enthusiastic support and was unopposed by all who
attended or were personally interviewed. By unanimous vote, the Salem City Council
voted second passage to An Ordinance relative to the Establishment of
the Derby Street Historic District on December 12, 1974, and it became
effective in March, 1975• A letter dated February 5, 1975 to all property
owners within the new district explained the boundaries and requirements
of local historic districts.
III
JUSTIFICATION OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
AND IE COMMENDATIONS ON BOUNDARY CHANGES
A. Description of the District As A 'Whole
From its earliest days, the sea had been an important means of
livelihood for Salem with the old harbor occupying the area today become
Riley Plaza. The late eighteenth century, however, witnessed an unprecedented
expansion of Eastern trade. With tha relocation of harbor activity to
upper Derby Street due to shallow conditions at the old harbor, Derby Street
became the center and source for Salem's grandest era.
The development of the street was probably closely tied to the history
of the wharves near it. Long Wharf, or Union Wharf, at the end of Union
Street, was begun in the first half of the 1700's and was an important
step in the shifting of Salem's waterfront activities away from the Front
Street downtown area to the Derby Street vicinity. Derby v'harf was begun
by Captain Richard Darby in 1762, and Forrester's Wharf, now Central Wharf.
around 1790.
During the heyday of Salem's foreign commerce, from around the time
of the Revolution when privateers sailed out to harass the British to
the 1820's when Salem's trade began to decline because the Derby Street
harbor itself now wasn't deep enough to accomodate the fast new clipper
ships, Derby Street must have been a very busy and exciting street. It
was a street of wharves, houses, and shops.
Mary shops were built there during the latter part of the 1790's
and early 1800's. There were coopers' shops, blacksmiths' shops, Samuel
Emery's Mathematical Instrument Shop, Benjamin Felt's block and pump store,
a Bake House, a Baric House, a hatter's shop, Shoemaker's shop, and a small
Head House for spinning. One Jonathan Archer, a tanner, barber, and assessor,
kept a tavern, boarding house, and shipping office on the street where he
also taught navigation and mathematics. John 3ieksler had a brewery at one
end of the street and a beer cellar near Union Wharf. Closely related to
sailing was shipbuilding, another waterfront activity carried on in this
area. Perhaps the most famous shipyard was near Becket Street where the
Beckets built boats from 1655 to 1887; other shipyards nearby were Hawkes.
Barker and Magoun, and Briggs who built Derby's Grand Turk at the head of
Derby Wharf.
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Upper Derby Street contains one of the most impressive groups of
buildings in the country which relate to America's early maritime history.
The Crowninshields and Derbys, Salem's two rival mercantile familites, both
lived here, and it is the site of the Custom House and the wharves.
Further along is the House of Seven Gables complex including the
House of Seven Gables itself made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorn's novel,
two other seventeenth century houses moved to the site, Hawthorn's
birthplace moved to the site, the 1782-84 Phippen House, and the Federal
style Caroline 0, Emmerton Hall.
Derby Street today still conveys the general impression of an old
Salem Street despite the fact that some of the old houses and shops have
been replaced by larger twentieth century dwellings. The vast majority
of the buildings remaining date from the Federal and pre-Federal periods
with the Federal style predominating and the closeness of the houses,
the roof-lines, and elevations all produce a scale and a rhythm that
speaks of early Salem. New construction adjacent to the district enhances
the architecture within it by repeating the lines, materials, and colors
on new designs, and renovation of some of the twentieth century structures
has proceeded in ways and with colors sympathetic to the surroundings.
Where ships once arrived from exotic ports, today visitors from long
distances and closer to home arrive to enjoy and learn about this nation's
past. Derby Street welcomes them, not as a musuem, but alive today with
homes, families, shops, taverns, and craftsmen just as it has been since the
eighteenth century.
B. Boundary Recommendations
The boundaries of the Derby Street Historic District presently include
all the land and buildings comprising the parcels numbered, facing or
abutting on Derby Street beginning with and including, at the northwesterly
extreme, from #27 Herbert Street and extending east along Derby Street
beyond #6 Derby Street and including property designated as BLock House
Square. On the southeasterly side, extending west beginning with and including
#65 Derby Street, Derby Wharf area up to and excluding land formerly of
the George W. Pickering Co. Also including the west side of Kosciusko
Street, Numbers 6 through 22. The Salem Historical Commission does not
recommend that these boundaries be redrawn to eliminate the property at
2 BLaney Street. This finding is based on the following pointst
1. The matter of "streetscape." The property at 2 Blaney Street
draws much of its importance from its relation to the other structures
in its environment and the manner in which these elements combine to
create an overall effect or "streetscape." As its size, scale, materials,
roof-line, and posture combine harmoniously with like elements along
Derby Street, they create a rhythm and balance, a pleasant total image unique
to Derby Street and yet reflective of an historical style. Demolition of
2 Blaney Street would produce a gap in this rhythm which, combining with
the adjacent lot at 91 Derby Street, would break up the sense of order and
the relation of the buildings below it to the rest of Derby Street. Parking
is a serious problem in the area but not one to be resolved by the elimination
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of the very character of Derby Street which attracts such interest in
living and visiting there. Other options for meeting parking needs must
be explored. Land is available in less prominent locations which could
be adapted for parking, and the Historical Commission is currently working
with other groups in the City to study these possibilities.
2. Historical and architectural merit of the structure itself. Though
the Commission freely allows that the building at 2 HLaney is not of outstanding
historical or architectural significance, in depth study of this particular
building produces an appreciation. for its unique history and quality as a
representative of an architectural style. In 1978, Historic Salem, Inc.
prepared a detailed report on the history and architecture of the building. The
brief description of the building below draws heavily from that excellent report.
The history of this site and structure in many ways parallels that of
Derby Street itself. Since 1782, the period when harbor activity moved to
Derby Street, a shop has occupied the site. Since 1886, a building there
has housed a combined residence and shop, much like the dual residential/
commercial tradition of the street itself. The store built in 1782 was
operated by two successive owners who lived in adjacent houses with their
families. The latter of these two was Samuel Derby, Jr. , distantly related
to the famous branch of the Derby family in Salem. A shoemaker, John Nash,
acquired the building from Derby's daughter in 1886 and either tore it
down or incorporated it into the new building, a family residence and
neighborhood store. His son, Dennis, well—liked and active in athletics,
social organizations, and politics of the Ward, operated a business in
groceries and provisions in the shop for a number of years. At the age
of 27, Dennis was elected to the City Council, and the family store must
very likely have been something of a political and social center for Ward One
during his service on the Council. In the years following the Nashs,
various proprietors have operated the store.
Architecturally, the structure at 2 $Laney represents a modest example
of a style successfully adapted to its dual commercial/residential use.
Its architectural value lies not in its superior design, grand scale, or
innovation but in its very modesty, its representation of the typical.
Its present appearance dates from 1886 and John Nash's adaption of the site
to his use. Perhaps in his own attempt to maintain the continuity of
Derby Street, Nash chose the somewhat outdated Greek Revival style rather
than the more ornate Victorian style being built elsewhere in the City in
the 1880's. The result was a most successful example of the Greek Revival
style applied to the dual use. Elements of the style include the rectangular
shape with gabled end to the street and rear ell, sideboards and frieze boards,
recessed doorway with transom light, windows and molding style, and entablature
on the Derby Street facade. The building retains its original clapboards and
sideboards.
3. Purpose of historic districts and appropriate appeals process. The
purpose of historic districting is protection. This means that when the
Salem Historical Commission determines that an alteration would be inappropriate
to the historical and architectural character of the district, that the
district gill be protected from such negative changes. If then, in any or
every case when an application is denied, the building is simply removed
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from the district, the statutory power of districting is nullified. if,
in .fact, every case under any particular law is treated as an exception
or exemption, then there is no law at all. The Salem Historical Commission
strongly recommends that appeal to the Superior Court as specified in
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C is the appropriate mechanism of
appeal. Further, since historic districts are in the nature of zoning,
the Commission suggests that removal of any single building from within
a zone or district, thereby individually exempting it, would constitute
the illegal procedure referred to as spot zoning. In their response to
this report, the Salem Planning Board expressed a similar concern about this
issue and the violation of the entire zoning process.
In the case of 2 Blaney Street, the Commission did find that demolition
would have a serious negative impact on the surroundings. The proper avenue
of appeal has been initiated with a complaint by the VFW, Witch City Post #1524
to the Superior Court of Essex County. The court has not ruled on the appeal
but if it!finds the decision of the Commission to be unsupported by the
evidence or to exceed the authority of the Commission, it may order reconsideration
or appropriate redress.
4. Derby Street Historic District Today. Any discussion of changes in
the boundaries of the Derby Street Historic District would be incomplete
without recognizing the important changes that have, taken place in the area since
the district was established. These changes indicate the importance of this
district in assuring protection for the substantial investments that have
been made in renovation and new construction there. Five million dollars
has created Pickering Wharf adjacent to the district. Investments have been
and are being made at 6 White Street, the White Street marina, 99 Derby,
101 Derby, 102 Derby, 109 Darby, 110-112 Derby, 124 Derby, 126 Darby, 142-144
Derby, 149 Derby, 16 Hazily, and by numerous other individual property owners.
Some of these investments have included portions of the $65000. in federal
funds administered by the Salem Planning Department's Derby Street Commerce
Facade Program which have been committed to storefront facade improvements.
The sum of these investments is enormous, and they are an integral part
of the City's revitalization plans. Further, major new developments make an
important contribution to the City's fiscal health.
These commitments to the area have been made knowing that the integral
element, Derby Street itself, is protected from destruction or the intrusion
of incongruous elements. Their designs reflect the historical architecture
of Darby Street, their functions are as diverse as the neighborhood has
always served, and their success is directly dependent upon the preservation
of the remaining historical structures on Derby Street, lest the central element
be lost. All of these considerations regarding Derby Street as it is
today suggest to this Commission that. rather than recommending reduction
district boundaries, it should be proceeding toward an investigation of an
enlarged district, to-better serve this broadening confidence in and appreciation
for the irreplaceable architectural resources of the Derby Street area.
5. Parking Options and Alternative Uses for 2 ilLaney Street. During the
entire consideration of this matter, the Historical Commission has been highly
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sympathetic to the needs of the owners of the building for parking in the
area of their clubhouse at 95 Derby Street. The Commission is also sensitive
to the more general problem of parking space in the Derby Street neighborhood.
As a consequence, the Commission has been very active in seeking alternative
parking options which would allow the VF41 to sell 2 BLaney Street for subsequent
restoration while parking on vacant land in the neighborhood. These efforts,
developed in cooperation with numerous individuals including the Salem Planning
Department, have included*
*Active involvement with the Planning Department and local developer,
Thor Lauritsen of Robertsen Associates, to find vacant land for parking
which the V94 might obtain in an exchange agreement for 2 Blaney Street,
which would subsequently be developed. At the August 6 public hearing,
the Commission introduced a letter from 14r. Lauritsen stating that
Robertsen Associates would like to own 2 a aney Street and to restore it
to 3 apartments and one store and proposing an exchange of land owned
by their affiliate Robertsen/Corinthian, Ltd, on Turner Street and
with 13 available parking spaces for the structure on HLaney Street.
The value of this exchange would be determined after an inspection of
the interior of 2 Blaney Street.
*1Active involvement with the House of Seven Gables Director, Edward Stevenson,
in developing an agreement by which the VFd might use the House of Seven
Gables parking lot. Such an agreement approved by the Executive Committee
of the House of Seven Gables was refused by the V51. A letter from Mr.
Stevenson was introduced reiterating this offer and stating that it remains
open.
*Contacts with Massachusetts Electric Community Relations Manager, David
Beattie, which have indicated the possibility that vacant land on Derby
Street owned by Massachusetts Electric could be made available to the
VYd for parking under certain conditions including active interest by
the VFd.
In exploring alternatives, the Commission has sought the the VFd's cooperation in
a community effort to find a mutually satisfactory solution to this problem. 'To
date, the VFd has refused the Commission's requests to meet with them.
IV
OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
To reiterate, the Salem Historical Commission finds that the boundaries
of the Derby Street Historic District should not be changed to remove the
property at 2 Hlaney Street from the district.
Further, the Commission feels it is clear that other options exist which
would allow for the preservation of this building at the same time the
current owner's parking needs could be met. In light of this, demolition of
the building would be a senseless act which positive, creative action by the
City Council could prevent. The Commission urges its City Council to take
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the lead now in bringing these creative options to the neighborhood rather than
allowing one more integral building in the Derby Street community to be
destroyed.
V
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Salem Historic District Study Committee Investigation," 1968 with full
bibliography listed in Volume III of said study.
"Derby Street historic District: Final Report."
Historic Salem Inc., report on 2 Hlaney Street, 1978 by Robert Booth with
Anne Van Ingen.
VI
APPENDIX
A. Notice of Denial and Letter to Applicant, 2 Blaney Street.
B. Derby Street Historic District Map, City Engineer's Office.
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APPFNDIX A
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CITY HALL, SALEM. MASS. 01970
NOTICE OF DENLIL OF A.cPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPP.OPRT_ATEITE3S
On -Wednesday, November 2, 1977, the Salem Historical Commission voted 3
to 2 to deny the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for
demolition of the VF14 property at 2 Hlaney Street, Salem. This vote
was based on the Commission's finding that such demolition would be
incongruous to the historic aspects and architectural characteristics
of the surroundings and of the Derby Street Historic District. In
this finding, the Comae scion considered the arcitectural value and
general design of the building and the relation of such features to
similar features off buildings and structures in the surrounding area.
I, ��Ut `�/ \" '��S' ° �. Elizabeth B. ''Wheaton, Clerk of Commission,
attest that this is an accurate record of the vote taken, not amended or
modified in any sray to this date.
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Salem Historical C07: , �
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
November 29, 1977
Lucien Morin
President, Board of Directors
Veterans of Foreign '.Mars Witch City Post 1524
95 Derby Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Air. Morin;
As you know, on 'Wednesday, November 2, 1977, the Salem Historical
Commission voted 3 to 2 to deny the application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness for demolition of the VFW property at 2 Blaney Straet.
For your information the Commission has asked me to write to you
reiterating the reasoning behind this vote by the Commission. Foremost
in the Commission's decision was its responsibility to protect the
architectural integrity of Salem's historic neighborhoods. In this case,
though the building in question is neither historically nor aesthetically
outstanding, its size, scale, roof line, and posture make a positive and
important contribution to the historical character of Derby Street.
Though the current condition of the building is admittedly very poor,
the Commission feels that as long as it still stands the potential for
restoration remains. The Commission is quite sympathetic to the
parking problem on Derby Street, and towards your parking needs in
particular, and we are hopeful that an appropriate solution to your
parking needs will be forthcoming.
In closing, I would like to thank you and your membership for your
patience and excellent cooperation with the Commission during this long
and difficult deliberation process. The 'Witch City Post is, of course,
a valuable asset to our community, and it is unfortunate that your
interests and those we are charged with protecting were not compatible
in this case. Please feel free to call upon me if I can answer any
further questions for you on this or any other matter.
I remain,
Very truly yours.
Richard Savickey
Chairman
RS;ebw
cc City Clerk, City of Salem; John Powers, Inspector of Buildings, Colin
Cameron, Senior Sanitarian
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Salem Historical Commission Public Hearing August 6, 1979
The Salem Historical Commission public hearing on the "Preliminary
Report Containing Recommendations Regarding Removal of 2 Blaney Street from
the Darby Street Historic District" was held on Monday, August 6, 1979,
8200 p.m., One Salem Green. Representing the Commission were Messrs. Arkin,
Carr, Chalifour, Cook, Savickey, and Wolfson and Mrs. Wheaton and Associate
Member Annie Harris. Approximately 140 people were in attendance. The
hearing was called to order by Chairman Jacob Wolfson.
Opening 'remarks and Introduction by the Chairman
After the call to order, Mr. Wolfson explained that the purpose of the
hearing was for the Commission to hear the views of Salem residents on the
question of redrawing the Derby Street Historic District boundaries to remove
2 Blaney Street from the district. He informed those in attendance that
the building is owned by the Veterans of Foreign ''Wars, hitch City Post 1524
and that the Commission strongly recommends no change, in the boundaries.
Mr. Wolfson then briefly explained that the hearing would be held in
three parts--first his introduction followed by two 40 minute periods for
proponents and opponents of the report to be heard and, .finally, by two 15
minute periods for questions from proponents and opponents.
In Mr. Wolfson's introduction, he summarized the chronology of events
with regard to 2 Blaney Street, a chronology which he explained would be
available to interested individuals after the hearing. He noted initially
=` =�ta�lSsb rent ct ttA.Ileritly St_- -Fisted c. District.date-& fro+n
r_ . ;n21s..; +,p z�+s.,o5 and •91 I rby.Streat> nsnpties. ad3acant to-
2 Blaney Street, having been acquired by the VFW prior to this date. He
stated further that 91 Derby Street was demolished by the VFW and currently
serves as a parking lot; that as property owners in the Derby Street Historic
District, the VFW received notices of both the public hearing! on the proposed
district and on the passage of the ordinance and its requirements; and that
4 months before the purchase of 2 Blaney, the VFW had applied for a Certificate
of Appropriateness for work at 95 Derby with Mr. Lucien Morin representing
the VFW. Mr. Wolfson suggested that this sequence of events clearly indicates
that the purchase of 2 Blaney in December, 1975 was made with the clear
knowledge of its inclusion in the district.
He also related the more recent sequence of events including the August,
1977 VFW application to demolish the building at 2 Blaney denied by the
Commissions the VFW complaint appealing the decision to the Superior Court,
an appeal still awaiting a Court date; the City Council ordinance voting
to remove 2 Blaney Street from the district and Mayor Levesque's veto of same
since proper procedures including a report by the Historical Commission
and a public hearing had not been followed; and the Commission's submission of
said report to the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Salem Planning
Board on June 4, 1979 followed in not less than 60 days by this hearing.
Mr. Wolfson spoke further of the Commission's sensitivity to the VFW's
parking needs and its efforts to develop alternative solutions includings
meeting with Councillor Centorino's Committee on Ordinances and Legal Affairs
and the VFW on May 24 with all parties agreeing to consider alternative
solutions; active involvement with the Salem Planning Department and local
developer Thor Lauritsen of Robertson Associates to find vacant land for
parking which the VFW might obtain in an exchange agreement for 2 Blaney
S.H.C. Public Hearing 8/6/79 p. 2
which would be developed; active involvement with the House of Seven Gables
Director, Edward Stevenson, in developing an agreement by which the VFW might
use the House of Seven Gables parking lot, an offer which was refused by
the VFW= and attempts to set up meetings between the Commission and the VFW
either alone or with other interested parties who might offer alternatives,
attempts which again met with VFW refusal. At this time, AIr. Wolfson asked
the Clerk to read several letters received by the Commission relative to
these proposals. They wares
Letter from Edward M. Stevenson, Director, &Use of the Seven Gables,
stating that he had spoken with Commission members relative to allowing the
VFtd to use their parking lot under certain conditions, the Executive Committee
had authorized him to offer space, and that in a meeting with the President
of the Board of Directors of the Witch City Post, that offer had not been
accepted. The letter further stated that the offer remains open.
Letter from George A. Ahmed, Realtor, stating that he felt their
would be a strong possibility of a buyer willing to purchase and repair
2 SLaney, this opinion based on his real estate experience in general and
his knowledge of the area and buildings currently or recently under repair there.
Letter from T.G. Lauritsen, Robertsen Associates Real Estate, stating
that Robertsen Associates would like to own 2 Slaney to restore it to 3 apartments
and one store and proposing an exchange of land owned by their affiliate
Robertsen/Corinthian, Ltd. on Turner Street and with 13 available parking spaces
for the structure on Slaney Street, the value of the exchange being determined
after an inspection of the interior of 2 Slaney.
Finally, Mr. Wolfson summarized the Commissions arguments in the Preliminary
Report leading to the recommendation that the boundaries should not be redrawn
to eliminate 2 Slaney. This finding was based, he related, on the following
four points:
1. "The matter of streetscape" or the way in which the size# scale,
materials, roof—line, and posture of 2 Slaney and the other structures in the
nieghborhood combine harmoniously to create a rhythm and balance, the total
image of Darby Street.
2. The continuity of use as a residence and neighborhood shop since 1886
reflecting the history of Darby Street itself and the architecture as a
representation of the way in which architectural styles were adapted in the
more modest buildings which are the bulk of our architectural heritage.
Mr. Wolfson here stated that the Commission freely allows that the building
is not of outstanding historical or architectural significance but stressed
the importance of its history and architecture in the terms above.
3. The removal of the building from the district as a procedure which
would simply remove any building when an application was denied, thereby
nullifying the entire concept of historic districting.
4. The investments and revitalization in the Darby Street area since the
district was forned which indicate that the Commission should be proceeding
toward an investigation of, not a reduced, but an enlarged district.
S.H.C. Public Hearing 8/6/79 P. 3
Mr. Wolfson introduced the second period of the hearing as an opportunity
for those in attendance to speak to the Commission's findings.
Remarks by Pror>onents and Opponents
Before opening remarks to the floor, Mr. Wolfson asked the Clerk to
read the responses from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the
Salem Planning Board. Clerk read#
Letter from Patricia L. Weslowski, Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical
Commi.ssion,stating that that body had voted unanimously with one abstention
on June 13, 1979 to strongly recommend that the boundaries of the Derby Street
district not be reduced to remove 2 Slaney. Clerk read that "Such a reduction
would be contrary to the spirit and intent of the Historic District area."
