Salem meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Salem Redevelopment Authority Approves Salem Inn Expansion, Property Conveyances

The Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) made several property-related decisions at its Aug. 12 meeting, including approving demolition and siding removal for the Salem Inn expansion and authorizing the conveyance of two city-owned properties. The votes were unanimous where recorded, with one abstention.

Salem Redevelopment Authority

The board voted 5-0 to approve the demolition of a six-car garage and removal of vinyl siding at 11 Summer Street as part of the Salem Inn expansion, and referred the project to the Design Review Board (DRB). It also confirmed Joe Badowski to the DRB (5-0) and approved painting three awnings at Witch City Mall, subject to DRB approval (5-0).

In a separate vote, the authority authorized the executive director to execute documents for the conveyance of properties at 252 Bridge Street and 32-34 Federal Street. That motion passed 4-0, with member Dunn recused. The board also approved the June 10, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0).

Other recent meetings

Most other boards met for discussion or procedural items, with no decisions recorded.

• **City Council** held two committee sessions: one on a draft home occupation zoning ordinance (Aug. 11) and another on fire lanes at Beach Ave and Sutton Ave (Aug. 13). A third meeting (Aug. 17) discussed a zoning ordinance for roof-mounted wind energy systems. No votes were listed.
• **School Committee** policy subcommittee reviewed draft policies on physical restraint, wellness, medication, and advertising (Aug. 17).
• **Conservation Commission** scheduled public hearings on a Harborlight Homes affordable housing redevelopment and the South River culvert rehabilitation (Aug. 18).
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** heard variance requests for two-family conversions and an accessory dwelling unit (Aug. 19).
• **Historical Commission** reviewed nine certificate of appropriateness applications, including window replacements and solar panels (Aug. 19).
• **Transportation Commission** discussed truck safety ordinances and proposed October taxi/rideshare curbside zones (Aug. 12).
• **Cemetery Commission** discussed casket lowering policy and pond maintenance (Aug. 11).
• **Human Rights Coalition** discussed license plate readers (Aug. 11).
• **Public Art Commission** voted on Artists' Row recommendations (Aug. 18).
• **Beautification Committee** met twice (Aug. 11 and 19) on routine items.
• The **Housing Authority Board** cancelled its Aug. 12 meeting.

Coming up

• **School Committee** (Aug. 24, 7 p.m., 29 Highland Ave., Rm. 227) will vote on a revised Physical Restraint Policy and first readings of Wellness and Medication policies. It will also approve warrants totaling $4,227,646.37 (FY26) and $855,295.70 (FY27).
• **City Council** (Aug. 25) will discuss the City Seal Task Force Report.
• **Housing Authority Board** (Aug. 26, virtual) will consider a memorandum of understanding with Beacon Community Services for a 120-142 unit affordable housing development at 17-27 First Street, plus a $2.7 million contract amendment for exterior upgrades at 667-5 Charter St.
• **City Council** (Sept. 3) will discuss a proposed ordinance on Project Labor Agreements for large public construction projects.
• **Historical Commission** (Sept. 2) will review seven property requests, including demolition delay waivers.

All meetings are open to the public; remote access is available for many. Check the city's website for agendas and participation details.

Salem Port Authority approves resident parking discount; Historical Commission acts on property changes

The Salem Harbor Port Authority approved a 20% discount for residents during seasonal parking restrictions at the port lot, effective May 1–November 1, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., at $1.25 per hour. The unanimous vote was among the few formal decisions made by city boards in the past two weeks.

Port Authority approves resident parking discount

The board voted unanimously to approve the discount. It also discussed an amended lease with the CEC to exclude a disputed strip of Lot 2B and part of the Blaney Street lot, necessary for the ferry terminal building development; no action was taken on that discussion. The board deferred chairperson designation until Mayor Pangallo is present.

