Historical Commission Approves Several Property Changes
SalemApr 15, 20263 min read
At a glance
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The Commission approved a 4-2 waiver allowing demolition of buildings at 73-75 and 83-87 Lafayette Street, with requirements to document existing conditions through photographs and drawings.
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What this means
The Commission approved or conditionally approved several property projects, including bandstand lighting at Washington Square, chimney reconstruction at 377 Essex Street, exterior gas-service risers on Lafayette Street, and gutter repairs at 167 Federal Street. The solar-panel application for 331 Essex Street and heat-pump application for 415 Essex Street were continued, with the solar-panel matter scheduled for May 6. Commissioners also reviewed archaeological survey findings from Fort Pickering at Winter Island, including nearly 3,000 artifacts and 22 cultural features identified in an earlier survey.
Key decisions
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Approved the Washington Square bandstand lighting plan, with the railing termination changed to a lamb’s tongue or another appropriate feature matching the existing design.
Approved reconstruction of the removed chimney at 377 Essex Street to its original height, subject to revised drawings, chimney-cap and corbel details, brick samples, and Commission review.
Approved exterior risers at the gas-service entrances for 249, 261-263, and 271 Lafayette Street after determining the meters could be placed inside.
Continued the 331 Essex Street solar-panel application to May 6, 2026.
Approved, by a 4-2 vote, the demolition-delay waiver for 73-75 and 83-87 Lafayette Street, requiring photographs and retained drawings documenting existing conditions.
Found the building at 34 Shore Avenue not historically significant, allowing the proposed roof demolition for a second-story accessory dwelling unit to proceed under the reviewed proposal.
Approved in-kind repairs and a K-style aluminum gutter at 167 Federal Street, with the downspout and finish required to match existing features.
Approved the March 18, 2026 Historical Commission minutes.
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