Letter from Walter Power III. Chairman, Planning Board, stating that
the Planning Board supports the Salem Historical Commission and agrees that
the correct avenue for appeal is the Superior Court not to make particular
changes in zoning law to suit individuals. The letter further stated that
in the opinion of the Planning Board such a process would constitute "spot
zoning" and "circumvents the zoning law and the planning process."
Clerk also reported receipt of a letter in favor of the Preliminary
Report from Catherine B. Gill, 1 Daniels St.
The Chairman first recognized Salem City Councillors present who wished
to be heard either as proponents or oppoents of the Report#
George Nowak. 114 Columbus Avenue, spoke in opposition to the Report
and stated that he had introduced the ordinance in Council originally and
that while 'favoring historic districts in general and expansion of districts
and the Derby Street district expansion, he also is in favor of the VF01's
need for parking. Mr. Nowak expressed support for the Veterans and historic
district also.
Leonard Cawley. 13 Marlborough Road, spoke of parking problems in Ward One
and noted that the VFW is a civicly-minded organization which was aware of the
problems in the area and attempted to solve them themselves. He stated that
he sees historic districts not as ends in themselves but with the goal to
make people in the neighborhood feel at home, experience history in their
neighborhood. Mr. Cawley said he felt the real answer is a working together
to arrive at a synthesis.
Jean-Marie Rochna, 1$ Cherry St., said that she would like to recorded in
favor of removing 2 Slaney and pointed out that the Board of Health had condemned
the building which is a blight to the area, that a precedent had been set in
removing the Murphy and O'Donnell properties, that parking at the House of
Seven Gables is infeasible, that developing the building would only increase
parking problems, that 2 Blaney is of no great value, and that as 2 Hlaney
belongs to the VFW, they can do with it as they please. She also questioned
whether the Commission has a method of notifying a homeowner that he is in
a district. (Notes the Commission corrected Mrs. Rochna regarding the Murphy
and O'Donnell properties which were never included in the original districts
f not removed once districts were created.)
S.H.C. Public Hearing 8/6/79 p. 4
Joseph Centorino, 71 Columbus Ave., stated his opposition to removing 2
Blaney, that he was in favor of the Report. He stated that he recognizes the
VFW parking needs but spoke of the idea that the Derby Street area is of such
uniqueness that it warrants the extraordinary protection that is an historic
district. He stated his feeling that removing the building would remove a
building that adds to the overall area and would set a precedent that would
weaken all historic districts. He said that it is not a question of pro-VFW
or anti-VFW but that any property owner in a district should be treated the
same. He noted that it would be unfair to give one owner an advantage or
special preference, that, rather, all should have equal treatment under the
law. He further stated that the fact of ownership doesn't allow one to do
anything they wish, mentioning health and safety and zoning. He described
historic districts as a type of zoning law, passed by the City Council which
he is not willing to begin to undo.
Frances Grace, Ward Four Councillor, explained that she is not anti-veteran,
that she led the fight to keep Murphy's out of the district but spoke of the
continuity of the neighborhood, the absence of beauty in a mouth full of
missing teeth and asked to see alternative plans.
Next, Ms. Wolfson called for remarks from proponents.
William R. Burns, Jr. , 22 Beckford St., spoke as president of Historic
Salem, Inc. , an organization of some $00 members, whose Board of Directors
is opposed to removing 2 Blaney St. Mr. Burns spoke of swiss-cheesing the
area, a move which would send us back to the Chamber of Commerce signs that
described Salem as a city of 19 historic sites. Mr. Burns expressed his
view that Salem is not a city of 19 historic sites but, as the Chamber of
Commerce signs now say, an "historic city," made up of not sites but a
composite. He said he sees the significance of 2 HLaney in its location in
a neighborhood, it is part of a neighborhood with an architectural integrity,
it is part of this historic city. Mr. Burns said he would like to see a buyer
for the property.
Dolores Jordan, 97 Derby St. , stated her opposition to removal noting
that the district was set up to protect homes from buildings being knocked
down, that the VFW have already demolished 91 Darby. Mss Jordan questioned
that the VFW who encourages benevolence would encourage destruction of a building
in the community. She spoke of the neighborhood as a special phenomena, with
the importance of its ethnic quality and the church as its focal point. She
spoke of the poor economic solution of eliminating a healthy building for
parking for 7 cars. She spoke of other space available for parking, the
Mackey property and New England Power land. She called for working together
and asked when a parking lot is more important than house, people, and business.
She invited the City Council to come and see available parking land and challenged
the Council to study and solve the parking problem. She noted her feeling
that neighborhoods are preserved by districts.
At this point in the hearing, there was some dispute over speaking order.
Order was restored by Mr. Wolfson with the assistance of Mrs. Rochna who explained
that councillors had only spoken first as a gesture of courtesey by the chair.
Diana Waterous, 16 Hardy St. , noted that she is new to the area and that
the reason she bought property there was because of the neighborhood, that she
doesn't want to live in_ an area surrounded by parking lots, that her own
S.H.C. Public Hearing 8/6/79 P. 5
property was a "dump" worth restoring and that she thinks 2 Hlaney is worth restoring,
and that alternative parking should be considered.
Flizabeth Frothingham stated her feeling that the matter should be
considered an historic district problem not a question of a specific house.
She noted that if one starts taking out buildings, there is no district
and questioned whether it is spot zoning to take out 2 Blaney.
Bill Wheaton, 28 Chestnut St., spoke as a member of the Planning Board
which he stated views historic districts as a form of zoning and therefore,
removing 2 Blaney would be the same as if an owner was turned down for a
zoning variance and then had a special zone created. He described this as
zoning for special cases which leads to no zoning, no law. He said that it
is on this ground that the Planning Board supports the Report suggesting
that the correct avenue is appeal in court not new law for special cases.
Brad Northrup, Turner St., spoke in favor of historic homes not parking
lots and related his impression that a workable solution exists.
Fdward Stevenson, Director, House of Seven Gables, spoke not for his
board but an institution involved in the neighborhood as a settlement association.
He spoke of the VFW as an important part of the neighborhood and reiterated that
the parking offer from the Gables continues.
Staley McDermet, 30 Dearborn, St., described himself as an architect who
works on older buildings and described 2 Blaney as an important part of the
Derby Street "street," with districts protecting not individual properties
but abutters. He stated that the final solution must come from working together,
that 9 more parking spaces would not make that big a dent in the parking problem,
and that alternatives must to found to maintain the VFW as a good neighbor.
Robert Healey, 4 Federal Court, spoke of Salem as an intense community
and of the frustration people run into when they conflict with law. He said
that the VFW stand for respect for history and fellowman and that the community
is lucky to have it. He said that the arguments are not anti—VFW but that there
is a need for the community to solve its problems with openness not adversary, to
use every opportunity to reason and tap resources available. Mr. Healey felt that
the City Council should lead the way to creative solutions to our problems,
calling for exploring parking alternatives.
Glenn Yale, Federal St., referred to an editorial dealing with tourism and
the architecture, special sites, and neighborhoods that toursits come to see.
Mr. Yale expressed his feeling that removal of 2 Blaney would remove just those
things tourists come for.
Alice Jordan, 97 Derby St., spoke of the improvements, cross—walks, arch,
which she felt were the result of funding resulting from the Derby Street district)
and of the time and efforts it took to create the district. Ydss Jordan spoke
of the VFW not listening.
After calling for any further proponents, Mr. Wolfson signaled the beginning
of the 40 minute period for opponents to be heard.
Philip Yb ran, attorney for the VFW, 49 Federal St, and 415 Lafayette St.,
S.H.C. 8/6/79 p. 6
was the first to speak in opposition to the Report. Mr. Moran spoke of
the 3-2 vote to deny the original application to demolish 2 Blaney, that the
building is not outstanding historically or architecturally. Referring to
streetscaps, Mr. Moran suggested that the House of Seven Gales demolished
numerous houses which he feels improved Derby Street and that since Blaney
is near the end of the district with the power plant beyond, there is not much
of a streetscape there. He spoke further of the funds introduced into the
area and questioned if they would have been built if they had to go through
any more boards.
At this point, a one minute recess for water was called by the Chairman,
after which, Mr. Moran resumed his remarks.
In speaking of the appeals process, Mr. Moran said that he takes strong
exception on the question of spot zoning and that he feels it would be a
close question, a very technical point of law. He said that the building has
been condemed and declared a fire hazard, mentioned that the building is
uninsurable, and questioned whether the VFW or the city would be responsible
in a suit. He mentioned that 78 specific health violations were listed.
Referring to the original ordinance to remove the building, Mr. Moran said
that the VFW and Mr. Moran requested that the Mayor veto that ordinance until
proper procedures had been followed. He described the VFW as law abiding but
desiring the right to their own property. He spoke to them as sensitive to
the needs of the cocmnunity, open to alternatives but that the House of Seven
Gables parking is not feasible and that no offer has been made to owners for
sale or exchange agreement for parking. Speaking of the meetings which the
VFW refused to attend, Mr. Moran said that Mr. Morin felt the informal meeting
was an attempt to take advantage of him since one of the Commission members
was a lawyer and that since the Board of Directors was not invited to the
July 19 meeting, the VFW took offense and declined the meeting. As to the
rumor of a sale of the building to be moved, Mr. Moran reported that to the
best of his knowledge, the building had not been sold.
Gena Cook, 40 Derby St., spoke as a VFW member and related that though
some VFW members don't live in Salem, all are dues paying members of the
corooration and have rights. He also mentioned VFW plans to beautify the space
along with providing for parking.
Blanche Paskowski described herself as living directly across the street
for many years and spoke of attending four meetings on this issue, of parking
problems, of a problem not of historic sites but of personalities asking the
Commission to ask the people on Derby St, what they think. She spoke further
of the process having taken a long time, of the sale of the house as leading
to more cars and asked the Commission to look at houses where there is much
turn over.
Marshia Machaud,_M.arlborough Rd. , related that she had moved from Daniels 'St.
because of lack of parking in the area.
John J. Tower, 1000 Loring Towers, said that historic places bring tourists'
cars to be left on the streets and interfer with business parking.
Clayton Sawyer, 89 Mason St. , spoke as a VFW member suggesting that it
is better to get cars off the street and make more room for tourists to come by.
S.H.C. Public Hearing 8/6/79 P. 7
Lucien Morin, Building President of the VFW, described himself as one
who studied for citizenship, volunteered to serve in the armed forces. He
drew the analogy of the cow which if you own, you can milk saying that the
house belongs to the VFW. He spoke further of the deteriorating condition
of the building and of the loss of the original vote to derby the application
to demolish by one vote. Finally, he questioned whether personalities, were
involved and whether the issue is the VFW on Derby St.
Phil Verrette, Vice—president of the Board of Directors, VFW, spoke of never
having received any communication from the Historical Commission regarding
the establishment of the district.
Herbert Burton, Adams St., spoke as a member of the VFW and raised
questions regarding the Union St. garage.
Evon Morin, 20 Hardy St.. spoke of the two houses moved at the wharf
which she feels are an eye—sore.
Roland Berube. 20 Hancock St., spoke as a VFW member and said the building
should be moved to in front of the South Essex Sewage District.
Anna Lischvnsky, 55 Turner St., spoke as a long—time resident of how times
have change in automobile traffic since the period of construction of the
building, of how people go out of the city while people come in to the city
and park, of parking problems. She spoke of parents coming to this country
for freedom and not wanting to be told what to do with their homes and of
how the new developers were getting the "gravy" while the old businesses were
not.
Edward Luzinski, 25 Hardyp spoke as a VFW member of the precedent of the
buildings which were eliminated in the Federal Street and Washington Square
districts. He spoke further of 2 Blaney's location at the end of the street,
of the offer of 2 Blaney to the Commission to fill another open lot, of the
house directly behind 2 Blaney as being more significant. Mr. Luzinski
questioned why Pickering Wharf was not in the district and mentioned that no
parking had been offered at I✓iackey land and that alternative parking at the
House of Seven Gables and Turner Street would be in competition with the No
Name Pub as well as being inconvenient by being 2 blocks away.
John Partaledis, 17 Rainbow Terrace, spoke of his one main reason for
wanting to see the building demolished as relating to himself as•a father and fears
of danger from the building being broken in to.
Paul Cote, 33 Briggs, City Council candidate, said that safety should be
the most important concern of councillors and that the building is a hazard.
Joseph McCarthv. 347 Lafayette St., said the old St. Mary's Convent is a
more historical building.
After calling for any further remarks by oppenents, Mr. Wolfson opened
the meeting up to questions, first from propenentst then opponents.
Pam Burns, River St. 9 related that her building was also condemned and
she is restoring it# she questioned whether it is really a question of parking
and whether a building is worth its and said the building could be put back together.
S.H.C. Public Hearing 8/6/79 P. 8
Gene Cook, 40 Derby St., said it was not a problem of parking strictly
speaking but that the building was condemned.
Ken Michaud, Marlborough Rd. , questioned whether Ms. Burns had a choice
regarding restoring her property, saying there is no choice in the district.
Alice Jordan, 97 Derby.St., said the statement by Mr. Moran placing
2 Blaney at the end of the district was incorrect since the district continues
to Block House Square.
Bill Morins questioned why the building was in such bad shape.
Stanley Smith, 4 Pickering St., said he had read the Board of Health
report and spoke of the many violations which could occur in his own house
that a work crew could get in shape. Mr. Smith also responded to an o£f' the
record remark by an unidentified gentlemen suggesting that Mr. Savickey should
not be permitted to sit with the Commission on this issue since his business
restores properties. Mr. Smith questioned whether this would mean that city
councillors who are members of the VFW would be ineligible to vote on 2 SLaney.
Lucien ,Florin, Building President VFW, responded to the question regarding
the condition of the building by saying that it was in very bad shape when
it was sold to the VFW who bought it knowing they couldn't restore it as they
are not in business to be landlords.
Philip rbran, VF�i attorney, responded to Nass Jordan's remark on the
end of the district by saying he was referring to the water side only.
Jackie Partaledis, 17 Rainbow Terrace, said it had been by choice that
Pam Burns was restoring her house while the VFd bought the building in deteriorated
condition and don't want to waste money to restore it.
Blanche Paskowski spoke of the fact that the Health Department had condemned
the building and of the cockroaches and mice.
William Murray, 35 Boss St., Treasurer of the VFW, spoke of the VFW
right to do with property as wish and related some details relating to the shed.
Henry Faizer, 267 Jefferson Ave. , asked Mr. Burns if the Historical Commission
was willing to invest in the building.
I
Roy Javeno, 2 Rogers Ave., Lynn, asked if the VFW can be made to rehabilitate
the building.
John Carr, Salem Historical Commission, responded to the question by saying
that the City Solicitor had stated that the VN,could be made to secure the
building.
John Santo, Danvers, related that his family house in Salem was torn down.
Anna Lischynsky, 55 Turner St. , questioned how long Commission members had
been residents of Salem.
Mr. Wolfson asked for each member to answer as follows, Mr. Carr, born
here, 30 years resident; Ms. Harris, 2 years, Mr. Chalifour, born here; Mr.
Arkin, 6 years; himself, 10 years; Mr. Cook, 10 years; Nr. Savickey, 10 years.
S.H.C. Public Fearing 8/6/79 P. 9
Mr. Wolfson thanked those in attendance for coming and adjourned the
meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
'�C,-'�.WkA"'�
E. B. Wheaton
Clerk of Commission
�'CONon,�b
9
J
2 Z
� �JpBOIMP'E W��
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL, SALEM. MASS. OI97o
PRESS RELEASE
April 199 1979
The Salem historical Commission currently oversees the exteriors
of close to 300 properties throughout the city. Although historic districts
are formed with the overwhelming support of the residents in these areas,
occasionally individual property owners may disagree with decisions made
by the Commission. Such a case occured recently with respect to the
property at 2 Many Street. The Salem Ustorical Commission wishes to
explain its position on this matter and to comment on the manner in which
other bodies in the city have attemtped to circumvent the responsibility
which citizens of this city have invested in the Commission.
In August 19770 the 6alem Historical Commission received a request
by the VFW9 Mitch City Post to permit the demolition of a building they
own at 2 Hlaney Street. A %ea'ring was held by the Commission and
petitions were presented by both proponents and opponents. After
carefully considering all of the issues, the Commission denied the
request, basing its decision on three arguments. First, the property
is of moderate architectural value and although needing repairs, is in
sound condition. Second, the demolition of the building would substantially
destroy the historical character of the Derby Streetscape. Third. while
the Commission was sympathetic to the VF,-`s parking needs, it felt that
other solutions would be more appropriate than demolishing an historic
Salem historical Commission. press release, p. 2
the decision to the Superior Court.
raring the intervening period, the Board of Health received a
request to inspect the property. Based on this inspection, the :Board issued
a list of health and safety violations and then ordered the demolition of
the building. The Historical Commission was not informed of the Board's
decision until more than a month had expired. Furthermore, a review of
the Board's findings suggests that most of the health and safety violations
listed constitute minor building disrepair such as is found in many houses
throughout Salem.
A approximately the same time, the Salem Uty Council voted an ordinance
requiring the removal of 2 Blaney Street from the Derby Street Historic
District. Last Thursday the ordinance received second passage. Legal
counsel has informed the historical Commission that this ordinance directly
violates the process by which buildings are to be added to or deleted from
districts--as specified in state and local statutes. The ordinance is
currently before the tayor, and the Commission can only hope that the
legal and preservation issues involved will lead the Mayor to a veto.
It seems clear from all that has occured in the last few months that
many city bodies have acted directly to circumvent the purpose and
responsibility of the Salem Historical Commission. Historic preservation
in Salem has proceeded beyond the stage of being the special interest of a
select few. Today hundreds of residents in aalem live in historic districts,
and hundreds more support private preservation efforts. '•;ost important, all
residents of the city are pround of Salem's unique architectural heritage
and proud too of how preservation has contributed to the vitality of its
neighborhoods. It is high time that the city's responsible officials
Salem ;Ustorical Commission, press release, p. 3
recognize the strength and extent of the preservation movement in
Salem.
THE SALEM, MASS., EVENING NEWS— SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1979
e historic district stuck with a derelict ? i
By ROGER E. MORENCY The combination dwelling-retail struc- days as papers were passed on the
News Staff Pure has been condemned by the Board of property a short time after the ordinance
SALEM—It takes a lot of time and ef- Health as not suited for habitation and was passed and signed by the mayor.
fort to create a historic district and, ap- the board has also recommended it be In addition to being an eyesore, Morin
propriately enough, it takes an equal torn down. said, the building is a safety hazard to
amount of both to change it once it's ' Accordingly, Nowak submitted an or- the neighborhood. Morin doubts the
established. der to amend the ordinance which historic signifigance of the building and
Ward 1 Councilor George A. Nowak is created the historic district Jan..11. It said the VFW will not be spending any
finding that out as are members of the was voted first passage handily, but sub- money to refurbish it if it can't be razed.
VFW Witch City Post 1425 at 95 Derby St. sequent efforts to gain second passage "All it will do is set there and deteriorate
Nowak and the officers of 1425 have Jan. 25 and March 8 were not successful further," he said.
been trying for some time to have the or- and the ordinance to amend was tabled Jacob S. Wolfson, chairman of the
dinance which created the' Derby Street with a 6 to 5 vote Iast time. Historic District Commission,. said he
Historic District :amended to allow According to Lucien Morin of Post was unaware of the Board of Health vote!
demolition of a building at.2 Blaney St. 1425, the VFW bought the building four condemning the building for habitation
The building is in the.district,:owned by years ago. The building came under the -. -
Post 1425 and adjacent to 95 Derby St. historic district ordinance by a matter of and its recommendation that it be torn
down.
"We haven't been officially notified,"
he said.:.
Wolfson said the commission voted on
the request of the NFW and the matter
has been appealed to the superior court.
That's the procedure. They can ap-
peal our decision to the superior court.
The building does have historic
signifigance in that it contributes to the
continuity of .the neighborhood. You
m don't create a`historic district and then
start making exceptions," he said.
Wolfson explained that creating the
111-K district was along .process which
- included a number of public hearings.He
also explained that a number of state f
laws are involved.
J� "The commission did what it had to do
'. under its mandate," he concluded.
As to the ordinance to amend submit-
est ted by Nowak, Councilor Joseph M. Cen-
torino, speaking against it, said, "There
is arocedure for the appeal ppeal which
should be followed. A council move
S� before the court has made a decision
would short-circuit that process," he'
said,
Councilor Leonard A. Cawley Jr.poin-
ted out during discussion of the or-
dinance that there was nothing on the ti-
tle to the 2 Blaney St. property to in-
'Hisioric' building causes problem (Staffphoto) dicate it was in the historic district. He
suggested that future such designations
be so written.
Ironically,Nowak was a strong and ac-
tive supporter of -the Derby Street
Historic District. However, he never
meant for it to be sacrosanct, he said.
Iq the meantime the derelict building
remains. If the court does hot allow the
appeal, the building will stay a derelict.
With no plans to refurbish it, Morin won-
ders what-the attraction will be for
tourists.
iifE .SALEM, MASS.. EVENING NEWS.— FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1979 /
C0u_ .n.c1i1, ,0Ks razing
in hist®ric district HISTORIC ' .
