FY25 Community Preservation Plan and FY24 Annual Report
CITY OF SALEM, MA
FISCAL YEAR 2025
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN
& FY24 ANNUAL REPORT
December 10, 2024
Community Preservation Committee
FY 25 Community Preservation Plan
Table of Contents
__________________________________________
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
I. The Community Preservation Act in Salem 1
A. Overview 1
B. Understanding the Property Tax Surcharge in Salem 1
C. The Community Preservation Committee 2
D. The Role of the CPC 2
E. The Role of the City Council 3
F. Community Education and Outreach 3
G. Fiscal Year Explanation of Tasks 4
H. Community Preservation Fund Allowable Spending Purposes 4
II. FY24 Annual Report 7
A. FY24 Funding Awards 7
B. State Reporting 8
C. Status of Projects 8
III. FY24 Funding & Timing 15
A. Financial Forecast 15
B. Proposed Timeline 17
IV. Application Process Overview 18
A. Step 1: Determination of Eligibility 19
B. Step 2: Funding Round 19
C. Step 3: City Council Recommendation and Vote 19
D. Step 4: Funding Awards 20
E. Additional Information 20
V. Community Preservation Needs, Possibilities and Resources 24
A. Evaluation Criteria 24
B. Category Specific Information 28
C. Plans, Studies and Other Public Documents 37
Appendix
• CP-1, CP-2 and excerpts from CP-3 annual reports
• City of Salem Code of Ordinances Section I. Chapter 2, Article IV. Division 15. Community
Preservation Committee
• Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
• Determination of Eligibility Application
• Funding Application
• Public omments on the Draft Fy25 Plan
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FY25 Community Preservation Plan
The Community Preservation Act in Salem
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Introduction
Salem’s Community Preservation Plan serves a dual purpose. It provides the public with an overview of CPA
in Salem and looks at Salem’s community preservation needs, possibilities, and resources. In addition, it serves
as an annual report – summarizing the status of funded projects and including copies of required State reports.
I. The Community Preservation Act in Salem
A. Overview
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. Chapter 44B) passed
in 2000. It enables adopting communities to raise funds and establish a local dedicated pool of funds
for the purpose of undertaking open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation, and community
housing projects.
CPA is financed by a voter-approved property tax surcharge along with matching funds from the
statewide CPA Trust Fund. The CPA Trust Fund provides annual matching funds, distributed
according to a formula that ranges from 5% to 100% of what is raised locally. Recording fees at the
State’s Registries of Deeds fund the CPA Trust Fund, along with any additionally authorized funding
sources, such as funds from the State’s budget surplus.
CPA was adopted by Salem voters in November 2012. Since the first round of CPA awards in 2014,
the City has:
❖ Awarded more than $12 million in CPA funds, assisting 120 projects, 65% of which were City-
owned resources;
❖ Supported the creation and preservation of more than 400 affordable housing units in Salem ,
utilizing more than $2.3 million in CPA funding;
❖ Assisted in the preservation of more than 30 historic resources including historic buildings, forts,
statues, burial grounds, documents and artwork with more than $4.4 million in CPA funding; and
❖ Been instrumental in the renovation and improvement of 10 City parks, 5 playgrounds, a playing
field, a skate park, floating docks, trails, a pier and community gardens through more than $5.6
million in CPA awards.
B. Understanding the Property Tax Surcharge in Salem
The CPA surcharge is paid by residential and commercial property owners annually (included in real
estate tax bills). The first $100,000 of taxable value is exempt. On the remaining value’s assessed
property tax, the City of Salem levies a surcharge of 1%.
The 1% surcharge is calculated as follows (using an assessed valuation of $300,000 as an example and
based on the City of Salem’s FY24 tax rate):
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The annual tax rate is ($11.62 residential, $23.69
commercial) per $1000 of the property
assessment (A ÷ $1000 x $12.51= C). The CPA
exempts $100,000 (A - D = E). The tax rate is
applied to the CPA Taxable Value (E ÷ $1000 x
$12.51= F). The surcharge is 1% of the CPA
Tax Basis (F x 1% = G). C + G = H (the total
year’s bill).
The surcharge is divided equally per quarterly
bill (e.g. $23.24=$5.81 per quarter). A Taxpayer
Information Guide is available at
https://www.salemma.gov/assessors/pages/cpa-informationapplication-exemption-fy25
Exemptions
Any residential property entitled to abatement or statutory exemption is automatically entitled to a
proportional CPA exemption. Certain households may be eligible for a full CPA exemption. To
qualify for an exemption, residential property owners must meet age, residency and income
requirements. An application for exemption from the CPA surcharge (based on income) must be filed
annually with the Assessor’s Office by March 31st. The filing of the application does not stay the
collection of the tax. Any resident who believ es they are eligible for a full exemption should contact
the City’s Assessors Office.
C. The Community Preservation Committee
Implementation of the CPA in Salem is undertaken through the Community Preservation Committee
(CPC). Salem’s CPC was established in May 2013 and is composed of nine members representing
the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, Planning
Board and the Salem Housing Authority, along with general public appointees (2 appointees each) of
the Mayor and the City Council. Salem’s current CPC members are:
Robert Callahan
Rebecca English
Deborah Greel
Carole Hamilton (Vice Chair)
Bart Hoskins (Chair)
Kate Martin
Jeremy Mele
Aaron Paternoster
vacant
The CPC’s administrator is Patricia Kelleher, Preservation Planner, in the City of Salem Department
of Planning & Community Development.
CPC meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm (check the calendar
on www.salem.com). Interested persons may also subscribe at www.salem.com for CPC meeting
agendas.
The Community Preservation Commission’s webpage is located on the City website at
http://www.salem.com/community-preservation-committee. It includes meeting agendas, all meeting
minutes, forms, links and helpful documents.
Example:
A. Assessment $300,000.00
B. FY 2024 Tax Rate $11.62
C. FY 2023 TAX $3,486.00
D. CPA Residential Exemption $100,000.00
E. CPA Taxable Value $200,000.00
F. CPA Tax Basis $2,324.00
G. CPA Surcharge =1% $23.24
H. TOTAL BILL $3,509.24
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D. The Role of the CPC
The CPC is primarily a source for recommending project funding, rather than an initiator of projects.
The Salem CPC’s duties include:
Assess Community Preservation needs of Salem
Solicit input from city boards and commissions
Hold an annual public hearing to solicit public input
Submit a recommended annual budget to the City Council
Prepare a Community Preservation Plan, which is updated annually
Prepare application materials & set application deadlines
Submit project funding recommendations to the City Council after review of applications
received by City departments or non-profit agencies
E. The Role of the City Council
While the CPC is responsible for studying community preservation needs and reviewing applications
submitted for CPA funding, it is ultimately the City Council that must approve any CPA expenditure
- based on the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee. The City Council actions
are limited to the following:
Approve recommendations of the CPC
Reject recommendations of the CPC
Reduce amount recommended by the CPC
Reserve amount recommended by the CPC to applicable reserve account, rather than approving
the project
F. Community Education and Outreach
A variety of educational and outreach efforts are undertaken to inform Salem residents, businesses and
stakeholders about the CPA and to solicit public input.
1. Public Documents
• A Taxpayer Information Guide is updated annually by the Assessor’s Office.
• The CPC issues an annual Determination of Eligibility Application.
• The CPC issues a Community Preservation Plan which includes the prior year Annual Report,
current Evaluation Criteria and the Funding Applications.
• The CPC issues a Report on Funding Recommendations for the Salem City Council (most
recent dated June 13, 2024).
• All CPA-related public documents are available on the CPC’s webpage at
http://www.salem.com/community-preservation-committee. In addition, the webpage
includes meeting agendas, minutes and other helpful information and links.
2. Notification Procedures
For its monthly meetings, agendas/notices are posted at City Hall and are uploaded to the City
website. Any interested person may subscribe to receive agendas/notices through the e-mail
subscriber.
For the annual public hearing, a legal notice is published in the Salem News twice, and notices are
posted at City Hall, on SATV, at the Salem Public Library, at the Salem Council on Aging, and
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the Salem Housing Authority. Notices are sent to all City Councillors. The notice is posted on
the City’s website calendar, legal notices section and in City News.
Notification of the availability of the Draft Community Preservation Plan (including a link to the
plan) and request for public comment is placed on the City website in City News, and is sent to
the City Council, relevant city boards and commissions and Historic Salem, Inc.
While Determination of Eligibility Applications can be received at any time, the annual deadline
to ensure consideration for the current funding round is announced in City News on
www.salem.com.
3. Solicitation of Input
Once each year, the CPA is included on the agendas of the Park & Recreation, Conservation, and
Historical Commissions, Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Planning Board, the Salem
Redevelopment Authority and the Salem Housing Authority. CPA is also on the agenda of the
Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Committee; whose members represent all of the various
neighborhood associations.
An annual public hearing is held, which includes a PowerPoint presentation and time for questions
and comments. The FY24 public hearing was held on October 8, 2024. The PowerPoint
Presentation is then uploaded to the city website. Written public comment is accepted through
October 20, 2024 and is considered during the development of the Draft Community Preservation
Plan.
The Draft Community Preservation Plan is made available for a two-week public comment period
prior to finalization.
G. Fiscal Year Explanation of Tasks
During each fiscal year, the CPC will undertake several tasks and prepare several documents.
During the current fiscal year – FY25 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025), the CPC will:
• Prepare the FY25 Community Preservation Plan, which includes the FY24 annual report;
• Prepare the FY26 Budget Recommendation (for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026); and
• Conduct FY25 Funding Round 12 and prepare the FY25 Funding Recommendations
which will utilize remaining FY25 funds and approved FY26 funds.
H. Community Preservation Fund Allowable Spending Purposes
The chart on the next page summarizes how CPA funds can be spent.
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1. Definitions
"Capital improvement", reconstruction or alteration of real property that: (1) materially adds to the
value of the real property, or appreciably prolongs the useful life of the real property; (2) becomes
part of the real property or is permanently affixed to the real property so that removal would cause
material damage to the property or article itself; and (3) is intended to become a permanent
installation or is intended to remain there for an indefinite period of time.
"Maintenance", incidental repairs which neither materially add to the value of the property nor
appreciably prolong the property's life, but keep the property in a condition of fitness, efficiency or
readiness.
Note: CPA funds cannot be used for ordinary maintenance. CPA funds can be used for preservation
(protecting personal or real property from injury, harm or destruction) and for capital improvements
(rehabilitation/restoration).
2. Studies and Reports
While studies and reports are an allowable CPA use, CPA funds cannot be used to update existing
studies or prepare studies that would typically be undertaken by a city department or
board/commission (i.e. Master Plan, Open Space Plan, Historic Preservation Plan, etc.).
Studies and reports can be undertaken as a phase of an approved project. The CPC can also use its
reserved administrative account funds to undertake general studies that will assist them in
identifying needs and possibilities for the use of CPA funds. An example is the examination of a
site’s environmental contamination prior to the potential future acquisition for recreational or
conservation land.
Library Poseidon Fountain – Before & After photos
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FY25 Community Preservation Plan
FY24 Annual Report
________________________________________________
II. FY24 Annual Report
A. FY24 Funding Awards
In June 2024, the CPC submitted its Round 11 Report on Funding Recommendations for the Salem
City Council. The City Council approved the CPC’s funding recommendations for the following
projects:
Housing Resources
• SHA Elevator Replacement 5 Barton Square/140 Washington Street $160,000.00
Historic Resources
• Old Town Hall Restoration $250,000.00
• Fort Lee Preservation & Management Plan $36,000.00
• Broad Street Cemetery Table Tomb Restoration $20,000.00
• Emmerton House Repointing $250,000.00
• The Bridge at 211 Renovation and Accessibility $65,000.00
• St. Peter’s Church Bell Tower Restoration $225,000.00
• St. Nicholas Church Cupola Restoration $25,000.00
• Phillips House Carriage Barn Restoration $25,000.00
Open Space/Recreational Land
• Salem Willows Phase II $200,000.00
• Curtis Park Design $20,000.00
• Bentley School/ECC Shade Structure $59,000.00
CPA PROJECT FUNDS AWARDED - FY24
Community Housing $ 160,000.00 12%
Historic Resources $ 896,000.00 67%
Open Space & Recreational Land $ 279,000.00 21%
TOTAL $ 1,335,000.00
CPA PROJECT FUNDS AWARDED - FY14-FY24
Community Housing $ 2,333,155.00 19%
Historic Resources $ 4,418,382.24 36%
Open Space & Recreational Land $ 5,625,755.15 45%*
TOTAL $ 10,277,292.39
*Includes 20 year bond for Bertram Field Fieldhouse project.
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B. State Reporting
Community preservation communities are required to submit three reports annually. These reports
are:
• A “Community Preservation Surcharge Report” (Form CP-1) that contains the information
needed to distribute the state matching funds to the community. This report is submitted to the
Municipal Data Management/Technical Assistance Bureau.
• A “Community Preservation Fund Report” (Form CP-2) that details fund activity of the previous
fiscal year and fund balances as of 6/30. This report is submitted to the Bureau of Accounts.
• A “Community Preservation Initiatives Report” (Form CP-3) that details community preservation
projects of the previous fiscal year. This report is submitted to the Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs (EOEEA).
In the Appendix of this plan is a copy of CP-1 and CP-2 along with a full summary of projects
awarded CPA funding from CP-3.
C. Status of Projects (as of November 2024 unless otherwise stated)
FY19 Awards
• Gallows Hill Park Renovation as of 10/24 - Completed items: Design, engineering,
permitting, mobilization, construction, improvements to drainage system. Ongoing
project: Mansell Field Phase improvements. Completed items: Design, engineering,
permitting, bidding, and awarding of construction contract. Items in progress:
Coordination with contractor. Remaining items: Mobilization, soil remediation, and park
restoration. Estimated schedule for next steps: Construction will begin either late fall 2024
or early spring 2025 with and estimated completion of summer or fall 2025, respectively.
Estimated completion date: Summer/Fall 2025
FY20 Awards
• Charles R. Curtis Memorial Park Redesign as of 10/24 – Project was initially delayed
due to COVID-19. Architect selected and proposed design plans prepared. City secured
PARC grant for construction.
Estimated completion date: TBD
FY21 Awards
• Hawthorne Lofts (27 units) as of 11/24: Creation of 29 units of housing with a preference
for artists, as well as 5000 sf of community space. 24 units will serve families and
individuals at or below 60% AMI and 5 units at 80% AMI. Completed items: abatement
Items in progress: demolition, roofing, masonry, framing, site work, HVAC, electrical
Remaining items: landscaping, windows, residential casework, finish carpentry, flooring,
painting, concrete work.
Estimated completion date: December 2025
• Superior Court & County Commissions Building/Crescent Lot (129 units, min 10%
restricted) as of 10/15/24 - The project is currently in the predevelopment phase. The team
received all local approvals in January 2023 for The Exchange Salem project. Furthermore,
the team received the MEPA Certificate in May 2023 and the Chapter 91 license in July.
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The team applied for low-income housing tax credits in late 2023 and was awarded tax
credits in early 2024. Architect is working on 100% CD drawings and is expected to achieve
100% CDs in late October 2024. Construction for The Exchange Salem and the Courthouses
is expected to begin in Spring 2025.
Estimated completion date: Q3, 2027
• New Pioneer Village 2026 as of 10/24 – Design fees to support the relocation of Pioneer
Village from its current location in Forest River Park to the Camp Naumkeag Site
Completed items: Concept Plan, Mass Historic Commission (MHC) filing (Inventory Form
A, Project Notification Form), Business Plan, Draft Interpretive Plan, Initial Estimate,
Demo Delay for Camp Naumkeag, updating the Salem Historic Commission (SHC),
Structural Assessments, Existing Building Surveys. Items in progress: Schematic Design,
Archival Documentation, Traffic Study Remaining items: Engage with the MHC, Detail
Design, Parks and Recreation Meeting, Bidding, Construction/Relocation for Phase 1.
(Phase 2 Design and Construction to be determined) In the next year we plan to engage
MHC, complete the Preliminary and Detail Designs for Phase 1.
Estimated completion date: 2026 for Phase I.
