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159-189 WASHINGTON STREET - WDDO 15�- 191r .sVl1 rig • w Salem Historical Commission 120 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (978)745-9595 EXT 311 FAX (978)740-0404 WAIVER OF THE DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE It is hereby certified that the Salem Historical Commission has waived the Demolition Delay Ordinance for the proposed demolition as described below, as per the requirements set forth in the Historic District's Act (M.G.L. Ch. 40C) and the Salem Historic Districts Ordinance. Address of Property: 159-189 Washington Street Name of Record Owner: Washington at Derby LLC Description of Demolition Work Proposed: Demolition of 2 of 4 buildings including 3 story wood framed,far right building at corner of Washington& New Derby and 2 story building in rear with I story addition. Main 3-story wood framed building (middle building on Washington Street) housing Passage to India to remain. 2 story building housing Edgewater Cafe on corner of Washington and Front Street to remain. Approval of the waiver is conditional that: • Archival quality photographs be taken of the interior and exterior and provided to the Salem Historical Commission prior to demolition; • Historic details, specifically, careful removal of the corbels (architectural cornice brackets) should be salvaged and reused in the new development; • For any historic details that cannot be incorporated into the new design (i.e. tin ceilings) be offered to the Peabody Essex Museum; • The owner work diligently to design an appropriate perimeter fence (the Commission encourages that the fence not be chain link, but be a whitewashed, 6'high,flatboard woodfence with a copped top with 10" wide boards); and • The owner consider seeking approval for signage to be placed on the fence which will illustrate the future development concept. Dated: 8/16/07 SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION By: THIS IS NOT A DEMOLITION PERMIT. Please be sure to obtain the appropriate permits from the Inspector of Buildings (or any other necessary permits or approvals)prior to commencing work. Salem Redevelopment Authority SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DECISION August 8, 2007 155-189 Washington Street (Salem News Blocky - partial demolition SRA DECISION: At their meeting on August 8, 2007, the SRA voted to approve the proposed partial demolition of the 155-189 Washington Street as shown on the site plan dated July 24, 2007 with the following conditions: ■ If the proposed redevelopment has not received building permits within four months of the demolition, the site shall be leveled and exposed dirt shall be loamed and seeded. ■ As soon as is practical after demolition,a DRB approved fence and landscaping shall be installed along the perimeter of the site. PROPOSAL: The proposal includes the demolition of two of the four buildings known as the Salem News Block. The demolition will include the wood building on the corner of Washington Street and New Derby Street and the masonry building adjacent to New Derby Street and Artists Row.The masonry building located on the comer of Washington Street and Front Street and the adjacent wood building now housing Passage to India will not be demolished. City of Salem Massachusetts Public Meeting Minutes Board or Committee: Redevelopment Authority, Regular Meeting Date and Time: August 8, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street Members Present: Chairperson Michael Brennan, Conrad Baldini, Michael Connelly, Robert Mitnik,and Russell Vickers Members Absent: Others Present: Kirsten Kinzer, CDBG Planner Recorder: Andrea Bray Chairperson Brennan calls the meeting to order. Old/New Business Development Proiect Review 2. 155-189 Washington Street (Salem News Building)—Discussion of proposed partial demolition and 3. 155-189 Washington Street (Salem News Building—Discussion of Schematic Design Plans for the proposed redevelopment Ward 3 City Councilor, Jean Pelletier speaks in favor of the demolition of this building and in favor of the redevelopment plans. He states that this building is currently in horrible condition and needs major changes. He adds that homeless people have been living in that building. Pelletier says that a six-month delay on this would be impractical because they would need to wait until February to begin the demolition. Kinzer states that the Historical Commission will meet again next week and they will either waive or enforce the six-month demolition delay. She adds that the intention of the six month demolition delay period is to allow time to determine if this building can be saved. Mitnik states that the building is seriously deteriorated and should be taken down. Baldini agrees with Mitnik. The Board agrees to hear the Salem News demolition and Schematic Design proposals concurrently. Kinzer introduces Matt Picarsic and Alex Schnip from RCG. SRA Meeting Minutes August 8,2007 Page 2 of 3 Picarsic displays the plans and describes the design. Vickers asks about the lot lines. Picarsic points out the lot lines. He states that they need permission from the SRA to demolish the building, as well as a waiver of the six-month demolition delay from the Historic Commission. Brennan asks if the area will be fenced. Picarsic states that they will fence the area to secure the sight during remediation and construction. Kinzer adds that the DPCD has recommended loaming and seeding any exposed dirt if the redevelopment of the site stalls following the demolition. Vickers asks if the fence could be pulled back from the property line to allow for some landscape plantings in there. Picarsic agrees. Vickers asks about Van Ness Development. Picarsic states that they owned it before RCG and the transaction is now closed. Brennan asks if there are underground oil tanks on the site. Picarsic states that there are no oil tanks in the ground but there are some above ground and there is some asbestos in the building. Kinzer reads the following letters/email into the record: Dated August 7, 2007, from the Members of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee Dated August 8, 2007, from Richard Pabich and Diane Pabich Dated August 8, 2007, from Rinus Oosthoek, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce Dated August 8, 2007, from Barbara Cleary, President, Historic Salem, Inc. Connelly speaks in favor of the demolition stating that it is a case of addition through subtraction. He adds that the building is an eyesore. Baldini and Mitnik agree with Connelly. Brennan asks for a caveat that a fence and shrubs be installed within 4 months of demolition. Vickers states that 4 months is a long time and he would like to see the fence sooner. He speaks in favor of the demolition. 