Historical Commission decisions

The Salem Historical Commission voted on several property matters, all unanimous unless noted:

• Provided a letter of support for a MAAB variance for accessibility improvements at Dickson Chapel (5-0).
• Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes at 21 Winter Street with updated drawings (5-0).
• Denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for a gas meter at 1 Pickering Street and placed the work in violation (5-0).
• Approved a fence replacement at 331 Essex Street with cedar posts and running cap (5-0).
• Found the 15 Willow Avenue garage historically significant but not preferably preserved (5-0).
• Approved granite curb removal at 74 Washington Square East (4-0, Martinez recused).
• Approved window replacement at 55 Warren Street with half screens (5-0).
• Approved a solar panel array at 1 Block House Square with conditions (5-0, Tyler-Lewis voted no).

Design Review Board continues window review

The Design Review Board voted 4-0 to continue its review of a proposal to replace 34 windows at 6 Front Street, requesting more information on mullion sizing and a comparison of proposed versus existing windows. No final decision was made.

Other recent meetings

Several boards met for discussion only, with no formal decisions recorded. The City Council held discussion-only sessions on the City Seal Task Force report, a potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, a draft home occupation zoning ordinance, and fire lanes at Beach and Sutton Avenues. The School Committee's curriculum subcommittee discussed surplus textbooks and programs of study but took no votes. The Salem Housing Authority cancelled its August 12 board meeting. Other agenda-only meetings included the Cultural Council, Food Policy Council, Zero Waste Salem, Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee, Scholarship & Education Committee, Cemetery Commission, Human Rights Coalition, and Beautification Committee.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17** – City Council: vote on ordinance regulating roof-mounted wind energy systems.
• **Aug. 17** – School Committee Policy Subcommittee: review restraint, wellness, medication, and advertising policies.
• **Aug. 18** – Conservation Commission: public hearings on South River culvert rehabilitation and Harborlight Homes affordable housing project.
• **Aug. 18** – Public Art Commission: vote on Artists' Row recommendations.
• **Aug. 19** – Historical Commission: review nine Certificate of Appropriateness applications.
• **Aug. 19** – Zoning Board of Appeals: variance requests for two-family conversions and an accessory dwelling unit.
• **Aug. 20** – City Council: discussion of visitor parking pass implementation.
• **Aug. 25** – City Council: discussion of City Seal Task Force Report.

Salem City Council receives Jefferson Avenue Corridor Plan; recent meetings cover zoning, schools, and more

The Salem City Council voted 9-0 to receive and file the draft Jefferson Avenue Corridor Plan, which proposes zoning changes to allow three- to six-story mixed-use and multifamily buildings. No formal zoning amendments were adopted; staff will incorporate council and public feedback before returning with a formal proposal in the fall.

City Council

• **July 27:** The council voted 9-0 to receive and file the corridor plan presentation. The plan is a draft and will return for formal consideration later this year.
• **August 4:** The Committee of the Whole discussed the City Seal Task Force Report (Item #588). No votes were scheduled.
• **August 6:** The Committee on Public Health, Safety and Environment discussed an ordinance amendment to regulate or ban gas-powered leaf blowers. The meeting was open to the public.

Other recent meetings

Several boards and committees met or were scheduled to meet over the past two weeks. Unless noted, these were agenda-only sessions with no published minutes yet.

• **Zoning Board of Appeals (July 29):** Agenda included a request by the Salem Port Authority for a two-year extension to construct a ferry terminal building at 10 Blaney Street; petitions at 15 Abbott Street (two-family to three-family), 8 Briggs Street (single-family to two-family), and 15 Willow Avenue (garage to accessory dwelling unit); and an executive session on litigation.
• **Salem Cultural Council (August 3):** Discussed potential guideline changes, AI usage in proposals, and the upcoming grant cycle calendar.
• **Salem Food Policy Council (August 3):** Reviewed a food co-op/grocery store initiative with Councillor Davis and Charles River Food Co-op, a food assessment update, and planning for the Longest Table event.
• **School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee (August 3):** Agenda included declaring 31 old math textbooks as surplus, approving 2026–2027 Programs of Study for Salem High School, New Liberty Innovation School, and Salem Prep High School, and referring a draft Competency Determination policy to the Policy Subcommittee.
• **Zero Waste Salem (August 4):** Reviewed past events (Swap 'N' Drop, Styrofoam, Living Green Expo), planned Ice Scream Bowl and Book Swap, and discussed composting volunteer location and waste audit results.
• **Design Review Board (August 5):** Reviewed a small project at 6 Front Street to replace 34 windows on the second and third floors.
• **Historical Commission (August 5):** Considered a letter of support for Dickson Chapel accessibility improvements and voted on certificates of appropriateness and demolition delay waivers for properties including 7 Botts Court, 15 Willow Avenue, 74 Washington Square East, and 1 Block House Square.
• **Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee (August 5):** Discussed updates to the Bike Master Plan and proposed committee branding.
• **Salem Harbor Port Authority (August 6):** Held a remote meeting with routine updates on port operations, a passport parking initiative, and an amended lease agreement.