• Window Restoration at Emmerton House as of 8/2024 – Replacement of storm
windows was completed at end of 2021. Second phase of the project, restoration and
renovation of the original windows at Emmerton House, began in May 2022. The original
scope was to restore 88 windows with an anticipated total cost of $141,600. Window
removal, restoration and reinstallation work began in the summer of 2022 with succeeding
“batches” of windows taken from the ground floor of Emmerton House and reinstalled
when finished. Phase II was originally estimated to be completed by mid November 2022,
which was later revised to the end of June 2023. Labor shortages, leading to a work
backlog at Window Woman, have significantly affected the project timeline. Since Phase
II began, 31 windows have been completed at a cost of $1,600 per window. In May 2024,
Woman’s Friend Society (WFS) received notification from the vendor of a significant cost
increase due to increasing materials and labor costs vs. the original project estimate from
2022. Work was temporarily stopped while WFS explored various options to finish the
project at a more reasonable cost, including soliciting bids from other vendors and
window replacement (where permitted by historical architecture guidelines). As part of
this process, Window Woman of New England completed a detailed review of the yet-to-
be restored windows and submitted an updated quote for a batch of fifteen windows. WFS
agreed to the revised proposal and contracted Window Woman to complete this work.
Window Woman removed 15 windows for repairs with an estimated 3 months’ time
needed to complete this work. Given historical experience, WFS anticipates batch
completion at year-end 2024. When completed, a total of 46 windows will have been
restored to their original condition. Estimated project completion date: For current
batch of 15 windows: December 31, 2024. For additional windows: To be determined
following completion of current batch.
• Preserving and Rehabilitating the Salem Athenaeum for Universal Access as of 11/24:
We are now under contract with Landworks Studio to complete the design of the exterior
ramp. The firm is developing two designs for the board to review and make a final decision
on before the end of the calendar year. Landworks Studio will be coordinating with the new
team selected to design the building work, David Eisen and David Pollack of Abacu s
Architects + Planners, who are under contract through the schematic design phase and
approvals process. In July, Scansure performed laser scanning of the building as well as the
landscape. Processing the scans into the working model took over a month; however, the
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products of the scan will result in extremely detailed plans as well as 3-D images which can
be used by all consultants related to this project, allowing them to interact efficiently with
the architects.
Estimated project completion date: December 2025
FY22 Awards
• Residences at St. James as of 11/24: Adaptive reuse of the St James School into 32 units
of affordable housing for households with at least one member age 62 and older. Completed
items: abatement. Items in progress: demolition, roofing, masonry, framing, site work,
HVAC, electrical, fire suppression. Remaining items: concrete work, flooring, painting,
finish carpentry, fireproofing, doors, landscaping
Estimated completion date: December 2025
• Salem Willows Pier as of 11/1/22 - The City of Salem, in cooperation with the
Massachusetts Office of Fishing Boating Access, is replacing the Willows Pier, which was
demolished in January 2022 due to structural degradation leading to environmental and
safety concerns. Project engineer identified concerns with seawall stability that need to be
addressed through project permitting. Awaiting updated design for permit resubmission in
anticipation of a construction start date in summer/fall 2023.
Estimated completion date: TDB
• Palmer Cove Park Phase II as of 6/1/23 – Phase II improvements to Palmer Cove Park
including construction of a 2nd basketball court and conversion of dilapidated baseball
infrastructure to multipurpose grass field. The majority of construction activities are
complete: Demolition, earthwork, light poles, paving (paths, basketball court, and parking
area), plantings, irrigation system, site furnishings, and adult and youth play equipment
installation. Remaining items underway include final plantings, basketball court painting,
and public art sculpture installation, fencing, signage, playground surfacing, and
establishment of grass. Estimated project completion date: 12/31/2024
• Forest River Conservation Area Volunteer Bridge as of 10/2024 – Project has been on
hold due to lack of funding. Completed items: Vandalized Signs have been cleaned and
preliminary repairs made to allow safe access around site.
Estimated project completion: TBD
• Salem Willows Phase II as of 11/24: Project to include upgrading pedestrian pathways to
meet ADA standards, removing pavement, adding greenspace, plantings, trees, and
bioretention basins, and connecting the project area to the adjacent pier replacement project.
Complete: 100% of design (including preliminary archeological investigations).
Construction began October 21 with depaving and sawcutting pathways of the project site
which are outside of the adjacent pier project and deeper archeological testing in softscape
and previously paved areas. Items in progress: Analysis of archeological testing, tree
pruning, installation of erosion controls. Remaining items: Archeology Site Exam, redesign
as necessary to protect historic resources, and construction. The project is currently on track
to be completed June 2025, though archeological findings and further required site
investigations may impact timeline.
Estimated project completion: June 2025
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FY23 Awards
• Residences at El Centro as of 11/2024: Creation of 29 units of 100% affordable supportive
housing for seniors and 19 affordable apartments for seniors. Project still in predevelopment
stage. Funding not yet all secured.
Estimated schedule: TBD
• Old Town Hall Restoration as of 11/2024 – Project to restore 1816 Old Town Hall.
Completed items: Architect contract & construction documents completed; BID Docs created
& posted. Items in progress: Construction BID open until late Nov.; OPM contract in works.
Remaining items: Construction Contract & all actual construction items. Estimated schedule
for next steps and project completion: One final grant pending award, City bond to be
secured in early November to cover any remaining funding gap. Construction expected to
break ground in late November early Dec. 2024 with full Phase 1 Exterior project completion
by June 30, 2025.
Estimated schedule: 2024-2025 Seek additional funding
• Emmerton House Repointing as of 11/24 - Repointing of the historic Emmerton House
constructed in 1810-1812 owned and operated by the Woman's Friend Society. Additional
funding in FY24 allows for the project to proceed.
• Hamilton Hall Exterior Restoration as of 10/24 - Exterior restoration of the 1805 Hamilton
Hall designed by Samuel McIntire. Work completed to date: Restoration of the Chestnut
Street elevation fascia, soffit, and gutters, as well as restoration of damaged windows and
decorative swags from gutter overflow. Restoration of rear windows is 70% complete, with
some repairs and painting still needed for windows and door frames. Fanlight restoration and
repainting is complete. The Chestnut St, ballroom fire escape, and pantry service doors have
been replaced and surrounds repaired/ painted. We are waiting to do the Brick Hearth Room
exit until we remove the ceiling and repair the water damage in that room. We also plan to
replace the 3rd-floor exit door. Five sets of shutters have been fully replaced on Chestnut St
Facade. Cambridge St shutters have not been ordered.
Estimated completion date: Spring 2025
• Palmer Cove Park Phase II as of 11/2023 - Funds to be used toward the final phase of
construction to implement the community’s vision for improvements to Palmer Cove Park,
including a second basketball court, a new multiuse field, water access, trees, furnishings and
public art. Status: Design, permitting, and bidding are complete and the general contractor is
mobilizing at the time of this report. Demolition and construction will commence December
2023.
Estimated completion date: 12/31/2024
FY24 Awards (Updates due 12/1/24)
• Old Town Hall Restoration (see FY23 awards)
• Emmerton House Repointing (See FY23 Awards)
• Salem Willows Phase II (see FY22 Awards)
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• Curtis Park Design (See FY20 Awards)
• Fort Lee Preservation & Management Plan as of 10/24: Project to develop a preservation
and management plan for Fort Lee, a 1776 earthwork fort in the Salem Willows. Request for
Proposals for preservation plan will be issued early November with anticipated start time of
December 2024 for planning work to commence.
Estimated completion date: November 2025
• Broad Street Cemetery Table Tomb Restoration as of 10/24: Project to restore deteriorated
brick and marble table top tomb. Request for Quotes issued early November with restoration
work anticipated to begin late November pending weather conditions.
Estimated completion date: April 2025
• The Bridge at 211 Renovation and Accessibility as of 10/24: Develop Design for upgrading
building’s fire suppression and warning systems and for accessibility improvements to enable
continued use of the building. Completed items: Entered into Agreement with Contractor –
August 22, 2024 per vote of Board of Directors. Items in Progress: Scheduling of assessment.
Remaining Items: Completion of assessment per contractor proposal.
Completed Projects
Note: CPA funds have been spent, but project may still be underway.
FY23 Awards
• Gables Tea House & Barn Roof Replacement
• SHA Roof Replacement 5 Barton Square/140 Washington Street
• Dickson Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window Restoration
• Pickering House & Barn Exterior Restoration
FY22 Awards
• Salem Deed Conservation
• Dickson Chapel stained glass window restoration
• Floating Docks off Winter Island
• St. Peter’s Church Coping Stones/Cellar Windows
• Leefort Terrace (CPA funds have been expended)
• Pickering House Front Façade
FY21 Awards
• Restoration of Poseidon Fountain
• Slate Roof on the Oil House, Bakers Island Light Station
• Salem Willows Phase I
FY20 Awards
• Forest River Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center
• Renovation of Palmer Cove Park Phase 1
• Mack Park Food Farm
• Bowditch House Roof replacement
• Brookhouse Home Brick Repointing Phase II
• Salem Community Gardens: Splaine/Pickman
• Historic Fire Station Roof Restoration (142 North St.)
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• Bertram Field – Field House
• Transitional Rental Assistance (SHA/COA)
• SHA Phillips House Restoration
• New Point Acquisitions
• Lafayette Housing II Limited Partnership
FY19 Awards
• Brookhouse Home Brick Repointing Phase I
• Old Town Hall Master Plan
• Broad Street Cemetery Preservation Plan & Design Development
• Salem Athenaeum Planning Study
• Facilitating Redevelopment of the Courthouses
• Emergency Rental Assistance (NSCAP)
• Willows Restoration Phase 1
• Lighthouse 47 (Leavitt/Palmer 25 units)
FY18 Awards
• 211 Bridge Street Window Restoration
• Salem Common Bandstand
• Golf Cart Paths (Phase 1)
• Salem Common Fence Restoration Phase IV
• Gallows Hill Park Renovation Designer Services
• Lighthouse 34 (21 units)
• Memorial Park Irrigation
FY17 Awards
• Charter St. Burial Ground
• Lafayette Park
• Nathaniel Hawthorne Statue Restoration
• Saltonstall School Playground
• Turner-Ingersoll Mansion Roof Replacement (+FY18 increase)
• 1-3 Bemis Street Acquisition – Restriction on land to be executed
• Palmer Cove Assessment & Concept Plan
FY16 Awards
• Salem Willows Pavilion Restoration
• 289 Derby Street (soft costs)
• Proctor’s Ledge Memorial
• Fort Pickering Phase II
• Salem Public Library Window Frames & Sills
• Collins Cove Playground Renovation
• Forest River Pool Conditions Assessment
• Mack Park Bathrooms
• Bentley Academy Charter School Playground
• Ryan Brennan Skate Park Phase 1 (design only)
• Boston Street Crossing (26 units)
• Preserving Emmerton House
• Forest River Park Bathrooms
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FY15 Awards
• Harbor and Lafayette Homes (27 units)
• Greenlawn Cemetery: Dickson Memorial Chapel
• Salem Council Chambers Historic Artwork Conservation/Restoration
• Charter Street Burial Ground (Phase 1)
• House of the 7 Gables: Hawthorne Birthplace Roofing Project – Preservation Restriction
has been executed.
• Hamilton Hall Window Restoration – Preservation Restriction has been executed.
• Salem Common Fence Phase III
• Camp Naumkeag Rehabilitation Master Plan
• Forest River Conservation Area Trail Assessment
• Mary Jane Lee Park Improvements
• Bates Elementary School Playground
• Salem Public Library, Brownstone & Brickwork
• McGlew Park Redesign
FY14 Awards
• 52-60 Congress/105-111 Dow Streets Housing (35 units)
• Old Town Hall Window Restoration
• Salem Common Fence Phase II
• Winter Island: Fort Pickering Phased Rehabilitation Phase 1
• Choate Statue Restoration
• Salem Public Library Roof Replacement
• Winter Island Multi-Purpose Scenic Trail
• 15 Ward St. Pocket Park
• Driver & Patten Pocket Park Rehabilitation
• Salem Community Gardens Improvement
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FY25 Community Preservation Plan
FY24 Funding & Timing
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III. FY25 Funding & Timing
A. Financial Forecast
Massachusetts CPA regulations require that 10% of annual
CPA revenues be set aside or spent for housing projects, 10%
for historic projects and 10% for open space & recreation
projects. The remaining 70% of CPA funds received in each
fiscal year is available to be appropriated to specific activities
or reserved until activities are identified. Up to five percent of
the CPA funds raised annually may be used for administrative
activities related to the work of the CPC (administrative help,
professional help, appraisals, legal assistance, general studies,
newspaper ads, miscellaneous expenses, etc.). The CPC recommends how the remaining CPA revenues
shall be divided among the three purposes. The budget must be approved by the City Council before
the annual tax rate is set. The City Council approved the FY25 budget at its meeting of June 8, 2024
(based upon the Assessor’s estimate of $890,000 in surcharge revenues, and a 15% estimate ($133,500)
in State match funds). The City received $75,000 in year 5 of Footprint Community Benefits Agreement
contribution and this was added to this year’s approved estimate. Current available fund revenues and
expense estimates are: $1,098,500.
Revenues:
Estimated
Surcharge
Actual
Surcharge
Estimated
State
Match
Actual State
Match
Match
% Other Funds
+/- (Interest,
penalties,
write-offs,
etc.)
TOTAL
REVENUE
FY14 $400,000 $475,084.64 $50,000 $536.56 $525,621.20
FY15 $435,000 $524,153.00 $100,050 $169,707.00 31.47% $1,399.85 $695,259.85
FY16 $450,000 $556,348.63 $81,000 $155,406.00 29.70% $580.70 $712,335.33
FY17 $500,000 $583,750.08 $95,000 $114,479.00 20.60% $1,771.91 $700,000.99
FY18 $550,000 $617,350.80 $82,500 $100,418.00 17.20% $1,376.09 $719,144.89
FY19 $600,000 $665,874.40 $69,000 $117,388.00 19.00% $5,473.68 $788,736.08
FY20 $650,000 $718,142.00 $83,882 $159,267.00 23.90% $75,000 $12,399.38 $964,808.38
FY21 $650,000 $743,818.57 $72,800 $205,579.00 11.20% $75,000 $3,180.21 $1,027,577.78
FY22 $715,000 $750,636.37 $230,945 $329,076.00 43.84% $75,000 $3,481.86 $1,158,194.23
FY23 $790,000 $830,183.42 $276,500 $301,048.00 38.51% $0 49,072.13 $1,180,303.55
FY24 $845,000 $873,228.99 $236,000 $175,738.00 21% $75,000 $97,673.99 $1,221,640.98
FY25 $890,000 $133,500 15% $75,000 $1,098,500.00
$10,792,123.26
Approved CPA Budget FY25
Open Space & Recreation
Projects Reserve $102,350
Housing Projects Reserve $102,350
Historic Projects Reserve $102,350
Betram Field Bond Yr 4 $100,000
Administration Expenses $ 51,175
FY25 Budgeted Reserve $640,275
TOTAL $1,098,500
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Awards/Expenditures:
Actual Awards Made and Actual Admin Spent Total
FY14-19 Funding Round $4,349,067.97
$4,741,465.05 FY14 Admin Actual $46,624.07
Between Round Awards $385,070.00
Projects under budget ($39,296.99)
FY20 Funding Round $833,481.29 $835,953.69
FY20 Admin Actual $4,648.90
Projects under budget ($2,176.50)
Between Round Awards $0.00
FY21 Funding Round $973,795.98
$1,267,110.10
FY21 Admin Actual $8,539.12
Admin. Adjust. $3,750.00
Bertram Bond Y1of20 $100,000.00
Projects under budget ($8,975.00)
Between Round Awards $190,000.00
FY22 Funding Round $1,173,078.66
$1,285,749.71
FY22 Admin Actual $13,908.04
Bertram Bond Y2of20 $100,000.00
Projects under budget ($7,172.57)
Between Round Awards $0.00
FY23 Funding Round $1,047,989.19
$1,134,205.15
FY23 Admin Actual $9,784.12
Bertram Bond Y3of20 $100,000.00
Projects under budget ($114,116.65)
Between Round Awards $90,548.49
FY24 Funding Round
FY24 Admin Actual
Betram Bond Y4of20
Projects under budget
Between Round awards
$1,335,000.00
$4,742.60
$100,000
($214,116.65)
$0.00
$1,225,625.95
FY25 Funding Round
FY25 Admin Actual
Bertram Field Y5of20
Projects under budget
Between Round Awards
10,490,109.65
This leaves an estimated $180,564.11 to carry over into the upcoming funding round for projects. When the
State match percentage projections are released in March 2025 for FY26, the estimated State match funds
and the estimated local surcharge for FY26 (to be provided by the City Assessor), will form Salem’s FY26
CPA budget. Once approved by the City Council, the FY26 budget will also be available to the CPC as it
considers its funding recommendations for FY26 projects to be awarded during the FY25 funding round.