1 r SRA Meeting Minutes August 8,2007 Page 3 of 3 Vickers: Motion to approve the partial demolition of the building with the following conditions: ■ If the proposed redevelopment has not received building permits within four months of the demolition, the site shall be leveled and exposed dirt shall be loamed and seeded. ■ As soon as is practical after demolition, a DRB approved fence and landscaping shall be installed along the perimeter of the site. Seconded by Baldini. (Passes 5-0) Vickers states that the design plans are consistent with the type of development that the Board wants. Connelly: Motion to send Schematic Design Plans to the DRB, seconded by Mitnik. (Passes 5-0) Cit o Massachusetts p � City Salem- ?a .fire Department 48 Lafayette Street David'W. Cody Salem, Massachusetts 01970-3695 Fire Prevention Chief Tel. 978-744-1235 Bureau 978-744-6990 Fax 978-745-4646 978-745-7777 dcody@salem.com August 1, 2007 Salem Historical Commission RECEIVED C/O Jane Guy Planning Department AUG 0 1 2007 120 Washington Street Salem Ma. 01970 DEPT. PLANNING b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Dear Jane, The Salem News Building has been a constant cause of concern of mine since I became Chief in early 2004. At that time the owners were in debt to the city some 11,000 thousand dollars in fire watch details due to malfunctioning systems. This trend continues today because the building owners have taken a band-aid approach to solving problems. The fire alarm and sprinkler systems are constantly being repaired and require our fire prevention division to devote more time to this building than should be necessary. This structure is not secure and is a haven for the homeless throughout the year. The fire service will long remember a tragic fire in a cold storage warehouse in December of 1999. Six Worcester firefighters lost their lives searching for a homeless couple in what should have been a vacant structure. In the event of a fire, this building poses an extraordinary risk to the lives of our firefighters and those from surrounding communities who will respond to our call for mutual aid. As Chief of the Department I fully support the vacant portion of this structure being razed and the remaining structure brought into compliance with the latest Building and Fire Codes. I would also support the Historical Commission in a decision to waive the six- month waiting period for demolition. Cold weather only magnifies the above-mentioned problems. Sfrel Q David W. Co y Chief of Dep nt ` CITY OF SALEM a PUBLIC PROPERTY ��� DEPARTMENT KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL MAYOR 120 WA.SHING'1'ON 5'IxEfa + SALEM,MASSACHUSGI'1'S 07970 TRc 978-745-9595♦ FAX:978-740-9846 Salem Historic Commission c/o Jane Guy 93 Washington Street Salem Ma. 01970 R.E. Demolition Delay- Salem News Building Dear Members, I am writing to ask you to consider granting a waiver from demolition delay for the portions of the Salem News building that are before you. The portion of the building(midway on Washington Street towards New Derby Street) is in very poor condition. The building is constructed on pilings that have failed and there are signs of bulging along the Washington Street side of the building. This portion of the building has not been maintained and has suffered from water infiltration for a long period of time. This portion of the building is beyond reasonable repair. The city and the eventual owners of the proposed units would, benefit from this portion being removed and a new section of structurally sound and fire resistant building replace it. The press room portion of the building was purpose built to accommodate large presses and because of the cast in place concrete construction would be very expensive to adapt o another use. The final note is that the physical location of the buildings and the alley they create has caused a constant problem for the Police ,Fire and this Department to prevent people from constantly breaking into these buildings. We have been lucky that a fire or worse has not occurred at these buildings. Thank You for your time and consideration. Tho ie e Building Commis er Director of Inspectional Services FW: SaleQi News Building Page 1 of 2 Jane Guy From: Barbara Cleary [clearyadvisors@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 1:55 PM To: Jane Guy Subject: FW: Salem News Building Hi Jane I wasn't sure if Kirsten passed this on to you. Can you please make sure that the Historic Commission receives this as well? Thanks very much. Barbara ------ Forwarded Message From: Barbara Cleary <clearyadvisors@comcast.net> Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:49:45 -0400 To: Kirsten Kinzer <KKinzer@Salem.com> Subject: Salem News Building Hi Kirsten Thanks for forwarding this to the SRA. Please call me if you have any questions. Barbara To: Lynn Duncan City Planner 120 Washington Street 0170 Salem, MA Dear Lynn We are pleased to see that the proposed Salem News project will retain the middle wooden building and that the proposed new building is four stories in height. We have previously indicated that based upon assessments from previous board members, it appears that the wooden building at the south end is likely infeasible to renovate. However, we strongly recommend, as we have in the past, that Salem Boards not allow demolition of an historic structure until a replacement building has been approved. The position of Historic Salem with respect to allowing demolition prior to an approved plan is long standing and consistent. Should the SRA grant permission to demolish, at a minimum, the applicants must commit to a building of no more than 4 stories as part of any permission to demolish prior to an approved plan and commit to minimum maintenance and fencing after demolition and prior to construction. We believe the SRA should also ask for assurances relative to the stabilization of the adjoining buildings during and after demolition. These recommendations do not apply to the printing building in the rear of the property. We do have comments on the new design which we will provide prior to review by the Design Review Board. 