Coming up

• **August 10:** Scholarship & Education Committee (remote) – routine items including minutes, financial update, and fundraising.
• **August 11:** City Council – discussion of Draft Home Occupation Zoning Ordinance.
• **August 13:** City Council – discussion of fire lane ordinance for Beach Ave and Sutton Ave.
• **August 17:** City Council – potential vote on ordinance regulating roof-mounted wind energy systems.
• **August 20:** City Council – discussion of visitor parking pass implementation under Resident Sticker Parking Rules.

Salem Boards Advance Affordable Housing Project, Approve Art Budget and Signage

The Salem Planning Board voted unanimously on July 23 to refer a proposed 22,806-square-foot building containing 53 affordable homes and a 70-bed shelter to the Design Review Board for further assessment. The project, proposed by Harborlight Homes, would be located at 56/54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, and 20/24 Endicott Street and includes 13 parking spaces. The vote was 8-0.

Planning Board Refers Harborlight Homes Project

The joint public hearing before the Planning Board and Design Review Board covered the mixed-use Margin and Endicott Streets proposal. The Planning Board's referral sends the project to the Design Review Board for additional review. The same agenda listed continuance hearings on other developments, including a proposal by Joseph Correnti of WinnDevelopment for up to 145 dwelling units and 159 off-street parking spots on Harrison Road and Loring Avenue, and permit amendments by Scott Grover for the NSCDC/NSCHC multi-site project on Lafayette, Derby, and Peabody Streets. Those items were listed as agenda-only with minutes not yet published.

Public Art Commission Approves FY2027 Budget, Accepts Painting Donation

The Public Art Commission unanimously approved the proposed FY2027 preliminary budget at its July 21 meeting. The commission also voted unanimously to accept a donation from the Rousseau Family Trust, designating two paintings for the city's art collection and additional materials for research archives. The commission tabled approval of its May 19, 2026 meeting minutes until the August meeting.

Design Review Board Approves Temporary Signage

On July 22, the Design Review Board approved temporary painted aluminum signs for Peabody Essex Museum walking tours on a 6-0 vote. The board also approved leasing banners at 231-251 Washington Street for a three-month term, also 6-0. A review of window replacements at 6 Front Street was continued by a 6-0 vote. The board approved its June 24, 2026 meeting minutes 6-0.

Conservation Commission Sets Public Hearings on Housing and Seawall

The Conservation Commission's July 21 agenda listed public hearings on several development proposals, including demolition of an existing building and construction of new multi-family residential units at 262C Loring Avenue and 8 Harrison Road. The commission also scheduled a public hearing on the Margin, High, and Endicott Streets redevelopment into affordable housing and shelter beds, and a request for determination of applicability for Bay View Avenue seawall improvements. Minutes were not yet published.