It should be noted that CPA funds that are not awarded in one year may be reserved (carried over to
subsequent years). In addition, CPA regulations permit bonding against future local surcharge revenue.
17
B. Proposed FY25 Timeline
The CPC is dedicated to undertaking its responsibilities in a timely manner. Please note that the
following proposed dates are tentative and may be changed as necessary by the CPC in order to ensure
adequate time is provided to undertake the required tasks.
July 2024 Updated Taxpayer Information Guide issued
October 8, 2024 Annual public hearing
November 15, 2024 State match funds released
December 2024 Finalize FY25 Community Preservation Plan
January 6, 2025 Step 1 Determination of Eligibility Application Deadline
While Determination of Eligibility Applications can be received at any time,
this deadline is to ensure consideration for the annual funding round.
March 2025 DOR releases State match percentage projection
March 21, 2025 Step 2 Funding Application deadline
April 2025 CPC proposal review and development of funding recommendations
April/May 2025 Submission of FY26 budget recommendation to City Council
May/June 2025 Submission of Round 12 funding recommendations to City Council
Dickson Memorial Chapel
Stained Glass Window Restoration Before & After
18
Community Preservation Plan
Application Process Review
________________________________________________
IV. Application Process Overview
A. Step 1: Determination of Eligibility
The Determination of Eligibility Application (DOE) is the first step in a two-step application process
submitting project proposals for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. This enables applicants
to know if their project is eligible under CPA regulations prior to submitting the comprehensive
Funding Application. The CPC will also determine under which category a project is deemed eligible
(Community Housing, Historic Resources, Open Space or Recreation Land) and under which
definition (Acquisition, Creation, Preservation, Support or Rehabilitation/Restoration).
Proponents of eligible projects will be invited to submit a Funding Application and will be provided a
copy of the application materials and Evaluation Criteria. Proponents of projects deemed ineligible
will be notified in writing. DOEs may be submitted up to a week prior to any regular meeting. The
CPC will announce an annual deadline for DOEs approximately six weeks prior to the annual funding
round application deadline.
Notes:
• For municipal properties, when the applicant is not a city department (i.e. PTA, neighborhood
group), the applicant must provide written consent to submit the DOE by the managing City
department.
• For non-municipal properties, if the applicant is not owner of the property, a written consent to
apply must be included with the DOE application, which acknowledges that the funding
application will be co-signed by the owner and that any required funding agreements and
restrictions (i.e. preservation, affordable housing) will be executed by the property owner.
• CPA funds are primarily for property exteriors.
• At this time, for historic properties, the Salem CPC does not recommend funding awards for
privately owned residences or for private, for-profit commercial properties.
B. Step 2: Funding Round
Project proponents who are invited to submit a Funding Application will be mailed and/or emailed
application materials. Project proponents may submit Funding Applications any time after they have
received a Letter of Eligibility from the CPC.
To ensure project consideration for the annual round of funding, the CPC will announce an annual
deadline for applications. Applications received after the deadline may also be reviewed by the CPC
depending on the urgency of the project and the availability of funding.
Notes:
• For municipal properties, when the applicant is not a city department (i.e. PTA, neighborhood
group), funding applications must be co-signed by the authorized representative of the city
department.
• For non-municipal properties, if the applicant is not owner of the property, the funding
application must be co-signed by the property owner. Funding agreements and restrictions will
19
executed with the property owner. Funded projects will require the filing of a restriction on the
property at the Registry of Deeds.
• CPA funds are primarily for property exteriors.
• At this time, for historic properties, the Salem CPC does not recommend funding awards for
privately owned residences or for private, for-profit commercial properties.
1. Community Preservation Committee Funding Round Review:
During the funding round review, the CPC may request additional information. The CPC can
postpone further review of the application until the next round if there is missing information,
incomplete information, additional information desired, or for any matter the committee deems
would delay the current funding round. The CPC may return the application for completion
and resubmission. Once the CPC is satisfied with the Application’s completeness, it will be
accepted for funding consideration and then evaluated utilizing the Evaluation Criteria.
The CPC will vote on a rank of High, Medium or Low Priority for each project within each
category (Community Housing, Historic Resources and Open Space/Recreational Land).
After consideration of available funding, the CPC will issue one of three determinations for
each project:
▪ Recommended for funding - This means the application has been selected and a funding
amount will be submitted to the City Council for approval. Note: This does not necessarily
mean that the total amount requested in the application will be recommended for funding.
The CPC may also include conditions as part of its funding recommendation.
▪ Accepted for future consideration of funding - Typically, this means that the project is
desirable, but that other projects were deemed higher priority. The application will not be
recommended to the City Council for funding approval during the current round. However,
a funding recommendation will be considered at subsequent funding rounds (carried over)
- or sooner, if the CPC so decides. The applicant will not need to submit a new application
for the project, but may submit additional information.
▪ Not recommended for funding - The applicant will be notified in writing the reason that
the project was not recommended for funding. The application as submitted will not be
reconsidered at subsequent funding rounds. If the applicant desires to resubmit a project
proposal, the application process must begin with a new Application for Determination of
Eligibility and it is recommended that the new project proposal be a significant change over
the initial proposal.
The CPC may choose not to recommend all available funds to projects. The CPC may choose
to recommend awards to some projects and then carry over remaining funds. Remaining funds
may be considered for any urgent projects that may arise prior to the next funding round or may
be added to the following round of available funds.
C. Step 3: City Council Recommendation and Vote
The CPC’s recommendations will be presented to the City Council one or more times annually. The
City Council has the final authority to award funds from Salem’s Community Preservation Act Fund.
It may approve, approve but with a lower level of funding, or reject recommendations. The City Council
takes a vote on each recommendation. It is suggested that applicants attend this meeting to answer any
questions. Members of the public may speak in favor of or against specific recommendations at the
public session preceding each Council meeting.
20
D. Step 4: Funding Awards
For projects approved by City Council, the CPC will issue award letters with information on the funding
amount, funding conditions, project modifications as voted by City Council (if any), and guidelines for
project execution.
E. Additional Information
1. Requirements
Non-city CPA funding awardees must sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which describes
the implementation and reporting requirements. The MOA will be tailored to each project and may
include one or more of the following conditions or other conditions as identified by the CPC:
• Status Reports - Status reports will be required quarterly. If it becomes apparent that the project
will not be moving forward after a reasonable time period, the CPC may recommend to the City
Council that funds be reprogrammed.
• Photographs - Before and after photographs must be provided
• Project Sign (temporary and/or permanent) - Permanent signage that identifies that the project
receives CPA funding from the City of Salem may be required by the CPC for certain completed
construction projects. For all construction projects, temporary signage is required while work
is underway. See the CPA administrator for the current policy. CPC staff will provide
appropriate language for signage. Awarded organizations should work with CPC staff to
determine if the City has temporary signage available for use during construction.
For projects awarded funding, all required permits and approvals must be obtained before
construction commences. Please check if your project will require permitting or approvals from
any City boards or Departments. Examples are the Electrical, Engineering, Fire Prevention, Health,
and Building Departments, the Cemetery, Conservation, Historical or Park & Recreation
Commission and/or the Planning Board, Salem Redevelopment Authority or Zoning Board of
Appeals.
Project proponents whose projects have restrictions as a condition of CPA funding, or with
restrictions in development, shall submit project plans for compliance with the restriction prior to
obtaining any building permits. For municipal historic resource projects that are not located in the
local historic district, nor in the Salem Redevelopment Authority area, project plans shall be
reviewed by the City’s Preservation Planner for adherence to the Secretary of the Interiors
Standards prior to project bidding.
Projects receiving CPA funding shall credit this source of funding in all promotional materials.
2. Restrictions Required for Acquisition of Real Property
Section 12a of the Community Preservation Act requires that a permanent restriction be placed on
any "real property interest" acquired using CPA funds to ensure that the property continues to be
used for the applicable CPA purpose. Given this statutory requirement, a CPA project involving
acquisition of any real property interest is technically not complete until the restriction is approved
by the appropriate state agency and filed at the Registry of Deeds. These are the four types of
restrictions that are commonly used in CPA projects:
21
For Open Space Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Projects: Conservation Restrictions
>> Approved by the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA)
For Community Housing Projects: Affordable Housing Restrictions
>> Approved by the MA Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Restrictions shall be for those persons and families whose annual income is less than 80 per cent of
the area-wide median income. The area-wide median income shall be the area-wide median income
as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For Open Space Agricultural Projects: Agricultural Preservation Restrictions
>> Approved by the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (DAR)
For Historic Projects: Historic Preservation Restrictions
>> Approved by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC)
Note: As a condition of CPA funding, the CPC has routinely required Preservation Restrictions
(PR) for ALL private projects receiving CPA funds for historic resources. Such restrictions place
the property under Salem Historical Commission (SHC) review for exterior alterations. In order to
ensure compliance with the required restriction, all projects needing a PR as a condition of receiving
CPA funds shall not receive a building permit until the project plans have first been reviewed for
compliance with the PR and are reviewed by the SHC, if required. If the PR is still in development
and has not been recorded at the Registry of Deeds, the property shall be flagged in the City’s
permitting system to request that a Building Permit be held until either the PR is filed with the
Registry or the project proponent submits design plans to the SHC for review to ensure that the
project complies with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards and the intent of the CPA funding for
historic resources.
3. Procurement
The procurement laws are multiple state statutes that deal with various aspects of municipal
procurement including building construction, public works construction, design services, supplies,
services, and real property. In addition, prevailing wage laws apply for construction projects
undertaken by public entities in the state as well as to some limited services provided to them. The
procurement and prevailing wage laws are complicated – they apply in various ways depending on
circumstances of the situation and sometimes exemptions may apply. The City of Salem
Department of Planning and Community Development will work with CPA awardees to ensure the
proper method of procurement is undertaken.
For the purposes of describing the applicability of procurement laws to CPA projects, there are
three main categories that CPA projects could fall into: capital improvement projects, the purchase
of real property, and contracting for professional services. Each of these three project categories
must adhere to different procurement laws as explained in more detail below.
Capital Improvement Projects (M.G.L. c.149 and c.30 s.39M)
Capital improvement projects are “brick and mortar” projects such as creation of a new playground,
restoration of a building, construction of housing, wetlands restoration, etc. The matrix below very
generally describes how the procurement laws may apply to the various types of capital
improvement projects, depending on who owns the property and who administers the project.
22
Property Owner Project Administrator Do Procurement & Prevailing
Wage Laws Apply?
Municipality/State/Other
public entity
Municipal/State/Other Public
Entity
YES
Municipality/State/Other
public entity
Community Group (e.g., PTO,
friends group, neighborhood
association, etc.)
YES*
Private entity (non-profit
organization, private citizen,
etc.)
Private entity NO
Municipally owned and
leased by private entity
Private leasing entity POSSIBLY**
*Note: Even if a service is discounted or donated, prevailing wage may still apply.
**Note: For complex situations, an opinion from municipal counsel or the Attorney General’s
Office may be needed.
Acquisition of Real Property (MGL c.30B)
Acquisition of real property includes buying land, buildings, artifacts or a real estate interest (such
as a deed restriction). The purchasing laws (c.30B) that apply to acquisition of real property using
public funds deal with how to establish fair market value. This area of the law makes a special
exception specifically for real property acquired with Community Preservation Act funds. The
Community Preservation Act (MGL c.44B s.5(f)) states that “Section 16 of chapter 30B shall not
apply to the acquisition by a city or town of real property or an interest therein . . . no such real
property, or interest therein, shall be acquired . . . for a price exceeding the value of the property
as determined by such city or town through procedures customarily accepted by the appraising
profession as valid.” The bottom line is: Acquisitions of real property interests under CPA are
exempt from MGL c.30B, but you must get an appraisal prior to acquiring any real property interest.
And the municipality cannot appropriate more than the appraised value to acquire the real property
interest.
Contracting Professional Services (MGL c.7 s.38A½ and c.30B)
Contracting professional services includes hiring a housing consultant, planner, appraiser,
landscape architect, etc. MGL c.7 s.38A½ applies when procuring design services for public
building projects and establishes a designer selection process for construction projects over $100K.
Prevailing wage does not apply to these types of design services. MGL c.30B applies to other
professional services and establishes three monetary thresholds that trigger different selection and
procurement procedures, with the most latitude established for contract amounts under $5K. If a
contract is between $5K and 25K, then three quotes must be solicited. And, for contracts at and
over $25K, sealed bids or proposals are required.
23
Mack Park Food Farm
Before & After
24
Community Preservation Plan
Community Preservation Needs, Possibilities and Resources
________________________________________________
V. Community Preservation Needs, Possibilities and Resources
This section includes the CPC’s Evaluation Criteria for reviewing proposed projects, followed by category-
specific information (Historic Preservation, Community Housing, Open Space and Recreation), followed
by pertinent excerpts from various plans, studies and other public documents that make up Salem’s the
needs, possibilities and resources.
A. Evaluation Criteria
1. General Criteria
Primary Criteria: Projects must meet the primary criteria below:
1. Eligible for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding according to the requirements
described in the CPA legislation (Chapter 44B of Mass. General Laws).
2. Consistent with the Community Preservation Committee’s Community Preservation Plan
3. Consistent with the recommendations of the most current relevant planning documents
that have received public scrutiny and input, as applicable. A list of various planning
documents is located within the Community Preservation Plan and at
https://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/pages/studies-and-
reports.
4. Preserve and enhance the character of the city.
5. Demonstrate practicality and feasibility, and demonstrate that they can be implemented
within a reasonable, feasible schedule and budget.
6. The applicant/applicant team has successfully implemented projects of similar type and
scale or has demonstrated the ability and competency to implement the project as
proposed.
7. The applicant has site control, or the written consent by the property owner to undertake
the project.
NOTE: The CPC will also give due consideration to the urgency of the project, with particular
consideration given to projects whose successful implementation is constrained by scheduling
factors not controlled by the applicant. In cases of emergency applications, applicants must
demonstrate a compelling case (i.e. historic property at risk of irreparable loss, opportunity for
immediate acquisition of open space, or other compelling case).
Secondary criteria: Projects are encouraged to meet one or more of the following secondary
criteria (listed in no particular order):
8. Serve more than one CPA purpose (historic, housing, open space, recreation).
9. Protect resources that would otherwise be threatened.
10. Demonstrate a long-term, feasible strategy for ongoing maintenance of the CPA funded
project.
11. Leverage additional public and/or private funds (e.g. qualifies the project for additional
grants from other sources), receives partial funding from other sources and/or voluntary
contributions of goods or services or demonstrates that the proponent has unsuccessfully
attempted to leverage additional funds and that CPA funds are the source of last resort.
12. Preserve currently owned city or Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) assets or
improve the utilization of currently owned city or SRA assets (i.e. cemeteries, parks,
historic buildings, open space, recreation areas).
25
13. Capitally improve, preserve and/or restore the character of the Urban Renewal Area,
while also providing a clear public benefit and/or a connection to the SRA (i.e. façade
easement).
14. Produce an advantageous cost/benefit value (number of persons benefitted per year,
encourages economic development, enhances tax base).
15. Projects that are regional (i.e. collaborative projects with other communities)
16. Clean up contaminated lands.
17. Visible to the public (visible to passersby, physically accessible to visitors).
18. Utilize green concepts/components, sustainable initiatives and low energy.
19. Projects outside of those typically funded through the city’s general budget.
20. Received written endorsement by other municipal boards or departments, as applicable.
21. Received broad-based support from community members, especially project site abutters.
22. Projects that are in gateways to the city, including Bridge Street Neck, Lafayette Street,
Loring Avenue, Boston Street, Highland Avenue and North Street.
23. Projects that are within the Point Neighborhood or those that benefit a currently under-
served population.
24. Projects that address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise; particularly assets
that are currently threatened or vulnerable to these impacts.
The Community Preservation Committee supports the prioritization of diversity, equity and
inclusion (DEI) in the organizations it funds, because DEI creates an environment that respects
and values individual differences and fosters cultures that minimize bias and recognize and
address systemic inequities. The CPC encourages DEI efforts to be reflected in an
organizational mission, vision, and values; incorporated into strategic plans; and spread
throughout the organization. Applicants awarded CPA funding shall not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, religion, marital status,
familial status, sexual orientation, ancestry, public assistance, veteran history/military status,
genetic information or disability.
2. Category Specific Criteria
The General Evaluation Criteria stated above apply in combination with category-specific criteria
outlined below.
a. Historic Preservation - Projects which protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate
historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological resources of significance.