8/15/2007 FW: Salem News Building Page 2 of 2 Our comments also pertain to the proposed Waiver of the Demolition Delay ordinance by the Historic Commission. In the case of the Historic Commission, we would ask that the Historic Commission require that the building interior and exterior be documented photographically prior to demolition. Sincerely, Barbara A. Cleary President Historic Salem, Inc. ------ End of Forwarded Message 8/15/2007 RECEIVED AUG 0 S 2007 35 Winter Island Road DEPT.OF PLANNING& Salem, MA 01970 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT August 8, 2007 Salem Historic Commission 120 Washington Street Salem,MA 01970 RE Demolition Delay—Salem News building Dear Board Members, We are completely in support of granting a waiver of the customary demolition delay to RCG for the immediate demolition of the Salem News building. As commercial abutters on Front Street(the Distillery retail shops),we feel it is in the City's and our best interests that this hazardous,unsafe eyesore at the main entrance corridor to the city be razed as soon as possible. An empty lot would be preferable to the existing condition. In addition, as owners of three historic buildings which comprise the Salem Inn, we feel that this blight on the downtown detracts from the historic ambiance of Salem. As partners in Salem Renewal,our goal is to develop and preserve historic structures, but believe this property is beyond recovery. Sincerely, and Pabich Diane Pabich 0914, RECEIVED SALEM Salem Historical Commission AUG 0 8 2007 CI 1AN1111?R of C/o Jane Guy, Clerk City of Salem Department of Planning & Community development DEPT.OF PLANNING d ®v 120 Washington Street COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Salem, MA 01970 _'( 6 li.ssex Street ',Acrn, MA 01970 978.744.0004 August 8, 2007 )78.745.3855 Ux Dear members of the Historical Commission: .................................................... Executive Board Petrpk Dother,President On behalf of the Salem Chamber of Commerce I would like to express our support of Dull�ed Mau=,P gP s°Ident RCG's waiver from the demolition delay ordinance for the vacant portion of the old Hawlhame H°telSalem News building. Elizabeth O'Hara,Treasurer i Eastern Bank Sandy Heaphy,Clerk Kensington Ssbart edatlne Sullivan,Gallery Large RCG's proposal has many positive attributes, one of them being that the current Enterprise Canter building (the old Salem news building) will be demolished. The current building is not Jay Finney,At Large Peabody Essex Museum only an eyesore but a fire hazard as well. It was recently reported in the Salem News Bruce At Large Wre4 H,rhthat the Salem Fire Department has been required on occasion to post fire watches on Wre `- Bill Howartl,At Large Beverly Cermwe Bank the building aop Directors Mike Allen The fact that RCG is committed to a new mixed use property with a lesser density than '. Red All Smoke Shap P P Y Y Deb Amaral € allowed by zoning reflects RCG's commitment to Salem and to the initial feedback Salem YMCA Jim Armstrorg given to RCG by the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. Annnshong Fiekl Real Estate Michael Slier e nBBowoStudio JeffThe previously performed Marketplace Study approved demolition of this part of the de e The g'ekC rreey building as long as the Edgewater part was left in tact. The fact that RCG is also :;mSeafo C.Seafood proposing preserving the second building that houses Passage to India is a definite Semi Darling&Correnti plus. Drapeau p Salem Watertront Hotel&Suites wnt Winter e'Ar=hnema We strongly recommend the demolition delay ordinance not be enforced, as the Harry Dundeisen Gundarsen Architects current structure is beyond at-risk. Even in case the current proposals should not move Neal Katz forward, it is our opinion there is no reason to leave the existing structures as is. An Salem Five Cents Savings Bank P g Dav10 King empty, leveled lot would be a great improvement from where we are right now. The '- North Shore Medical Cenuar Ed Lang City of Salem and RCG should discuss options regarding site-enhancement and tax- Ani United Phyllis LeBlanc revenue consequences if needed. Harbor Sweets Ked-Linares s o�„�eM�Kll�°p Thank you for your consideration of this letter. If you would like for the Salem Chamber BMMichaud of Commerce to appear at one of your hearings please do not hesitate to contact us. Salem Witch Museum Diana Moreno Denvers savings Bank Kind regar Diane Pablch i The Salem Inn Robert DeRosier i Dominion Energy Trudy Smvros Signatures Kathy Strout Century 21 Mika e nefiS inus Oosthoek Easternrn Se Helen Watson-Felt Executive Director Salem Sate College David Weston (Member Marketplace Redevelopment Committee) i Instant Signal&Alarm i Pahl Zaldo i Salem Partnership A V f I. C . I{ A R R I , July 26, 2007 Salem Historical Commission c/o Jane Guy, Clerk of the Commission RECEIVED City of Salem Department of Planning&Community Development 120 Washington Street JUL 3 0 2007 Salem, MA 01970 DEPT.OF PLANNING 3 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Dear Members of the Commission: I am writing, as Chair of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee, to express my support of RCG's request for a waiver from the demolition delay ordinance. Last year the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee studied the site and the buildings as part of the larger proposed Marketplace plan,and we determined that the vacant portion of the old Salem News building-the portion bordering on New Derby Street and Washington Street-was in such poor structural condition that it should not be saved. Therefore, I am writing to express my support for RCG to take the building down. Usually I am a strong proponent of the demolition delay ordinance, and served on the Salem Historical Commission when it was first adopted by the city.The intention of the ordinance was to allow time to determine if at-risk buildings could be saved. However, in this case, there is general agreement that this building should be demolished and therefore there seems no good reason to compel RCG wait an additional six months just to do the inevitable. This building has long been a major eyesore on a key downtown comer for many years. It is also such a safety hazard that the Salem Fire Department has required a fire safety watch on it. There is no good reason to leave this structure standing and every reason to proceed with its demolition. The proposed new development of the property by RCG is the kind of reasonable, responsible development that we want to attract to the downtown and reflects the recommendations of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. The proposed project will bring together 31 units,including a smart mixture of residence and retail,in a four-story building designed to help stimulate and enhance the economic activity of downtown Salem. But none of this can move forward until the extant