By ROGER E. 310RENCY a solution which wouldn't be open (Continued from Page One)
P disagreed with Centorino. He said -
News Staff - , to legal question. .- that the commission has had ample
SALEM—Property rights The order prevailed, but Cen- notice with the first passage of the
collided with the desire to preserve torino failed to move for im- amending ordinance more than 60
the past Thursday night in the City mediate reconsideration with the days ago. He accused the commis-
Council and property rights won as hope that it didn't prevail. cion of "stringing the council out,,.
the council voted to allow the After the meeting, Nowak filed a He also accused his fellow coun-
razing of a building within the written request for reconsideration cilors of handling the matteroorly
Derby Street Historic District. in two weeks. This bars any from beginning to end. He did I
The building in question is at 2 meeting on the matter until the however, support the ordinance.
Blaney St. and is owned by Witch reconsideration. During that time, The legal questions raised by
City Post VFW at 95 Derby St. The it is Nowak's hope that the mayor Centorino, a lawyer, were ad
properties are adjacent and the will sign the ordinance and the ow- dressed by Brian T. O'Keefe, also a i
post officials want to use the area ners will remove the building: lawyer.
for parking.. Nowak told The News with a O'Keefe argued that the commis-
The action resulted in a bit,of chuckle, "Sometimes it pays to sion had proper notice and that the
parliamentary rnanuvering bet have eight years on the council." notification of the state commis-
ween Councilors Joseph M. Cen- During the debate on.the amend- sion and the Registry of Deeds can
torino,who voted against amending ment,'.Centorino outlined specific be properly done after the the ordinance which created the steps that should be taken before dinance was amended.
district, and Ward 1 Councilor the ordinance could be amended With the legal question ap-
George A. Nowak, who submitted legally. He argued that proper parently resolved to everyone but
the order to change the ordinance notice was not given the Historic Centorino's satisfaction, the-.vote
and allow the razing of the building. District Commission, that the was taken and Nowak's order
After the 9 to 2 vote (Centorino Massachusetts Historic Commis- became an ordinance.
was supported by Frances J. sion has an interest and should be
Grace) amending the ordinance,. notified and that the proper map
Centorino introduced an order should be filed with the Registry of ,
which would have the owners of the Deeds.
property, :the Historic District Councilor Leonard A. Cawley Jr.
Commission and the council meet - HISTORIC — -
to discuss the matter and work out Continued on page 6
1
'THE SALEM, MASS., EVENING NEWS — TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1979
Council order irks historic commission
By JO STEWART they have had problems with children getting into the
News Staff house, which has been unoccupied for the past year.
SALEM—The legality of an ordinance which "As far as the parking lot, we're taking it one step at
removes a vacant house at 2 Blaney St. from the Derby a time." the veteran said.
Street Historic District so it may be razed, has been The Historical District Commission, after holding
questioned by members of the Salem Historical Dis- hearings on the question late in 1977, decided that the
trict Commission and Historic Salem, Inc. - house should not berazed. The V.F.W. has appealed
Members of the two groups at a press conference, that decision to Superior Court, but the issue has been
charged the City Council with "capricious" and sidestepped by the passage of the ordinance.
"irresponsible" action, and said the council's passage In February, after an inspection, the Board of
of an ordinance removing the 1886 shoemaker's house Health ordered the structure be demolished after the
from the district is a violation of the law, based on an council passes an ordinance allowing it.
opinionirom'Asst. City Solicitor Richard W. Stafford. Removing the house from the Derby Street Historic
. The house is owned by the Witch City V.F.W. Post District, which the ordinance does, would allow the
1524, who according to Jacob S. Wolfson, a member of V.F.W. post full control over the future of the house,
both historical groups, want to demolish it for parking allowing it to be demolished.
spaces.According to Lucien Morin, building president At the press conference,members of Historic Salem
of the V.F.W., the members want the boarded-up said they were alerting the organization's 500 mem-
house razed "because of the severe health hazard it bers to the situation, and asking for support of their
presents. position.
We feel that the house is a menace in the area and After that, Wolfson met with Mayor Jean Levesque
we'll give it to them if they want it. It's not historic; in his office. When reached later,Levesque said he has
it's a dump," Morin said. been asked by the two groups and other concerned
Morin said they want the building, razed first and residents, not to sign the ordinance, which has twice
foremost, so no one will get hurt as a result. He said HOUSE--Continued on page 12
U
Continued from Page 1 tance of the issue is not so much that the house at 2
passed the City Council, but to veto it. Blaney St. is so "architecturally special" but of the
He said he would be meeting with City Solicitor precedent it would set.
William J. Tinti, as soon possible to discuss the They are afraid, they said, that this will lead the way
for people who wanted to
situation. get a historical house
Levesque, a member of the V.F.W. said he is "very demolished, to forego proper channels, board the
House up and let it rot for a year, then have i
close to the veterans," but also "wants to do what is i.condem-
right." tied and ordered destroyed by the Board of Health and
"There may just be some Procedural complications torn down at the city's expense.
with the council action and that's what we'll search Wolfson also said that the historical groups offered
to make arrangements with the House of Seven Gables
for," he said. for the V.F.W. to use its parking lot,but that members
Members of the two historic groups said they feel of the post weren't interested.
the City Council violated the law by taking the issue Morin, however, said that as a resident of Hardy
into their own hands, and not letting it go through the Street for the past 28 years, he knows that the Gables
proper charnels. parking lot is already used by neighbors of the Gables,
"It's analagous to someone being denied a variance and that there would be no room for additional parking
and instead of going to court to appeal it, going to the there. ;
City Council and asking them to rewrite the zoning or- If the house was demolished, the V.F.W. would'gam
dinance," John H. Carr, Jr. said. . an additional seven to nine parking spaces, at best.
"They're just not going through the normal Morin said he feels the whole issue is that,"they
grievance channels." don't want us (the V.F.W. post) in the neighborhood"
The Historic Commission members said the impor- and not the house at 2 Blaney St.
THE SALEM, MASS., EVENING NEWS—THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1979
I
Raynor vetoes razing of- derelict building
SALEM=The future fntegritylof strong protest by the Historic Dis- According to the mayor, his veto
the Derby Street Historic District trict; Commission and Historic will be accompanied by the recom-
remains uncertain as does the Salem.Inc. over 'the ordinance. mendation that a public hearing be
future of a derelict building in the which would amend the ordinance held on the matter within the next
district with the veto of an or- under which the district was 14 days. That hearing,according to
dinance which would allow the established.' Levesque, would satisfy. the or-
razing of the structure. Earlier the two groups accused dinance requirements and allow
Mayor Jean A. Levesque vetoed the council of "capricious" and the council to vote on the matter in
the ordinance, Wednesday which "irresponsible" action.in giving a proper manner.` '
would have allowed the destruction second approval to the ordinance at "The council procedure was
of 2 BlaneySt.,- an 1886 the April 12 council meeting.
faulty, and the public hearing
shoemaker's house owned by the Levesque said that his veto came would give the Historic District
Witch City Post VFW at 95 Derby .. after a meeting with lawyers for . . Commission an opportunity to
St. the veteran's group and the two BUILDING —
The mayor's veto follows a historical groups. Continued on1Page 8
WILDIN J Continued from Pagel. -
voice its position," Levesque said. building in 1977: That action has
The ordinance to amend was sub- been -appealed to the Superior
mitted by Ward 1 Councilor George Court by the VFW.
A. Nowak. Nowak, a supporter of At that time the reason for the
the creation of the historic district, removal was to create seven
has said repeatedly that the parking spaces for the veteran's
building is a safety hazard and not post:
that important historically. At the In February, after an inspection
April 12 meeting nine of the conn-. _ . of the property at 2 Blaney St., the
cilors agreed with his position,and .Board of Health ordered the
voted to amend the ordiance to _ building demolished as .a health
allow the building's removal. Only hazard after appropriate action by
Councilors Frances G. Grace and the council.
Joseph M. Centorino voted against. . In making his case for the or-
The essence of Centorino's argu- diance he introduced,Nowak cited
ment at that time was supported by the board's action as evidence that
the historic groups and Levesque. _ fears about safety and health were
There are procedures that must be < well founded.
followed, according to law, in When informed of the mayor's
amending the ,ordinance creating veto Nowak responded, "I'm doing
the historic district. The need for a my job as a ward councilor. I'm
public hearing is one, Centorino primarily.concerned with the
argued.- safety and well being of the people
According to a letter being cir- in the area.I've done what I can for
culated by the historic groups, the my constituents..I hope they pick a
commission denied permission to big enough hall for the hearing.
the veterans for the removal of the —BY ROGER E. MORENCY.
Pages NORTH SHORE: SUNDAY April29, 1979
NORTH SHOR"I' S
_ays�J
WIlf-
� f I
j�
T
for the
history books JEAN LEVESQUE
acted properly
Historical Commission was created,
Salem Mayor Jean Levesque another VFW-owned historic building
cast a vote for history this week — next door had suffered thesamefate.
and in so doing, may have also avoid- But before a court date was 4et,Ci-
ed a law suit from the Salem ty Councilor George Nowak asked the
Historical Commission. Board of Health to inspect 2 Blaney
Levesque vetoed a City Council or- street.The board made the inspection
dinance which called for the demoli-i in February,and ordered thebuilding
tion of an 1886 shoemaker's house at 2 ` demolished.
Blaney street, owned by the Witch Ci- On April 12, the council gave final
ty VFW post nearby. approval to the demolition order — '
After consultation with City with only Frances Grace and Joseph . I
Solicitors Bill Tinti and Richard Staf- Centorinovoting against demolition. . a
ford, the mayor decided that a Commission chairman Jacob Wolf-
demolition order issued by the Board son objected to the council vote — on .
of Health for the building could not be the grounds that it wasn't legal.
.legally carried out. I Before a building deemed historic can
Back in 1977, the Salem Historical be demolished,there must be a public '
Commission got a request from the hearing and an ordinance,amending' .
VFW for permission to demolish the the historic district to exclude the
building. After a hearing, the com- building in question must bedrawn.
mission denied the request — Wolfson contended that neither of t
primarily on the grounds that those things had happened.
"demolition of the building would Wolfson's opinion cut no ice with
substantially destroy the historical VFW buil ding president Lucien Morin
character of the Derbystreetscape." — who said after the vote that the
The veterans' group appealed the building is not historic,"it's a dump." '
decision to the Superior Court. They Dump or no dump, after meeting
wanted to use the land under the with Tinti, Levesque took Wolfson's
building for a parking lot. Before the side on the argument. The council
could override Levesque's veto at its
next meeting, but will most likely opt
to follow the proper procedure. -
After.a public hearing, the building
may be. demolished anyway. `
Historical Commission secretary
Elizabeth Wheaton told Sunday the
building is of "moderate" historical
value.
She said, "It's not .like George
Washington slept there,or anything."
F4*ALEM EVENING NEVIS
commient
James R. Stommen Richard P. Carpenter
Editor Managing Editor
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1979
i
Historic Value �
To the Editor: currently in a derelict state, but, 1920) that was at least Victorian in
As the controversy over the fate so, over the years, have been many age, the same as its recently razed
of the 1886 John Nash House at 2 of its neighbors, until they passed neighbor,91 Derby,so replacement
Blaney St., Salem, continues to into the agreeable restoration of one structure by another does
capture local public attention, I phase. The Witch City Post and the not go as unnoticed as it would on a
would like to make some personal John Nash House do not exist in a street of modern structures.
observations concerning the situa- vacuum nor in a new neighborhood Derby Street, in great part, has
tion. (say, on a street hear the never been a street of high
First of all, the Witch City Post Swampscott line), but in one of the elegance, but it has comparable
V.F.W.. is to be commended for oldest- and most historic historie value and potential to
their numerous charitable works in neighborhoods of Salem, surroun- many others. A solution satisfac
recent years, for various causes. ded by Revolutionary War-era tory to all parties in the present
With such a record of achievement, Georgian homes,and only a stone's crisis? I cannot give that answer,
I am sure that no one would wish to throw from the weathered brick but I hope the matter can be seen
"drive the Post away,";a discor- federal birthplace of Chinese ad as part of the big picture; as an in-
dant note sounded recently in a venturer, Frederick Townsend tegral part of an, historic
newspaper article. Ward (1831-1862), built in 1805, on neighborhood, and the final deci-
the east corner of Carlton and cion reached on that basis.
Yet,. I cannot look at the'John Derby Streets. The post should
Nash House in an attitude of total remember that their very buildingEDWARD WINDSOW CARBERG j
despair .— true, the dwelling is took the place of a home (before Salem
2 Blaney Street Update
1 In mid-April, members of Historic Salem Inc. received an
emergency communication from then-president Stnaley M. Smith
urging them to pct to prevent the removal of 2 Blaney Street
from the Darby Street Historic District and its subsequent
demolition. Specifically, members were called upon to contact,
Mayor Jean A. Levesque to urge him to veto a City Council ordiance
removing the building from the district.
Not only was it an issue of demolition of hitoric architecture
to make ::ay for narking, but the Council vote to remove the building
had been taken prior to certain procedurEs--a report and public
hearin;;--roquired by tho enabling leEialation, Massachusotts
Gaweal Laws, Chaptor 40C. 0n April 25, Rtayor Levrsque ruturnod
the ordinance '1) th" Council. with a veto on the hasis that '.t
did not comply with the procedures for a removing a building
from a district as specified in the law. Historic Salem Inc.
members and other concerned citizens throughout the City had
indeed made known their views on the importance of historic
districting, and they can be proud of a City whose Mayor will
not tolerate any tampering with tha legal basis of historic districts.
FcllorTinp ievesoue's veto, the ordinance returned to the
City Cou:tcil for ar override vo*e. tiepresant&tives from HSI,
ireludirF newly inFtallod president William h. burns, were
preeert. to "ok for historic preservation in Salem. No vote
cuts taken, howeler, with the item tabled.
Ir. the mean+;xv, at the request of Mayor leaarngue, the Salem
Fistcrirel Cermd.rnior hrn prepared a "Preliminary report wnuining
'rcc•rrn'!!'a'iona Iappordi.rp Removal of 2 Hlarry Street from the
Jt rby Street Historic District" which was submitteo to the Massachusetts
Historical Commission and the Salem Planning Board on June 4. As
rpceified in Chap`Ar 40G, a Public hearing car be held in 60 days
fron submitting the, reporte on or. about August i. Following the
'gearing, a final report will hn sent to the Salem Lity Councu
for their consideration.
The report by the Historical Commission which may be read
in its entirdty at HSI offices find that the boundaries of the
Derby Street Historic District should not be redrawn to eliminate
the property at 2 Blaney Street. This finding is based upon
the Commission's evaluation of the overall Derby Street environment
or "streetscape" and the historic and architectural merits of the
structure itself. Given that an application for demolition of this
BeHianey Street Update--p. 2
building was denied by the Commission in 1977, the Commission
also arguie ngainst r_ procedure which would simply remove any
building from a district when an application was denied, thereby
nuffifying the entire concept of historic districting. Finally,
the Ccmc^is=lor finds that the trsF*ndous investaer_'.e ars revitalization
±.n the i?srby Street area, accurring sincw the district was formed in
1974 wctld indicate that, rattc,r than recoamending reduction of
district boundaries, the Commission should be proceeding toward
an irvssttgaticn of in e-larged district..
Nsptte these Coauissicn recommendations, members of HSI
should be aware that the City Council can still vote to remove
the building. The au'_lic hearing in August All _e3 an Important
ooperturitq fnr thoss interested in preservt6jothe uniqueness
of Nrby Street to speak out. The ^±storScal Commission is
most ap*)reclativn of ttie efforts of SSI wTbors to date and hopes
that its own efforts vr�r?cfng with Councillor Joseph Centorino,
the Sale- r1anninr Lerart�nt, Yagor L-ve5que, and the PF?,
`:,'itch City Fost, ownars of the building, -41.1 yield a solution
by which all interests ca* be served. The Cormission is currently
q"ftmtnn other optiors for tett+ building ami the owner'sfyarking
needs which TA.11 allow the psrservation o: this building and it
conti.-ming contribution to Derby Street for the benefit of all
who live and visit there.
GT1stOfc OFFICES AT 15 SUMMER STREET
Al:Mp
incorporated
POST OFFICE BOX 865 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 / PHONE (617) 745-0700
April 19, 1979
Dear Friends:
An emergency has arisen in Salem. The City Council is try-
ing to undermine the Derby Street Historic District ordinance.
This threatens the integrity of all the historic districts in
the City. Your involvement is needed immediately.
What In 1977, the Historical Commission denied permission
F p ened for the V.F.W. Witch City Post 1524 to demolish the house
at Two Blaney Street built in 1886 by John Nash, a shoe-
maker. The V.F.W. wished to demolish the house in order
to create seven parking spaces for people frequenting the
Post' s adjacent club facilities.
When Historic Salem, Inc. learned that the V.F.W.
was appealing the Historical Commission' s decision, as
provided for in the enabling legislation, we wrote of-
fering assistance in reviewing preservation options for
the building. No further actions were taken, since it
was known that the issue was being appealed in Superior
Court.
Early this year -- unbeknown to the Historical Com-
mission -- the City' s Health officer, a member of the
V.F.W. Post, ordered an inspection of the house upon
request of Councilor Nowak. The report cited mainten-
ance problems common to the houses in which many of us
live. The Board of Health then condemned the property
and requested it be demolished, because the owner did
not plan to maintain it.
Last week, the City Council gave second passage to
an ordinance removing Two Blaney Street from the Derby
Street Historic District so it can be demolished. Nine
councillors voted in favor of the ordinance which is
enough to override a mayoral veto. Councillors Centor-
ino and Grace were opposed. According to the City So-
licitor' s office and the Massachusetts Historical Com-
mission, the enabling legislation does not allow the
council to take this action without first requesting
that the Historical Commission prepare a study report
"to preserve Historic Sites,Buildings and objects,
and to work for the education of the community
in the true value of the same."
-2-
with recommendations and hold a public hearing. No such
request has been made.
Political It is embarrassing, with Salem gaining national ac-
ssues claim for its success in halting destruction of our ur-
ban heritage, to witness the City Council trying to un-
do one of the tools protecting Derby Street from des-
tructive change. It is alarming to realize that so few
City Councillors have perceived what makes Salem unique
(certainly not more asphalt parking lots) . It is un-
fortunate the Councillors have not perceived hoer many
people do care about preserving the city. it is sad that
the V.F.W. has not been willing to explore alternatives
to demolition of a perfectly good house.
Urban For nearly twenty years, one of the surest signs of
sues a decaying city has been when good buildings get torn
down to make parking lots.
Historic Districts are established to protect great
landmarks as well as the lesser buildings that create a
sense of place. More "missing teeth" along Derby Street
will 'hardly add to the character appeal or vitality of the
area.
When housing is in such short supply, does it make
sense to demolish a perfectly good house for parking?
An old building presents far more opportunities for
economic development than a vacant lot.
Remember that Derby Street residEnts petitioned to
create and enlarge an Historic District in7 their neigh-
borhood,. There were no secrets. Everyone knew about
it and had a chance to speak out.
WWhv you The City Councilors all know that the V.F.W. wants
s o uld to tear down Two Blaney Street, but it has been a long
spe Tc-out! time m yopeoplethe Mwant oand
preserveCity
Salem' sCouncillors
heard
architectural
heritage.
The week of May 7th is National Historic Preservation
Week. Please call and write the Mayor, your Ward Councillor,
and the Councillors-at-large to let them know you want
to see the City' s Historic District ordinances and the
property at Two Blaney Street preserved. Then the City
Council can join with the rest of us in celebrating
National Historic Preservation week in Salem.
Sincerely,
and A�ith
Pre dent
P.S. Your D.U4EDIATE action is needed. Contact the i-iayor
today at his office (744-0282). If he is unavailable,
leave your name and reason for calling!
SiS/ckt
SALEM ggy 2711975
VFW appeals denial
to tear down house
SALEM—Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars,Witch v.
City Post 1524, Inc., have appealed to the Superior Civil Court a
denial by the Salem Historical Commission to,demolish a va-
cant wooden building on its property at 2 Blaney St.
The commission, by a 3 to 2 vote last Nov. 2,denied the post,
at 95 Derby Street, the-right to level the building for more
parking area. The commission sAid demolition would be "in-
congruous to the historic aspects and architectural charac-
teristics of the surroundings and of the Derby Street Historic
District."
Jolin A. Whipple,counsel for the post,said the decision is not
supported by the evidence placed before the commission mem-
bers and the decision exceeds its authority.
Whipple asks that the court annul the decision.
Whipple attached a,letter from Richard Savickey, chairman'
of the Commission, to the complaint. It was written Nov.29. It
said the building"is neither historically nor aesthetically out-
-
standing but that its size, scale, roof line and posture make a
positive and important contribution to the historical character
of Derby Street.'.', i -
Savickey agreed the condition of the building is "very poor"
but the commission "feels that as long as it stilt stands the
•potential for restoration remains."
Savickey said foremost in the decision of the commission was
"its responsibility to protect the architectural integrity of '
Salem's historic neighborhoods."
BEVERL- Y/ TiMEs - RAY .25lj / 979
1 History at issue
The preservation of a historic
neighborhood and the need for
parking in the Derby Street area
of Salem are in counterpoint in a
n. ^���
dispute over plans to demolish aJl ,
ihouse a the area. Page an
22 TIMES — Thursday May 24, 1979
Battle lines drawn
over Blamol , St. hotitse
-Bv CHRISTINE SANDULLI
;Times Staff Writer
But Wolfson and Smith say the building is structurally
SALEM — Everyone agrees the old house on Blaney sound,and Building Inspector Jack Powers agrees. .