Primary Criteria: Projects must meet the primary criteria below:
A. Listed on the State Register of Historic Places (individually, within a district, as part
of a multiple property submission, multiple resource area, or thematic resource area,
or under a Determination of Eligibility) or the Salem Historical Commission has made
a determination that the resource is significant in the history, archaeology,
architecture, or culture of Salem (in writing).
B. Minimum of 50 years old.
C. Comply with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards
Historic resources that the Community Preservation Commission determines to be of
greater architectural and/or historical significance will be given preference.
Secondary Criteria: Projects are encouraged to meet one or more of the following
secondary criteria (listed in no particular order):
26
D. City-owned properties, features or resources of historical significance.
E. Non-profit owned properties, features or resources of historical significance,
especially those that are threatened
F. Vacant and underutilized properties
G. Demonstrate a public benefit to residents and/or businesses.
H. Projects are highly utilized and/or highly visible.
I. Provide permanent protection for the historic resource.
J. Incorporate universal design, where feasible.
K. When appropriate to the historic context, support accessing an historic resource by
multiple modes, including but not limited to, bicycle parking facilities, multi-use
connections and access to Salem’s bike share system.
L. Include risk assessment, resiliency and adaptation strategies to address the likelihood
of climate change impacts, stresses and risk factors.
Note: The CPC can NOT recommend awards to assist private homeowners on projects with
private purposes (i.e. window replacement on a family residence), regardless of the age or
significance of the home.
b. Community Housing - Projects which provide affordable rental and affordable ownership
opportunities. The CPA Housing Guidebook, distributed by the Massachusetts Housing
Partnership, is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn how CPA funds can
support local affordable housing initiatives.
Primary Criteria: Projects must meet the primary criteria below:
A. A minimum of ten percent of the housing units must be affordable to households who
earn 60 percent or less of the area median income. The area-wide median income shall
be the area-wide median income as determined by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development.
B. Property owner must enter into an affordable housing restriction for a minimum of 99
years (if CPA funds are used for acquisition, a permanent restriction).
Secondary Criteria: Projects are encouraged to meet one or more of the following
secondary criteria (listed in no particular order):
C. Provide mixed income housing with a higher percentage of affordable units than
required by the primary criteria.
D. Address the needs of a range of qualified households, including extremely low, very
low and low income families and individuals (below 60% of area median income).
E. Demonstrates a housing need of an underserved population in Salem.
F. Promote use of existing buildings or construction on previously-developed land or city-
owned sites.
G. Provide housing that is harmonious in design and scale with the surrounding
community.
H. Incorporate universal design.
I. Demonstrates a high degree of sustainability and low energy use (e.g. green roofs).
J. Comply with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation
K. Include amenities to support utilization of bicycles and other alternatives to
automobiles, such as indoor bike storage and access to Salem’s bike share system.
27
c. Open Space
Primary Criteria: Projects that meet one or more of the primary criteria will be given the
highest priority for funding.
A. Permanently protect important wildlife habitat, particularly areas that include:
a. Locally significant biodiversity;
b. Variety of habitats with a diversity of geologic features and types of vegetation;
c. Endangered habitat or species of plant or animal;
d. Wildlife corridors, connectivity of habitat or prevent fragmentation of habitats;
e. Wetlands and wetland buffers.
B. Restore filled wetlands or otherwise degraded wetlands.
C. Preserve and protect important surface water bodies, including streams, wetlands,
vernal pools or riparian zones.
D. Preserve, enhance and expand the city’s network of undeveloped, open spaces that
include and surround its natural areas (including its coastline, inland and coastal
wetlands and rivers) or that expand conservation land through new acquisition.
E. Climate change adaptation:
a. Protection of open space within both the current 100-year flood zone and areas
that may become part of the flood zone in the future;
b. Protection of open space in areas to which wetlands may migrate;
c. Enhancement of coastal wetlands that will absorb wave action from storms and
provide flood storage; prevention of coastal erosion, storm surge and flooding;
and storm water management.
Secondary Criteria: Projects are encouraged to meet one or more of the following
secondary criteria (listed in no particular order):
F. Provide connections or improved public access to Salem’s waterfront, existing trails,
protected open space or potential trail linkages.
G. Protect key parcels and sites for multi-purpose trails, scenic and water views.
H. Improve and protect the waterfront for recreational use, improve access to and
enhance the aesthetic experience of the waterfront.
I. Provide flood control/storage by protecting undeveloped land within the floodplain.
J. Enhance protection of land governed by the Conservation Commission (such as the
Forest River Trail).
K. Increase pedestrian accessibility and connectivity, and maximizes universal access,
where applicable.
L. Protect drinking water quantity and quality.
M. Preserve active agricultural use.
N. Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education, including
waterfront amenities.
O. Includes new or improved signage directing people to the city’s natural areas.
d. Recreation
Primary Criteria: Projects which meet one or more of the primary criteria will be given
the highest priority for funding.
A. Expand the quality, variety and range of passive and active recreational opportunities
for all age groups and abilities.
B. Serve a significant number of residents.
28
C. Support multiple recreation uses.
Secondary Criteria: Projects are encouraged to meet one or more of the following
secondary criteria (listed in no particular order):
D. Contribute to providing a park/open space in every neighborhood - creates a new
neighborhood park or upgrades an existing neighborhood park
E. Jointly benefit Conservation Commission and Park and Recreation Commission
initiatives by promoting recreation, such as hiking, biking, walking, running and
boating.
F. Maximize the utility of land already owned by the city (e.g. school property).
G. Promote the use of railroad right-of-ways and other corridors to create safe, local and
regional non-motorized alternative transportation routes
H. Interconnect schools, open space, recreation areas and recreational facilities.
I. Expand shoreline bicycle and pedestrian access
J. Improve and protect the waterfront for recreational use, increase/improve access to and
enhance the aesthetic experience of the waterfront
K. Provide universal access for all ages; meet ADA accessibility standards
L. Include educational components
M. Include new or improved signage directing people to parks, recreational activities
and/or the waterfront, etc. or orient people within parks and recreational areas or along
non-motorized routes.
N. Increase pedestrian accessibility and connectivity, provide amenities to pedestrians.
O. Comply with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation (for structures)
B. Category Specific Information
1. Historic Preservation
As the state’s second oldest city, the City of Salem’s built environment reflects four centuries of
history with more than 12,500 housing units constructed prior to 1960. Our inventoried assets
represent the 3rd largest in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More than 1,700 buildings are
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Continuing maintenance of historic properties
requires substantial attention and resources, and both private owners and public institutions focus
considerable efforts in this direction. Many of these resources are essential to Salem residents' and
the region's economy and quality of life. Salem’s historic resources include:
• Fine examples of over ten historic styles of American architecture, ranging from mid-17th
century through early 20th century;
• Arguably the finest collection of Federal Style and Federal Period architecture in the United
States
• The finest collection of Samuel McIntire designed properties in the United States (McIntire
Historic District Walking Trail).
• Some of the earliest established and best preserved urban parks in the nation;
• Five public and three private cemeteries established from 1637 to 1807 containing important
historic resources, such as burial markers and tombs, fencing, buildings and other structures;
• One of the few remaining colonial period wharves in the country;
• Many 17th and early 18th century structures from the Puritan and early maritime periods;
• Four local historic districts (Derby Street, Lafayette Street, McIntire, and Washington
Square) encompassing approximately 550 17th, 18th, and early 19th century structures;
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• A large early cotton textile factory, immigrant settlement houses and neighborhoods, and leather
industry archeological resources;
• Historic sites associated with the late 17th century witchcraft trials; and
• Prehistoric Native American archaeological resources dating back approximately 4,000 years,
ranging from the Late Archaic through Early, Middle, and Late Woodland Periods to Contact
Period.
CPA funds may be spent on the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic
resources. For rehabilitation and restoration, the expenditure must fall within the CPA definition of
“rehabilitation” and is not within the CPA definition of “maintenance”. For non-City property,
projects will require the filing of a permanent Preservation Restriction on the property at the
Registry of Deeds that has been approved by Massachusetts Historical Commission. Project
proponents will be required to provide title information and a metes and bounds legal description.
Communities using CPA funds on historic resources must adhere to the United States Secretary of
the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Funding must not violate the Anti-
aid Amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution.
Section 2 of the CPA legislation defines historic resources, preservation and rehabilitation. Under
CPA, an historic resource is defined as a building, structure, vessel, real property, document or
artifact that is either:
• listed on the State Register of Historic Places; or
• determined by the local Historic Commission to be significant in the history, archeology,
architecture, or culture of the city or town.
The State Register of Historic Places is a listing of buildings, structures, objects and sites that have
received local, state or national designations based on historical or archaeological significance.
Included are all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and all local historic
districts. To determine if a property is listed on the State Register, you can research one or more of
the following:
• Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) - http://mhc-macris.net/
• National Register of Historic Places - https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm
• National Register of Historic Districts & Landmarks Interactive Map -
https://salemma.maps.arcgis.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html?appid=631be8abcc604c
548f3a5b64d7c142c3&extent=-70.9195,42.5069,-70.8662,42.5339
• Salem local historic districts map -
https://www.salem.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif3756/f/uploads/lhd_2019.pdf
or contact the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development for assistance.
For more information, the flow chart on the next page details the steps to determining whether your
historic preservation project qualifies for CPA funding (please also refer to the CPC’s Evaluation
Criteria).
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Pickering House
After Restoration
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2. Community Housing
Salem is a vibrant city with a complex history. As the city continues to evolve, it undergoes changes
that increase its diversity and wealth, but also present challenges. The cost of housing and the
shortage of available affordable housing for low- and extremely low-income households represent
one of Salem’s greatest needs. Per the 2019 ACS estimate, Salem’s population is 48 percent low-
to moderate-income persons. In September 2023, the MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable
Communities, formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development,
calculated Salem’s Chapter 40B subsidized housing inventory at 0.21%.
Housing costs have continued to rise and Salem, like other communities, is currently unable to
meet the demand for affordable housing. Increases in housing costs in the City continue to
outpace growth in incomes. Roughly 14% of all Salem residents report incomes below the Federal
Poverty threshold. The median household income increased 8.5% from 2014 to 2022. In that same
period, the median home price increased 24.4%. In 2022, a Salem renter’s median income was
approximately $54,871 and a homeowner’s median income was approximately $121,609. In
2022, those with a median income could afford to buy a house selling for $296,742. However, as
of August 2023, the median condominium price was $520,000 and the median Single Family
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home was $710,000, creating an affordability gap of between $223,258 and $413, 258. From
2017 to 2024, rents have increased by 56% percent in Salem, compared to 35.5% in Boston. I
Approximately 1/3 of the households in Salem earn less than $50,000. A household that earns that
much can comfortably afford to pay $1,250 a month in rent. The average renter in Salem can
afford $1,371 a month. The median rent observed in July 2024 was $2,565 – almost double what
the average renter can afford. In addition, as of September 2023, Salem has 2,065 housing units
that are deed restricted to affordable levels. However, 218 of these restrictions will expire by
2040.
Section 2 of CPA legislation defines community housing. The United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) income guidelines are used to determine who is eligible to live in
the affordable housing units developed by communities with their CPA funds. Housing developed
with CPA funds may be offered to those persons and families whose annual income is less than 100
percent of the area wide median income, as determined by HUD. Please note, though, that
communities may choose to limit certain housing units created with CPA funds to those persons
and families earning less than 80 percent of the area wide median income annually, as determined
by HUD. This allows communities to include these units on their Subsidized Housing Inventory
(SHI) with the state. Projects will require the filing of a permanent Affordable Housing Restriction
on the property at the Registry of Deeds that has been approved by the MA Executive Office of
Housing and Livable Communities. Salem’s CPC has chosen to apply a criteria for all Community
Housing projects that a minimum of 10% of housing units must be affordable to households making
60% or less of the Area Median Income.
CPA funds may be spent on the acquisition, creation, preservation, and support of community
housing, and for the rehabilitation or restoration of community housing that has been acquired or
created using CPA funds. The CPA requires that whenever possible, preference be given to the
adaptive reuse of existing buildings or construction of new buildings on previously developed sites.
Use of CPA funds will require that the Property enter into an affordable housing restriction for a
minimum of 30 years (if CPA funds are used for acquisition, a permanent restriction). Restrictions
shall be for those persons and families whose annual income is less than 80 per cent of the area-
wide median income.
The area-wide median income shall be the area-wide median income as determined by the United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Salem CPC has also chosen to adopt
criteria for Community Housing projects, requiring property owners to enter into an affordable
housing restriction with a term of at least 99 years.
3. Open Space
Section 2 of the CPA legislation defines open space. It includes, but is not limited to, the following:
▪ Land to protect existing and future well fields
▪ Aquifers, recharge areas, and watershed land
▪ Agricultural land
▪ Grasslands, fields and forest land
▪ Fresh and salt water marshes and other wetlands
▪ Ocean, river, stream, lake and pond frontage
▪ Beaches, dunes, and other coastal lands
▪ Lands to protect scenic vistas
▪ Land for wildlife or nature preserve
▪ Land for recreational use (see separate category information, below)
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CPA funds may be spent on the acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space, and for the
rehabilitation or restoration of any open space that has been acquired or created using CPA funds.
It is important to note that a permanent deed restriction is required for all real property
interests acquired under CPA. This restriction must be filed at the Registry of Deeds as a separate
instrument, such as a Conservation Restriction (CR) or Agricultural Preservation Restriction
(APR), and until this step has been completed, the terms of the CPA acquisition have not been
technically fulfilled.
For non-City property, projects will also require the filing of a permanent restriction on the property
at the Registry of Deeds that has been approved by the Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs. Project proponents will be required to provide title information and a metes
and bounds legal description.
1. On the next page are maps from the City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update:
2023-2030 (2023):
• Open Space Inventory; and
• Scenic Resources and Unique Environments.
Ryan Brennan Memorial Skate Park
Before & After Photos
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4. Recreation
Section 2 of the CPA legislation also defines land for recreational use. The focus for CPA
recreational projects is on outdoor passive or active recreation, such as (but not limited to) the use
of land for:
• Community gardens
• Trails (but not paved functional sidewalks)
• Noncommercial youth and adult sports
• Parks, playgrounds or athletic fields.
CPA funds may not be spent on ordinary maintenance or annual operating expenses; only capital
improvements are allowed. In addition, CPA funds may not be used for horse or dog racing
facilities, or for a stadium, gymnasium, or similar structure. This prohibition has generally been
interpreted to mean that CPA funds are limited to outdoor, land-based recreational uses and
facilities.
CPA funds may be used for the acquisition of land to be used for recreation, or for the creation of
new recreational facilities on land a community already owns. Rehabilitation (capital
improvements) of existing, municipally-owned recreational land is allowable, such as installation
of trails for walking, hiking, horseback riding or skiing; installation of water lines and pathways in
community gardens; installation of irrigation lines for athletic fields; installation or replacement of
playground equipment, and other capital improvements to the land or the facilities thereon to make
them more functional for their intended recreational use. Installation of restrooms of municipally-
owned outdoor recreational facilities, such as athletic fields or a swimming pools, is allowable as
rehabilitation of land for recreational use, provided the restrooms make the land or related
recreational facilities more functional for the intended use, but not for the installation of restrooms
in a building or facility that services purposes unrelated to the outdoor recreation purpose. CPA
funds may be used for the creation/installation of non-commercial athletic fields, outdoor tennis
and basketball courts, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools and soccer fields. CPA funds may also
be used to acquire land held for railroad purposes to be used by the City for recreational us as a rail
trail as defined in section 35A of chapter 82.
Prohibited is the use of CPA funds for tennis rackets, basketballs, golf carts or other recreational
equipment, the use of land for horse or dog racing, the use of land for a stadium, gymnasium or
similar structure, indoor community recreational facilities, or for the acquisition of artificial turf for
athletic fields. Communities may still use their CPA funds for other aspects of a field project, but
must appropriate non-CPA funds to acquire the artificial turf surface.
Non-city projects will require the filing of a permanent restriction on the property at the Registry
of Deeds.
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C. Plans, Studies and Other Public Documents
As applicable, project proponents submitting funding applications should provide evidence that the
project proposed for CPA funding is consistent with the recommendations of the most current and
relevant planning documents that have received public scrutiny and input. The CPC encourages
regional proposals.
Located at http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/pages/studies-and-reports
are numerous studies and reports that have been developed and vetted through public processes. Such
plans are incorporated in this Community Preservation Plan by reference. Some of the
recommendations are potentially eligible to be funded through CPA. It is useful to summarize the
relevant needs, goals and recommendations of some of these plans (see excerpts below - most with plan
links).
1. City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update: 2023-2030 (2023)
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 — Make open spaces more inviting.