structure is removed. Thank you for your consideration of this letter and for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about the above. Sincerely, Annie C. Harris, Chair Marketplace Redevelopment Committee 28 Chestnut Street • Sa1em, MA 01970 • (978) 744-6996 0 ahanris(t-t.,essexheritage.org AUG-15-2007 11:38 US PROBATION OFFICE 9786899067 P.002 vulfv of'*ttlnm, Anssa r4ustfts y Offirr of tflr MN Council Cfi all COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE MATTHEW A.VENO WARD COUNCILLORS PRESIDENT 2007 2007 MARK E.BLAIR CHERYL A.LAPOINTE LUCY CORCHADO THOMAS H.FUREY CITY CLERK MICHAEL SOSNOWSKI JOAN B. LOVELY JEAN M.PELLETIER ARTHUR C-SARGENT III LEONARD F.O'LEARY August 15, 2007 MATTHEW A.VENO PAUL C.PREVEY JOSEPH A.O'KEEFE.SR. Historical Commission City Hall Annex 120 Washington Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970 Attn: Hannah Diozzi,Chair Dear Chair Diozzi and Members of the Commission: 1 apologize for not being able to appear in person before the Commission this evening, however I had a personal commitment which conflicted with this evening's meeting. In my absence, I am submitting this letter is support of waiving the six-month waiting period for demolition of the old Salem Evening News building. My understanding is that RCG of Somerville, has submitted a modest proposal for housing units and commercial/retail space fordevclopment and that they are prepared to move forward once the old building is taken down. The Commission should be aware that I have been involved in issues related to the Salem Mission and the homeless throughout the City since prior to my election to the City Council. In the many meetings and discussions the issue of homeless persons creating make-shift homes near and in the abandoned building has been a chronic problem which has been difficult to address by city officials and Mission personnel. As such,the demolition of the building appears to be in the best interests of the citizens of Salem on so many different levels. Given that the building has been vacant for many years and creates public safety concerns, I urge the Commission to give serious consideration in granting this waiver. Respectfully submitted, Paul Counccillorlor,, Ward 6 SALEM CITY HALL•93 WASHINGTON STREET•SALEM, MA 01970-3592 •WWW.SALEM.COM TOTAL P.002 AUG-15-2007 11:38 US PROBATION OFFICE 9786899067 P.001 I Paul C. Prevey Councillor, Ward 6 16 Tremont Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 745-0955 FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET Date: August 15, 2007 To: Jane Guy, Assistant City Planner Fax: (978) 740-0404 Re: Historical Commission Sender. Paul Prevey p� ./1 YOU SHOULD RECEIVE 2'PAGE(S),INCLUDING THIS COVER SHEET. IFYOUDO NOT RECEIVE ALL THE PAGES, PLEASE CALL. Jane, Please formard this letter to the Historical Commission for this evening's meeting. Thank you. Citp of baleen, 41aooarbuatts; j2+ Office of Up Citp Council UP J£jall COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE MATTHEW A.VENO WARD COUNCILLORS 2007 PRESIDENT 2007 MARK E. BLAIR LUCY CORCHADO THOMAS H. FUREY MICHAEL SOSNOWSKI JOAN B. LOVELY JEAN M. PELLETIER ARTHUR C. SARGENT,III LEONARD F. O'LEARY MATTHEW A. VENO PAUL C. PREVEY JOSEPH A. O'KEEFE,SR. Hannah Diozzi, Chair August 15, 2007 Historical Commission Salem City Hall 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 Re: Former Salem News Building Dear Chairwoman Diozzi and Members of the Commission: Please accept this correspondence as my support for the demolition of the former Salem News Building. Ordinarily, I would never support demolition of a building prior to permitting the property for another use, however, this situation is the exception. For several years now, I have received many complaints regarding the deteriorating condition of the building including countless break-ins and several fires. It is for these reasons that I support the demolition at this time. I look forward to working with the present developer towards replacing the structure in a timely manner with a project that will historically enhance the downtown and our city. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Joan B. Lovely Councillor-at-Large SALEM CITY HALL 93 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM, MA 01970-3592 WWW.SALEM000NCIL.COM RECEIVED AUG 0 1 2007 Washington at Derby LLC DEPT.OF PLANNING h 17 Ivaloo Street, Suite 100 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Somerville,MA 02143 July 31, 2007 Salem Historical Commission c/o Department of Planning and Community Development 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 RE: Request to Amend Application Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance 155 Washington Street Salem News Building Dear Salem Historical Commission: Subsequent to the filing of the application by Van Ness Development Corp. for a waiver of the demolition delay ordinance, Washington at Derby LLC purchased the property in question, on July 30s',2007, from Van Ness Development Corp. We hereby request that the aforementioned application be amended to reflect the new owner of record: Washington at Derby LLC Washington at Derby LLC also hereby grants permission for representatives of RCG LLC to represent it at the hearing. Sincerely, Alex M. Steinbergh, Manager Washington at Derby LLC RECEIVED JUL 2 4 2001 • • COMUNITY DEPT OF PLANNING Salem Historical Commassio ' 120 WASHINGTON STREET,SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (975)745.9695 EXT.311 FAX(979)740.0404 APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF THE DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE Pursuant to the Historic District's Act(M.G.L.Chapter 40C)and Salem Code 2-1572,application is hereby made for issuance of a Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance for demolition as described below. Address of Property: 155 Wask+/lOtm 5( � Name of RecordOwner(s): a� �t55 Original Building Construction Date,if known Is the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contributing to a NR District?