Street has little architectural or historic significance. When asked if the building is in danger of collapse,
Built in 1886• it hardly qualifies as an antique by Salem Powersd. said, 'Heil, no!" Only if the building is not
%standards. properly boarded up and someone gets in to light a fire
C But the deteriorating building has become a cause could it become a safety hazard,he said.
celebre for those interested in historic preservation, and But, convinced the building must go, the Veterans
the city Historical Commission is battling to prevent the arranged an end-run around the Historical Commis-
'building from being demolished to make way for a sion's decision. On a motion introduced by Councilor
parking lot. George Novak, the City Council voted to redraw the
The house at 2 Blaney St, was purchased by the lines of the Historic District to exclude one lot — 2
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Witch City Post, two years Blaney St. Mayor Jean Levesque vetoed the Council
ago. The Veterans planned to tear down the building to order, charging it was illegal. By law, Historic Districts
-create parking space for seven cars. But a year earlier cannot be changed without a lengthy process of public
the city had created an Historic District in the Derby hearings and reports by several city agencies.
Street area where the building and the Veterans Post is Novak also asked the Health Department to inspect
located.Under the terms of the creation of the district, the building, and the Board of Health decided the
buildings cannot be altered or demolished without the building is unfit for habitation and should be demo-
consent of the Historical Commission. When the VFW lished. But Health Agent Bob Blenkhorn said yesterday
the Health Code is only concerned with occupied build-
asked permission to remove the building in 1977, the ings• Whether an unoccupied house, such as the one on
commission turned it down. - — --
"It's not one of Salem's outstanding houses historical- Blaney Street, is safe is a determination to be made by
ly, but it's significant to the neighborhood," said com- the Building Inspector, and the Building Inspector has
mission chairman Jacob Wolfson. "The neighborhood ruled that the building is not a safety hazard.
has been one of buildings with close proximity to each The veterans, the Historical Commission, and a City
other since-the 18th century. You're destroying the Council committee are meeting tonight to try to find a
character of the neighborhood if you remove a build- compromise solution that will satisfy everyone.
ing." _ If no solution is found the battle for 2 Blanev St, will
escalate. The veterans have asked the Superior Court
Stanley Smith, Chairman of the Salem Redevelop- for a hearing on the Historical Commission's original
ment Authority and former president of Historic Salem, decision to retain the house. And if the City Council
Inc., agrees. "It's a neighborhood of houses of the same overrides the mayor's veto and votes to demolish the
age, the same size, closely set together. If this house building, Smith says Historic Salem may go ask the
were to be removed,it would be a:Hissing tooth." court for an injunction to save it.
But Lucin Moran, who over,ees the VFW buildings,
says removal of the building would "take a menace out
of the neighborhood." He added the building is in
imminent danger of collapse,and is a potential firetrap.
"Kids are forever breaking in, and I'm always over
there patching to keep them out."he said.
Empty building's
future uncertain
SALEM—The future of 2 Levesque's veto of an or-
Blaney St., an imply building dinance which would remove
owned by the VFW Witch City the building from the district.
Post and located in the Derby The ordinance was proposed
Street Historic District, re- by Councilor George A.
mains uncertain after City Nowak, whose ward the
Council action this week. building is in.
The council voted un- First passage was granted
animously to table considera- April 12 by a 9 to 2 vote of the
tion of Mayor Jean A. council, but, according to
Joseph M.Centormo.an oppo-
nent of the ordinance,at least
two votes have been changed
and the necessary eight votes
to override are not there.
However, there is a move-
ment toward a possible com-
promise. Centorino said.
At a well attended meeting
of his Ordinance and Legal'Af-
fairs Committee prior to the
council meeting,the two sides
in the dispute,members of the
VFW and the Historic District
Commission, indicated that
something might be worked
out.
"There are buyers in-
terested in the building which
is deteriorating but still struc-
turally sound. There is also
the possibility that other land
may be available to the
veteran's for parking. The
Planning Department is in-
volved now, and that's good,"
Centorino explained.
He also pointed out that the
dispute is not confined to
whether the building should be
removed from the historic dis-
trict, it also involves the
method that was used in
removing it. s
"The law requires certain
notice be given the Historic
District Commission, that
public hearings be held and
other conditions of changing a
district be complied with.The
proper procedure wasn't used,
and I object to that," he said.
Apparently in agreement
are Levesqug and, City
Solicitor William Tinti. Tinti
outlined to both parties in the
dispute the basis of the
• mayor's veto, and the proper
method to remove a building
from the district. „
Notice has been sent to the
Historic Commission and a
public hearing on the proposed
change will be held.Until then
consideration of the mayor's
veto will remain on the table.
That's Centorino's guess.
ROGER E. MORENCY
1 �
Historic Salem Incorporated
P.O. Box 865
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
February 10, 1978
Mr. Lucien Morin, President
of the Board of Directors
V.F.W. Witch City Post 1524
95 Derby Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Mr. Morin:
We are aware that members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Witch
City Post 1524, Inc. have appealed the decision of the Salem His-
torical Commission to deny permission for the demolition of the
house at Two Blaney Street built in 1886 by John Nash, a shoe-
maker.
While Historic Salem, Inc., has no official role in decisions in-
cumbent upon local, state, or federal agencies, we are mandated
by our charter as a privately supported preservation organization
sustained by more than 500 individuals and corporations in and
around Salem to provide comment and advice on actions which affect
the preservation and integrity of Salem' s cultural resources.
The Derby Street Historic District Ordinance provides protection
to the varied architectural and historical resources that make up
the significant character of Derby Street through the design review
powers of the Historical Commission. The Derby Street Ordinance,
like the over 500 local preservation ordinances in effect through-
out the United States, recognizes the complexity and diversity of
our city' s physical character and establishes a mechanism to guide
decisions so that this complexity is sustained. Protecting and
encouraging a continuity and texture of architectural styles, and
of physical as well as visual relationships, provide the context
in which historic district commissions consider individual requests
for building or site alterations. The purpose of a preservation
ordinance, such as the Derby Street Historic District Ordinance,
is to maintain the physical fabric of the city, assuring that de-
cisions affecting individual buildings are consonant with the
character and level of quality of the district.
Derby Street was developed during the late 17th century, the 18th
"To preserve Historic Sites,Buildings and objects,and to work for the education of the community in the true value of thesame"
I
-2-
century, and throughout the 19th century. The architectural charac-
ter of this neighborhood is shaped by a land use system which com-
pelled building density to allow for the close interrelationship of
residential, commercial, and maritime uses. Successive eras of build-
ing construction adhered to the general principles of density, scale
and construction in contemporary architectural styles. The disrup-
tion of building density or destruction of architecture of a partic-
ular era could represent a serious undermining of the character and
fabric of Derby Street.
The demolition of a building to remedy easily avoidable building or
health code violations mades no sense at a time when the conservation
of natural and man-made resources is beginning to be viewed as a
necessity rather than an optional luxury. Such demolition of build-
ingsto provide increased parking has, both in Salem and in cities
throughout the area, provided few long term improvements and more
often heralds the arrival of various kinds of economic, social, and
visual blight.
The preservation of older buildings has become an increasingly com-
pelling and common tool to sustain community identity, to encourage
neighborhood vitality, and to provide opportunity for economic growth.
The re-use of existing structures for contemporary purposes has
proven to be economically feasible for buildings of all types.
The preservation and re-use of the John Nash House should be ex-
amined in terms of its contribution fo Derby Street, its continued
use potential, and in terms of the alternative sites available to
meet the Veterans of Foreign Wars' facility needs.
We encourage careful review of the proposal to demolish the John Nash
House. We offer the assistance of this organization to help you re-
view the varied preservation options available for this property.
Sincerely,
Stanley M. Smith
President
SMS/ckt
cc: John Parteledis, Commander, VFW Witch City Post 1524
Richard Savickey, Chairman, Salem Historical Commission
Edward Stevenson, Director, The House of the Seven Gables
Alan Doksansky, Director, The Gables Settlement House
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Amadon, Director, Massachusetts Historical
Commission
William J. Tinti, City Solicitor
qb 4e got�l-d-►
cc: CQfi T_As s membe N of the historic District Commission, would like to clear
up several misconceptions which are contained in Ms. Stewart's article
lApril 24) concerning the City Council's vote to remove #2 Blaney Street
from the Derby Street historic District. It must be pointed out that the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Witch City Yost, approached the Historic Commission
in � SRR with the request that a certificate of appropriateness
be granted �or the demolition of this building. At the time, the building
was in perfect repair and had been functioning as a popular pizzpr*a. .The
VFW's stated purpose for the demolition was to create between 6;'Mr �"pariI g
places for patrons of the lounge at their facility, whici i-7 iocated next
doo Lt_anouia be p , n er o d
e
After carefully--and sympathetically--considering this request, the Commission
voted against demolition. There were several reasons for this vote: *4r'_3w
the building contribute,S nicely to the "loo;."
of he N� iil�orhood, it has moderate historic value, and--if rehabilitated--
11w�de an attractive element in an especially important historic
streetscape. In addition, the commission felt that the creation of (at best)
nine parking spots would only solve a small part of the VFW's afWed par]cing
problem-vt a - - demo-
- ausin co ate havoc in an important
ne' t' y an spec
v FW 1�1,5 , To be conciliatory, the Commission ofnred to help arrange alternate parking
�-(n2 solutions but bung-se-re firm in tka�+ix��resolution to demolish 2 Blaney Street
and said that r if we wouldn't authorize the demolition, they would"board it up
and let it rot" We then advised them thax„they had ev�ry right to appeal our
decision to the Superior Court--just as +'��:. they had�"a� application for a
zoning varience rejected by the board of Appeals. They followed our advice
and appealed to the court--where the matter is still pending. However, not
(i1FgG �✓( content ermit this matter to be settled in the courts (as all such matters
t�mix y n are)�then decided to employ a political solution to their
problem--first by having the Board of Health condemn the property (b.ich the
7 o�FL�,N7Il building Inspector's office still finds structurally sound), and then h- lo':
bying the City Council to remove the building from the district--fcllo,nr,g ,
a procedure that was deemed illegal byAis110wMV 1V* ri -' � f •'1�
Ms. Stewart's article quotes Commander Morin as saying that the VFW offered
the building to the historic Commission and that their primary concern was
for public safety. This is a zZZ=misrepresentation since, while they did
offer the builaing, it was only on the condition that the Commission would
remove it from the property so that they could put in their parking lot. As
far as their concern for the public safety is concerned, I should point out
that the building was in fine shape when they originally approached the Com-
mission and any deterioration that would endanger public safety (and there
may not be any) is the direct result of their stated policy of letting the building
go to seed.
Jn aT trAG+1V¢
The net effect of the VFW winning its fight to tear the building down would
be to announce to everyone who ever wanted to demolish a historic structure
that all they have to do is board it up, wait a year, and then have their job
performed for them at public expense. The people of Salem have seen struL
s
far worse off than this one turned into sources of pride in the community
I would hope that they have learned the lesson that nothing makes a city more pathetic than the wholesale replacement of historic structures with
parking lots. Finally, I should state that the Commission definitelv does not
want the VFW out of the neighborhood--we want them to take pride in it.
Histofc
OFFICES AT 15 SUMMER STREET
841:incom
p
r orated
POST OFFICE BOX 865 SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 / PHONE (617) 745-0799
April 19, 1979
Dear Friends:
An emergency has arisen in Salem. The City Council is try-
ing to undermine the Derby Street Historic District ordinance.
This threatens the integrity of all the historic districts in
the City. Your involvement is needed immediately.
What In 1977, the Historical Commission denied permission
F p ened for the V.F.W. Witch City Post 1524 to demolish the house
at Two Blaney Street built in 1886 by John Nash, a shoe-
maker. The V.F.W. wished to demolish the house in order
to create seven parking spaces for people frequenting the
Post' s adjacent club facilities.
When Historic Salem, Inc. learned that the V.F.W.
was appealing the Historical Commission' s decision, as
provided for in the enabling legislation, we wrote of-
fering assistance in reviewing preservation options for
the building. No further actions were taken, since it
was known that the issue was being appealed in Superior
Court.
Early this year -- unbeknown to the Historical Com-
mission -- the City' s Health officer, a member of the
V.F.W. Post, ordered an inspection of the house upon
request of Councilor Nowak. The report cited mainten-
ance problems common to the houses in which many of us
live. The Board of Health then condemned the property
and requested it be demolished, because the owner did
not plan to maintain it.
Last week, the City Council gave second passage to
an ordinance removing Two Blaney Street from the Derby
Street Historic District so it can be demolished. Nine
councillors voted in favor of the ordinance which is
enough to override a mayoral veto. Councillors Centor-
ino and Grace were opposed. According to the City So-
licitor' s office and the Massachusetts Historical Com-
mission, the enabling legislation does not allow the
council to take this action without first requesting
that the Historical Commission prepare a study report
"to presen,e Historic Sites,Buildings and objects,
and to work for the education of the community
in the true value of the same."
i
-2-
with recommendations and hold a public hearing. No such
request has been made.
Political It is embarrassing, with Salem gaining national ac-
ssues claim for its success in halting destruction of our ur-
ban heritage, to witness the City Council trying to un-
do one of the tools protecting Derby Street from des-
tructive change. It is alarming to realize that so few
City Councillors have perceived what makes Salem unique
(certainly not more asphalt parking lots) . It is un-
fortunate the Councillors have not perceived how many
people do care about preserving the city. it is sad that
the V.F.W. has not been willing to explore alternatives
to demolition of a perfectly good house.
Urban For nearly twenty years, one of the surest signs of
ssues a decaying city has been when good buildings get torn
down to make parking lots.
Historic Districts are established to protect great
landmarks as well as the lesser buildings that create a
sense of place. More "missing teeth" along Derby Street
will hardly add to the character appeal or vitality of the
area.
When housing is in such short supply, does it make
sense to demolish a perfectly good house for parking?
An old building presents far more opportunities for
economic development than a vacant lot.
Remember that Derby Street residEnts petitioned to
create and enlarge an Historic District in their neigh-
borhood. There were no secrets. Everyone knew about
it and had a chance to speak out.
Wh ou The City Councilors all know that the V.F.W. wants
Ru a to tear down Two Blaney Street, but it has been a long
spealTout! timhowemanyce the peopleMayor want odthe preserveySalem' sllors have yd
architectural
heritage.
The week of May 7th is National Historic Preservation
Week. Please call and write the Mayor, your Ward Councillor,
and the Councillors-at-large to let them know you want
to see the City' s Historic District ordinances and the
property at Two Blaney Street preserved. Then the City
Council can join with the rest of us in celebrating
National Historic Preservation week in Salem.
Sincerely,
and NI. Smith
Pre dent
P.S. Your Ii•MEDIATE action is needed. Contact the Iaayor
today at his office (744-0282) . If he is unavailable,
leave your name and reason for calling!
ST-IS/ckt
DR. ISRAEL KAPLAN PUBLIC C HEALTH_ CEN TEA.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Off Jeffcrson Avenue
Salem, 2vlassachusetts 01970
ROBERT E. BLE—NlaiO?S
J"E?n R. RICHARD February 15, 1979 Flt..v.Tn ;cF.%T
RII7Lt7.`h::�k6
At.MARCIA COLSTIE.R.S.
MILDRED C.MOULTO.S.R.N.
EFFIE NIAC DONALD
Philip H. Saindon
Robert C. Bonin
Mr. Lucien E. Morin, President
V.P.W. Post 1524, Inc.
95 Derby Street
Saler, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Mr. Morin:
Relative to an Order brought before the City Council on January 11, 1979,
that the structure located at 1`2 Blaney Street be deleted from the Historic
District and be demolished, the Salem Board of Health at their February 13,
1979 meeting Voted upon and Passed the following I-lotion:
"To instruct the owner(s) of t
Blaney Street to take the action
to demolish this building immediately".
If you have any further questions, kindly let us knoca.
Very truly yours,
FOR THE BOARD SOF HEALTH
ROBERT E. BLENKIIOP-i
Health Agent
REB/g
l
7
�cuuae�"
L."ILLIAM J. TIMI CITY OF SALEM RICHARD W. STAFFORD
CITY SOLICITOR ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR
70 WASHINGTON STREET MASSACHUSETTS 70 WASHINGTON STREET
SAL[M. MA 01970
744-2172 SALEM. MA 01970
744.2172
January 24, 1979
Ms. Josephine Fusco
City Clerk
City Hall
93 Washington Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Josephine: -
Thank you for the packet of information which you
have provided to me relative to a proposed ordinance to
amend the Derby Street Historic District Ordinance, which
appears in the Salem Code of Ordinances at Section 19-64.1.
Article IV of Ch. 19 of the Code parallels M.G.L. Ch. 40C.
Section 8 of Ch. 40C provides in part, that nothing
( in Chapter 40C shall be construed to prevent the demolition
of any feature (including a building) which the Building
Inspector shall certify is required by the public safety
because of an unsafe or dangerous condition. Since I am
not aware that any such certification has been determined
by the Salem Building Inspector, the provisions of Section 8
remain in full force.
The relevant section of Ch. 40C in this instance is
Section 3, which deals with the establishment, enlargement,
or reduction of an existing district, and with the procedure
for creating by ordinance and amending such ordinance, such
an historic district. A copy of Ch. 40C, Section 3, appears
as Appendix A to this opinion. Paragraph 2 of Section 3
states that an historic district may be reduced in the manner
provided for creation of the initial district. That procedure
is set forth in Paragraph 1 0£ Section 3.
M.G.L. Ch. 40C, Section 3, Paragraph 3, provides:
"Any ordinance or by-law creating an historic
district may, from time to time be amended in
any manner not inconsistent with the provisions
of this chapter by . ' ,
The procedure described in the remainaer of that paragraph
would be inconsistent with the procedure of Paragraph 1 and
2 . The procedures in Paragraph 3, therefore, would not apply
to the proposed ordinance reducing the districtJs boundaries.
e
Ms. Josephine Fusco - 2 - January 24, 1979
City Clerk
Therefore, prior to the reduction of an historic
district' s boundaries, an investigation and report on the
historical and architectural significance of the building
to be excluded from the historic district shall be made
by the Historic District Commission, which shall transmit
copies of its report to the Planning Board in the City of
Salem and to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for
their consideration and recommendation. Not less than
sixty (60 ) days after such transmittal, the Historic District
Commission shall hold a public hearing on the report after
such notice as the section requires. The Committee shall
then submit a final report with its recommendations together
with a map of the proposed district, as amended.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
Very truly yours,
Richard W. Stafford
Assistant City Solicitor
RWS:nc
Enclosure
r
40C § 2 CITIES, TOWNS & DISTRICTS CITIES, TOWNS & DISTRICTS 40C § 4
§ 2. Purpose It two-thirds cote of the city council in it lily or by a two-thirds cote of a town
musing in a toren, provided that the snhslanc,• of nodi amendment has first Leen
Tho pal-po", of tilt, cb:garr i, to proonow Ihr pdurotioua, cultural, vconnwie and sownittrd to the historic district rotfmnis=ion f a••:ing jirisdiction over such dis-
, tui wrifaro •:f rho poliliv Ilu'ough the. prrsorvotinn and vrutortinn of Ito dis. cadet for its roconimendatiol mrd its rrcnrnms.ridallon has ld`en reeked or sixty
1 0 1:+ala1:01111 o of trui It l tug. :cant pl:plot 4't, signi fir;urt in the history of Ila' • clays have elapsed withont such ts2mnmcndation.
,.,m:noutcaah it Ind it: cit lav :caul Imvus or I.hcir archttectico, and ilirough lilt- mr-tiu- :
Iron aur :on; iull nvcrnumt of sellings for sovit buildings and plates and lite en- 1 No ordinance or by-dray creating an historic rli�trl^t,. fir ohangimg the houndarles
lou ro4,nienl of design CkIItllnd iblc lhure•m'i ill, I of on historic district, shall herouv tffrrllro 1,ntii :, n:af, ',r maps setting forth
.ldd•.•,1 I,r St,197.1.V.3J11, S 1. 1Le boundaries of the historic distrkt, or if,e ehef:gn in the. bnunflaries thereof,
has K
colt EnaeLm Int. SLI?71. +. 3:,9, 3 1. aPprovnd Tune 3. 1971. Tills seetfon is ron filed with the city clerk or ro wn clerk ar:d tun b,•cn recorded in the rcgis-
amoolin,r this ;Impter b; strikinlr out aintiiar to forutor section 2 of this chapter. try of deeds fol• the comity or fhbt rir•t ill a:hilt -h,.. City Or torn is located, and
rnw, . .;iiia. 2 to 13 and inserting in See, also, note under sectlan 3 of this Ihr Prucislons oI sett inn titirteeh d of chat,:':, ::.at .Is -}.all not apply.
placo thoronf prrsvnl s-eelium 2 1p 17, was chapter.
-hided by 8t.1671, c 3011, { 1. -lmrodod by rr.ltJTi. •'. _ _. S[.]nib, c, 163, § ld; rit.
k 3. Establishment of districts; pre-requisites; enlargement or reduc- !^lt.t,t. :cab,§,Ip-
tion of boundaries; amendment of creating ordinance; filing of 1971 Enactment. =L1971• r. 1 . .. '976 Pmeedments. Ht.1975, c. 163. E 14.
mans apprnred Jane 3. 19.1. rl .- :. ar lived April 3•+, 1973.
similar to fcrm�r ortirsn 1 .f _. - :-Mary of communities and
1 Illy of town tray. hp urdln:cater or by-law adopted by hyo-thirds cote of Ito Section 2 1rn ilea "This a _ , ^colmnlsaioner of com-
r.tw co'mu^t! in .t city or by a two-thirds vole of a town nu-cling in ,t Imrlt, oct'tli- affect the validity of any hr-F - ,: the third sentence of the
sltbjocl to the following provisions:-Prior to for rmW blivll historic d+srut comma _.
rad
r.: Ill tt> 1 i'I rt di.nncl ill cn ior town :cat investigation :illi Icl.orl on tho
d t 'i„-. t. under c.231:, t 1.