Other Boards and Commissions

The Licensing Board's July 20 agenda included a one-day liquor license for the Salem YMCA 8K Road Race at 283R Derby St., a transfer of an annual all-alcohol license at 26 Congress St. to El Segundo LLC, and a renewal and location change of a store fortunetelling license at 248 Essex St. for Vampfangs. The Park and Recreation Commission was scheduled to vote on landscape plans from MASS Design Group and a right-of-entry document for Peabody Street Park staging. The Commission on Disabilities listed a variance request for St. Peter's Church and a discussion of elevators at 27 Charter Street. The Sustainability, Energy, and Resiliency Committee was scheduled to hear a presentation on the Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board's modernization plans. The Zoning Board of Appeals on July 29 listed a request by the Salem Port Authority for a two-year extension to construct a ferry terminal building at 10 Blaney Street, along with residential variance petitions at 15 Abbott Street, 8 Briggs Street, and 15 Willow Avenue. None of these meetings had published minutes as of the reporting period.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Salem Cultural Council:** Discussion of grant guidelines and AI usage in proposals.
• **Aug. 3 — Salem Food Policy Council:** Discussion of a local food co-op/grocery store initiative with Councillor Davis and Charles River Food Co-op.
• **Aug. 3 — School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee:** Vote on 2026-2027 Programs of Study for Salem High School, New Liberty Innovation School, and Salem Prep High School; declaration of 31 surplus math textbooks.
• **Aug. 4 — City Council Committee of the Whole:** Discussion of the City Seal Task Force Report.
• **Aug. 5 — Historical Commission:** Consideration of a letter of support for Dickson Chapel accessibility improvements and certificates of appropriateness for several properties.
• **Aug. 6 — City Council Public Health, Safety and Environment Committee:** Discussion of an ordinance amendment on gas-powered leaf blowers.
• **Aug. 11 — City Council Committees:** Discussion of a draft Home Occupation Zoning Ordinance.
• **Aug. 17 — City Council:** Discussion and potential vote on an ordinance regulating roof-mounted wind energy systems.

Salem Planning Board Delays Votes on Major Developments; City Council Reviews $920,836 Transfer

The Salem Planning Board voted to continue public hearings for two major development applications, delaying decisions on the Forest River Residences and a North Shore Community Development Corporation project until July 23.

Planning Board continues major development hearings

The Planning Board voted unanimously (9-0) to continue the public hearing for the Forest River Residences project at 8 Harrison Road to July 23, 2026. The board also voted (8-0, with one recusal) to continue the hearing for the North Shore Community Development Corporation project at 73 Lafayette Street to the same date.

City Council considers FY2026 closeout and Fire Department study

The City Council met July 9 to discuss a proposed transfer of $920,836.00 to cover remaining final FY2026 costs. The agenda also included a proposed appropriation of $42,309.00 from the General Stabilization Fund for a Fire Department manning study, and a public hearing regarding National Grid's order to install conduits on North St. at the intersection of North St. and Bryant St. Several mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions were also reviewed. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

School Committee interviews superintendent finalists

The Salem School Committee held special meetings on July 6, 7, and 9 to interview superintendent finalists Thomas Welch, Jorge Allen, and Andrew Bott. On July 15, the committee was scheduled to vote on ratifying a three-year collective bargaining agreement for AFSCME Local 294 covering July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029, and deliberate on concluding the superintendent search. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Housing Authority and Redevelopment Authority updates

The Salem Housing Authority Board met July 8 to hold a public hearing and vote on the Draft State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan. The agenda included a final payment of $18,870 for an elevator upgrade at 27 Charter Street and approval of write-offs through June 30, 2026. The Salem Redevelopment Authority met the same day to discuss the historic courthouses and Crescent Lot redevelopment, and consider appointing Joe Badowski to the Design Review Board for a term expiring Oct 9, 2027. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Other recent meetings

The Salem Historical Commission met July 15 to consider certificates of appropriateness and demolition delay waivers for several properties, including 15 Willow Avenue and 26 Linden Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals met the same day to consider variance requests for a two-story ferry terminal building at 10 Blaney Street and residential modifications at 23 Jackson Street and 2 Rockdale Avenue. The Board of Health met July 14 to consider rescinding current Regulation #34 and hold a public hearing for an updated regulation regarding synthetically derived cannabinoids, kratom products, and unregulated novel intoxicating products. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board met July 14 to hear from Jason Webb of Grounded Solutions and Kevin Hudson of Essex County Habitat for Humanity, and discuss the mayor's housing priorities. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Coming up

• July 20: Licensing Board reviews liquor licenses and fortune telling permits.
• July 21: Conservation Commission holds public hearings on multi-family housing at 262C Loring Ave and affordable housing at Margin, High, and Endicott Streets.
• July 23: Planning Board holds continuance hearings for Harborlight Homes' 53 affordable homes and 70-bed shelter, and a 145-unit adaptive-reuse plan on Harrison Road.
• July 27: City Council reviews the Jefferson Avenue Corridor Study.