� I s loc�♦c� IA �'3f�uvIL a�s4 ,c,f. Description of Demolition Work Proposed: See FicJ al ksl Please attach any historical data and photographs, building plans, structural reports, or other pertb,ent ...,urm4aon ..0 submit at least a week before the scheduled meeting. Applicants who omit this information or submit their application less than a week before the meeting date should expect to attend additional meeting(s). A site visit of the property maybe requested. Briefly describe the extent of the demolition: /Zc/y el-- G 5-77Z,ic.7vicc SN c � 4VO3 "P /a-- es"Veed. dee at Geed Si>2Q�lah, Briefly describe the reason/justifrcation for demolition: St-r PrLA G . Briefly describe any proposal for f n e construction/development. IVvY-'-1- s704y /esl���77*t �� s l l «y1��Q Signature of Owner. G Tel. #: G`/l- 7/Z7 007 41:. li ,Ly 1 r,,C ' y�ti tress vEVEzc+P.4EN% �'�RO Mailing address: /y sro�cR c A��n vc— �_� City: iAj State.ktl Zip: �2 tg Supplemental Information for Application for Waiver of the Demolition Delay Ordinance Address of Property: 155 Washington Street Name of Record Owner(s): Van Ness Development Corp. Artachments: (1) 3 copies of 4 photographs showing the existing structures; (2) Siteplan showing outline of structures proposed to be demolished and those to be preserved; (3) Historic Salem, Inc. listing of historic districts and sites (noting the Downtown Salem District) (4) Summary of Historical Research and Historic Photographs (below and attached) (5) Reason/Justification for Demolition(below): Description of historic context of the property: In the 1990's, an assisted living facility was approved by the pertinent boards but was never constructed. The property was occupied as the former headquarters of the Salem Evening News and its printing press in the 1980's and 1990's. The site itself is known as the Arrington Block and was originally built as a hotel. The buildings have been altered many times over their existence and the site itself has been practically in a state of disrepair since the late-1990's. Please see attached additional documentation. Briefly describe the reasonljustification for demolition The intention is first to remove and eliminate a potential fire hazard while providing the ability to address environmental remediation and site preparation for the rehabilitation of the remaining structures and the construction of a new building. The two structures proposed to be demolished on the site are in the worst condition of the four structures on the site, have been vacant for an extended period of time and have fallen into a state of disrepair. Homeless people have been repeatedly spotted at the site and, at times, have been seen in the vacant buildings. Summary of Historical Research & Findings The Arrington Block 155-189 Washington Street/ 35 Front Street The Salem Evening News Publishing Co. building at 155-189 Washington and 35 Front Streets, historically known as the Arrington Block, was built in 1874 after the southern extension of Washington Street forced the demolition of the first Arrington Block. The architects were Robert P. Bruce and George Copeland of Salem. The block is included in the Downtown Salem National Register District, and as stated in the 1979 MHC Survey forms, "this prominent block is the last wood frame commercial structure to survive in Salem." The Arrington Block was originally built as a hotel, known as the Central House and later as the Washington House Annex, and benefited from its location across Washington Street from the Boston and Maine Railroad Station. After the demolition of the railroad station in the 1950's, the Arrington Block's prominence increased as a defining element to the streetscape of lower Washington Street, and what is known as Riley Plaza. The prominence of this commercial block is even more significant today, since the Riley Plaza rotary and parking lot has been replaced with signalized intersections and realigned street patterns. The Arrington Block was originally built in the form of a three story main block (159 - 167 Washington Street) approximately eighty feet in length with a lower scaled three story ell (169- 189 Washington Street) extending approximately one hundred and twenty feet to the south. The two story brick addition to the north (35 Front Street and 155-157 Washington Street) at the corner of Front Street was constructed in 1925/1926 in the Classical Revival style. The main block is nine bays wide,and although it has been altered, remains distinguished by its peaked Italianate window hoods on the third floor, and the bold bracketed and overhanging cornice. The original second floor windows with bold, bracketed crowns have been replaced with multiple window openings, and the original novelty ship-lap siding has been covered (or removed and replaced) with stucco. Another original but now missing feature of the main block which also contributed to its height and prominence was a flat sawn balustrade above the cornice. The southern ell extends sixteen bays,and is about half a story less in height. The cornice is also in the Italianate style with brackets, but of smaller scale and with less detail than the main building. The original wood clapboard siding has also been covered (or removed and replaced)with stucco. All of the second floor windows and one of the third floor windows have been replaced. During the 1925/1926 construction of the brick addition to the north, both the main block and southern all were extensively modified as noted above. It appears that the street level storefronts have undergone several extensive renovations over the past six decades, resulting in a total loss of most if not all of the original building fabric at this level. The windows and storefronts of the brick addition have also been replaced with dark brown aluminum framed units with bronze tinted glazing. Evidence of the original profiles of the wood entrances, storefronts and window frames remain in the form of paint ghosting on masonry surfaces. s 5S:C$S & PROP R O FRCN: ST.Jy-0415-0 116 NEW LERBY 57.34 /155_1,9 NASWNGiCN ST, JP-p1L6-U, SAUCM,NP ------_ .:� TITLE PFFFIRENCE Rs NT OUR /5B _ OWNER: PNIIISAUFYE?iL5C A ,ML.PIOa SiO .. 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PL�ERBY vaarREEesr soavEr STREET Dsa Dcasr 21920 —073 w ars1 vaA1A6l(WDYN T0.(976)sat 19x0 PoA�(9]0J SIR 1927 IID DATE DESCRIMN I CERTIFY HIS PLAN C111"NS TO-PC N4L,5%OD A,,LATI^.NS CF TIL KCKTERS CF I3F0'. DWAN Bf V 1111"AGN.PLS -0A@ 10/21/O! I.MMCNN£ALTH GF MASSACHUSf TTS. AS NEVI`Ep iNPDUGN JANUARY 12.1988. t A✓I:L'L:au's: LAX,MAP AA:JS6N i .'