:ad b'rI Inr+l +.niftr.uur of Ihr hwldiags slrmetlnv, (it- Ido,, to br in emergency act,
+� and by section 312
i !b coal ,., I h 'I nlr d'„tut , . d ,l-tri. sb•tIl lip umdr by ;in hrU aril � .
%h t ' civ r"munil, I.
+ Icy nn Iiia trio I 'trio rnmutllayioll :Is pen cidrd in this 4 r • 1 J ly 1. 197;, substitut-
ed 'tleu o muntgement• for "net-
u I 'n ..rnou fun- who shall Ira u'ntit I u•. of ill(- repo t It, !It,, nl-nw mg nc t nd 1 - t r• the third sentence of the
i” t r low It : u.l h, Ow V• n'h u.r(I. ' ,.Iol wal I m t >im,
f., ll r•a.•+nrc Ioav!louttiun will reconin mlatim The h+uldi :_' ,Irl•
-❑r< b I�• ,,u lutb•d in Illur proposed historic district m;q tion++sl of ono "I. i - it^ pro- Library References
1 done ol C 3
cal' tr ut: calath. or title M
or oll• buililings or structures on oil(. or Illo3:nnic`L,ioraoration C=
n { of said TMemF l C
r 1 t. of land. 'Pia• Massat•hu,etty hivlm'ical commission way con.ult with _. - ace
tin rt'.IIIL-rinw'I' nt votlllw i-ve and developun•ut, (ho srcrrtary of cullllllunitiei and _ ,'.J�. mimi,ipal Carparalions.I G.
j
dreolopntrnt :caul Ilse r:mlwisimu•r of t•uci rum mu•nt:d mnnag+anent Willirosft J.S. Tm,,is; 7 et see.prcC to i _ .� -. - _
sovh rr•porh, ,ad nrg m:t6r guidl•lmo. int ,mil trpnrl,, au I. arttr public hr:tring, .. -.
establish I-dr. a.' In Ihrlr fm-la .wd m.uw•r of tr,lo.lwssiollNot 1,•71. than .ivh•
dnvs uf:,•r slwh nan.,uin al Ihr .Indo rnnuniru•r shut! hold It pnhlic• hearing on [hc
t'vi,orl after (III,- uotirc gi mil al len,
l fnnrrmn days nanf._(n Ihr•. duh• I term . w uili § -i. study- committees: commi;;ions; establishment; membership;
shall inrhmb• :i w'rtiit•n noire Ionil^il pu,eige III'-p'I'd to tIL11 toner's 9:3 tiley nPlIont' terms; vacancies: compen>alionl officers.
on Ihr aunt n•rr•ul r::d rsinlr I:n ii,l of the i...nnl of u"osun's or :ill prnfIDftics ft- -
b- iur:ud"I in such di,irict nr dlstrieh. The c+n to ilM1ro sir,ll wo.,it a final t•emnLl an hi,tufic disteiot *,;t ly i-• e>:a!,ii-hid hl nny rite or tonin by
Will) it, r,•r,:ll-ln+•w In U"n. I I is l, pf Ihr, oropn„•,I d'at wl nr districts oIu a draft of tote of the city runnrit nr L— n: ..( s.•lo.':::•a1 f,:r III, ;a:rpo,c of I nddug an in-
n. prup:,,,.d,:rdi n,v uv orb, Inv, to the Illy om writ nr Gown ntteting• wr•a;igar„n of the dc,irability 11f .,it Lisp¢ic district or districts
All bi>; it districl miry br oulargod of IL-1111errl or an addition:d historic dis- thrrcin. Thu- study cnwn:iUe.• =hail tea:•i>: t-f r.:s le<s thou 11nee nor more than
tart l: ai �•nw .u• In+cu err:u od tit rho ni:uuaa• nrnvided fur creation of rho toil int sew-11 mr:nhers appuinte,i iu a up' ip- tl:c :payor, =:bjr,: to V.lcfirmudon by the city
council, car in a wwn I-y the b,'•trd of ,.•'rr.:err.. u.••ho-iiug „n;• nu'mbor from Iso
d!-•ri•�t. r „•pt thin ",1 in Ilio case cat the enlargmnr:lt or rdductlon of all cxlsl- uuwinces suhmittn,l b;: file to*;i: i.isD xieal :,airry .r,, in Ih:• nhsoure thoreof, by the
ing bi+t,•ri; distr6'I lit,- it mliga:ion. rrpurt roti hearing shall lie by the historic Society for Cie Prr..,•rwar...: at Nwlc I{tr_bu:.l A::Nq;lilies, rsc m:culhrr frau two
u^:+ ranlmisa:»I Iwciryg jurtsdirli,m over such historic district ihslead of by ;rami r.rv; suhnri wird by :i1c ei:;;nt+•r : f :b,. -1sm tic:,n 1:;-[i a,• , f :Urhdecls cu cerimg
11 .1' -., :11 ill. ; (tit in Ihr las,• rf I reatiou of nn additional historic district thec•ucrr-
:r. spur[ anti hruring .11:111 ho by Ilii historic district coumuissinu of
"rills r-ijiwst fill-
-.I ..r 1,1 Ib+ hist uric Ili:d riot t•nuat is,inus art ing jointly if Ihero hr .. - _ - :: ,nal i,a•> hair lsvu
' ..:: :•;iil of hr a Sllaly rnuuuilloe mdrss the umauissiom or rola- w'ill nut
•: n :,,I :.;ill tlnso: umi (l-•1 it' Ila• dist rill is to br redu<•r4 1criUwl
I .d the ,onnni i n'.. Lubin_ un tit(, ltnmo,.d .ball be giyt-a
--+tot pl+P•rty iu the district. - - -
� II'a:a
,call ,•rr ttiug 'u; h^auric dis(ru4 ton- from lgitr to lime three a I:cal. [ .n >. ,it ..,cut ¢ .. d--i.,s
..
e __ I : + n t�ny^n:.istrnt wilh_tllL11!t17;1.vta�I1111S..E1i:111[CrJ!S_ 1C-7 -
v
X
17 ..7Gyyys Of
3 �{
TVA-,
7
c
c
Salem Historical Commission
�p CITY HALL. SALEM, MASS. 01970
CC�\\\T,�jvvSJ iY
y Olem Historical Commission public hearing on the Commission's
"Preliminary Report Containing Recommendations Regarding Removal of
2 21amy Street from the Derby Street historic District."
Fur-pose
Purposefor the Commission to hear views of Salem residents--both in
the immediate area of 2 Blaney and City as a whole--on the question
of redrawing the Derby Street Historic District boundaries to remove
2 Blaney Street from the district.
—2 Blaney Street is owned by the Veterans of Foreign °iarsp Am", City
Post 1524.
--The Commission as you probably know strongly recommends no change in
the boundaries.
Searing will be held in 3 parts.
1. Introduction by the Chairman.
2. Two 40 minute periods for proponents and opponents of the report
to be heard.
3. Two final 15 minute periods for questions from proponents and
opponents.
Before we begin, let me introduce myself and the Commission to you.
In order that all here can be clear on the facts and backgrounds the Commission
has prepared a brief chronology of events which will be available to
you at the close of the hearing. I would like to quickly summarize
those facts for you:
5h
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM, MASS. 01910
The ggtablishmsnt of the Darby Street Historic L'istricic dates from
7?scember. 1974, the VF4 had acquired both 95 and 91 Derby Street#
prpparties adjacent to 2 Slaney, prior to this time.
--91 Derby was dewolished by the VF:: and currently serves as a
parking lot.
--es property owners in the Derby Street Ustrioty the VFW reoei ed
notices of both the vablie hearing; on the proposed district
'h,.. pataage of the ordinanne and Its requirewnts-
—In fact, some months after the district was established and
4 months before their acquisition of 2. Slaney 3treeto the
VF,j had accasion to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness
for work at 95 Derby- hr. Lucien No ring rspresented the VF.
at a Commission meeting considering the application.
.As sequence of events would clearly indicate that the purchase of
2 Slaney Street in December. 1975 was made .with the clear
knowledge of its inclusion in the Lerby Street -Historic District.
The more recent sequence of events which has brought us to tonight's
hearing began in Augusto 1977 whew, the VF,i applied to the Commission
for demolition of the building at 2 Slenlry for parking.
--sifter careful consideration and a public hearing, the Commission
voted to deny the application.
—Shortly thereafter. the VF,,' fnI1—A tt ----
by filing a complaint appealing the desision to the Superior
2
CPj912�
ryF4//
9 � M
{t
k.!tL.pT W'
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 01970
Court, That suit still awaits a Court date.
In January of this year, apparently unwilling to wait for a Outtt
decision, the move to remove the property from the district was
regun in the Salem 1 City Council.
--The initial ordinance to remove the property was passed without
the proper preliminary steps—including a report by this
Commission and a public hearing—and was, therefore, vetoed
by ,Iayor Levesque in April of this year.
--At the Mayor's request, the Commission prepared the Preliminary
Report which :-.*as sulatted to the Massachusetts Historical
Commission and the Salem Planning Lbard for review on June 4, 1979.
--As specified by lasV tonight's public hearing was scheduled for
no sooner than 60 days after the report was submitted.
At all times during its consideration of 2 aaney Street, the Commission
has been highly sensitive to the VF.,-11s parking needs. During the
period following Levesque's veto, the Commission has *.corked hard to
develop alternative solutions. Cur efforts have includeds
11. Meeting with Councillor Centorino's Committee on Crdinances and
Legal Affairs and the VFd on May 24.
2. Active involvement with the Salem Planning Department and local
m developer, Thor Lauritsen of kobertsen Associates, to find
vacant land for parking which the VF.; might obtain in an
exchange agreement for 2 HLnney, which would subsequently 3
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
be develoned.
3. Active involvement with the House of Sewn Gables Director#
Edward Stevenson, in developing an agreement by which
Lie �i, md'ght use LnJ .u,use o V4.en uQales parsing lot.
Such an agreement approved by the cacecutive Committee
o1 the House os :lever. Ga1&os vas refused by the VFd.
4, r`fforts to discuss them, alwrnaUves with the 11.74 sure refused
by them on two occasions last month. liieso incladect both
an informal meeting between the chairman and cochairman
of this Co-,mission and iucien IMbrin, President, 3oard of
11iroctors, VF,,*, and a larger meeting of all parties—
F.ouse of aeven Gables, lbbertsen Associates, Planning
Department, local realtor George Urwd, and the VFi1.
In meither case,-was the VFt: wiling to talk and consider
mutually satisfactory solutions.
At this time, I i�rould request the Clerk to read letters to thn
Commission relative to these alternatives explored.
This brings as co tonight's liaaring. a consideration of uw %om¢ia ion's
:rtlimtWy Fwporc. ror tlwse of you kho have noc hac an opportunity
to read it, I will summarize it briefly. Ahhe Commission's findings that
the boundaries should not be redrawn to eliminate 2 Maney was based on
the following pointse
1. "I'he matter of streetscape" or the way in which the size, scale, u
f
c` Q�
n WW"i
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
materialsjp roof linea anA posture of 2 H!.". y am,! the hther structures
in the neighborhood combine harmoniously to create a rhythm and balanc$,
the total imago of Derby Street. Demolition of 2 &aney would break that
rhythms create a -apodetraotina seriously from the rest o2 'Lhe street.
2. ViAle the Cormmi,-;w.wr, freely alloys that the building at 2 Hl aney is
rot of outstanding historical or architectural sk6nifiaaacep !Ls usa
since 1886 as a residence and neiFhborhooe shop reflects the history
of Derby Stieet itself and its; architecture represenLs the way in iiAch
architectural styles were adapted in the more modest buildings that
.o ke i+r the b I of our architectural heritage.
9. ThirrTly$ the Cor.aissior_ arqu*a against a proc;durs which would
simply remove any building from a district -hen an anplioation was
denied, thereby ^ul fftft-7 the entire concept of historic districting.
4. Finally. the Commissior finds that the tremendous investments and
revitslisation in the Derby Street area occuring since the district was
formed *ould indicate that, rather than recommending reduction of district
boundaricsi t` Co ssion should be proceeding toward an investigation
oS an enlarged district.
This hearing is an opportunity for you Lo speak to these findings, before the
Commissions final report is sent to the City Council for a vote.
During the second period of the hearing, 40 minutes will be slotted for
proponents of the report to speak followed by 40 minutes for opponents.
Proponents are those speaking for no change in the boundaries; opponents
_ m
S��L IINF. .
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
for the ell nation of 2 Aaney Street from the district.
Then you r9se to s;)aak, please 5.os your nam am' address clearly,
WLI if necessary and
%fore opening ooments from the floor, a could like to ask the Llerk
tc introdres tho rasoonses of tlm Massachusetts jastorical
Commission and the Salem Planning f3 ard.
iSird period will allow for 15 -Anutms of response and questions by. oroporznts
followed }m1.5 rdnntrs of rpnronss enc': questions by opponents. ;uesticns
to Cowodasion members or others in attendance should bo direetad to t%onm
through the Chair oml y.
1
Thank you and adjourn.
W
To the Editor:
On Monday, September 10, the Salem Historical Commission submitted
it final report on 2 Slaney Street to the City Council. This means that the
reports and hearing necessary prior to a Council vote to remove a buildhng
from an historic district have been completed, as requested by Mayor Levesque
in his veto last spring of an ordinance to remove 2 $tansy Street from the
Derby Street District. The future of the Derby Street Historic District
and this proud old building now lie in the hands of the City Council in
its delAbdoetMon of a vote to override the Mayor's veto.
The Historical Commission report does not recomment removal of t Slaney
from the Derby Street District for a number of important reasons including
the impact on the historical quality of the neighborhood, the value of the
building itself, the undermining of the entire concept of historic districting,
and the danger of exempting special groups from laws that the rest of us mustti
follow. Perhaps, at this ons
p point, even more important 1a the fact that o+tlh�
options exist for the building and for serving its owncrt3parking needs,
which would make its destruction an unnecessax-j loss.
The VF,J witch City Post #1524 has made it clear to the Commission
from the onset that they seek removal of the structure to provide from 8 to 10
parking spaces for their nearby clubhouse. The Commission has been highly sympathetic
to the VF.d's concern for parking and the general problem of parking in the area.
As a consequence, our Commission has worked with numerous individuals as well as
the Planning Department to develop options for parking which might save this
building. Our efforts have uncovered a number of alternatives:
la Parking at the House of Seven Gables lot, approved by the
Fxecutivre Committee of the Gables but rejected by the VFW.
2) An offer by a local developer to buy 2 Blaney in an exchange
agreement with the VF4 which would include land on Turner Street
:-nth up to 13 parking spaces.
3) Parking on Massachusetts Flectric Company land on Derby Street.
Our approaches to the VFW proposing a cooperative exploration of these
options have met with no success to date, lie feel it is time for the VFV1 to
direct the good citizenship for which they have always stood to a community
effort to solve this problem--an effort by which the needs of the neighborhood
and the City can be served as well as their own needs.
In this effort, we urge the City Council to 'take the lead, to turn the
possibility of destruction into an occasion for positive, creative solutions.
+De have done the groundwork. The options are them. The Council can 0620'
demoli
Salem Historical Commission letter to the Editor, page 2
demolition to serve a few or cooperation to serve us all.
Jacob S. 'ablfson
Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
THE SALEM, MASS., EVENING NEWS — TUESDAY, JULY 0, 1982 d
DEMOLISH (Continued from page 1)
`f McIntosh setting out the results " before anything happened to the
' e tweet of their inspections of the building, '
G G li r ,building, (Deputy. Chief Robert "The first time I heard
* Fire Department). Both said the wheected for the n somebody cawas red in to sa
s r r
� •a1 building should be demolished the building was, partially
, f 1 N down, he said.
b��,� � � ✓U �ti 5, � r � , . aA a fire hazard;" owak said. "
l• "After I had the letters, A Wolfson also vehemently took
}'t y ' ?�Jh: P y, representative of the owners issue with the claim of the VFW
d l wee ke'n afternoon for the $20ede demolition safety hazard. �t was
be taken
and myself went to the building that the building had
o. s a public
1 40,petmit. We got it and the "They wanted It taken down
t, ji�tOG�IJjL'>1{ORi NCY building is protected under the "bulldozer .was there at 7 because they wanted to turn It
I ,and TAYLOR ARMERDINO pi:ovisions of the Derby',Street..', Saturday morning," Nowak into parking spaces," he said.
News Staff historic District that prohibit ' ' explained. "If they had cared at all about
1, 6ALHM, % "While the cat's the remoyal bf buildings in the He was careful to wait until the public safety aspect; they
the ,.mice will ..play." district, late in the day to apply for the would have maintained it. They
That's Ward 1 Councilor George "But all that really Is hIstory,rA permit to avoid any possibility said several years ago they were
A, Nowak's summation of his now," a delighted NBwak told rz that those opposed could obtain ggoing ' to deliberately let' it
successful move to' .a. The; News. "The building has __"q , a ' court order to halt the deteriorate until they could get a
vacant building at 2 Blaney St„ been torn down, fair and squari.,ji demolition. ; permit to tear it down."
at. the corner of Derby, torn. and legally." Wolfson said the commission
6 down over the July weekend. The :veteran' councilor told'' "1 wanted to make sure all the had offered to work with the
The buildinghis b&ed the` how he and the owners brodglft` judges and lawyers were at their VFW to try to find adequate
focal point of conflict between , It about. lz Camps in Maine and New parking elsewhere, "but they',
Nowak, Witch City, VFW 'Post "I had An order in the council $Iiampshtre before we made the didn't want it. They just wanted
that owns'it, some City Council for its demolition. It passec(4 move, Nowak pointed out. to tear the building down:"
mernbers and the Salem without the mayor's signaturef . Historical Commission City Councilor-atlargeJoseph '
Historical' Commission. The " According to the city solicitor, in Chairman Jacob S. Wolfson M, Centorino, who had fought to
owner§, ;`Nowak And some the lntorest of public safety, the conceded this morning that uphold the Histdrical Com-
members of the eouncil have building inspector (Richard'," Nowak had probably' acted mission control of. the',building�
been trying lfor three years to .McIntosh) has the right to ap j legally; but said; This is on the council floor, also said he r.
have the building 'removed point a surdoy ;board for the 'I definitely not good government, thought the most unfortunate
claiming it is a public safety' structure, He did: — the cit We :look to city officials to aspect of the demolition is that a
hazard, The land it sits on is also engineer,Tony Fletcher,the fire I uphold the lipirit of the law, and property owner was allowed to
needed for parking by members chief and an Independent con-, Mr. Nowak's own comments circumvent the commission by
and patrons of the Witch City tractor, Bob Gauthier. I con- _ indicate he hag no interest in deliberately allowing the
Post: tacted Chief Brennan and doing that. property to deteriorate.
Other members of the'council Gauthier Friday afternoon, andThere is something wrong
and the Historical Commission they agreed to send letters to Wolfson also said he is with the system if that can-
had sutcessfull blocked, the DEMOLISHK. disappointed in Building In- happen,"he said.
atfetf3ptA, ,claiming` that ' the , (Continued on page 9),i apector McIntosh, He said It one building isn't ,
vMcIntosh told him last week he necessarily the issue," he said,
._ would be notified 'of the results "but the integrity of the historic
of the Board of Survey findings district is."
j'
opinion. ,, - THE SALEM, MASS., EVENING NEWS — SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1982 5
SALEM SCENE I t 'u x°` , V.
fi htti rolls on
Knock down
B TAYLOR ARMERDING so far prevented that, saying the demolltioh`M anymore,!' he told Centorino. "Something like week.at a dinner thrown by his close friends and
News Stall 4a,: would Violate the sanctity of the historic district this will just have everybody playing ring around associates at an exclusive,private dinner club.
The vote two weeks ago kills any chance for yr the rosy again. I,think this is lust an attempt to The city's former chief legal eagle has said he
SALEM — It sounded IIke 3omeEhing` y.the council to attempt the demolltion Again this Y pussyfoot around on this issue, ' wants to remain in private life, but reportedly
everybody could agree on. ' r. year. "Watd 1 Councilor George Nowak told Cen the steam from the bubbling 1982 political pot is
The order from Councilor-at-large J;sepb M. already wafting into his nostrils.
Cedtorino was a"let us break bread together and k? But Centorino, ever' the gracious',!,Victor ;� Torino the order Was, in his opinion "simply .
compromise"type of thing. proposed a meeting to include representatives of ; attempt by the good councilor to walk the fence. So what would he'run for? Well, there are only
Centorino, who with four other of - his „the VFW the Community Development Com-' i Th�only way this thing is going to be resolved a half-dozen or so other hopefuls for the state
colleagues was barely successful in quashinga' mittee, I. a Historical Commission, Planning' is to knock that building down," he said."If we senate seat being vacated by Jack King. There
Com-
move two weeks ago to demolish the old VFW' '':Department and Legal'Department to discuss couldn t do it this year, well just have,to try may be one or more openings for County Com-
building at 2 Blaney St.,probably thought he Was twhat to do With the building.' again next year." missioner.,And then there is always two years
throwing out the proverbial olive«,branch The' groups could':"negotlate a mutually; When it finally came to a vote, Centorino's from now,when he will have been out of the Jean
r a term
Thursday night to those, who fervently want It Satisfactory agree"meat between the city and the I, ; order
was no passed
8 VFW would even be-3.But Martineau lnterested in and woulain there A. d be suue fficienoral t y removed too criticize
flattened. VFW regarding the disposition Of the property, sitting down to talk. ' it . . . perhaps even to challenge it.