Objective 1.1 – Primarily deliver the top 5 desired comfort amenities and facilities, and secondarily
consider larger purposeful recreation facilities within them
IMPROVE EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES — Address community voiced needs for
improving existing facilities by primarily maintaining existing facilities while also adding smaller
new comfort amenities; and secondarily considering larger purposeful facilities within them (when
funding allows or opportunities arise). Focus on a combination of the expressed priority
maintenance parks, and priority EJ neighborhoods along with the top five expressed comfort
amenities. At the time of any given implementation decision, confer with the recommended OSRP
Implementation Committee to confirm whether the top 5 desired amenities still ring true with local
neighborhood stakeholders.
• Trails and Paths Network Focus — Among the areas of overlap between maintaining and
improving existing, and delivering to desired amenities/facilities is one of the top five desired
ones are the trails and paths network. Providing more and better ways for residents to get around
without driving is also a major goal of Resilient Together, Salem’s climate action plan. Due to
combination of limited funding for improvements, competition for municipal land for housing
needs, and existing maintenance challenges, focusing on connecting open spaces with paths and
trails can help address these challenges while improving the system in a less costly and easier
to manage fashion.
• Coordination with Institutions and Organizations: The Peabody Essex Museum, National Park
Service, Salem State University, and Essex National Heritage Area maintain public spaces that
serve the communities park and recreation needs. These partnerships and further coordination
should be maintained and expanded to expand offerings available to the general community
while also maximizing and prioritizing limited funding on other strategic municipal open space
improvements.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF FACILITIES FOR EQUITABLE EJ ACCESS —
Consideration should be given to potential priority maintenance of the most frequented parks listed
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in the survey (Salem Common & Playground, Forest River Park, & Winter Island) as well as parks
located in close proximity to areas with high-density EJ Census block groups. In order to increase
awareness, visibility and access, the City of Salem could create a simple, straightforward
“reservation” system for requesting the use of existing parks and recreational facilities for a
combination of youth, senior, artistic and cultural activities. This could have both an online presence
on the City website and City social media pages, as well as physical signage to broadly advertise
how residents and community organizations can do so. Such signage should also be provided with
at least some form of prominently communicating in more than one language that certain facilities
can be reserved, followed by a URL link with more multilingual information.
Objective 1.2 – Primarily focus on maintaining existing improved properties
MAINTAIN EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES FOR GOOD CONDITIONS — Park improvements
must be designed with maintainability in mind. The design must consider available staff, funding, and
management capacity for maintenance. Additionally, more resources should be committed to
maintenance. Address community voiced needs for maintaining existing facilities while also adding
smaller new comfort amenities within them when possible. Focus on a combination of the expressed
priority maintenance parks, and priority EJ neighborhoods along with the top five expressed comfort
amenities. At the time of any given implementation decision, confer with the recommended OSRP
Implementation Committee to confirm whether the top 5 desired amenities still ring true with local
neighborhood stakeholders.
Goal 2 — Expand access to recreation opportunities.
Objective 2.1 – Create new facilities by leveraging private development
Address community voiced needs for creating new facilities/amenities by leveraging private
development (and consequently prioritizing limited funds for maintain existing). Due to combination
of limited funding for improvements, competition for municipal land for housing needs, and existing
maintenance challenges — while municipal Salem funding focuses on an expanding an easier to fund
and maintain multi-use trails/path network the City can leverage private development through
regulatory mechanisms.
• Leverage Private Development — Via State of Massachusetts Chapter 91 public waterfront
requirements, and Salem zoning Cluster Subdivision regulations, developments can be required
to create parks, multiuse paths, open spaces, and trails that are built and maintained by the
private owner/developer. These new trails, paths and open space are legally required to be
publicly accessible to the public oftentimes in perpetuity. Specifically, regarding State Chapter
91, this can include public bathrooms, which are in demand in Salem, but the City is not in a
funding/staffing position to build and maintain more for them. The City can strive to go beyond
the minimum required by law and leverage private development to create, maintain, and ensure
access to new facilities above and beyond the minimum required so that the City can expand
parkland in a way that does not add an unsustainable burden on City finances.
• Public Art Opportunities — When appropriate, through partnership opportunities and/or
development review of project proposals, opportunities for including public art should be
considered a priority.
Objective 2.2 – Focus on underserved populations, youth and family programs, and prioritize the most-
densely populated EJ neighborhoods
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Deliver needed community-development recreational-programming activities for priority groups and
especially within EJ neighborhoods. Priority community groups identified by the survey include:
underserved populations (seniors, mobility challenged), youth sports, after-school/weekend activities,
youth-with-family activities. The expanded recreational access can come both in the form of needed
physical improvements and programming access. Priority parks, neighborhoods and desired
community improvements are listed in Table 21 in the Analysis of Needs. Additionally, continue to
expand City OSRP implementation efforts for equitable waterfront access for enhancing waterfront
activities on-shore and off-shore like kayaking, etc. for EJ and underrepresented communities.
Additionally, regarding the Sail Salem boating program, targeted and/or enhanced awareness of
program for EJ youth should be a priority.
Priority facilities mentioned by survey respondents as being ideal for events include: Forest River Park
complex; Salem Common & Playground; Salem Willows Park & Waterfront Park Playground; and
Winter Island Waterfront Park complex, and Palmer Cove Park.
Objective 2.3 – Strategic signate to bring awareness to regional destination open spaces
The City of Salem could help its residents to become aware of (and access) regionally significant nearby
open spaces. This could be accomplished through the use of strategically-placed, low-barrier stumble-
upon signage within parks throughout Salem. The purpose is to raise awareness of supplemental open
space and recreation options for both bike/ped trail enthusiasts and those with limited access to personal
vehicles.
In addition to Salem’s own parks, Salem residents have a number of nearby regional scale open space
resources available to them (including Lynn Woods Reservation, Wyman Woods, Nahant Beach
[public], and Sally Milligan Nature Reserve, among others). These highlighted regional open spaces
can be connected to via MBTA buses and regional bike trails.
Objective 2.4 – Build out the multi-use path network for connectivity.
In order to both deliver a top-five community-desired facility, and strategically prioritize limited
municipal funding toward long-term maintainable recreational facilities, the City should focus on
building out the multi-use path network. In contrast to creating non-linear parks, by virtue of their more
limited dimensions, it is relatively easier to spatially secure a path alignment, to improve it with limited
funding, and to maintain it.
• Trails and Paths Network Focus — Among the areas of overlap between maintaining and
improving existing, and delivering to desired amenities/facilities is one of the top five desired ones
are the trails and paths network. Providing more and better ways for residents to get around without
driving is also a major goal of Resilient Together, Salem’s climate action plan. Due to combination
of limited funding for improvements, competition for municipal land for housing needs, and
existing maintenance challenges, focusing on connecting open spaces with paths and trails can help
address these challenges while improving the system in a less costly and easier to manage fashion.
• Connectivity — The City should expand trail connections through public and private open spaces
throughout the city, and particularly in the Highland Avenue area. This can include expanding the
multiuse path network and address gaps within Salem and at borders with neighboring communities
per Salem’s Bicycle Master Plan. Additionally, the City should develop a policy for layout,
wayfinding, and maintenance of trails that are required as part of cluster subdivisions.
Goal 3 – Foster more community interaction and celebrate lesser-known history and cultural
themes.
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Objective 3.1 – By allowing, promoting or proactively spearheading more festivals and themed
neighborhood events.
CULTURAL & HISTORIC EXPANDED & INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION — Continue to
partner and collaborate with neighborhood associations and non-profit community organizations to
expand creativity and cultural representation of different heritages. This can include physical parks
improvements for public art, historic and cultural interpretation/celebration signage, as well as
programming activities with other municipal departments, community organizations, and non-profits.
Survey respondents indicated the following programming ideas, and the following priority community
groups:
Programming ideas — farmers markets; music festivals or concerts; food festivals; outdoor movie
nights; arts and crafts festivals; and the performing arts.
Priority community groups — underserved populations (seniors, mobility challenged), youth
sports, after- school/weekend activities, youth-with-family activities
Goal 4 – Increase open space implementation capacity.
Objective 4.1 – Create an OSRP implementation committee substantially anchored by
widespread neighborhood representatives.
For implementation of the Action Plan, the Salem Planning and Community Development, and
the Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services Department should work together to assess
what additional facilities are created within the target OSRP 2023-2030 parks below for
improvements. Additionally, in order to: (a) supplement staff implementation capacity, (b)
bolster community rapport and transparency, and (c) make/confirm final specific improvement
decisions, the City should consider a 2023-2030 plan recommendation for the creation of a
Community Resident Open Space Implementation Committee.
This recommended group should have substantial representation from grassroots neighborhood
residents who need not have any formal affiliation with organized groups, nor need to hold any
title or seat on municipal (sub)committees or boards as a qualification. Such a committee could
meet with a non-taxing frequency of every 1 to 3 months, be scheduled by a designated municipal
administrative meeting scheduler, have designated neighborhood alternates to ensure
participation, and be as formal or informal as Salem municipal government determines is
necessary to ensure neighborhood consultation, and also allow for municipal administrative
discretion and efficiency.
Alternatively, the City could opt to have the Parks & Recreation Commission serve as the OSRP
Implementation Committee. This could be done with or without the Parks & Recreation Commission
designating a neighborhood- based resident committee of volunteers to help the OSRP
Implementation Committee with community feedback on implementation decisions.
Goal 5 – Conservation lands, climate-resilient open spaces and sustainability.
Objective 5.1 – Expand availability of protected undeveloped land for public passive recreation
enjoyment
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Expand the availability of protected undeveloped land by seeking opportunities to create more
conservation lands. The City should seek or monitor opportunities to purchase key parcels of
undeveloped land to protect valuable natural areas. Additionally, the City can also seek the
creation of conservation restrictions on private properties, as a more cost-effective approach. Both
approaches can further other plan needs such as connecting existing protected lands. From a
regulatory perspective, the City should review its Residential Conservation zoning district and
consider alternatives that allow sensitive development in a way that better conserves open space.
Additionally, the City could consider further park and recreation protections through the potential
creation of “park” zoning district categories to go beyond existing Residential Conservation
zoning protections for greater differentiation. Furthermore, this objective aligns with the goals and
actions of Resilient Together’s Natural Resources focus area.
Objective 5.2 – Explore climate resilient parks, and environmental sustainability measures.
The City has begun to see its parks and open spaces as key parts of its climate strategy. Strategies
for achieving climate resiliency within open spaces may include: (a) flood storage, (b) flood
barriers, (c) green infrastructure, and (d) relief from urban heat islands (trees, pools, splashpads,
misting stations, shade structures). Climate resiliency synergies with other OSRP goals include
how a multiuse path/linear park network can support lowering Salem’s carbon footprint from a
local transportation mobility standpoint. At a minimum, parkland itself should include features to
be resilient to climate impacts.
In furthering environmental sustainability, the zoning districts that park lands are subject to
should be revisited to ensure that they do not restrict sensible and appropriate renewable or clean
energy measures such as solar energy generation.
2. Salem Housing Roadmap 2023-2027
Overarching Goals
1. PRESERVATION AND STABILITY
Preserve affordable housing and naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) and protect low- and
moderate-income renters and other vulnerable populations, including BIPOC residents, from
substandard housing, discrimination, and displacement.
2. HOUSEHOLDS IN NEED
Protect and create affordable homes to support the needs of Salem's most vulnerable populations
including unhoused residents and those at risk of being unhoused, extremely and very low-income
residents, older adults, the workforce, and households with disabilities.
3. SUPPLY
Strive to create opportunity to sensitively expand the supply of market rate, mixed-income, and
affordable housing of various sizes, including accessible units, and ensure that redevelopment
minimizes displacement of existing Low and Moderate-Income (LMI) Households.
Location Goals
4. COMPLETE NEIGHBORHOODS
Focus housing development and redevelopment in areas of Salem with access to jobs,
transportation, and commercial hubs, while ensuring new development and redevelopment
includes strategies to minimize displacement of existing residents and loss of NOAH.
5. TRANSFORMATIVE AREAS
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Consider opportunities for redevelopment of transformative areas such as the SSU South Campus,
Jefferson Avenue area, Shetland Park, and areas along Highland Avenue, while ensuring
accessibility from these areas to employment centers and/or mixed-use projects.
6. MIDDLE HOUSING
Encourage strategic infill in existing residential neighborhoods that maintains historic character
design standards and neighborhood characteristics.
Sustainability and Design Goals
7. SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Work towards a more sustainable and resilient housing stock in Salem through innovative design
and sustainably sourced materials and renewable energy sources, with particular attention to
flood resilient construction and strategic location and design given Salem's coastal location and
potential for future sea level rise.
8. REHABILITATION OF BUILDING STOCK
Encourage rehabilitation of existing buildings, including historic buildings, to improve energy
efficiency and safety to preserve the historic character of Salem while improving quality of life
for residents.
3. Greenlawn Cemetery Master Plan
Greenlawn Cemetery is Salem’s largest and only active place of interment, covering 55.8 acres in
North Salem. Established in 1807 as a small burying ground, Greenlawn was transformed in the
mid-19th century after enlargement and embellishment in the Rural or Garden Cemetery style.
Today, the cemetery doubles as a passive recreation site, frequented by neighborhood walkers,
dog-owners, and nature-lovers. Visitors treasure Greenlawn for its beauty and solemnity, and for
the stories it tells through the thousands of tablets and monuments commemorating individuals
associated with 200 years of Salem’s history. In 2015, the property received recognition for its
diverse collection of tree species, through designation as a Level I Arboretum. Two years later,
Greenlawn achieved status on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing the property’s
significance as an historic resource.
Yet despite these honors, Greenlawn suffers from decades of minimal maintenance. The hundreds
of trees have received limited care, many are diseased or dead, and aggressive less-desirable
species have encroached valued ones. An aged drainage system has malfunctioned, resulting in
slope erosion, roadway heaving, and poor water quality in the two ponds. Historic structures,
including the Dickson Bridge and Steps, and culvert at the cemetery’s far north end, stand in
deteriorated condition. Sales of burial plots have been the primary source of money to care for the
landscape, and today Greenlawn is running out of interment space. To address the cemetery’s
condition, the Salem Cemetery Commission identified the need develop a long-term plan for
Greenlawn, one that would guide future improvements, identify options for expansion, and spell
out measures for long-term management and care. In developing this, the City aimed to restore
the character and quality of the historic landscape, funding this effort, in part, through the
development and sale of new, sensitively designed interment sites.
In addition to landscape restoration recommendations, the study included the following
recommendations:
• Restore cemetery ponds
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• Restore landscape structures including Sargent Pond culvert, Dickson Bridge and Dickson
Steps
• Conserve historic headstones
4. Preservation Plan for the Broad Street Cemetery (2020)
The Broad Street Cemetery, established in 1655, is Salem’s second oldest burial place and a
contributing resource to both the Chestnut Street National Register Historic District and McIntire
Local Historic District. The property holds several hundred gravestones, monuments and tombs
dating from the late 17th century into the 20th, marking the burials of many prominent Salem
families including Pickering, Lambert, Dodge and Goodhue, as well as veterans of several wars.
The property also serves as a passive recreation space to the dense surrounding neighborhood,
providing a grassy, shady spot for strolling, resting and picnicking.
The period of significance for the cemetery extends from 1655 to 1900. During this time, Salem
established the burial ground, enclosed it with granite walls and iron picket fencing, created two
formal entrances and connected them with a carriage road. The City graded the north slope
making a series of terraces and constructing between 80 and 95 tombs. Several species of trees
were planted to further embellish the landscape, providing dignity to the final resting places for
many generations of Salem families. All efforts to preserve the cemetery should reflect this 245-
year period.
The study offered the following preliminary recommendations:
Future preservation efforts at Broad Street Cemetery will involve each of the four treatment
methods outlined by the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment
of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes (1996). They
include:
• Preservation, where existing form, integrity and materials of the landscape will be
sustained;
• Rehabilitation, where features in the landscape will be repaired or altered to make their
use compatible with the landscape’s historical value;
• Restoration, where landscape features will be returned to their original form; and
• Reconstruction, where landscape features no longer extant will be restored.
Based on the preceding assessment, the following preliminary recommendations should be
considered for the Preservation Plan. Note that the recommendations do not appear in order of
importance or priority.