.AUI — Developer seeking speedy demolition of old Salem News site By Tom DALTON her of the Historical Commission, STAFF wa1TEa also urged the board to waive its normal waiting period. She re- SALEM—It has been a busy cently headed the marketplace week for RCG,the Somerville de- committee that reviewed an ear- veloper that wants to turn the lier and much larger develop- former Salem Evening News ment proposal by RCG for the building into a Sl0 million resi- same block. dential and retail complex. "There is no good reason to On Monday, it bought the ,leave this structure standing," largely rundown property for$2A Harris wrote. million.Last night,it went before Ward 3 Councilor Jean Pelleti- the Historcal Commission to ask er,who attended the meeting al- permission to demolish most of it so lobbied for quick demolition so without waiting the six months the develope-can move ahead normally required for historic with its plans. properties.The building,part of "Let's face it, folks,"he said, which was built in the late 1800s, "this building is a dump." is in a downtown area listed in Historic Salem Inc., a local the National Register of Historic preservation group,said it will Places. discuss the issue at a meeting to- The board continued the hear- day. ing until Aug.15 and announced Historical Commission mem- it will tour the site Saturday ber David Hart said the board morning. must determine if thosebuildings Under the developer's propos- have historic significance before al,the sections of the building it can act housing two restaurants,Edge- "We don't know the status of water Cafe and A Passage to In- any of these buildings,"he sai& dia,would remain,while a large, He also urged the developer to vacant front portion and a brick hire an engineer to determine the rear building would come down. structural condition of the build- RCG hopes to build 25-35 resi- ing and encouraged RCG,as an dences and ground-level stores. alternative to demolition,to con- In letters read at the meeting sider incorporating the old build- several key officials cited the ings into its new project poor condition of the sections If it gets anOKfrom the Histor- slated for demolition and called ical Commission,the developer the structure a haven for home- also would need an approval less squatters. from the Salem Redevelopment Citing the 1999 Worcester fire, Authority before beginning de- where six firefighters died in a molition.Even though the condo- warehouse blaze started by minium market has slowed,RCG homeless individuals,fire Chief said it wants to move fast to take Dave Cody said the vacant see- advantage of"momentum"in the tions of this building pose an"ex- retail market. traordinaryrisk tofireligh:ers." Until Monday, the property Building Inspector Tom St. was owned by Van Ness Devel- Pierre said the main structure is opment Corp.of Braintree.The "beyond reasonable repair" Salem Evening News sold the Annie Harris,a former mem- building in 1995. 111 if J File photo The old Salem Evening News building 1, f A 71 A' I11yN�/Mld!^-'yyy�;;yy.�y� $ Ap' 1 r 1 1 II f 4 r w , i 4 _ p. � ..«. _ 1� fib• -1 _ _ - _ z - �y ' y A � M7i M.: II y'`• � L - i - f TT .. . f ir K- a �gT un rr r w •rI :ec � t �44 I _ T Y t 4 Historic Salem. Inc. - List of National Register of Historic Places In Salem Page 1 of 3 HomeHe me■ 1 About HSI Preservation loin Us News & Events � i 11sto iL P.O. Box 865, Salem, MA 01970 � lii1 (978) 745-0799 ( A11Ct)i'porated Contact Us! Salem Sites and Districts Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Resource Name Location Date Listed Multiple 1 Baker's Island Light E. of Salem on Baker's 1976- Lighthouses of Station Island 11-21 Massachusetts TR (AD) 2 Bowditch, Nathaniel, 9 North St 1966- House 10-15 3 Bowker Place 144-156 Essex St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 4 Charter Street Historic Bounded by Liberty, 1975- District Derby, Central, and 03-10 Charter Sts. 03-1 5 Chestnut Street District Bounded roughly by 1973 Broad, Flint, Federal, and 08-28 Summer Sts 6 Chestnut Street District Roughly bounded by 1978 (Boundary Increase) Bridge, Lynn, Beckford, 10-04 and River Sts 7 Choate, Rufus, House 14 Lynde St. 1982- 11-12 8 City Hall 93 Washington St. 1973- 04-03 9 Crombie Street District 7-15 and 16-18 Crombie 1983- Downtown Salem MRA St., and 13 Barton St. 09-16 10 Derby Waterfront District Derby St. from Herbert St. to Block House Sq., 1976- waterfront sts between 05-17 Kosciusko and Blaney Sts 11 Derby Wharf Light Derby Wharf 1987- Lighthouses of Station 06-15 Massachusetts TR 12 Downtown Salem District Roughly bounded by Church, Central, New 1983- Downtown Salem MRA Derby, and Washington 10-18 Sts. 13 Essex County Court 32 Federal St. 1976- Buildings 05-17 14 Essex Insitiute Historic 134-132, 128, 126 Essex 1972 District St. and 13 Washington 06-22 Sq. W. 15 Federal Street District Roughly bounded by Bridge, Washington, Downtown Salem MRA 1983- http://w-ww.historicsaleiii.org/iirhp.html 7/19/2007 I istoric Salem. Inc. - List of National Register of Historic Places In Salem Page 2 of 3 Federal, and Summer 09-16 Sts. 16 First Universalist Church 6 Rust St. 1983- 07-29 Downtown Salem MRA 17 Fort Lee Address Restricted 1994- 04-14 18 Fort Pickering Winter Island 1973- 02-08 19 Gardiner-Pingree House. 128 Essex St. 1970- 12-30 20 Gedney and Cox Houses 21 High St. 1974- 10-01 21 Hamilton Hall 9 Cambridge St. 1970- 12-30 22 House of Seven Gables Turner, Derby, and Hardy 1973- Historic District Sts. 05-08 23 Monroe, Bessie, House 7 Ash St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 24 Murray, William, House 39 Essex St. 1990 First Period Buildings of 03-09 Eastern Massachusetts TR 25 Old Town Hall Historic Derby Sq. and 215-231 District Essex, 121-145 1972- Washington, and 6-34 12-04 Front Sts. 26 Peabody Museum of 161 Essex St- 1966- Salem 10-15 27 Peabody, John P., House 15 Summer St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 28 Peirce-Nichols House 80 Federal St. 1968- 11-24 29 Salem Common Historic Bounded roughly by St. District Peter's, Bridge, and 1976- Derby Sts. and Collins 05-12 Cove 30 Salem Diner 70 1/2 Loring Ave. 1999- Diners of Massachusetts 09-22 MPS 31 Salem Laundry 55 Lafayette St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 32 Salem Maritime National Derby St. 1966- Historic Site 10-15 33 Salem Willows Historic Roughly, Columbus, Bay 1994- District View, Beach and Fort 03-25 Aves. 34 Shepard Block 298-304 Essex St. 1983- 07-29 Downtown Salem MRA 35 St. Nicholas Orthodox 64--66 Forrester St. 1994- Church and Rectory 02-18 36 Story, Joseph, House 26 Winter St. 1973- 11-07 37 US Post Office--Salem 2 Margin St. 1986- littp://xv-,,,,xv.historicsalem.org/nrhp.hiiiil 7/19/2007 Historic Salem, Inc. - List of National Register of Historic Places In Salem Page 3 of 3 Main 06-04 38 Ward, John, House 132 Essex St. 1968- 11-24 39 Ward, Joshua, House 148 Washington St. 1978- 02-08 40 Wesley Methodist Church 8 North St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 41 West Cogswell House 5-9 Summer St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 42 Winter Island Historic Winter Island 1994- District and Archeological 04-14 District 43 Woodbridge, Thomas 48 Bridge St. 1975- March, House 03-31 44 YMCA 284-296 Essex St. 1983- Downtown Salem MRA 07-29 Home About HSI Bowditch Join Us News & Events July 19, 2007 © 1999-2003 Historic Salem, Inc. All rights reserved http://wevw.historicsalem.org/nrhp.html 7/19/2007 x N .