The fate of that boarded-up building, debated he said. "They want the building down.4t',fs their Tinti himself says private life never felt so'
ad nauseum several years ago, has become the Pat chance,said at least two of his colleagues. property. They should be able to do what they good, and that he expects Levesque to be mayor
classic case of the rights'of the'private property Ward 5 Councilor Jean-Guy J. Martineau,who want with it." for"many years to come" and intends to support.
owner (the VFW) pitted against the authority of traditionally congratulates his colleagues for Stay tuned. that incumbency.
the bureaucracy(the Historical Commission), L whatever they have just said before he com- 0 Only thing is, that sounds an awful lot like the
The VFW has long wanted to tear the building ments on it, delivered that formality and then "expect, expect, intend" line Ted Kennedy,kept I
down and put up (lay ,down, to be exact) a scorned even the idea of talking it all over again. Recently resigned City Solicitor William J. giving about Jimmy Carter. + • ^
parking lot. But,the Historical Commission has "Nobody's going to be rational about this Tintf was wined, dined and lampooned just last
ONION PEELINGS
fare"
7 719
VFW vows to let
house rot 'til it falls
By CHRISTINE SANDULLI ~
Times Staff Writer
SALEM — If the Witch City Post of the Veterans of
` Foreign Wars is not allowed to demolish a house it owns t
in a historic district, the Veterans will allow the building r 6
to deteriorate until it collapses, the post president said
last night.
The veterans are battling to remove the house at 2 L
Blaney St. to make way for a nine-car parking lot. But
the old house is located in the Derby Street Historic
District. No building in the district can be altered or
removed without the consent of the Historic Commis-
sion, and so far the commission has steadfastly refused
a to allow the Veterans to tear down the building.
Both parties agree the house has little architectural or -
historical value in itself. Built in 1886, it is not old by
Salem standards, and any charm it may once have had
is disguised by peeling paint and falling plaster. But
members of the Historical Commission argue the Derby
Street neighborhood is made up of buildings of the same
size closely packed together, and to remove one building
would create an effect of"a missing tooth."
"It's not a single historic site, but a composite, a 9
synthesis of the entire city that makes Salem historic,"
argued William Russell Burns, Jr., president of Historic
Salem Inc.at a Historic Commission hearing last night. House at 2 Blaney St. is subject of dispute between
But a crowd of about 60 hooting and hissing veterans Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Salem Historic Com-
shouted down opponents of demolition, charging that mission.
commission members are "do-gooders" and "new- lition of the buildin the
comers to Salem who are imposing their ideas on the g, y cannot force the veterans
majority of Salem residents. either to sell it or to renovate it. And the veterans made
Post president Lucien Morin said, "We paid for the it clear they have no plans to do either.
house, we own it, it belongs to us to do with as we "It's not going to be fixed, and you can't make us fix
please," as the crowd cheered and called "This is ft,"one spectator shouted.
America!" Historic Commission chairman Jacob Wolfson said
Although the Historic Commission can prevent demo- the commission has suggested alternative ways the
veterans can solve their parking problem. The House of
Seven Gables has offered use of its parking lot for
veterans' functions, and Robertson Associates has of-
fered use of 15 parking spaces in a lot it owns on Turner
Street. Wolfson said Robertson Associates is also inter-
ested in purchasing the house for renovation into three
apartments and a storefront.
But the veterans have so far turned down offers of
other parking space, saying the other spaces are not
convenient to the post headquarters. Phillip Moran,
lawyer for the veterans, pointed out the House of Seven
Gables had torn down several building to make way for
the parking space it is now offering the veterans. The
veterans should be allowed the same right,he said.
The veterans'battle with the Historical Commission is
far from over. The City Council will vote later this
summer on excluding the house from the Historic Dis-
trict. At this point, the council appears evenly divided
on the issue. Last night councilors George Nowak and
Jean-Marie Rochna spoke in favor of demolishing the
building, Joseph Centorino and Francis Grace spoke
against, and Leonard Cawley said he was undecided.
The veterans have also appealed the Historical Commis-
sion's original decision to prohibit demolition to the
Superior Court,but the case was appealed in January of
1978,and a hearing date has yet to be set.
CUSTOMER PARKMG AT REAR OF STORE
thwilcu
e "women's place is in the
home," 58 percent disagree, Who ca 'Ifeg!'I
o�
compared with 41 percent in
1974.But ra4 percent of the young
people feel women with children
shouldn't work unless it is econ-reale go to co
omically necessary.
"Despite the recent increase
of working mothers, young peo-
ple feel that working and moth-
ering don't go together," the
study declares.
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2 THE SALEM, MASS., EVENING NEWS —TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, IM
EmptybuildinLys's future
rests in council's hands
SALEM—The future of 2 Blaney tain procedure before an historic as of Monday night no such
St., an empty building owned by district can be changed. exchange had been made.
VFW Witch City Post, as part of The ordinance to remove the Meanwhile, an appeal of the
the Derby Street Historic District, building from -it and facilitate Historic District `Commission's
is squarely in the hands.of the City; demolition, was introduced by decision to deny the demolition
Council. Ward 1 Councilor George A.Nowak request given in 1977 was made by
At a well-attended public hearing a vigorous supporter of the crea- the Witch City Post, and it now,
Monday night, the owners of the tion of the district. rests in EssexCounty Superior
building were joined by neighbors Nowak argues that the building is Court.
in calling for the razing of the not historically significant, and its Whether the issue will be pursued,
building for safety measures. They removal would allow more parking in court will be determined by the..
also argued that the structure is of for the veteran's post. He also action of the council on the mayor's
little historical value. _ points to the safety hazards posed veto.
The Historic District Commis- by an empty building in what is According to Centorino,the votes ;
Sion, which conducted the hearing,
essentially a residential to remove the veto from the table".
is against the disruptibn of the dis- neighborhood. are there, but whether or no.` e",?..
trio's integrity and of the 200 per- Nowak was unable to convince eight to override are is,at best;uh
sons attendingthe hearing, there certain.
g Councilors Frances J. Grace and With a council meeting scheduled
was support for this argument Joseph M. Centorino, who voted for Thursday Nowak said he will be _
::equal to the support for the against his ordinance. He also is polling his fellow councilors to
building's demolition. aware that there might have been determine if the eight votes are
With the statutory requirement some erosion among the nine who mere. If they are, he'll move to
of a public hearing met,the council did vote for it, and his prospects of remove the matter from the table.
,will now have to consider the coming up with the eight votes to If they are not, he'll wait for a
:mayor's veto of an ordinance override the veto are slim. more favorable time.
passed by the council with a 9 to 2 The building in question was a Nowak feels that Mayor Jean A.
vote which would have removed the shoemakers house in 1886, and is a Levesque has hurt himself
building from the district. combination retail and residential politically with the veterans. He
That veto was tabled April 25 to building. said that if the veto is not
permit a public hearing on the mat- Offers have been made to the overriden, there will be some for-
:Aer; a condition of the state law veteran's post to exchange the mer supporters carrying signs for
which allowed the creation of the property for other property in the other candidates.
district. The statute requires cer- area more suitable for parking,but By ROGER E. MORENCY
September 24, 1979
Charles J. Connelly, Acting ChAef of Police
Salem Police Department
Salem, Massachuetts 01970
Sir:
,pith the matter of the empty building at 2 HLaney Street as yet unresolved
and the possibliity of some delay in the courts, I am concerned that every
pAssible measure be taken to assure that the building is secure and presents
no threat to the residents of the neighborhood.
I an sure that your department has kept a close watch on this structure
in the past to be sure it is secured against vandals, and until the matter is
resolved, I would simply urge your continuing attention to protection of
the ngighborhood from the dangers posed by an empty building.
I remain,
Very truly yours,
Jacob S. Aolfson
Chairman
Ja!:e bw
September 24, 1979
James F. Brennan, Chief
Salem Fire Department
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Chief Brennan:
lith the matter of the empty building at 2 Blaney Street as yet unresolved
and the possibility of some delay in the courts. I am concerned that every
possible measure be taken to assure that thebbuilding is secure and presents
no threat to the residents of the neighborhood.
I am sure that your department has kept a close watch on this structure in
the past to be sure it is secured against vandals, and until the matter is
resolved, I would simply urge your continuing attention to protection of the
neighborhood from the dangers posed by an empty building.
I remain,
Very truly yours,
Jacob S. 4olfson
Chairman
JS-!I e bw
September 24, 1979
Robert F. Menkhorn, dealth rent
.Board of Health
Pr. Israel Kaplan Public Health Center
Cff Jefferson Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Pear Mr. i?lenkhorn.
oath the matter of 2 3Laney Street as yet unresolved andd the possibility
of some delay in the courts, I am concerned that every possible measure be taken
to assure that the building is secure and presents no threat to the residents
of the neighborhood.
I know that your department has been following the situation closely and
would simply urge your continuing strict attention to the maintenance there
of safety standards for empty structuresw
I remain,
Very truly yours,
8 Jacob S. :'olfson
Chairman
JS.-h ebw
Sa-�ewt Ev�in.Jc /1/eG1s
-T�sy
W marches Salem into court
By ROGER E. MORENCY the commission denied a 1977 request the veto from the table were: Leonard
News Staff of the veterans to demolish the building A. Cawley Jr., George F. McCabe,
SALEM—After five months of as a health hazard and to create a Jean-Marie Rochna and Jean-Guy J.
marching and maneuvering by op- , seven-car parking area adjacent to the Martineau. Voting against the motion
posing forces,it would appear that the Witch City Post at 95 Derby St. were:Joseph M. Centorino,James M.
future'of 2 Blaney St.,a vacant building Subsequently, Nowak submitted the Daly, Frances J. Grace, Stephen P.
in the Derby Street Historic District, order to amend the historic district and Lovely and Stanley J. Usovicz Jr.
will be decided in the court and not in allow the razing of the building.The or- Mrs. Grace and Centorino were the
the City Council. der passed April 12 on a 9-2 vote,but it two votes against Nowak's order
A motion to remove from the table a was then vetoed by Mayor Jean A. calling for the building's removal from
mavoral veto of a council order to Levesque because of, according to his the district.
allow its razing failed at last week's veto message, improper procedure; a According to Nowak, the Witch City
council meeting on a 5-5 vote.The mo- public hearing, required under the dis- Post will pursue the matter in court.
tion to remove was made by Ward 1 trict's enabling legislation, was not He also added, "The post membership
Councilor George A. Nowak:who also held. The veto was tabled April 25. will remember those who voted against
submitted the order calling for the That hearing was held by the Historic removing the veto from the table when
buildings removal from the historic Commission Aug.6 and the commission they go to the polls Oct. 2 and Nov.6."
district. report to the council after the hearing
A suit has been filed by the owners, recommended against the building's Of the five voting against, Daly and
VFW Witch City Post, against the removal from the district. Usovicz aren't running for reelection
Historic District Commission because Supporting Nowak's move to remove and Lovely is unopposed.,
THE SALEM, MASS., EVFNING NEWS THti;JHSDAX, SEPTEMBER 13, 1979
Salem U.ity Council
back on sduedule
SALEM—The City Council St, from the Derby Street
.will resume. a Normal Historical District.__. _
schedule tonight when it holds In April the council had
a fegular meeting at 8 in the voted to allow the removal
City Hall Council Chamber. with an order submitted by
Among the agenda items is Ward 1 Councilor George A.
a$200,000 treasurer's bond or- Nowak. That order was
der from Mayor Jean A. vetoed by Levesque because
Levesque for the purchase of of procedural deficiencies.
the BAPERN (Boston Area Subsequently a public hearing
Police Emergency Radio was held by the Historical
Network) for the police' Commission on the removal.
department. - The,mayor's veto was
Also to be considered is a. tabled and it is expected that
final report from the Salem the commission report will
Historical Commission regar- determine whether action is
ding the removal of 2 Blaney taken on it tonight.
i
THE
SALEm EVENING NEWS
comment . . . opinion '
James R. Stommen Richard P. Carpenter
Editor Managing Editor
36 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1979
Letters
Options -there for Salem VFW
To the Editor: laws that the rest of us must follow. to buy 2 Blaney in an exchange
On Sept. 10, the Salem Historical Perhaps, at this point, even more agreement with the VFW which
Commission submitted its final important is the fact that other op- would include land on Turner
report on 2 Blaney St. to the City tions exist for the building and for Street with up to 13 parking spaces.
Council. This means that the serving its owner's parking needs, (3) Parking on Massachusetts
reports and hearing necessary options which would make its Electric Company land on Derby
prior to a council vote to remove a destruction an unnecessary loss. Street.
building from an historic district The VFW Witch City Post No. Our approaches to the VFW
have been completed, as requested 1524 has made it clear to the com- proposing a cooperative explora-
by Mayor Levesque in his veto last mission from the onset that they tion of these options have met with
spring of an ordinance to remove 2 seek removal of the structure to no success to date. We feel it is
Blaney St. from the Derby Street provide from eight to 10 parking time for the VFW to direct the good
District. The future of the Derby spaces for their nearby clubhouse. citizenship for which they have
Street Historic District and this The commission has been highly always stood to a community effort
proud old building now lie in the sympathetic to the VFW's concern to solve this problem—an effort by
hands of the city council in its con- for parking and the general which the needs of the
sideration of a vote to override the problem of parking in the area. As neighborhood and the city can be
mayor's veto. a consequence,our commission has served as well as their own needs..
The Historical Commission worked with numerous individuals In this effort, we urge the city
report does not recommend as well as the Planning Depart-
council to take the lead, to turn the
removal of 2 Blaney from the men
t to develop options for parking possibility of destruction into an oc-
Derby Street District for a number which might save this building.Our casion for positive, creative solu-
of important reasons including the efforts have uncovered a number of tions. We have done t h e
impact on the historical quality of alternatives:
the neighborhood, the value of the groundwork. The options are there.
building itself, the undermining of (1)Parking at the House of Seven The council can choose demolition
the entire concept of historic diof Gables lot, approved by the to serve a few or cooperation to
the emir and the danger of executive comrmttee of the Gables serve us all.
exempting special but rejected b the VFW. JACOB S. WOLFSON, Chairman
groups from (2) An offer by a local developer Salem Historical Commission
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
July 9, 1979
Joseph Centorino
Salem City Council
City Hall
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Mr. Centorino
As you know, the Salem Historical Commission has been studying
the problem of the proposed demolition of 2 .Blaney Street for many
months. We are keenly aware of the seriousness of the parking
problem in the Derby Street area in general and the VF4's parking
needs in particular. Yet, following the mandate of the Salem Historical
Commission Ordinance, ue are highly respectful of our responsibility
to protect the Derby Street Historic District from loss of one of its
architectural assets.
Our Preliminary Report containing recommendations regarding
removal of 2 Blaney Street from the Derby Street district was submitted
to the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Salem Planning
Board on June 4, 1979, and we will be calling a public hearing on the
question for August 6. Prior to that time, we would like to follow
up on your suggestion and bring those directly concerned together to
consider alternative solutions to demolition. You probably know that
David Lash has been trying to work out some arrangement, and the Commission
is also pursuing the question of alternate parking and the marketability
of 2 Blaney.
To that end, I am inviting you to join us on Thursday, July 19,
1979, 8s00 p.m., One Salem Green to meet with Lucien Morin and Philip
Moran, Mayor Levesque, Bill Tinti, David Lash, and former Commission
member and realtor George Ahmed. Please call me if you will not be
able to attend.
With appreciation for your efforts to date toward a successful
resolution of this difficult matter, I remain,
Very truly yours,
G�'J' 7 u✓
Jaocb S. Wol son
Chairman
JSIJ:ebw
Lt..
Salem Histori
r
CITY OF SALEM
MASSACHUSETTS
JEAN A. LEVESOUE
MAYOR
July 13, 1979
Mr. Jacob S. Wolfson, Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
City Hall
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Mr. Wolfson:
Thank you very much for the invitation to meet with you
and the other parties relevant to the 2 Blaney Street issue on
July 19 at 8: 00 p.m. As Mayor, I share the concerns of both the
Historical Commission and the V.F.W. Witch City Post, and feel
sure an accomodation acceptable to all can be reached.
Unfortunately, a long-standing prior commitment for the evening
will preclude my attendance at this important meeting. However, I
hope you will keep me informed of the steps taken upon this matter,
so as to assure a speedy, equitable resolution.
Again, your concern in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
JEAN A. LEVESQUE
Mayor
JAL/cyo
WIVE
Salem Historical Commgss6on
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
May 11, 1979
Philip D. Moran 745-3303
89 Broad
Lynn, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Moran:
With regard to the situation at 2 Blaney Street, Salem, please
be informed that at the request of Mayor Jean A. Levesque, the
Salem Historical Commission is preparing the preliminary report
on the removal of this property from the Derby Street Historic
District. This report, as specified by Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 40C, must be transmitted to the Massachusetts
Historical Commission and to the Salem Planning Department
followed by a public hearing not less than sixty days after the
report is sent to these bodies. After these preliminaries, a
final report, map, and draft ordinance will be sent to the Salem
City Council for action.
We contemplate that working with all due speed our report can
be completed in approximately two weeks time, and we will be happy
to provide you with a copy of same should you be interested in our
recommendations.
The Commission has, of course, found the difficult situation
surrounding the VFW demolition proposal most distressing, and we
are hopeful that with mutual cooperation a satisfactory resolution
will be found.
I remain,
Very truly yours,
Jacob S. Wolfson
Chairman
JgWt ebw
cc Mayor Jean A. Levesque; City Councillors, City of Salem
r
April 19, 1979
John B. Powers, Inspector of Buildings
Departaff8t of Public Property
One Salem Green
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Lear Mr. Powers:
As you know, the Salem City Council voted second passage on
Thursday, April 129 an ordinance to remove the property at 2 Slaney
$treat from the Derby Street Historic District and demolish same.
The ordinance is currently before the Mayor. Should the Mayor sign th
this ordinance or return the ordinance unsigned, the Veterans of
Foreign 'vlars, Witch City Post, owners of the property, may consider
this action legally sufficient to permit them to seek a demolition
permit from your office.
It is the position of the Salem Historical Commission and also as
per our understanding also the position of Historic Salem, Inc. that
even once signed or returned unsigned by the Mayor, this ordinance
violates Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C and the Derby Street
Historic District Ordinance as these statutes pertain to the removal
of a building from a local historic district. We would, therefore,
suggest that any demolition permit issued would also be contrary
to these statutes and would strongly advise your office to seek legal
counsel before issuing a demolition permit.
The Commission is most appreciative of your support of historic
districting in Salem and your cooperation with our Commission and
feel we are obliged to notify you of this position on this legal
question.
I remain,
Very truly yours,
Jacob S. :dolfson
Chairman
JSWi ebw
c.c. Stanley Smith, President, Historic Salem, Inc.
Yrt•.GUk v7 G1..g0
DR. ISRAEL KAPLAN PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER
BOARD OF HEALTH
Off Jefferson Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
COLIN E. CAMERON, R. S.
ISRAEL KAPLAN, M. D. .
JOSEPH R. RICHARD _ . ...HEALTH AGENT
J. ROBERT SHAUGHNESSY, M. D. August 31, 1977 (6171 745-4000
ROBERT BLENKHORN
M. MARCIA COUNTIE, R. N.
MILDRED C. MOULTON, R. N. '
EFFIE MACDONALD
Mr. Richard Savickey
Chairman, Historic Commission
City Hall
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Sir:
The Board of Health contacted the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
95 Derby Street, on August 4, 1977 relative to their property at
No. 2 Blaney Street.
Information was requested on the intention to place this
structure in good repair or if there were any plans to raze the
structure.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars indicated that it was their
intention to raze the structure. This structure has been a blight
to the area for some time.
The Board of Health policy is to have property improved and
occupied rather than have property razed.
In this particular case, it appears that the Veterans of Foreign
Wars prefer to raze the structure for parking.
Very truly yours,
FOR THE BOARD OF HEALTH �y
COLIN E. CAMERON, R.S.
HEALTH AGENT
GEC/g O�
<n>m
itU of alem, Aassar4usPtts
q
_ Public Prupertg Department
Puilhing Bryartmnt
Richard T. McIntosh
One Salem Green
745-0213 July 2,1982
Jean-Guy Martineau
Commander
V.F.W. Post X61524 Inc.
95 Derby St. Re: 2 Blaney Street
Salem,Ma 01970
Dear Mr. Martineau:
Based on the reports of the Board of Survey appointed by this
Department, I am requiring you to immediately obtain a Demolition
Permit and proceed to demolish the above referenced property.
This determination and requirement is mandated by Section 124.2.
Failure to comply with the above will be considered a violation of
said Building Code and shall be subject to all of the penalties
provided by said Building Code.