• Restore the iron picket fencing and sets of gates along the north edge; reconstruct the
missing Winthrop entrance gate; clean and straighten the granite coping supporting the
fence;
• Stabilize, as needed, the granite block retaining walls lining the east and west cemetery
edges, including cleaning and repointing, as required;
• Remove the wood picket fence along the south edge and replace with a steel picket fence
of a style complementary to the iron fence along the north edge;
• Work with the City to designate on-street parking spaces (Summer and/or Winthrop) for
use by visitors to the cemetery;
• Re-establish the carriage path connecting the east and west gates;
• Stabilize the slope leading from the lower section of the cemetery to the higher section;
• Remove any diseased or dying trees, as well as any volunteer invasive species (such as
Norway maple);
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• Develop a plan to replace trees with species appropriate to the two historic cemetery
styles;
• Expand and enhance the pollinator garden, integrating the design of the garden with other
cemetery needs (such as screening);
• Stabilize the tombs per the recommendations of the historic structures assessment;
• Conserve the gravestones and monuments identified in the assessment in need of
treatment;
• Restore the historic family plot enclosures;
• Restore the eighteen cast iron tomb markers along the north edge;
• Work with the City and developer of the former High School/Senior Center building (5
Broad Street), as well as owners of other Broad Street buildings (1 and 3) to upgrade
parking, pedestrian circulation and overall aesthetics of the north edge;
• Develop a sign program to (1) welcome visitors; (2) explain the cemetery’s historical
importance; (3) outline cemetery rules and regulations; and (4) direct visitors to prominent
features within the cemetery. As part of this program, design an interpretive program for
those visitors who cannot access the upper slope.
• Develop a plan for securing the cemetery from vandalism and inappropriate uses,
including installing lighting and security cameras.
5. Housing Needs Assessment (2020)
The Salem Housing Needs Assessment is intended to assist the City in understanding current and
future housing needs and will lay the groundwork for the City to prepare an updated Housing
Production Plan to identify community goals and strategies for housing production. The needs
assessment provides a detailed description of the population and housing characteristics for the
City of Salem.
KEY HOUSING NEEDS:
Local policies and resource allocation including zoning tools, local initiatives, and direct
assistance programs, can help the City address its most urgent housing needs. This analysis
indicates that the most urgent housing needs in Salem are as follows:
1. More deeply affordable rental units that are affordable to households with extremely low
income – at or below 30 percent AMI – and more rental units priced between $500-$950 monthly
rent that are affordable for households at or below the City’s median renter income ($37,776)
2. Smaller housing units – both affordable and market rate – including single-room occupancy
(SRO), studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units as well as accessory dwelling units and
service-enriched housing
3. More affordable ownership opportunities (including condos and single-family houses) with
sales prices at or below $240,000 (a price point affordable to households with the City’s median
household income
4. Robust and widespread financial assistance to property owners for rehabilitation of older
housing units occupied by low-moderate income (LMI) households including improvements for
code compliance, safety, and energy efficiency to reduce utility costs
5. Partnerships and state assistance to preserve existing affordable housing units
Note: This assessment did not include an analysis of special needs including for individuals with
disabilities and/or the need for supportive, transitional, and permanent housing for unhoused and
at-risk individuals and families.
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6. Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Vision Update Study (2020)
This study seeks to establish a community supported vision and to make recommendations that
support the vision. As part of a neighborhood planning effort, the City, local residents, business
owners, and other stakeholders of the historic Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood have come
together to develop a future vision for the area. The work builds upon previous planning efforts
and incorporates analyses of existing conditions, opportunities and challenges the neighborhood
faces. The plan begins with a discussion of relevant planning efforts, both past and present. It then
provides existing conditions, including existing regulatory framework (i.e. zoning) which help
frame the context and also helped inform community input. Recommendations include regulatory
changes (e.g., zoning and other ordinances), as well as priorities for public investments. Principles
supporting the vision included:
Maintain housing affordability. As Salem becomes an increasingly popular place for
people to live, rising housing prices threaten to displace existing residents and limit who is
able to afford to move to the community. A number of efforts can help ensure Bridge
Street Neck remains affordable.
Invest in public spaces. Open spaces such as parks and beaches should be well-maintained
and, where needed, access should be improved. Programming and events can help make
these spaces more vibrant and well-used.
A strong sense of identity. The neighborhood should take advantage of its location, unique
assets, history, and architecture to position itself as a distinct neighborhood within Salem.
This includes everything from the types of buildings retained and developed to wayfinding
that showcases the neighborhood’s history to programming of arts/culture activities.
3. City of Salem Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2020)
Through the Needs Assessment process and Market Analysis, the City identified several priorities
in the areas of housing, economic development, public services and neighborhood improvements.
• Salem needs more housing that is affordable to people of all income levels and household
types, including accessible housing and housing with supportive services. The disparity
between income and the cost of housing in the city and the region and a shortage of affordable
housing units are the two greatest challenges to meeting the needs of the constituent
population.
• Salem has identified needs for social services, including transportation, nutrition, housing
advocacy, legal services, education, employment, childcare, crime prevention, youth, teen and
adult programming, emergency funds for homelessness prevention, mental health services,
and substance abuse prevention and treatment, as well as programmatic navigational support
for seniors and new immigrants, and access to continuous programs and services.
• Salem residents in moderate and low-wage occupations struggle with the high cost of living,
while other residents are commuting long distances outside of Salem to reach higher paying
jobs. Job training, ESL classes, and other work-readiness programs would help to match the
available workforce with living-wage jobs in the region. Economic development initiatives
would help to increase and maintain quality employment opportunities for low- and moderate-
income residents in Salem. Business recruitment, coordination, and technical and financial
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assistance would support and maintain a vibrant economy and help to build small businesses
in the city.
• Improvements to streets, sidewalks, parks, and public spaces would help to improve the
quality of life in areas of the city with concentrations of low- and moderate-income
households, as well as to improve the accessibility of the city’s public realm for seniors and
persons with disabilities.
4. Gallows Hill Park – Plan Presentation (2019)
Goals:
• Create entrance statement that marks Gallows Hill Park as a destination
• Design a central gathering space around the renovated skatepark and playground
• Raised memorial to give prominence
• Provide more seating and shade trees
• Improve pedestrian circulation
• Improve parking lot (striping and organization)
• Include a visitor drop off area
• Add rain gardens to receive water from parking and any hardscape
• Create high school regulation size baseball field with irrigation
• Improve trailheads and trails
5. Salem Willows Park Restoration – Plan Presentation (2019)
General Recommendations:
• Willows Operation & Maintenance Plan
• Removal of Dead and Unsafe Trees (per Tree Inventory)
• Replace Trees Where Appropriate
• Maintenance and Hazard Pruning of Trees (per Tree Inventory)
• Create Integrated and Safe Facilities for Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Vehicles
• Stormwater Upgrades Including Green Infrastructure
• Incorporate Areas of Native Plantings
• Fence and Guardrail Repairs/Replacements •Signage Improvements and Updates
• Small Repairs to Willows Buildings
Additional Recommendations:
• Seawall Improvements
• Willows Beach
• Yacht Club
• Pier 1
• Pier 2
• Right of Front Beach
• Pier Improvements
• Park Lighting / Electrical Improvements
• Pavilion A Grading Improvements
• Pavilion C – Stair Improvements
• Band Shell Ramp Improvements
• Hut Wall Guardrail
• Clam Shack Accessibility and Historic Integrity Improvements
• Seawall Improvements
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• Dead Horse Beach
• Restaurant Row
• Repair Erosion/ Subsidence Above Clam Shack Seawall
• Restoration of O’Keefe Memorial Field
• Improvements to Restaurant Row (Narrowing, Sidewalks, Crosswalks)
• Fort Lee Parking Lot Improvements
• Creation of Dedicated Picnic Areas
• Fort Avenue Curb and Sidewalk Improvements
6. Bertram Field Design Development Manual (2019)
The report provides recommendations regarding facility improvements to the Bertram
Athletic Field. It addresses four areas: concessions, public amenities, locker facilities for
athletic participants, and barrier-free access to the press box in order to achieve the goal of a
state-of-the-art athletic facility for the City of Salem.
Overall Design Criteria:
• Sustainable design and Net Zero Energy facility
• Separate pedestrians from vehicle access to the entry
• Separate the athletic changing area from the public amenity spaces
• Protect visitors from inclement weather by providing semi-sheltered areas
• Provide outdoor grilling area for informal food preparation
• Improve the architecture to present a unified, thematic aspect to the entry and the
various facilities
• Provide a location for public art installations
• Provide 25 women’s toilets and 16 men’s toilets/urinals.
• The concessions stand will provide snacks and beverages. Pizza, hot dogs, and pre-
packaged foods will be served. Hot beverages will be provided.
• The athletic changing facility will provide space for teams to prepare and gather away
from the spectators.
• Provide accessibility to the press box.
7. Palmer Cove Park – Public Meeting Presentation (2018)
Design Goals include:
• Strengthen successful existing programs
• Provide improved waterfront connection
• Add opportunities for passive recreation
• Plan for resiliency to climate change
8. Forest River Pool, Bathhouse and Associated Facilities Feasibility Study (2018)
The feasibility study evaluated the existing conditions of the pool and bathhouse and developed
a program for a preferred option (of 3 sites studied), initial cost, and a schematic layout for the
proposed facility.
A pool evaluation by Weston & Sampson in 2017 determined that the existing pool can no
longer be upgraded to meet current codes and is losing water continually. It has a large surface
area with a lot of inefficient or under-utilized water surface. The bathhouse building is
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exhibiting signs of deterioration and as configured does not meet the needs of a modern
bathhouse. Therefore, the existing pool and bathhouse have been closed due to the complete
failure of the pool filtration equipment and deteriorated conditions of the bathhouse. The pool’s
physical condition, increasingly difficult maintenance, and non-code compliant features warrant
the construction of a new swimming pool.
The reconstruction and renovation of the Forest River Pool facility will provide a unique
opportunity to bring together the community in a dramatic setting while creating innovative
solutions for a modern facility that preserves the character of the park. The project will focus
on the following aspects:1. Sustainability Design – Net Zero or LEED 2. Resiliency – Move the
program and new infrastructure further upland 3. Education – The new pool will incorporate
opportunities for education, including coastal wetlands, history, and other topics 4.
Accessibility – Universal Design for pools and bathhouse 5. Historic Preservation – The new
pool will restore and modernize an existing historic resource 6. Increase Usability – The
program and design will allow for usage throughout the year, particularly Spring and Fall. New
pools will provide more usable water at appropriate depths than existing pool 7. Long term
Operations and Maintenance – Considerations of O&M will be part of the process.
The consultant recommends two swimming pools to segregate pool programming and use; and
allow use of one pool in the event that the other pool is taken out of service for cleaning. They
also recommend constructing the pool at an elevation even with the bathhouse structure. This
provides easy access for individuals with disabilities and eliminates the potential for flooding
and damage by tidal surges and groundwater.
9. Salem Bicycle Master Plan (2018)
With over 100 infrastructure and policy projects identified, this Plan is a blueprint for creating
a citywide environment that is safe and comfortable for people biking, regardless of their age
or ability level. These changes hold the potential to transform daily transportation in Salem.
With ever-growing traffic congestion and gridlock wearing on quality of life and the
environment in Salem, one thing is certain: we cannot build our way out of traffic with car -
focused streets. Through a well-connected network of high-quality bike infrastructure and
supportive policies and programs, Salem will offer biking as a safe and convenient
transportation option, making it easier and more appealing for large numbers of people to leave
their car keys at home. The vision guiding this plan is based on five big ideas, identified below:
i. Neighborhoods will connect to each other and downtown with comfortable bikeways along
key arterials, including:
• North Street
• Bridge Street
• Boston Street
• Lafayette Avenue
• Derby Street
• Highland Avenue
• Loring Avenue
ii. The Salem Commuter Rail Station will be accessible via comfortable bike infrastructure
from all approaches.
iii. Salem will connect to Beverly, Marblehead, Lynn, and Peabody with on and off-street
bikeable connections.
iv. Recreational trails and parks will be easy to reach by bike for people of all ages, abilities,
and backgrounds.
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v. Processes, regulations, and programming will embed biking into the daily decision making
of City staff and officials.
10. Imagine Salem Report (2018)
A vision for Salem in 2026, its guiding principles focus on community, housing, employment,
transportation and education. The following are the guiding principles for housing:
• Market rate housing should be affordable to people earning average wages.
• Housing for lower income households requires special accommodation to produce.
• Housing should be safe, healthy, and resilient.
• Housing designs must meet the varied needs of diverse residents, and there should be real
housing choices for all.
• Housing should be part of a complete neighborhood.
11. Salem For All Ages: An age-friendly action plan – November, 2016
In order for adults to remain living in their communities as they age, housing must be
available, affordable, and designed to accommodate a range of physical abilities. Moreover,
homeowners must be able to adequately maintain and repair their homes in order to stay in
them safely. We envision a city that provides a continuum of safe, affordable and healthy
housing options that provide the services and accessible design necessary to allow residents,
regardless of income or housing type, to age in place. Excerpts of Recommendations & Action
Steps:
Create supports to assist seniors with the maintenance of their homes to enable aging in place
• In order to streamline the permitting process for home modifications needed by
seniors, create a separate “express permit line” for home modification permits.
• Generate a Master Plan for the maintenance of all Salem Housing Authority operated
As a vision for the future of an Age-Friendly Salem, creating more opportunities for seniors to
engage in activities in outdoor spaces and parks as well as improving accessibility to public
buildings are goals of the Salem for All Ages initiative. Excerpts of Recommendations & Action
Steps:
Implement the 10-year parks and recreation master plan as well as monitor this process to ensure
features and programming meet the needs of seniors in Salem
• Determine ways in which beaches and waterfront amenities can be made more accessible to
older adults and persons with mobility limitations or for those who use assistive devices like
walkers or wheelchairs. For example, create a publicly available beach wheel chair loan
program or devise a beach access system that includes paved ramps with railings.
• Encourage the installation of public exercise equipment in Salem parks
12. Preservation Master Plan Update (2015)
This Historic Preservation Plan Update serves as both an educational tool for fostering greater
awareness and appreciation for Salem’s historic resources and the role these buildings,
structures, objects, landscapes, and burial sites play in visually defining the City’s character and
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unique sense of place and a guidance document to prioritize local preservation efforts. The Plan
summarizes opportunities and issues affecting Salem’s historic resources and community
character and includes recommendations to address the City’s preservation needs. The Plan’s
major topics, as provided below, each include several recommended actions.
• Promoting Salem’s History and Historic Resources
o Educational Programming and Activities
o Collaboration with Salem’s Preservation Partners
• Promoting the Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation
• Integrating the Arts and Historic Preservation
• Protecting Salem’s Historic Resources
o Identification and Evaluation of Historic Resources
▪ Salem’s Historic Resources Inventory
▪ Archaeological Resources
▪ National Register of Historic Places
• Protecting Salem’s Historic Resources and Historic Character
o Preservation Restrictions
o Salem’s Municipal Preservation Efforts
▪ Salem Historical Commission
o Strengthening Salem’s Historic Preservation Ordinances
• Other Preservation Tools Available to Protect Historic Resources
o Protecting Individual Resources
o Protecting Historic Neighborhoods
• Integrating Historic Preservation Objectives into City’s Zoning Development Review
Process
o Communication between City’s Boards, Commissions and Departments
o One Stop Meetings
o Site Plan Review
o Special Permits and Variances
o Urban Renewal Area
o Entrance Corridor Overlay Districts
o North River Canal Corridor Neighborhood Mixed Use District
o Environmental Review
• Preservation and Management of City-owned Historic Resources
o City-Owned Historic Buildings
o City-Owned Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
o City-Owned Historic Parks
o Public Sidewalks and Infrastructure in Historic Areas
• Planning for Natural Disasters and Climate Change Impacts
13. Parks Master Planning and Needs Assessment Report (2015)
The focus of the master plan effort was the development of a parks inventory and assessment
of parks recreation facilities and athletic facilities throughout the city. The scope of this study
includes evaluations, assessments and master planning for all of the city playgrounds, parks,
athletic fields, hard court facilities, school yards, and similar types of recreation facilities. The
four report volumes inventory and evaluate city parks, how they are used and how they are
maintained. From that analysis they suggest that the city consider four general goals for
improving the serviceability of its parks, increasing their usage and enhancing the image of the
city of Salem:
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Maintain: Consider the maintenance requirements of the parks and fund maintenance programs
accordingly. As with every municipality, economic pressures directly affect the quality of
facilities available to the public. Parks and public works staff frequently live in an environment
where resources are limited, and where no amount of creativity or ingenuity can make up for
too few resources. The City should consider expanding a few key staff resources to eliminate
the use of various vendors that are currently hired for maintenance work. Some staff expansions
that could be considered would include dedicated, specialized crews – a city tree crew, a city
turf grass crew and a floating general maintenance crew.