+ O n d n� M 1 Q� a 0 3 m a .. o' `� j�• )f, 1 X a Jim - lava f ava All" im 811110 t �! LI - _ . 1 RIMM N-a1;Ai7 `a • 0 0 r.. z 5 lB f LRDA C.RO Ssi'.18C l y L s .. �-n - View of the Boston and Maine Railroad station, Salem, MA Washington House Annex in background. View from bottom of Norman Street Photograph taken before 1925. Courtesy, Essex Institute, Salem, MA Negauive number : 17,672 WASHINGTON HOUSE ANNEX \ 167-189 Washington Street Photograph taken before 1925 . Courtesy, Essex Institute , Salem, MA Negative number: 8125 I LN 4 •� - r H! � � ! - - - t i --� - NEW a.. COMMERCIAL • Photograph Courtesy, Essex Institute, Salem, 'MA Negative number: : • Page 1 of 1 Jane Guy From: Kathie Gauthier[kathie.gauthier@salemdeeds.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 3:17 PM To: Jane Guy Subject: RCG Washington Street Project Good Afternoon Jane, I read with great interest and enthusiasm about RCG's proposed plans for the former Salem News building. I would like to place my support firmly behind this project now that they have scaled the project down to a reasonable size and will not be desecrating the market area. The property they wish to demolish is nothing but a danger and an eyesore in the center of downtown Salem and creates the first impression of a poor community. It drags the image of both the residents and businesses in Salem down. I look forward to this new development being created and hope the developers will design their new project to blend into the surrounding downtown. As a business owner in the downtown, I welcome RCG's willingness to develop this property in a reasonable and appropriate manner. I urge the Historic Commission to allow RCG to demolish the blighted buildings so that RCG can move forward with their plans to create a new, attractive and useful building on Washington Street. With Regards, Kathie Gauthier President Zazou's A Touch Of The Past, Inc. 83 Washington Street Salem, Ma. 01970 7/31/2007 ANNIE C . HARRIS July 26,2007 Salem Historical Commission c/o Jane Guy,Clerk of the Commission RECEIVED City of Salem Department of Planning&Community Development 120 Washington Street JUL 3 0 2007 Salem,MA 01970 DEPT. OF PLANNING& COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Dear Members of the Commission: I am writing, as Chair of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee, to express my support of RC&s request for a waiver from the demolition delay ordinance. Last year the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee studied the site and the buildings as part of the larger proposed Marketplace plan, and we determined that the vacant portion of the old Salem News building—the portion bordering on New Derby Street and Washington Street—was in such poor structural condition that it should not be saved. Therefore, I am writing to express my support for RCG to take the building down. Usually I am a strong proponent of the demolition delay ordinance, and served on the Salem Historical Commission when it was first adopted by the city. The intention of the ordinance was to allow time to determine if at-risk buildings could be saved. However,in this case, there is general agreement that this building should be demolished and therefore there seems no good reason to compel RCG wait an additional six months just to do the inevitable. This building has long been a major eyesore on a key downtown comer for many years. It is also such a safety hazard that the Salem Fire Department has required a fire safety watch on it. There is no good reason to leave this structure standing and every reason to proceed with its demolition. The proposed new development of the property by RCG is the kind of reasonable,responsible development that we want to attract to the downtown and reflects the recommendations of the Marketplace Redevelopment Committee. The proposed project will bring together 31 units,including a smart mixture of residence and retail,in a four-story building designed to help stimulate and enhance the economic activity of downtown Salem. But none of this can move forward until the extant structure is removed. Thank you for your consideration of this letter and for your attention to this matter.Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about the above. Sincerely, a O'L—� Annie C. Harris,Chair Marketplace Redevelopment Committee 28 Chestnut Street 0 Salem, MA 01970 6 (978) 744-6996 • aharris@essexheritage.org GOLDBERG PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT, INC . August 1,2007 Dear Salem Historical Commission: We are writing to you as abutters and concerned neighbors of the Salem Evening News parcel located on Washington St., between Front St. and New Derby St. It is our belief that RCG's proposed development of approximately 30-35 residential units combined with retail space, and a height of only four stories is an exceptionally reasonable development solution to one of Salem's blights. Having had the advantage of going through the buildings inside and out, we are very familiar with the extremely poor condition of the majority of this site. In our opinion, the buildings anticipated for demolition are not worth saving from an economic viability, aesthetical, or historical point of view. They lack functionality, are a safety hazard, and a liability from the standpoint that homeless individuals are gaining access and sleeping in the building(s). For the past several years, we have watched the buildings continue to deteriorate, thus not only continuing to become more of an eyesore than they already were, but also not helping to contribute to what is becoming a very vibrant downtown area. Instead of quality development with a much increased tax base, these buildings are very little financial help to the city. The city has actually been forced to put a lien on the property for over $10,000 due to fire watch detail. We very much support a decision for the demolition of the proposed buildings not to be delayed. There is no benefit in keeping them, and the sooner they are eliminated the better. This conclusion will allow for an ugly, non-beneficial location with little to zero historical significance to once again become a prominent corner of downtown Salem with responsible,quality development. Sincerely, Andrew Goldberg William Goldberg On behalf of Goldberg Properties Friend's Restaurant Inc. 63 Jefferson