Salem boards weigh $920,836 budget transfer, major housing projects, and superintendent search

Salem's City Council discussed a proposed $920,836 transfer to cover remaining fiscal year 2026 costs at its July 9 meeting, the largest dollar item on a busy two-week agenda across city boards. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings summarized below, so final outcomes and vote tallies are not yet confirmed in the public record.

City Council: Budget transfer, Fire Department study, appointments

The July 9 City Council agenda included a proposed transfer of $920,836.00 to cover remaining final FY2026 costs and a proposed appropriation of $42,309.00 from the General Stabilization Fund for a Fire Department manning study. The council was also scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding National Grid's order to install conduits on North St. at the intersection of North St. and Bryant St., and to review mayoral appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Race Equity Commission, and the Salem Harbor Port Authority (Phillip Pelletier). On July 6, the Committee on Community and Economic Development, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, discussed a Rent Stabilization Resolution. On July 9, the Committee on Government Services met jointly with the Committee of the Whole to discuss Community Preservation Committee applications.

Planning Board: Large residential proposals reviewed

The Planning Board's July 9 agenda included several major projects: adaptive reuse of three Salem State buildings for 145 dwelling units at 8 Harrison Road (Forest River Residences); demolition and adaptive reuse for 53 affordable homes and a 70-bed shelter near Margin Street; proposed demolition of upper floors at 57 Wharf Street to add 18 new dwelling units (Pickering Wharf Complex); site plan and landscape amendments by North Shore Community Development Corp. for Lafayette Street and Derby Street properties; and a decision extension request for 252 Bridge Street through July 17, 2026.

School Committee: Three superintendent finalists interviewed

The Salem School Committee held special meetings to interview three superintendent finalists: Thomas Welch on July 6, Jorge Allen on July 7, and Andrew Bott on July 9. Each session focused solely on the candidate interview. No policy votes or budget approvals were scheduled.

Housing Authority Board: Annual plan and elevator payment

The July 8 agenda included a public hearing and board vote on the Draft State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan, a final payment of $18,870 for an elevator upgrade at 27 Charter Street, approval of write-offs through June 30, 2026 per Public Housing Notice 2017-17, and discussion of the Federal Annual Public Housing Agency Plan for FY 2026.

Salem Redevelopment Authority: Courthouse, Crescent Lot, appointments

The July 8 agenda included appointing Joe Badowski to the Design Review Board for the term vacated by Kate Martin, expiring Oct. 9, 2027; a small project review for replacement of 34 windows at 6 Front Street; an update on redevelopment of the historic courthouses and the Crescent Lot; and review of SRA financials.

Historical Commission: Demolition delay and certificates

The July 1 agenda included a demolition delay waiver for a garage over 50 years old at 225 Loring Avenue; certificates of appropriateness for heat pump installation at 415 Essex Street, exterior modifications and a 2-story addition at 21 Warren Street, and solar panels at 1A Cambridge Street; and a letter of support for a MAAB variance request for St. Peter's Church at 24 St. Peter Street.

Cancellations

The July 1 Conservation Commission special meeting was cancelled; the commission next meets July 21, 2026. The July 2 Salem Harbor Port Authority meeting was canceled due to a holiday and will not be rescheduled; the next regular meeting is August 6, 2026.

Coming up

• **July 14 — School Committee Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee:** Updates on high school construction, playgrounds, and traffic patterns at Salem High School.
• **July 14 — Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board:** Presentations from Jason Webb (Grounded Solutions) and Kevin Hudson (Essex County Habitat for Humanity); vote on vice chair.
• **July 14 — Board of Health:** Public hearing on updated Regulation #34 covering synthetically derived cannabinoids, kratom products, and unregulated novel intoxicating products.
• **July 15 — School Committee:** Vote to ratify AFSCME Local 294 collective bargaining agreement (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029) and deliberation on concluding the superintendent search.
• **July 15 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Variance requests including a two-story ferry terminal building at 10 Blaney Street.
• **July 15 — Historical Commission:** Demolition delay waivers for roofs at 15 Willow Avenue and 26 Linden Street; certificates of appropriateness at 278 Lafayette Street and 41 Chestnut Street.
• **July 27 — City Council Committee of the Whole:** Review of the Jefferson Avenue Corridor Study; no binding votes scheduled.