Arrange: Park uses can be re-arranged between city parks to make the best use of resources,
prevent scattering maintenance tasks through the city and concentrate certain uses in the
centralized areas, which best exploit adjacent infrastructure. Tennis facilities should be limited
to only a few locations in the city, and the amount of courts at those venues increased to allow
tennis instruction, coaching and programs. Consideration of a similar consolidation of some
basketball courts may also be appropriate. Strong consideration should also be given to moving
school uses onto campus or to adjacent properties, reducing busing costs, increasing field
availability to schools and freeing up needed space at city parks.
Improve: The facilities at some city parks are outdated, undersized or under maintained. As a
result, these facilities are also under-utilized. Improving the conditions at city parks will attract
use and users (and increase maintenance needs). Accessible pathways and walking loops were
a strong need according to the on-line survey. Providing appropriate lighting is one
improvement that should be considered that allows safe use after dark, when people are home
from work and using city parks. This report has documented the need to improve athletic
facilities and play areas at city parks. This report also asks the city to consider improvements to
certain parks in order to improve ‘walkability’, safety and access.
Expand: Growth is an important aspect of any economy, even the economy of recreation. The
growth of city parks is a reflection of the image and prosperity of a city. Walkable cities with
linkages to public transportation are known to attract young active residents. City staff should
remain aware of key opportunities to add the cities inventory of parks, and should be allowed
to advocate for their purchase. Important areas of expansion in Salem include any linkages and
expansion between downtown and the city’s historic waterfront, dedicated bike paths,
especially those that provide a 2 or 3 mile walking loop, opportunities for new parks in West
Salem and opportunities to add full size multipurpose rectangular athletic fields to the cities
inventory.
15. Salem Housing Needs and Demand Analysis – July, 2015
This report provides an overview of the current demographics of Salem, the existing housing
stock, projected changes in housing demand over the coming decades, and the types of new
housing that are needed to meet that need. Many portions of this analysis make reference to or
include MAPC projections data. These projections include two scenarios for regional growth.
Each scenario reflects different assumptions about key trends. The “Status Quo” scenario is
based on the continuation of existing rates of births, deaths, migration, and housing occupancy.
Alternatively, the “Stronger Region” scenario explores how changing trends could result in
higher population growth, greater housing demand, and a substantially larger workforce.
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Projected Development Demand:
MAPC projects that the current population of Salem, 41,320 people, could grow by 2,348 to
5,559 by 2030. At the same, time, household size has been on the decline, from an average of
2.24persons per household in 2000 to 2.22 persons per household in 2010. Under the Status
Quo scenario, MAPC projects that the number of households will increase by 1,800 (10%) by
2030. Under the Stronger Region scenario, it is projected that the number of households will
increase by 2,600 or 15%.
By 2020, Salem will need from 720 – 1,200 multi-family units and 210 – 260 single family
units to keep pace with population growth and smaller households.
In total, by 2030, assuming the Status Quo scenario, Salem will need to produce a total of 1,900
units of housing to meet demand. However, according to the Stronger Region scenario 2,725
units (approximately 140 units annually) will be needed to meet demand.
Housing Affordability:
The intersection of demand (people) and supply (housing), as well as policy and planning
priorities, helps determine housing affordability in a given community. One measure of
affordable housing need is the number of households eligible for public housing assistance or
housing subsidies. Under M.G.L. Chapter 40B, affordable housing units are defined as housing
that is developed or operated by a public or private entity and reserved by deed restriction for
income-eligible households earning at or below 80% of the area median income, which is
$98,500 for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro Fair Market Rent Area.
Additionally, all marketing and placement efforts for income-eligible households follow
Affirmative Fair Housing and Marketing Plan guidelines per the Massachusetts Department of
Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Housing that meets these requirements, as
well as some market rate units that are in developments that include affordable housing, qualify
for the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). Chapter 40B allows developers of low-and
moderate-income housing to obtain a comprehensive permit to override local zoning and other
restrictions if less than 10% of a community’s year-round housing inventory is included on the
SHI. A municipality’s SHI fluctuates with new development of both affordable and market -
rate housing. The percentage is determined by dividing the number of affordable units by the
total number of year-round housing units according to the most recent decennial Census. As the
denominator increases, or if affordable units are lost, more affordable units must be produced
to reach, maintain, or exceed the 10% threshold. Salem has reached that threshold. As of June
2015, 2,466 out of 18,998 units, or 13.0%, were included on the SHI. However, over the next
five years, the city stands to lose up to 904 of these affordable units due to expiring deed -
restrictions. If 904 units on the SHI were to expire, Salem would have a total of 1,562 units
remaining on the inventory. The city’s current 10% goal is 1,899 based upon the 2010 Total
Year-Round Housing Units number. If the city achieves the projected 2020 housing unit total
of 20,400 units (described earlier in this analysis), then a total of 2,042 SHI-qualifying units
would be needed to meet the 10% target. If the 904 expiring units were lost from the current
inventory, then the city would need to replace them with 480 additional SHI units by 2020.
MAPC recognizes that this does not take into consideration potential forthcoming developments
which may include affordable housing units nor does it include any potential efforts to preserve
those units which are projected to expire by 2020.
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16. Salem Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment & Action Plan – December, 2014
Flooding currently occurs in the historic areas of Willows near Fort Lee, Emerton and Forester
Streets, Derby Wharf/Maritime Historic Site, and Bridge Street. Flooding from storm surge may
flood these areas more severely and frequently and may flood additional historically or
culturally significant properties in the future. These are important assets for economic
development and tourism
APPLICABLE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES:
• Evaluation of buildings for flood proofing opportunities. Evaluating the utilities and critical
operations in the building is key to determining if they are at risk for flooding. An evaluation
may include: assessing the building strength to determine if it may withstand flooding-
forces; Understanding the likely flooding characteristics, such as the length of time a
building is expected to flood; Determining the building location within established or future
flooding areas; Operational and maintenance initiatives that would to ensure flood proofing
options are kept in working order.
• Re-site existing facilities outside future flooding levels, especially small structures or
historic properties. By relocating properties into future non-flood areas, the City may avoid
the extreme alterations required to protect the structure, risking loss of significant historic
character. This strategy is to be considered for smaller structures due to the significant
constraints and engineering considerations necessary to move a structure.
• Elevate a building’s critical uses within the building. In existing buildings, utility equipment
that is critical for functionality may be relocated to higher floors or elevated additions. Most
building systems may be divided into two components: 1) main equipment and 2)
distribution. One strategy is to strap or bolt equipment so it is designed to withstand wind
and other forces. Elevating supporting distribution systems (ducts, supply lines, and piping)
within the facilities may also help prevent flooding.
• Flood proof buildings to protect the existing buildings, critical systems and equipment.
There are two techniques for flood proofing a building: “dry flood proofing” and “wet flood
proofing”. “Dry flood proofing” is applied to building entrances, windows and surrounding
equipment rooms located within the flood prone area to ensure the area remains watertight.
“Wet flood proofing” is another method were water is allowed to enter into the structure
intentionally, but remains structurally sound and repairs are relatively easy to make.
17. Salem Public Art Master Plan - September 2013
The Public Art Master Plan outlines a wealth of exciting, innovative and community -building
public art projects. Some of these opportunities are related to proposed construction projects in
the Capital Improvement Plan. Many others address existing places. Public art can bring
vibrancy to key civic places throughout Salem, including gateways, squares and historic walks
that help to tie different areas together.
18. Vision and Action Plan for the Point Neighborhood in Salem 2013-2020 – August 2013
The Salem Point Neighborhood Vision contains some actions that would potentially qualify for
CPA funding.
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Environment, Open Space, and Recreation
One goal is to make improvements that enhance the quality of public spaces, parks, and
playgrounds in the Point – enhancing the resources that already exist so people who live and
play in the Point can fully enjoy these resources, and supporting the creation of more
opportunities for people of all ages to engage in athletic, educational, and creative activities in
the neighborhood. Another goal is to explore opportunities for small and large-scale open
space, natural resource, and recreation improvements. Examples that meet this goal include:
• Improve parks, open spaces, natural resources by making small and large improvements
• Continue to implement the Open Space and Recreation Plan actions in the Point
• Undertake improvements identified through the vision and action planning process
• Develop a revitalization plan for Mary Jane Lee Park
• Develop a revitalization plan for Palmer Cove Park
• Undertake improvements to Lafayette Park
• Revitalize 38 Palmer Street lot
• Improve neighborhood access to the waterfront behind Shetland Park
• Fix benches, replace sand in parks and plant trees in strategic areas
Housing and Economic Development
Goals include enforcing regulations pertaining to housing quality and public health, connecting
residents with existing housing resources, and helping secure new resources that will improve
the diversity and quality of housing available for rent and for ownership in the Point. Examples
that meet this goal include:
• Support development that includes a mix of housing, business, and offices uses in the Point
and housing that is affordable to different incomes.
• Work with public and private developers to promote property reuse and redevelopment that
is consistent with goals to provide affordable housing to people of different incomes and with
respect to historic assets.
• Identify, purchase, and rehabilitate critical, blighted properties.
• Improve historic building facades.
• Encourage and advocate that new developments in other parts of the City of Salem include
on-site affordable housing units to off-set the disproportionate presence of affordable housing
in the Point neighborhood while still meeting the housing needs of the community.
19. Salem Winter Island Park Master Plan and Summary – September 2011
Priorities identified in this Master Plan include the following:
Proposed Early Action
• Barracks and USCG Building (shell
and structural improvements)
• Early infrastructure improvements
• Gateway enhancements (sign,
gatehouse, paving, lighting, plantings)
• Bathhouse relocate/renovate
• Playground Relocation
• Parking & Circulation Improvements
• Grasspave Overflow Parking
• Bio cells, Moat/Rain Garden restoration
• Community Gardens
• Consolidation of RV sites
• Consolidation of tent sites
• Hangar Garage parking
• Extended dock for kayak rentals
• Amphitheatre
Proposed Long Term Action
• The Barracks Building renovation
• The USCG Hangar Renovation
• Fort Pickering restoration
• Hangar Garage Improvements
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• USCG Hangar pedestrian plaza
• Paths and walkways (including bike paths
and scenic walking paths)
• Park furnishings and amenities
• Infrastructure (sewer, water, electric)
20. Salem Downtown Renewal Plan - 2011
The specific objectives are:
• To eliminate and prevent the reoccurrence of blighting factors in order to restore conditions
of health, safety, amenity and economic viability.
• To preserve and enhance historic architecture and resources which are valued contributors
to the civic, cultural and economic environment of the Project Area.
• To accomplish a coordinated development of the Project Area which will promote the
health, safety, general welfare and amenity of the City and its people, by preserving and
enhancing the following:
• a range of compatible uses, each well suited to its location;
• a diverse and consistently high quality architectural character expressing a range of periods
and respecting the integrity of both historic and contemporary styles while avoiding derivative
design;
• urban forms that respect the patterns of blocks, sidewalks, streets and open spaces that
distinguish the compact, historic character of the area including the orientation of building
frontages toward streets and public open spaces, varied scales among closely-spaced buildings,
and the integration of off-street parking, if required, and vehicle access to substantially limit
their visual impact from public vantage points;
• a complete network of active and vital sidewalks and pedestrian-oriented spaces activated
by the entrances and uses along the ground floors of the buildings and through the interaction
among the compatible designs of sites, buildings, landscapes and streetscapes.
• To develop and apply urban design criteria, standards and guidelines to the Project Area
that will create a central city urban environment. The design criteria are sympathetic to and
conducive of the preservation and enhancement of historic and architectural values and to the
construction of new buildings and facilities compatible with the preservation and enhancement
of such values. The design criteria shall be consistent with the needs of the City and its people
for new and expanded residential and non-residential opportunities, services, facilities and
amenities.
• To undertake activities and initiatives to accomplish public or private redevelopment of
vacant or underutilized land and buildings, public open space and the infrastructure of streets,
sidewalks and utilities consistent with the other purposes within this Salem Downtown Renewal
Plan.
• To sponsor or participate in planning for areas adjacent to the Downtown Renewal Project
Area and for the principal transportation and land use corridors that lead to and from the
Downtown. The purpose of these activities is to encourage public actions that will reinforce
the edges, approaches and gateways to the Downtown and promote the other purposes of this
Plan.
21. Neighborhood Preservation District Study - September, 2008
The major purpose of the current study was to research the concept of Neighborhood
Preservation Districts (NPD) and ways that it might best fit Salem’s situation, prepare a draft
ordinance and draft design guidelines for two neighborhoods, and create educational materials
for the public. The study and its final products and recommendations relied heavily on public
input, gained through a series of neighborhood meetings, stakeholder interviews, dedicated
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page on the City’s website, and other means. The study provides recommendations that will
help the City of Salem and individual neighborhoods determine if a NPD program is right for
the city’s neighborhoods and can function alongside the Local Historic District (LHD) program
already in place. The final products included criteria for district designation, recommendations
on areas for NPDs, sample design guidelines and boundaries for Bridge Street and Point
neighborhoods and a draft NPD ordinance.
22. Salem Harbor Plan – January, 2008
Priorities identified include:
• New public open spaces in the South Commercial Waterfront area
• Additions to the Harbor Walk all along the harbor’s edge
• New/improved pedestrian connections, walkways, and open spaces in the North
Commercial Waterfront area
• Separate walkway/bike path out to Winter Island
• Facility improvements throughout Winter Island Park
• Re-use of the former Coast Guard hangar and barracks at Winter Island
• Fort Pickering and lighthouse improvements
23. Old Town Hall Building Condition Assessment - May, 2007
Old Town Hall is the earliest surviving municipal structure in Salem, Massachusetts (dating
from 1816) and an outstanding Federal Style building. The second floor of the building, the
Great Hall, has always been used as a public space and contained Town offices until 1837.
The first floor was originally designed as a public market. An existing conditions analysis and
structure conditions analysis were done in 2007 identifying critical needs of this historic
structure. Since 2008, Gordon College has managed Old Town Hall on behalf of the City of
Salem, and in doing so has maintained the building as a public venue that hosts a variety of
events. Gordon College in cooperation with the City has addressed several maintenance and
repair issues at Old Town Hall over the years as part of the goal to preserve this historic
building and keep it operational. Numerous needs have not yet been addressed given the cost
and scope of work to be done.
24. North River Canal Corridor Master Plan – February 2003
Northwest
• Promote long-term waterfront access along the Canal from Boston Street through the rear
of the Goodhue parcels to Harmony Grove
▪ Coordinate with the redevelopment of Goodhue parcels
• Improve image of canal edges
▪ Replace chain-link along Bridge Street – between Flint and Grove - with quality fencing—
include trees, widen sidewalks, etc.
North
• Extend access from Mason Street to canal edge— at key locations
• Consider redeveloping the Salem Suede site for housing and commercial
▪ Seek maintaining portions of the historic industrial structures
• Improve and maintain views from the Mason Street neighborhood to canal
• Enhance the residential character and streetscape along Mason from North Street to Grove
to strengthen Mason Street as a quality residential road.
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▪ Work with neighborhood to promote reinvestment including; new lawns, fences, façade
improvements, and landscaping (**probably only applicable to CPA if historic)
• Enhance Canal edge
▪ Develop public private partnership to provide enhanced maintenance trees, sidewalks,
benches, etc.
Northeast
• Improve pedestrian access along riverfront adjacent to Franklin Street—independent of
redevelopment efforts
• Connect Franklin Street to the downtown area (via the MBTA station) with a quality
pedestrian pathway
• Improve streetscape and sidewalks along both sides of Franklin Street and Furlong Park
• Seek opportunities to incorporate water-dependent uses—pursue efforts to clean up North
River
• Expand play fields of Furlong Park
Southwest
• Improve the edges of Bridge Street and the canal
▪ Seek public-private partnerships for maintenance
▪ Replace chain-link with visually attractive fence
▪ Explore long-term expansion of Leslie’s Retreat Park on north side of canal from Flint to
Grove
Leslie’s Retreat Park
Strengthen character and identity of the park and surrounding streets—connect the park to the
surrounding neighborhoods to the north and south
• Build programming into the park:
▪ Work with City and other organizations to develop events, program, etc. to activate the
park and its edges, to potentially include:
▪ Children's playscape areas
▪ Historic interpretive features
▪ Improve access and safety to the Park by creating two new pedestrian access points at
Bridge St.