Avenue Salem, MA 01970 8/1/07 To Whom It May Concern: We at Passage to India want to voice our strong support of the planned improvements by the RCG Company for 155-159 Washington Street. We also welcome a speedy demolition of the building attached to our restaurant as apart from being a fire hazard it is a home for various rodents. You s i erely, Hugh err Hardie Plank Trim Hardie Plank Wood-Clad Wrought Iron Clapboard Windows Railing Brick Hardic Plank Veneer Cornice a - I - i •�3 ♦� 1�- Y YL oaf ww ^^J 1 ` I ( PCG LLC. Am-hitect's sketch Salem. Massachusetts June 22, 2M r. WIT All 00 M } ilk� i .. vi•••� 6 .. - �... olw } : Ar f 49 r _ _ Al •{ y .T LPC . j� .y y O Demolition waiver at tonight's meeting Page 1 of 1 Jane Guy From: Barbara Cleary [clearyadvisors@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 5:56 PM To: Jane Guy Cc: Lynn Duncan Subject: Demolition waiver at tonight's meeting Hi Jane I understand from an e-mail earlier this week and my conversation with Lynn Duncan this afternoon that the applicants will not be asking for a vote on this matter this evening. As I have said to Lynn, if they did, we would not be in favor of approval of a demolition delay waiver this evening as we believe it is premature relative to the rest of the permitting process. Someone from Historic Salem will be at the meeting to hear the discussion and we will be discussing the request for the waiver at the meeting of our Preservation Committee tomorrow. I also understand from Lynn that a site visit is likely to be scheduled with the Historic Commission. If possible. we would appreciate the opportunity for a representative of Historic Salem to also attend. Thanks very much, and my apologies that this is so close to the meeting; I have only just returned from vacation this afternoon. Sincerely Barbara A. Cleary 8/1/2007 Page 1 of 2 Jane Guy From: Matt Picarsic[mpicarsic@rcg-Ile.com] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 11:37 AM To: Lynn Duncan Cc: Jane Guy; Tom Daniel Subject: RE: Fence Attachments: Salem News Demo SRA decision.pdf We will coordinate with Jane and Tom. Thanks for your input. One option we have been considering for the temporary fence is to use the permanent fence design, with slight modification. Our concern on the temporary fence has always been that we do not wish to install a temporary fence of higher grade than chain link that will be damaged during the early stages of construction. As I recall, this is why the SRA decision granted some leniency in the timing of the installation. I also attached that decision here. The primary concern at the time, as I recall, from the boards was that if construction didn't go forward in a timely manner that no one wanted to see construction fence sitting around a large hole for an undetermined period of time. That being said, we also want to put forward a good looking site with additional marketing signs. I think we are working towards the same end and will get this ironed out in the next few weeks. Thanks. From: Lynn Duncan [mailto:LDuncan@Salem.com] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 11:28 AM To: Matt Picarsic Cc: Jane Guy; Tom Daniel Subject: RE: Fence Matt, I am unclear whether you are now proposing to install the temporary fence that was articulated in the historic commission waiver of demolition delay or to start installing the permanent fence in sections. As I had noted last Friday, members of the Salem Historical Commission were concerned about the temporary fence. I have attached the decision as a reminder. Would you coordinate with Jane Guy of the Historic Commission and Tom Daniel, SRA. Thanks, Lynn Lynn Goonin Duncan, AICP Director Department of Planning & Community Development City of Salem 120 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 T: 978-619-5685 F. 978-740-0404 From: Matt Picarsic [mailto:mpicarsic@rcg-Ilc.com] Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 5:33 PM To: Lynn Duncan 5/12/2008 Page 2 of 2 Subject: Fence Lynn, I tried to confirm my understanding of the timeline on the fence today and realize that what I told you this morning may not end up being accurate. The e-mail most recently sent to Tom, which I mentioned to you, was for the 'permanent'fence design, not the temporary fence. I apologize for my error on this. On the temporary fence, our intention was to erect the better fence once site work and foundations were essentially complete and steel erection started (so we could properly place it without damaging the fence or the fence needing to be relocated). Since there has not been much of a gap in time between demolition and the start of construction, we have delayed this installation of the fence. I think this is in accordance with the SRA Demolition decision that we erect such fence once as soon as it is practical to do so. I think the boards would agree that we tried to minimize the time that any open space or gaping hole was evident and have moved forward with construction in a reasonable timeframe. All that being said, we have a preliminary design that we could submit for next DRB session. It may make the most sense to install the fence in steps (perhaps we erect one now along Artists Row starting at Front Street) so that construction doesn't end up damaging the fence. Let me know if we should coordinate with the department staff members for the appropriate boards any formal response. And I apologize for the confusion I likely sparked today. Have a good weekend. -Matt 5/12/2008 Salem LLI Redevelopment Authority SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DECISION August 8, 2007 155-189 Washington Street (Salem News Block) -partial demolition SRA DECISION: At their meeting on August 8,2007, the SRA voted to approve the proposed partial demolition of the 155-189 Washington Street,as shown on the site plan dated July 24,2007,with the following conditions: • If the proposed redevelopment has not received building permits within four months of the demolition,the site shall be leveled and exposed dirt shall be loamed and seeded. • As soon as is practical after demolition,a DRB approved fence and landscaping shall be installed along the perimeter of the site. PROPOSAL: 'The proposal includes the demolition of two of the four buildings known as the Salem News Block. The demolition will include the wood building on the comer of Washington Street and New Derby Street and the masonry building adjacent to New Derby Street and Artists Row. The masonry building located on the corner of Washington Street and Front Street and the adjacent building now housing Passage to India will not be demolished.