Salem roundup: 48 veteran apartments approved, high school project advances, capital plan moves forward

The most consequential decisions in Salem over the past two weeks centered on housing, the new high school, and the city's five-year spending plan. The Planning Board approved 48 studio apartments for veterans at 50 Washington Street, the City Council authorized a key agreement with the state for the high school building project, and a council committee recommended the 2027–2031 capital plan.

Planning Board approves 48 veteran apartments at Tabernacle Church

The Planning Board voted 8-0 on June 25 to grant a special permit and site plan review for Beacon Communities to convert the Tabernacle Congregational Church at 50 Washington Street into 48 studio apartments for veterans.

The board also voted 8-0 to approve a letter to MassDOT supporting the Forest River Residences stormwater plan and continued that public hearing to July 9. A proposed Lafayette Street culvert amendment was continued to July 9 on a 7-0 vote with one abstention. The board appointed Tom Furey to the Community Preservation Committee (8-0) and approved its June 4, 2026 draft minutes (8-0).

City Council authorizes MSBA high school agreement

The City Council voted 11-0 on June 25 to authorize the Mayor to sign a Project Scope and Budget Agreement with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the high school project. The council also confirmed Krystle Brown to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (11-0).

In financial actions, the council approved an $8,926.62 transfer for copier supplies and a $6,500 appropriation from Free Cash for copier supplies. A resolution supporting state rent stabilization legislation was referred to the Committee on Community and Economic Development, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole. Appointments to the Race Equity Commission and Planning/Zoning Board were held until the next meeting.

Five-year capital plan recommended 5-0

The Committee on Administration and Finance, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole, voted 5-0 on June 25 to recommend approval of the proposed 2027–2031 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The vote had been postponed from June 10, 2026. No discussion or amendments were recorded.

Design Review Board approves five sign permits

The Design Review Board unanimously approved sign proposals for five Salem businesses on June 24, each by a 5-0 vote:

• 100 Washington Street (Black Cat), with a height waiver.
• 11 Church Street (Sinistry), as submitted.
• 259 Essex Street (Warren Museum), with conditions on a surety bond and blade sign requirements.
• 24 Congress Street (Mexizol), with a surety bond condition.
• 60 Washington Street (Odd Meter Coffee & Kitchen), with a condition to paint the background to match.

The board also acknowledged review of interpretive signage at 266 Canal Street (5-0), forwarding comments to the Planning Board, and approved its May 20, 2026 minutes (5-0). Public comment addressed ADA compliance for outdoor dining.

School Committee reviewed high school restroom designs

The School Committee met June 22 for an update on the MSBA High School Building Project, including a review of student survey data showing a 39% preference for individual restrooms. The discussion covered Massachusetts Plumbing Code updates from December 2023 regarding multi-stall gender-neutral restrooms and proposed restroom locations across four floors of the new high school. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

The same agenda listed ratification of the Executive Director of Special Education contract, approval of FY26 warrants totaling $1,262,138.21 (dated 6/4/26) and $735,035.13 (6/11/26), discussion of superintendent interview questions, and approval of a Salem High School JROTC field trip to Buzzards Bay, MA.

Other meetings

The Transportation Commission and Bicycling & Shared Path Advisory Committee held a special joint meeting June 24 to discuss an updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, which is no longer required by MassDOT but still encouraged. The Sustainability, Energy, & Resiliency Committee met the same day to discuss Mass Save funding cuts and refine its mission statement. The City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs met June 25 to discuss granting certain licenses for seaworms. The July 1 Conservation Commission meeting and the July 2 Salem Harbor Port Authority meeting were both cancelled; the Port Authority will next meet August 6.