Very truly yours,
V Richard T. McIntosh
RTM:mo' s Inspector of Buildings
cc: Historical Commission
DR. ISRAEL KAPLAN PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER
BOARD OF HEALTH
Off Jefferson Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
ROBERT E. BLENRHORN
XxWAWV=KrKX=
JOSEPH R.RICHARD HEALTH AGENT
Zx March 26, 1979 (617)7459000
wtvnTcaxsxlcJlJaxxx
M.MARCIA COUNTIE,R.N.
MILDRED C.MOULTON.R.N.
EFFIE MACDONALD
Philip H. Saindon
Robert C. Bonin
Mr. Lucien E. Morin, President
V.F.W. Post 1524, Inc.
95 Derby Street
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Mr. Morin:
To clarify Board of Health letter of February 15, 1979, relative to an order
brought before the City Council on January 11, 1979, that the structure located
at #2 Blaney Street be deleted from the Historic District and be demolished and
relative to the Salem Board of Health Vote taken at their February 13, 1979 meet-
ing to instruct the owner(s) of #2 Blaney Street to take action to demolish this
building immediately, please be advised as follows:
No action can be taken on the Board of Health Vote until final action is taken
by the City Council; that is, that the building be deleted from the Historic
District.
If you require any further information or clarification, kindly let us know.
Very truly yours,
FOR
_THE
(BOARD OF HEALTH
ROBERT E. BLEUMORN
Health Agent
REB/g
cc: City Solicitor Atty. William J. Tinti
City Council President Jean-Guy J. Martineau
City Councillor George A. Nowak
,�Jacob S. Wolfson, Chairman, Historic District
Two Blaney Street Robert Booth, April 1978
FINDINGS
This is a building of real historical and architectural significance, crucial
to the scale and character of Derby Street, an area whose historic value
has been recognized in the creation of both local and national historic
districts. Its loss would be a blow to the neighborhood and all of Salem.
As this report shows, the building represents two centuries of continuous
commercial enterprise--an impressive tradition. Since 1782 a store here
has served the needs of the community. As it presently appears , the
structure has been standing since 1886, functioning as a combined residence
and business . In addition to its human interest as the traditional focal point
of the neighborhood and as the home of the ill-fated John Nash family, it
has special political significance as the residence and store of Dennis J.
Nash, Salem City Councillor in the 1890s.
Architecturally, the building is a handsome example of the late Classical
Revival style as applied to the dual commercial/residential purpose. It is
unique in all of Salem--there is no other building quite like it, none to take
its place if destroyed. The 1976 East of the Palisades Salem Historic
-Neighborhoods Survey rated it as a building that should be retained.
It is especially important that this building be preserved where it is:
important in and of itself, it is also crucial to maintaining the character
of the lower part of the historic district. This is a case of a buildin�that
is important not only for the space it fills , but also for the space it con-
ceals. Its removal would create a 165-foot gap in Derby Street relieved
only by the one-story modern brick VFW clubhouse. This gaping wound
would result in the destruction of the character of the lower part of the
historic district while at the same time opening up a vista of rubble,
parking lots, garages, and abandoned buildings: in effect, the whole of
lower Derby Street would collapse into a wasteland.
In 1970 three old buildings defined the streetscape of southern Derby
Street between White and Blaney Streets; they helped to give this area
the character and sense of continuity which led to the creation of historic
districts here. Unfortunately, this recognition came too late to save the
other two buildings: We T tesR one of them�c wri to make way fer-i4a
Neuse (a structure totally at odds with its surroundings),
tbon tore down the other to create convenient parking spaces.
VFW
Only one of the three historic buildings still stands --2 Blaney Street.
Given its place within two historic districts , its own architectural and
historical significance, and its extreme importance to the present and
future of lower Derby Street, this exceptional building must be preserved.
A FINAL NOTE
Derby Street is composed not of the great mansions of rich
merchants, but a variety of traditional architectural styles
which, taken together, reflect the history of the street over
.he past 300 years. These buildings are now recognized as being
of irreplacable historical importance, to be preserved and
conserved, and not to be torn down for parking lots.
The character of a street, established by the scale and placement
of the buildings which front on it--its streetscape--is a delicate
thing, easily altered by many factors, the most detrimental of
which is demolition. It happens that this building is the crucial
remaining historic element in the streetscape of lower Derby--
to destroy or remove it for automobile space is to give this part
of the historic district the character of a parking lot. And no
matter how well-landscaped, a parking lot is no substitute for
a building which can provide housing for families, commercial space for
local business, taxes for the city, and traditional integrity for
the neighborhood.
There is room elsewhere, a great deal of it, for demolition and
new parking lots--but not here, within two historic districts.
Too much time and money and effort has been invested in the
revitalization and preservation of the Derby Street area to
subvert it irreversibly for the sake of convenient parking.
Historic Salem Incorporated
P.O. Box 865
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Front view of site as of 28 April 1978
#z
Vj:W
30' 30' z5'
B/oney S' White St.
Based on Salem Assessors' Map #41 1Cm= /O'
Front view of site without #2 Blaney Street
VFW
1 �
/65'
Historic Salem Incorporated
P.O. Box 865
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
2 Blaney St.-An Architectural Analysis Anne Van Ingen
Architecturally, the building at #2 Blaney St, is a very
successful combination of style and function. Its present
appearance dates from 1886 when John Nash, a Salem shoemaker,
decided to restructure the building on this lot.
The rectangular store/residence is two and a half stories
high and has its gable end on Derby St. A two-story ell with a
very flat gable roof has been incorporated onto the rear of the
house to allow for extra living space. There is a plain frieze
board running under the eaves which are quite deep, two windows
in each open-pedimented gable in the main part of the structure,
and two a-symetrically placed chimneys. Each two-over-two sash
window, all of which are apparently original, has single molded
trim around it.
The Derby St. facade (which has always been the commercial
facade) is three bays wide, with a recessed doorway, and instead
of having a stringcourse between the first and second stories,
there is a simple entablature running the width of the house.
This entablature is an interesting ornament, and its use here
is unique in Salem. Fixed, commercial windows have been put in
fairly recently.
The Blaney St. facade shows the double function of the
building by the placement of its bays. The two extra bays to
the left of the door provide room for more windows and therefore
for better lighting in this residential end. The door in this
facade is recessed, has a transom light over it, and above that
there is a small, double-bracketed entablature. The rear facade
is three bays wide with another door in the left bay, and the
very plain facade facing the VFW clubhouse is five bays wide.
The entire building has its original clapboarding and side boards
'To preserve Historic Sites,Buildings and objects,and to workjor the education of(he community in the Inte value ojthe same'
and running under the structure is a consistent common-bond brick
foundation.
Although this building was built 25 years after what is
normally called the Greek Revival Period, John Nash obviously
used that style as an inspiration for #2 Blaney Street. The
general shape of the building, the side boards and frieze boards,
the recessed doorway with its transom light, the molding around
the sash windows, and the entablature on the Derby Street facade
are all accurate elements of the Greek Revival style.
#2 Blaney Street is a practical and handsome solution to
the urban problem: space is used efficiently by having both
residential and commercial functions under one roof, and a faithful
adherance to the Greek Revival style gives a pleasing appear-
ence. This fine building is a very necessary element of the Derby
Street streetscape.
Two Blaney Street
The history of this land and building properly begins on 20 May 1782
when Joseph Blaney Esq, sold a parcel of land to Nicholas Lane, sail-
maker, and Samuel Ropes , cooper (139:128). In June 1782 Messrs
Lane and Ropes divided this land, Nicholas Lane receiving the northern
half fronting 75' 6" on Derby Street (141:185). Here Mr Lane built a
store (on the corner of Derby & Blaney Streets), and a dwelling house
(to the west of the store, on Derby Street) where he and his family
lived for many years.
Nicholas Lane, sailmaker, was born in 1749 in the Annisquam section of
Gloucester. He came to Salem during the Revolution, and died 30 May 1815,
leaving eleven children. He impressed Rev. William Bentley of Salem,
who knew him well, as "a man of great industry, correct habits, and a
good Commonwealth's man, of talents in his employment. " His son
William carried on the sailmaking business in the loft at Derby Wharf,
Mr Lane had mortgaged his property heavily: on 30 Jan 1815 for $765, 30
Samuel Derby Jr, Salem trader/grocer, bought up the Salem Bank's
mortgage right to the premises (206:140, also 190:232) and on 12 Aug 1817
for $364 he bought from John Osgood, merchant, the other mortgage right
(214: 124, also 181:27). These purchases gave Mr Derby full ownership
of the premises . He had acquired the Samuel Ropes house (built 1782,
#4 Blaney Street) in November 1814, and there he and his family lived;
the store he ran as a general store, and the Nicholas Lane house he
rented out.
Samuel Derby Jr (1785-1828), known as a ship chandler as well as a grocer,
was descended from one of the less prominent branches of the Derby family
of Salem: he and his wife Abigail (Buffum) had eight children, half of whom
died young (EIHC 3:205). He died, a trader, on 16 or 18 Jan 1828, aged
42 years, leaving his wife and four young children. At that time the "store
and land, corner of Derby and Blaney Street" was valued at $1200 (#7595),
The stock in the store, worth a total of $796. 32, consisted of a ton and
a half of coffee (worth $341, ll� per pund), sugar, tea, rum, brandy, gin,
wine, molasses , varnish, silk, painted casks, salt, oil canisters, cordials,
tin measures, scales and weights, cod fish, tobacco, corn brooms, nails ,
patent balances, vinegar, "coarse shoes, " quills , wrapping paper, glue
and tobacco boxes , cards, files, locks, iron spoons and rulers, stationery,
sail needles, hardware, knives, forks, and jack-knives, powder & shot,
coffee mills, lines & twine, muskets, cigars, screws & hinges , floor
brushes, groceries, crockery, pepper, soap, pumps, and other stuff.
The property, occupied by widow Abigail and her eldest daughter Mary,
remained undivided among the heirs until 1863, when by two deeds
Mrs Derby and Mary acquired full rights to the estate (637:40, 646:227).
On 2 Sept 1877, almost 50 years after her husband, Mrs Abigail (Buffum)
Derby died, leaving her share of the property, a "lot of land at the corner
of Derby & Blaney Streets, occupied with two dwelling houses, a store
and a barn, " to her son Charles of Hawaii (son Samuel had died at Hawaii),
daughter Mary Derby of Salem, and to the two daughters of her deceased
daughter Mrs Abigail (Derby) Gould (#37369), By three deeds, Mary
Derby, the eldest daughter, acquired the property (1009:31, 1022:204, 205).
Miss Derby rented out the old store, valued at $600, from 1875 to, 1881,
during which time it was known as a store house. In 1882 she leased the
"corner store" to Albert P Goodhue of Salem, who paid the taxes . He
continued to lease the store until the spring of 1886.
On 15 May 1886 for $850 Mary Derby granted to shoemaker John Nash
the lot at the corner of Derby and Blaney Streets, bounded northerly
29' 9" on Derby Street and easterly 75' on Blaney Street (1172:298).
That spring Mr Nash, having either torn down the old Lane/Derby store
or incorporated it into the new building, had the present structure built
as both a family residence and a neighborhood store. On 26 July 1886,
-by which time the house may have been finished, he applied to the city
for 104' of edgestones , agreeing to have a sidewalk built around his
property within one month of the installation of the edgestones (see city
book, "Edgestones , 1881-89, Streets, " at Essex Institute),
John Nash (1839-1900) may have been an immigrant from Ireland;
certainly he was of Irish descent. He and his wife Ellen had four sons
(Dennis , John, William, James) and a daugh er, Mary. Mrs Nash died,
and Mr Nash remarried, again to a woman named Ellen. Before 1886
the family lived with other Irish families in a house that stood where the
VFW clubhouse stands today. For many years Mr Nash made and repaired
shoes in a shop on the other side of Derby Street,
The 1886 Salem valuation book shows that this (new) house was worth $1200,
its land $300; at that time the front (store) part of the building was known
as 47 Derby Street, the back (residential) part as 2 Blaney Street, It ap-
pears that the first tenant of the store was "Patrick F. Earle, Provisions, "
Evidently inspired by Mr Earle's success, John Nash himself established
here in 1890 a business in groceries and provisions, run by his eldest son,
Dennis J Nash.
Mr Nash continued as a shoe-repairer across the street, along with son
John H Nash, then 21. Son William, 20, was a salesman/clerk on Essex
Street, and son James , 16, was still in school, The eldest son, Dennis ,
24, manager of the store, had been working as a packer and baker in the
Kent Bros, cracker bakery across the street, The Nash family shared
the residential part of the house with a saloon-keeper, John J Condon,
for several years, and (in 1892 at least) with a butcher, William A Flynn.
John's eldest son, Dennis , was an extremely popular and well-regarded
young man in the area, taking an active part in local athletics and social
organizations. He took a leading role in the politics of the Ward, and was
elected to the City Council in 1893, at the age of 27 years. He continued
to serve on the Council through 1895. It is not hard to imagine that the
Nash family store was a political and social center for all of Ward One.
By 1896 the Nashes occupied the house with Patrick S O'Donnell and
family, which included at least three grown sons--so the house was
full of people. Unfortunately, Councillor Dennis J Nash fell very ill
and was thus forced to withdraw from business and politics . After much
suffering, he died at home in his thirtieth year, on 29 Sept 1896, greatly
lamented by a very large number of friends .
-The three remaining sons continued to live here with their sister,
their father, his wife Ellen, and the O'Donnells . In 1897 son John H
Nash moved to Beverly. The grocery store seems to have flourished,
and John Nash, spending more of his time as grocer and less as shoe-
repairer, purchased a horse and carriages, probably for the conveyance
of his goods.
In 1899 tragedy again struck the Nash family: in June the youngest brother,
James , 25, died in Colorado Springs , Colorado—and then, only three
months later, third brother William died here on Sept, 21st, aged 29.
John Nash, undoubtedly shattered with grief , soon followed his sons,
dying here on 30 Nov 1900, aged 61 years,
On 1 July 1901 the two surviving children and the widow of John Nash
granted the land and buildings at 2 Blaney Street to Timothy J Kelley
of Salem (1645:538). The store evidently remained vacant until 1905,
when it was occupied by W, A. Morday & Co. , Provisions. The O'Donnells
(and one John P Lochhead) continued to live in the residential part until
1905, when they moved out, and the owner, Mr Kelley, and John H Jenkins
moved in. On 6 Ap 1907 Mr Kelley granted the premises to Patrick J Kelley
of Salem (1867:271). By 1910 F. C. Rybicki, Grocer, occupied the store
and Messrs Jenkins & Fodgar lived in the house.
On 30 June 1911 Patrick Kelley granted the premises to Mr & Mrs Joseph
A Rosenthal of Salem (2091:125). On 6 Feb 1912 Mr Rosenthal granted his
right to his wife Dora, via straw Max Goldberg (2128:227, 229); in 1915
the house was occupied by Messrs Morris & Beim. In 1916 Messrs
Whitwicki & Gelin lived here, and Mrs Gelin ran the variety store.
On 11 Nov 1922 Dora L Rosenthal granted the property to Mr & Mrs Joseph
Szetela of Salem (2535:125). The Szetelas had been living here in 1921,
when G. Evans was the grocer in the store. Subsequently, Henry Szetela
ran a variety store here.
On 16 Oct 1944 Mr & Mrs Joseph Szetela granted the premises to
Casimar L Szetela (3384:599), and thirty years later, in 1975, Casimar
Szetela granted the land and building for $33, 000 to the VFW (6205:777).
DENNIS J NASH (1866-96)
EX-COUNCILMAN NASH, Passed Away at His Home on Blaney Street
Yesterday.
After a long and painful illness, Dennis J Nash passed
away yesterday afternoon, at the home of his father, John Nash,
2 Blaney Street.
Mr Nash was a member of the common council, from 93 to '95.
and was always prominent in the politics of Ward One.
He was a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus and
the Enterprise club, and very popular among the members of those
organizations, besides having hundreds of friends outside. Until
obliged to leave business by reason of illness he was a clerk
in his father' s grocery & provision store, situated at 87 Derby
Street.
Mr Nash was at one time a very fine athlete, and could run
100 yards almost as quickly as any man in the city. He played
in both the Enterprise and Father Mathew baseball clubs.
Besides the bereaved father, the deceased leaves three
brothers and one sister, all living at 2 Blaney Street. The
funeral will takw place tomorrow morning at 9 o' clock at the
Immaculate Conception Church.
(Salem Evening News for Wed. , 30 Sept 1896, p. 4, col. 6,
with PORTRAIT) .
Funeral: The members of Veragua Council, Knights of Columbus,
the Enterprise Club, and the Crows' Social Club turned out and
acted as escort to the funeral cortege, there being over 300
men in line altogether. (Salem Evening News, Thurs. , 1 Oct 1896,
p. 2, col. 1 . )
WILLIAM J NASH (1870-99)
William J Nash, a very popular young man, died at his father' s
residence, 2 Blaney Street, yesterday. He was born in Salem Sept.
19,1870, and was a son of John and the late Ellen Nash. He was a
brother of the late ex-Councilman Dennis J Nash, and also of James
J Nash, who died in Colorado Springs last June.
(Salem Evening News, Fri. , 22 Sept 1899, p.2, col. 5) .
JOHN NASH (1839?-1900)
John Nash, a well known down town resident, died at his home,
2 Blaney Street, this morning. He was a shoemaker by trade and he
leaves a widow, a son, and a daughter. He was the father of the
late Councilman Dennis Nash.
(Salem Evening News, Fri. , 30 Nov 1900, p.2, col. 1 ) .
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To the Honorable �1� 4t<�e' "'.0, e,?& Esquire,Judge
of Probate for the County of Essex.
Pursuant to a warrant from your honor, we, the subscribers, the committee therein
named, having been first sworn, have made the following
INVENTORY AND APPRAISrXFENT OF THE ESTATE OF
late of � in said count
as shewn to us by the administrate% y'' rl deceased,iix.testate,
Read Estate.
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Brought
. ._ /2•u.
Brought forward. Amount of real estate, ✓
Amount of personal estate, - 14 6 14 -.9S I
7
TOTAL, `O /L/ridol
Dated at V��'4�111/1 // // r
dhis(t0(a /h day of L' A. D. 18128.
�� orltotetrce P/Vvzel�«cry
ri/l,Tm UOIG r!l971 a�l9rt i �q (/C�r cde f V comm free,
�l.G-rYC�f r/-l7A�L'LP�J2/
Essex, ss. At a Court of Probate),olden at / Jwtwu pp
in and for said county, on the ,lZ f Tuesday in vZtenrc�, A.D. 10M
presents the foregoing, and makes oath, !. ghat i ontains a true
and perfect inventory of the estate of Vicem PgJ ,
v - late of in said
c �P/d
ounty, , deceased,�n testate, so far as has come to IQ hands or
knowledge,and tbat,if any thing fnrthcr shall hereafter appear, Kg---� will cause
it to be of record hemwith in the probate office:—It is thereupon decreed, that
the same be accepted, allowedand record 'd 9
C�l�•�"✓. ' nfLL1�i/ Judge of Probate.
Recorded f vin(Ac Original,and erarnined by ,
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Samuel dr.
for X1300
29 Alov r Sly
(205:36)
113' 0/1
($1t aredoirb4i asre4J&MeKfo{1791)
n /ate
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o ja.mG g /O ywo/,/
deceased
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A.GOADIi�- t
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0
�`cnaa¢dt'
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 01970
NOTICE OF HEARING
The Salem Historical Commission will give a public hearing to all
persons interested in itse
PRELIMINARY REPORT CONTAINING RECOM*ENDATIONS REGARDING REM)VAL
OF 2 BLANEY STREET FROM THE DERBY STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT.
DATE OF hEARINGS Monday, August 6, 1979
TIME, OF 1EARING: 8700 p.m.
LOCATION OF HEARING: One Salem Green, 3rd floor
By order of the Salem historical Commission.
E.B. Wheaton
Secretary
ice.
CITY OF SALEM
MASSACHUSETTS
JEAN A. LEVESQUE
MAYOR
April 25, 1979
To the City Council
City Hall
Salem, Massachusetts
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council:
I return to you DISAPPROVED Order No. 25 "An Ordinance
Amending Derby Street Historic District Deleting #2 Blaney
Street" on the basis that it does not comply with the mandate
of the State Statute which requires a public hearing with
notice to individual homeowners within the Historic District
prior to the reduction of the Historic District.
My action in disapproving the ordinance does not represent
a statement of my position in regard to the merits of the
reduction of the Historic District. Nevertheless, as Mayor
of the City of Salem it is my obligation to make sure that any
ordinance passed by the city is done in a fashion consistent
with the law so that the ordinance can be effective.
Very truly yours,
'JEAN A_ LEVESQUE
lll✓ Mayor
JAL/cyo
4► COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
1111111 Office of the Secretary of State
MASSACHUSETTS 294 Washington Street
HISTORICAL Boston, Massachusetts
02108 MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
COMMISSION 617-727-8470 Secretary of State
June 27, 1979
Mr. Richard Savickey, Chairman
Salem Historical Commission
City Hall
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Mr. Savickey:
At its June 13, 1979 meeting, the Massachusetts Historical Commission
reviewed the Preliminary Report prepared by the Salem Historical
Commission regarding the removal of 2 Blaney Street from the Derby
Street Historic District.
The building is located on a site which has been occupied by commercial
structure since 1782. The present building's appearance dates from
1886, when either the older building was demolished or incorporated-into
the building now standing on the site. 2 Blaney Street typifies both
the historic uses of buildings in the district, and the frequent use of
vernacular interpretations of high style architecture. The building,
although not of outstanding individual historical or architectural
importance, is an important part of the historic fabric of the area.
Based on information in the Preliminary Report and the staff recommendations,
the Massachusetts Historical Commission voted unanimously with one abstention
to strongly recommend that the boundaries of the Derby Street Historic District
should not be reduced to remove 2 Blaney Street from the Historic District.
Such a reduction would be contrary to the spirit and intent of the Historic
District area.
We will look forward to hearing of the City Council's actions regarding the
Preliminary Report.
Sincerely yours,
Patricia L. Weslowski
Executive Director
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
PLW/leaf
nsrtts
� 1
ASR`'�ua�'cd°"d (Dur Ou(Pul Gare
August 16, 1979
Salem Historical Commission
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Dear Commission Members,
Irrespective of the merits of the particular case at hand, the
Planning Board supports the Salem Historical Commission and agrees
that the correct avenue for an aggrieved property owner is appeal to
the Superior Court rather than making particular changes in zoning
law to suit individuals. Such a process constitutes "spot zoning",
in our opinion, and circumvents the zoning law and the planning process.
Sincerely,
WALTER POWER III
Chairman
WP:jar
r 3 ,
� � Ar 2,
��
. , .
.. , .
-_ � .
�� � �
4
r
�.
September 10s 1979
The Honorable Jean A. Lovesque
Mayor of Salem
City Hall
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Sirs
Frelosed you will find a copy of the Salem Historical Commission's
"Final Report Containing Recommendations Regarding Removal of 2 jiLaney
Street from the Derby Street Historic District" completed following our
August 6 public hearing.
You will note that the final report differs from our preliminary
report in addressing a number of options and alternatives for the site
and for parking which have developed in recent weeks (see pages 6 and 7
in particular).
It is our hope that the Council will give this report careful
consideration and take this opportunity to work with the VFr] in
exploring these options outlined in the report.
I remain.
Very truly yours,
Jacob S. '. olfson
Chairman
JS' `seb[a
Fnclos.
3 �
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL. SALEM. MASS. 01970
September 10, 1979
Madame or Sir:
Fnclosed you will find a copy of the Salem Historical Commission's
"Final Report Containing Recommendations Regarding Removal of 2 Slaney
Street from the Derby Street Historic District" completed following our
August 6 public hearing.
You will rote that the final report differs from our preliminary
report in addressing a number of options and alternatives for the site
and for parking which have developed in recent weeks (see paees 6 and 7
in particular).
We hope that ,you will give this report careful consideration in
your decision regarding Mayor Levesque's veto. Should you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to call me.
I remain,
Very truly yours,
Jacob S. 'Niol£son
Chairman
JS.-I:a bw
Fnclos.
APPENDIX A —
j�.:oHWTtitog
s
'Jn••��NWL N!R eq
Sralem Historical Commission
CITY HALL..:•SALEM, MASS, ois7o
?NICE OF DENIAL OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
On Wednesday, November 2, 1977, the Salem Historical Commission voted 3
to 2 to deny the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for
demolition of the VFJ property at 2 Maney Street, Salem. This vote
was based on the Commission's finding that such demolition would be
incongruous to the historic aspects and architectural characteristics
of the surroundings and of the Derby Street Historic District. In
this finding, the Commission considered the arcitectural value and
general design of the building and the relation of such features to
similar features of +buildings and structures in the surrounding area.
Elizabeth B. Wheaton, Clerk of Commission,
attest that this is an accurate record of the vote taken, not amended or
modified in any :ray to this date.
�,CPIDIIL
r
kt;unys.tl-�
Salem Historical Commission
CITY HALL, SALEM, MASS. 01970
FINAI REPORT
Containing Recommendations Regarding
Removal of 2 $Laney Street
from the Derby Street Historic District
3UBIITIED M
City Council
City of Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
September 10, 1979
FINAL REPORT
Containing Recommendations Regarding
Removal of 2 Slaney Street
from the Derby Street historic District
I
INTRODUCTION
In November, 1971, the Salem City Council passed the the Salem
Historical Commission Ordinance creating Salem's first local historic
district, the Chestnut Street Historic District. In response to strong
interest by residents and homeowners, three additional local districts
were created with the adoption of the Derby Street Historic District
in 1974, the Federal Street Area Historic District in 1976, and the
Washington Square Historic District in 1977. These ordinances charged
the Salem Historical Commission, a seven member appointed volunteer
board, with reviewing any proposed exterior alterations to buildings
or new construction within the districts.
With the adoption of these four local historic districts, the Salem
City Council has provided the City with the means to protect the architectural
heritage that is uniquely Salem's. Our city is as justifiably proud of
its national reknown as a showplace of American architecture of the eigh-
teenth and nineteenth century as it is of the strength and architectural
integrity of our neighborhoods. Local districting has meant that Salem
can protect these assets of our past for the enhancement of today's
neighborhoods as well as the enjoyment and education of our visitors.
Careful review by the Historical Commission of proposals for exterior
alterations allows for each proposed change to be assessed for its impact
on the architectural character of the building, street, and area. Designs
for new construction are encouraged if they are compatible with the
historical and architectural aspects of the surroundings. Salem is fortunate
to have a broad diversity of styles and periods, and in most sections, a
variety of colors, designs, and materials can be appropriate. This, and
the enthusiasm and pride of Salem's residents in preservation and restoration,
make the job of the Salem Historical Commission a generally agreeable task.
Since 1972, the Salem Historical Commission has reviewed close to
70 applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for painting, fence
construction, door and window replacement, signs, siding, roofing, and
general restoration work. In some cases, applications have been approved
as submitted= in others, applicants have worked with the Commission toward
mutually agreeable specifications. This process has resulted in the
issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness in every case but two. It
is the matter of one of these denials which has occasioned this report.
In August, 1977, the Salem Historical Commission received the application
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Witch City Post #1524 for demolition of
their building at 2 Slaney Street, Derby Street Historic District, to allow
for additional parking for their nearby facility. After thoughtful review,
much deliberation, and careful consideration of public sentiment expressed
at the Commission's hearing on September 14, 1977 and in written form, the
Commission voted to deny the application. In its notice of denial and letter
to the applicant (see Appendix), the Commission explained its responsibility
to protect the historical character of Derby Street and its finding that the
removal of this building would have a serious negative impact on the area.
Thus, though the building in question was not considered to be an outstanding
example of period or of outstanding historical import, the Commission recognized
its strength as it contributed to the continuity of style, line, and scale of
the street itself. While the loss of the building would have meant the loss
of a nice example of the period, the greater loss would have been to ferby
Street itself and to each other building located there.
In January, 1978, a complaint was filed to the Superior Court of Essex
County by the VFd, `ditch City Post #1524 appealing the Commission's ruling.
This case has not yet come to court.
The applicant's continuing interest in demolition of this structure led
to a request by Jean A. Levesque, Mayor of Salem, to the Salem Historical
Commission to prepare a preliminary report with recommendations regarding the
removal of 2 Haney Street from the Derby Street Historic District. As specified
in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C, Section 3, such a report to the
Massachusetts Historical Commission and the local planning board and followed
by a public hearing in not less than 60 days is required in the case of the
enlargement or reduction of an historic district. The Commission's report
was submitted on June 4, 1979 with a public hearing on August 6, 1979. At
that time, numerous individuals were heard both in favor and opposed to the
Commission's preliminary report. In preparing this final report, the Commission
gave careful consideration to the views expressed at the public hearing as well
as responses of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Salem Planning
Board. This review, coupled with new information regarding other options
for the site and alternative parking (pages 6, 7) , led the Commission to the
unanimous endorsement of its orginal recommendations reiterated herein.
II
DERBY STfFET HISTORIC DISTRICT INVENTORY
AND FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ORIGINAL BOUNDARIES
As noted above, the Darby Street Historic District was adopted in 1974
with boundaries including the property at 2 tIl aney Street, as shown on the map
which is appendixed to this report. Survey and inventory work preliminary to
the district proposal was begun in 1972 with the assistance of board members of
Historic Salem, Inc. and following the guidelines set forth by the Massachusetts
Historical Commission. Review of these materials and study of other areas in
the City worthy of historic district status and protection led the Historical
Commission to the determination that the wharf and Custom mouse area so closely
tied to Salem's history would be a logical choice to be next designated as an
historic district.
Boundaries for the new district originally were to include properties in
the Custom House area only. At its public hearing on May 2, 1973 to discuss
the proposal in detail and to obtain a reaction from residents, the Commission
received not only a favorable endorsement but many requests that the boundaries
be extended to include a much larger area. New boundaries extended the district
to Block House Square and were reviewed at a second public hearing, October 24,
1973, notice of which was mailed to all property owners in the proposed district.
-9-
Again the district met with enthusiastic support and was unopposed by all who
attended or were personally interviewed. By unanimous vote, the Salem City Council
voted second passage to An Ordinance relative to the Establishment of
the Derby Street Historic District on December 12, 1974, and it became
effective in March, 1975• A letter dated February 5, 1975 to all property
owners within the new district explained the boundaries and requirements
of local historic districts.
III
JUSTIFICATION OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
AND HECOMIF.NDATIONS ON BOUNDARY CHANGES
A. Description of the District As A -!hole
From its earliest days, the sea had been an important means of
livelihood for Salem with the old harbor occupying the area today become
Riley Plaza. The late eighteenth century, however, witnessed an unprecedented
expansion of Fastern trade. With the relocation of harbor activity to
upper Derby Street due to shallow conditions at the old 'harbor, Derby Street
became the center and source for Salem's grandest era.
The development of the street was probably closely tied to the history
of the wharves near it. Long 'Wharf, or Union Wharf, at the end of Union
Street, was begun in the first half of the 1700's and was an important
step in the shifting of Salem's waterfront activities away from the Front
Street downtown area to the Derby Street vicinity. Derby ;7harf was begun
by Captain Richard Derby in 1762, and Forrester's Wharf, now Central Wharf,
around 1790.
During the heyday of Salem's foreign commerce, from around the time
of the Revolution when privateers sailed out to harass the British to
the 1820's when Salem's trade began to decline because the Derby Street
harbor itself now wasn't deep enough to accomodate the fast new clipper
ships, Derby Street must have been a very busy and exciting street. It
was a street of wharves, houses, and shops.
Many shops were built there during the latter part of the 1790's
and early 1800's. There were coopers' shops, blacksmiths' shops, Samuel
Emery's Mathematical Instrument Shop, Benjamin Felt's block and pump store,
a Bake House, a Bark House, a hatter's shop, Shoemaker's shop, and a small
Head House for spinning. One Jonathan Archer, a tanner, barber, and assessor,
kept a tavern, boarding house, and shipping office on the street where he
also taught navigation and mathematics. John dicksler had a brewery at one
end of the street and a beer cellar near Union Wharf. Closely related to
sailing was shipbuilding, another waterfront activity carried on in this
area. Perhaps the most famous shipyard was near Becket Street where the
Beckets built boats from 1655 to 1887; other shipyards nearby were Hawkes,
Barker and Magoun, and Briggs who built Derby's Grand Turk at the head of
Derby Wharf.
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Upper Derby Street contains one of the most impressive groups of
buildings in the country which relate to America's early maritime history.
The Crowninshields and Derbys, Salem's two rival mercantile familites, both
lived here, and it is the site of the Custom House and the wharves.
Further along is the House of Seven Gables complex including the
House of Seven Gables itself made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorn's novel,
two other seventeenth century houses moved to the site, Hawthorn's
birthplace moved to the site, the 1782-84 Phippen House, and the Federal
style Caroline C, Emmerton Hall.
Derby Street today still conveys the general impression of an old
Salem Street despite the fact that some of the old houses and shops have
been replaced by larger twentieth century dwellings. The vast majority
of the buildings remaining date from the Federal and pre-Federal periods
with the Federal style predominating and the closeness of the houses,
the roof-lines, and elevations all produce a scale and a rhythm that
speaks of early Salem. New construction adjacent to the district enhances
the architecture within it by repeating the lines, materials, and colors
on new designs, and renovation of some of the twentieth century structures
has proceeded in ways and with colors sympathetic to the surroundings.
Where ships once arrived from exotic ports, today visitors from long
distances and closer to home arrive to enjoy and learn about this nation's
past. Derby Street welcomes them, not as a musuem, but alive today with
homes, families, shops, taverns, and craftsmen just as it has been since the
eighteenth century.
B. Boundary Recommendations
The boundaries of the Derby Street Historic District presently include
all the land and buildings comprising the parcels numbered, facing or
abutting on Derby Street beginning with and including, at the northwesterly
extreme, from ,#27 Herbert Street and extending east along Derby Street
beyond h6 Derby Street and including property designated as Block House
Square. On the southeasterly side, extending west beginning with and including
#65 Derby Street, Derby Wharf area up to and excluding land formerly of
the George W. Pickering Co. Also including the west side of Kosciusko
Street, Numbers 6 through 22. The Salem Historical Commission does not
recommend that these boundaries be redrawn to eliminate the property at
2 Blaney Street. This finding is based on the following pointst
1. The matter of "streetscane." The property at 2 HLany Street
draws much of its importance from its relation to the other structures
in its environment and the manner in which these elements combine to
create an overall effect or "streetscape." As its size, scale, materials,
roof-line, and posture combine harmoniously with like elements along
Derby Street, they create a rhythm and balance, a pleasant total image unique
to Derby Street and yet reflective of an historical style. Demolition of
2 $Laney Street would produce a gap in this rhythm which, combining with
the adjacent lot at 91 Derby Street, would break up the sense of order and
the relation of the buildings below it to the rest of Derby Street. Parking
is a serious problem in the area but not on to be resolved by the elimination
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of the very character of Derby Street which attracts such interest in
living and visiting there. Other options for meeting parking needs must
be explored. Land is available in less prominent locations which could
be adapted for parking, and the Historical Commission is currently working
with other groups in the City to study these possibilities.
2. Historical and architectural merit of the structure itself. Though
the Commission freely allows that the building at 2 Blaney is not of outstanding
historical or architectural significance, in depth study of this particular
building produces an appreciation for its unique history and quality as a
representative of an architectural style. In 19789 Historic Salem, Inc.
prepared a detailed report on the history and architecture of the building. The
brief description of the building below draws heavily from that excellent report.
The history of this site and structure in many ways parallels that of
Derby Street itself. Since 1782, the period when harbor activity moved to
Derby Street, a shop has occupied the site. Since 1886, a building there
has housed a combined residence and shop, much like the dual residential/
commercial tradition of the street itself. The store built in 1782 was
operated by two successive owners who lived in adjacent houses with their
families. The latter of these two was Samuel Derby, Jr. , distantly related
to the famous branch of the Derby family in Salem. A shoemaker, John Kash,
acquired the building from Derby's daughter in 1886 and either tore it
down or incorporated it into the new building, a family residence and
neighborhood store. His son, Dennis, well-liked and active in athletics,
social organizations, and politics of the Ward, operated a business in
groceries and provisions in the shop for a number of years. At the age
of 27, Dennis was elected to the City Council, and the family store must
very likely have been something of a political and social center for Ward One
during his service on the Council. In the years following the Nashs,
various proprietors have operated the store.
Architecturally, the structure at 2 Blaney represents a modest example
of a style successfully adapted to its dual commercial/residential use.
Its architectural value lies not in its superior design, grand scale, or
innovation but in its very modesty, its representation of the typical.
Its present appearance dates from 1886 and John Nash's adaption of the site
to his use. Perhaps in his own attempt to maintain the continuity of
Derby Street, Nash chose the somewhat outdated Greek Revival style rather
than the morn ornata Victorian style being built elsewhere in the City in
the 18801s. The result was a most successful example of the Greek Revival
style applied to the dual use. Elements of the style include the rectangular
shape with gabled end to the street and rear ell, sideboards and frieze boards,
recessed doorway with transom light, windows and molding style, and entablature
on the Derby Street facade. The building retains its original clapboards and
sideboards.
3. Purpose of historic districts and appropriate appeals process. The
purpose of historic districting is protection. This means that when the
Salem Historical Commission determines that an alteration would be inappropriate
to the historical and architectural character of the district, that the
district will be protected from such negative changes. If then, in any or
every case when an application is denied, the building is simply removed
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from the district, the statutory power of districting is nullified. If,
in fact, every case under any particular law is treated as an exception
or exemption, then there is no law at all. The Salem Historical Commission
strongly recommends that appeal to the Superior Court as specified in
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C is the appropriate mechanism of
appeal. Further, since historic districts are in the nature of zoning,
the Commission suggests that removal of any single building from within
a zone or district, thereby individually exempting it, would constitute
the illegal procedure referred to as spot zoning. In their response to
this report, the Salem Planning Board expressed a similar concern about this
issue and the violation of the entire zoning process.
In the case of 2 Slaney Street, the Commission did find that demolition
would have a serious negative impact on the surroundings. The proper avenue
of appeal has been initiated with a complaint by the VF4, Witch City Yost 01524
to the Superior Court of Fssex County. The court has not ruled on the appeal
but if it finds the decision of the Commission to be unsupported by the
evidence or to exceed the authority of the Commission, it may order reconsideration
or appropriate redress.
4. Derby Street Historic District Today. Any discussion of changes in
the boundaries of the Derby Street Historic District would be incomplete
without recognizing the important changes that have taken place in the area since
the district was established. These changes indicate the importance of this
district in assuring protection for the substantial investments that have
been made in renovation and new construction there. Five million dollars
has created Pickering Wharf adjacent to the district. Investments have been
and are being made at 6 White Street, the White Street marina, 99 Derby,
101 Derby, 102 Derby, 109 Derby, 110-112 Derby, 124 Derby, 126 Derby, 142-144
Derby, 149 Derby, 16 Hardy, and by numerous other individual property owners.
Some of these investments have included portions of the $65,000. in federal
funds administered by the Salem Planning Department's Derby Street Commerce
Facade Program which have been committed to storefront facade improvements.
The sum of these investments is enormous, and they are an integral part
of the City's revitalization plans. Norther, major new developments make an
important contribution to the City's fiscal health.
These commitments to the area have been made knowing that the integral
element, Derby Street itself, is protected from destruction or the intrusion
of incongruous elements. Their designs reflect the historical architecture
of Derby Street, their functions are as diverse as the neighborhood has
always served, and their success is directly dependent upon the preservation
of the remaining historical structures on Derby Street, lest the central element
be lost. All of these considerations regarding Derby Street as it is
today suggest to this Commission that, rather than recommending reduction
district boundaries, it should be proceeding toward an investigation of an
enlarged district, to better serve this broadening confidence in and appreciation
for the irreplaceable architectural resources of the Derby Street area.
5. Parking Options and Alternative Uses for 2 Blaney Street. During the
entire consideration of this matter, the Historical Commission has been highly
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sympathetic to the needs of the owners of the building for parking in the
area of their clubhouse at 95 Derby Street. The Commission is also sensitive
to the more general problem of parking space in the Derby Street neighborhood.
As a consequence, the Commission has been very active in seeking alternative
parking options which would allow the VFv7 to sell 2 HLaney Street for subsequent
restoration while parking on vacant land in the neighborhood. These efforts,
developed in cooperation with numerous individuals including the Salem Planning
Department, have includedt
*Active involvement with the Planning Department and local developer,
Thor Lauritsen of Robertsen Associates, to find vacant land for parking
which the VF:l might obtain in an exchange agreement for 2 Slaney Street,
which would subsequently be developed. At the August 6 public hearing,
the Commission introduced a letter from Mr. Lauritsen stating that
.%bertsen Associates would like to own 2 Slaney Street and to restore it
to 3 apartments and one store and proposing an exchange of land owned
by their affiliate RDbertsen/Corinthian, Ltd. on Turner Street and
with 13 available parking spaces for the structure on rnaney Street.
The value of this exchange would be determined after an inspection of
the interior of 2 Blaney Street.
*Active involvement with the House of Seven Gables Director, Edward Stevenson,
in developing an agreement by which the VFd might use the House of Seven
Gables parking lot. Such an agreement approved by the Executive Committee
of the House of Seven Gables was refused by the VFW. A letter from Mr.
Stevenson was introduced reiterating this offer and stating that it remains
open.
*Contacts with :Massachusetts Electric Community itelations Manager, David
Beattie, which have indicated the possibility that vacant land on Derby
Street owned by Massachusetts Electric could be made available to the
VFW for parking under certain conditions including active interest by
the VFW.
In exploring alternatives, the Commission has sought the the VFW's cooperation in
a community effort to find a mutually satisfactory solution to this problem. To
date, the VFW has refused the Commission's requests to meet with them.
IV
OPTIONS AND &COMMENDATIONS
To reiterate, the Salem Historical Commission, finds that the boundaries
of the Derby Street Historic District should not be changed to remove the
property at 2 Blaney Street from the district.
Further, the Commission feels it is clear that other options exist which
would allow for the preservation of this building at the same time the
current owner's parking needs could be met. In light of this, demolition of
the building would be a senseless act which positive, creative action by the
City Council could prevent. The Commission urges its City Council to take
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the lead now in bringing these creative options to the neighborhood rather than
allowing one more integral building in the Derby Street community to be
destroyed.
V
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Salem Historic District Study Committee Investigation," 1968 with full
bibliography listed in Volume III of said study.
"Derby Street Historic Eistricti Final Report."
Historic Salem Inc. , report on 2 dlaney Street, 1978 by Robert Booth with
Anne Van Ingen.
VI
APPENDIX
A. Notice of Denial and Letter to Applicant, 2 Blaney Street.
B. Derby Street Historic District Map, City Fngineer's Office.
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