Coming up

• **July 6, City Council** — Committee on Community and Economic Development discusses the Rent Stabilization Resolution.
• **July 6, 7, and 9, School Committee** — Special meetings to interview superintendent finalists Thomas Welch, Jorge Allen, and Andrew Bott.
• **July 8, Housing Authority Board** — Public hearing and vote on the Draft State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan, including a final $18,870 payment for an elevator upgrade at 27 Charter Street.
• **July 8, Salem Redevelopment Authority** — Update on historic courthouse and Crescent Lot redevelopment; consideration of appointing Joe Badowski to the Design Review Board.
• **July 9, Planning Board** — Review of several major projects, including 145 dwelling units at 8 Harrison Road, 53 affordable homes and a 70-bed shelter near Margin Street, and 18 new units at 57 Wharf Street.
• **July 15, Historical Commission** — Votes on certificates of appropriateness and demolition delay waivers for properties at 2 River Street, 15 Willow Avenue, 21 North Street, and 26 Linden Street.

48 veteran apartments at Tabernacle Church approved; Council committee OKs 5-year capital plan

The Salem Planning Board voted 8-0 on June 25 to approve a special permit allowing Beacon Communities to convert the Tabernacle Congregational Church at 50 Washington Street into 48 studio apartments for veterans. The vote highlighted a two-week period that also saw City Council actions on the capital improvement plan and the high school project.

Housing and development

The Planning Board also approved a letter of support to MassDOT for the Forest River Residences stormwater plan (8-0) and continued the Forest River public hearing to July 9. A request for a Lafayette Street culvert amendment was continued to July 9 on a 7-0 vote with one abstention. Tom Furey was appointed to the Community Preservation Committee (8-0).

On July 9, the Planning Board will review several large-scale proposals: adaptive reuse of three Salem State buildings into 145 dwelling units at 8 Harrison Road; site plan amendments for North Shore Community Development Corp. properties on Lafayette and Derby streets; demolition and adaptive reuse near Margin Street to create 53 affordable homes and a 70-bed shelter; demolition of upper floors at Pickering Wharf, 57 Wharf Street, to add 18 dwelling units; and a decision-extension request for 252 Bridge Street.

City Council and finance

The City Council Committee on Administration and Finance recommended approval of the 2027-2031 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan on June 25, carrying the motion 5-0 without discussion. The full Council the same night authorized the mayor to sign a Project Scope and Budget Agreement with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the high school project (11-0).

Also on June 25, the Council confirmed Krystle Brown to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (11-0), approved an $8,926.62 transfer and a $6,500 appropriation from Free Cash for copier supplies, referred a rent stabilization resolution to a joint committee, and held appointments to the Race Equity Commission and Planning/Zoning Board until the next meeting.

Other board decisions

The Design Review Board on June 24 approved five sign permits in 5-0 votes: Black Cat (100 Washington Street, with height waiver), Sinistry (11 Church Street), Warren Museum (259 Essex Street, with surety bond and blade sign conditions), Mexizol (24 Congress Street, with surety bond condition), and Odd Meter Coffee & Kitchen (60 Washington Street, with condition to paint background). The board also acknowledged review of interpretive signage at 266 Canal Street with a comment on accessibility and approved May 20 meeting minutes.

School Committee agendas from June 22 outlined discussions of restroom designs for the new high school and preparations for the superintendent search, including ratification of the executive director of special education contract and approval of warrants totaling $1,997,173.34. No final votes were recorded for those meetings; separate interviews with finalists are scheduled this week.

Coming up

The City Council’s Committee on Community and Economic Development will meet jointly with the Committee of the Whole on July 6 to discuss a rent stabilization resolution.

The School Committee holds special meetings to interview superintendent finalists: Thomas Welch on July 6, Jorge Allen on July 7, and Andrew Bott on July 9. All sessions are at 29 Highland Ave., Room 227.

The Housing Authority Board meets July 8 for a public hearing and vote on the Draft State Annual Plan/Capital Improvement Plan, along with a final payment of $18,870 for an elevator upgrade at 27 Charter Street and approval of write-offs.

The Salem Redevelopment Authority on July 8 receives an update on the historic courthouses and Crescent Lot, considers appointing Joe Badowski to the Design Review Board, and reviews window replacement at 6 Front Street.

The Historical Commission on July 15 will weigh demolition delay waivers for roofs at 15 Willow Avenue and 26 Linden Street, plus certificates of appropriateness for 2 River Street and 21 North Street.