▪ One new access point between Flint and North Streets to connect the Federal Street
neighborhood to the park via a pedestrian bridge
▪ The second access point through the extension of Commercial Street to Bridge and the
associated relocation of the existing entrance to the MBTA parking lot
▪ Include safety measures at the edge of the canal to prevent people from falling in
▪ Seek additional pedestrian bridge further east of the existing bridge, to directly link
Downtown and Mason Street
• Improve Park Image
▪ Solve park drainage problems
▪ There is the potential for the Bridge Street reconstruction project to re-align Bridge Street
so that it extends two-meters into the park. The Working Group and residents should continue
to be involved with Mass Highway and the City to ensure that the design of Bridge St.
complements the park edge and provides adequate pedestrian connections and landscaping
South
• Improve pedestrian connections and access to Leslie’s Retreat Park
▪ Pedestrian Bridge at the end of Lynn Street
▪ An at-grade grade crossing near new eastern entrance
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• Remove rail storage
▪ Enhance views and image of park
Southeast
• Improve the waters’ edge and forge connections to Downtown, Franklin Street and Leslie's
Retreat park—Trees, sidewalks, lighting, benches, plazas, etc.
• Restore Leslie's Retreat Plaque.
▪ Work with local historian and stakeholders to identify appropriate new location for plaque.
Franklin Street Parcels
• Seek expansion of water-dependent uses
▪ The Working Group and City should continue to discuss what acceptable water-dependent
uses are. While most acknowledged the desire to promote water-dependent uses, consensus
was not reached as to which specific uses should be permitted.
• Access to the waterfront should be provided at several locations and along the length of
the waterfront, from Furlong Park to North Street
• The City should review the status of the City owned parcels at North Street and adjacent
to the river—to provide a new pedestrian walkway from Franklin to the MBTA Station
• Potential uses include
▪ Improving and maintaining the existing uses
▪ A potential mix of low density housing/commercial and retail
▪ Additional open space along the waterfront
• Expansion of Furlong Park
25. Fort Lee and Fort Pickering Conditions Assessment, Cultural Resources Survey, and
Maintenance and Restoration Plan - 2003: Pages 1-88, Pages 89-130
The study was intended to identify and document prehistoric and historic sites, to determine
the boundaries and integrity of those sites, to determine their significance in terms of National
Register criteria, and to establish methods of historic preservation, community interest,
budgetary issues, long-term maintenance, conservation and management. There is also an
archaeological companion document to this report.
26. Burial Ground Planning Project Report - August, 2002
Salem’s burying grounds represent some of the most historic cemeteries in the Commonwealth.
This plan represents the long-term process to preserve and protect the Charter Street Cemetery,
Broad Street Cemetery, Friends Cemetery and Howard Street Cemetery. The overall goal is
to retain the burying grounds’ historical integrity, while at the same time maintaining
accessibility.
27. City of Salem Historic Preservation Maintenance Plan – August 1998
This plan consists of a series of individual reports on selected historically significant properties
owned and maintained by the City of Salem. Each report is written as a stand-alone document
intended to describe, at a survey level, the subject structure’s physical condition in the context
of its historic quality, followed by specific prioritized recommendations for appropriate
treatment of defects. Each report also indicates historic components of each structure that are
essential to preserve, recommends optional restoration treatments for important features that
have been lost or severely compromised and provides photographs to illustrate the significant
features and conditions of deterioration. This two binder plan includes:
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• Salem City Hall, 93 Washington Street
• North Salem Fire Station, 142 North Street
• Essex Street Fire Station, 415 Essex Street
• South Salem Fire Station, 40 Loring Avenue
• Salem Public Library, 372 Essex Street
• Endicott School (original building only), 110 Boston Street
• Palmer Cover Playground – Palmer Cove Community Center, 52 Leavitt Street
• Salem Willows, 200 Fort Avenue
• Winter Island Park, 50-120 Winter Island Road
• Dr. William Mack House – Ledge Hill Park, 59 Grove Street
• Gallows Hill Park, 53 Hanson Street
• Forest River Park – Col. Timothy Pickering House, 32 Clifton Avenue
• Witch House, 310 Essex Street
• Greenlawn Cemetery, 57 Orne Street
• Monuments:
o John Hodges Choate Monument: Essex and Broad Street (bronze statue)
o Roger Conant, Washington Sq. West (bronze statue)
o Civil War Monument, 37 Washington Sq. North (boulder with bronze tablet and
separate cannon)
o Theobald Matthew Monument, 28 Hawthorne Boulevard (marble statue)
o Nathaniel Hawthorne monument, 20 Hawthorne Boulevard (bronze statue)
o Immaculate Conception Monument, 20 Hawthorne Boulevard (bronze bas relief)
28. City of Salem Master Plan Update and Action Plan - 1996
“The Planning Board Imperative” includes the following “critical elements”:
• “Development of the commercial and industrial properties which have become
contaminated from prior activities, and thus are difficult for the generation of new uses”
• “Continued emphasis on the livability of the City for its inhabitants and visitors in terms
of neighborhoods, parks and cultural institutions.”
• “Promote culturally-based tourism emphasizing the City’s non-profit museums, historical
houses and neighborhoods, relationship to the sea, and general historical attractions.”
• “Continued emphasis on the reorientation of the “kernel of the City” – the downtown
area…”
• “The harbor is the City’s front door and a focus on that is needed.”
The Plan presents goals & strategies in six categories:
The Waterfront
Goal: Expanded public waterfront access
Strategies:
• Increase public landings in downtown
• Create public waterfront walkway at new South Harbor Marina, Shetland Office Park, and
downtown to Hawthorne Cove Marina and connect to regional trail system
• Develop multi-purpose trail system along waterfront as much as possible
• Convert old Salem-Beverly Bridge to a public recreational pier
• Downtown Maritime District: Create waterfront walk to the new port
• South Harbor: Pursue waterfront park development proposals
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• Collins Cove: Reinforce waterfront public access; Connect to bicycle/pedestrian trail
system
• North River: Create recreational pier at old bridge
• Relocate junkyard and marine contractor to create more open space
• Winter Island: Expand recreational boating & fishing; restore fort and historic buildings.
Goal: Enhanced access to harbor and islands
Strategy: Determine appropriate public access to islands, if any
Goal: Expanded and improved waterfront facilities
Strategies:
• Expand/promote use of marinas at Kernwood, Collins Cove, Winter Island, and Salem
Willows
• Seek funding for South Harbor Marina
• Winter Island: increase dockage and improve launch ramp
Transportation
Goal: Development and improvement of alternate modes of transportation
Strategies: Implement a system of bicycle/pedestrian trails: extend Webb St. trail beyond Cross
St.; design and build a trail along the Bypass Road and on Bridge Street; design and build a
trail on the Marblehead Branch
Economic, Institutional, and Downtown Development
Goal: Increased marine tourism
Strategies:
• Promote additional docking and mooring space
• Support development cruise ship port/wharf
Neighborhoods and Housing
Goal: 50% owner-occupancy of housing units overall in 10 years
Strategy: Support nonprofit production of affordable ownership housing
Goal: The Point: 25% owner-occupancy in 10 years
Strategy: Target problem properties for Buy/Rehab/Sell projects to encourage investment
Goal: Improve appearance of public property
Strategies:
• Continue upgrading of streets, public properties, parks, lighting
• Seek aesthetic improvements to power station land; investigate acquiring this parcel
Goal: Bridge Street Neighborhood – Revitalize neighborhood in conjunction with road
improvements
Strategy: Improve open spaces and connections to the water
Goal/Strategy: Boston Street Corridor – Playground in Beaver/Silver Street area
Goal/Strategy: South Salem between Lafayette and Canal Streets – Vest pocket
park/playground in central Cabot Street area
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Recreation, Open Space, and the Environment
Goal: Develop recreational facilities to meet specific City needs
Strategies:
• Acquire and construct bicycle trails as funds and land become available
• Find a location and construct a new soccer field
• Pursue feasibility of Salem/Peabody golf course at Spring Pond
• Improve hiking trails at the Forest River Conservation Area and Highland Park
• If a site becomes available, purchase and develop a playground between Lafayette and
Canal Streets
• Construct a recreational park at the South River
Goal: Continue to implement specific improvements to parks and neighborhood playgrounds
Strategies:
• Update equipment and surfacing to comply with current safety standards
• Improve handicap accessibility in accordance with the ADA
Goal: Target Winter Island for major improvements
Strategies:
• Secure funds to increase float space at pier
• Secure funds to reconstruct boat ramp
• Restore and develop interpretive signage for historic resources on Winter Island
Goal: Protect inland water resources
Strategies:
• Acquire and protect Thompson’s Meadow
• Acquire Leggs Hill property on the Salem Marblehead boundary
Goal: Protect and improve areas of historical significance
Strategies:
• Develop trails at Fort Lee
• Expand Salem 1630 Pioneer Village
Goal: Protect and improve areas of scenic importance
Strategies:
• Acquire the Leggs Hill property, develop trails on the site
• Acquire and protect the Lead Mills property
• Improve waterfront areas through the construction of bicycle trails, along Collins Cove,
the North River, and Salem Harbor in the Lead Mills area
• Relocate junk yard on the North River and expand Furlong Park into the site
Recreation, Open Space & the Environment – mapped priorities:
• Develop future reclamation program and development plans in coordination with owner of
the Quarry and the Town of Swampscott
• Acquire Spring Pond/Highlands
• Waterfront Access/Acquisition/Recreation at McCabe Park
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29. Relevant Programs
Additional programs that may be useful to CPA funding evaluation include:
• Historic Salem, Inc.
Historic Salem, Inc. continues to operate as a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to
preserving Salem’s rich legacy of historic houses, buildings and other properties. HSI works
to ensure their architectural and visual integrity as well as their appropriate adaptive reuse. The
organization participates in civic design reviews, presents annual preservation awards,
provides house histories and plaques to identify historic properties throughout the city, runs
educational programs and hosts a variety of social events that welcome newcomers and
lifelong residents alike to our preservation community.
• Capital Improvement Program (located with the FY23 budget)
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a blueprint for planning a community’s capital
expenditures. A CIP is typically a multi-year plan identifying capital projects and equipment
to be funded during the planning period. The plan includes a particular focus on asset
preservation, replacement of apparatus and equipment, and continued improvements to the
City’s infrastructure.
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Community Preservation Plan
Appendix
________________________________________________
o CP-1, CP-2 and relevant information from CP-3 annual reports
o City of Salem Code of Ordinances Section I. Chapter 2, Article IV.
Division 15. Community Preservation Committee
o Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
o Determination of Eligibility Application
o Funding Application
o Public comments on the Draft FY25 Plan
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Project Name Year Description Project
Status
Address CPA Award
Proctor's Ledge 2016 CPA funds were used to rehabilitate and preserve the
historic open space on Proctor’s Ledge, as well as create a
memorial to recognize the tragic and unjust executions that
took place on the site in 1692. This project was to preserve
the historic location of the execution site of 1692, where 19
innocent people were hanged after being falsely accused of
witchcraft. The site was confirmed by a team of academic
scholars affiliated with the University of Virginia and Salem
State University in January 2016, utilizing historic first-hand
accounts, topographic and viewshed analysis, and ground-
penetrating radar. The work was to establish the boundaries
of the site and ensure its rehabilitation and preservation,
create a tasteful memorial with a viewing area on the site
edge, and incorporating signage to direct visitors and
interpret the site’s important history. This project is tastefully
memorializes and protects the physical site of what is
arguably the most significant historic event in the City’s
history and an event of national importance.
complete 33 Proctor Street $178,300
Fort Pickering/Winter Island Fort
Restoration
2016 To continue phased restoration of the historic fort, including
repairs to magazines and masonry walls, additional
vegetation clearing and improvements at the entrance.
complete 0 Winter Island
Rd.
$69,630
Nathanial Hawthorne Statue
Restoration
2017 CPA funds will be used to stabilize the surface of the
Nathaniel Hawthorne Memorial Statue, return the sculpture
to its original appearance, and give the bronze a protective
coating in order to prevent corrosion and simplify annual
maintenance requirements.
complete 20 Hawthorne
Blvd.
$25,600
Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace
Roofing Project
2015 The project is the complete reroofing of the Nathaniel
Hawthorne Birthplace (circa 1750), located on the historic
campus of The House of the Seven Gables. The
preservation and restoration of the Hawthorne Birthplace
benefits the public, as it is open to the public and visited by
90,000+ museum guests a year. The house contains
galleries of items owned by Hawthorne and his family and
furnished examples of mid-18th century rooms, which are
explored by visitors on a self-guided tour. The project will
serve tourists as well as the local population, since entrance
to The Gables’ grounds and museum admission are free for
Salem residents.
complete 31R Hardy Street $29,565
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Forest River Park Bathrooms 2016 Forest River Park is a beautiful, ocean front park located in
South Salem. It is one of the largest and most visited parks
in the City being home to two beaches, a little league
baseball diamond, basketball court, two playgrounds and
the city’s only public pool. The park is also home to historic
Pioneer Village, which was established in 1930 as one of
the country’s first living history museums. The park's
bathrooms are located in close proximity to the main
entrance, immediately adjacent to the parking lot and
caretaker’s house. They need to be completely renovated,
including improvements to toilet and sink fixtures, make
bathrooms handicapped accessible, improve exterior and
interior lighting, install new bathroom partitions and fire
alarm upgrades.
complete 32-
38
Clifton Avenue $85,707
Emmerton House Window
Restoration
2021 This project includes a multi-phase approach beginning with
the replacing of all storm windows and then the full historic
restoration of 93 of the windows in this historic building.
In Progress 12 Hawthorne
Boulevard
$106,309
Fort Pickering/Winter Island Fort
Restoration
2014 Winter Island Park is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places as part of the Winter Island Historic and
Archaeological District. The Park contains several Native
American archaeological sites dating over 6,000 years as
well as the masonry and earthworks of Fort Pickering which
were established in 1644. The City wishes to begin the
process of rehabilitating Fort Pickering by acquiring the
services of an historic landscape architect who will develop
and begin to implement an action plan for the Fort’s
restoration. Such actions potentially include masonry
repairs to the Fort’s magazines and other masonry
structures, restoration of riprap walls, removal of invasive
species of vegetation, planting of native grasses and plants
to appropriately stabilize its embankments, creation of a
path system that minimizes erosion and installation of
interpretive signage.
complete 0 Winter Island
Road
$90,000
Charter Street Burial Ground
Preservation & Improvement
2015 Charter Street Burial Ground, the City’s oldest burial
ground, is a 1.47 acre green space established in 1637.
The work entailed the preservation and restoration of
headstones and tombs.
complete 51 Charter Street $90,550
McGlew Park Redesign 2015 McGlew is the only public space of its type north of Furlong
Park. The scope of work was to develop a design for the
renovation of McGlew Park. A landscape architect created a
redesign of the park through consultation with a Working
Group and two public forums. A Licensed Site Professional
(LSP) was retained to test soils and incorporate handling of
complete 201
1/2
North Street $76,363
69
any unsuitable materials into the park design. Construction
was completed in July, 2018.
Forest River Conservation Area
Trail Infrastructure Upgrades
2015 The project is to undertake an assessment of the condition
of the footbridges and other trail infrastructure at the Forest
River Conservation Area (FRCA) and to design upgrades
necessary to bring them into a state of good repair and
safety. The FRCA contains 126 acres of undeveloped
wooded open space along the banks of the Forest River,
with a main trailhead inside Salem’s State South Campus.
This FRCA, the largest continuous protected open space in
South Salem. The scope includes a cursory review of trail
conditions and wayfinding signage, a determination of the
applicability of Americans with Disabilities Act on trail
infrastructure and feasibility of incorporating universal
design, determine priority rankings and cost estimates and
create final design and bid documents for select
improvements.
complete $15,000
Hamilton Hall Window Restoration 2015 Completed in 1806, Hamilton Hall is one of America’s
outstanding examples of Federal style architecture. In 1970,
the Hall was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Designed and built by Samuel McIntire, the namesake of
Salem’s McIntire Historic District. Hamilton Hall has been in
the process of an incremental preservation project for the
existing windows. The remaining windows (1 large window
in the main ballroom, and 18 smaller windows elsewhere in
the building) at risk of water intrusion and other damage will
be restored.
complete 9 Chestnut Street $20,000
Dickson Memorial Chapel
Restoration
2015 The Dickson Memorial Chapel is located on the grounds of
the Greenlawn Cemetery. Following the conservatory’s
removal in the 1980’s, the interior of the Dickson Memorial
Chapel continued to suffer deterioration due to the lack of
an appropriate heat source. The goal of this project is to
stop water and weather infiltration and restore some of the
building’s deteriorated historical fabric. This work will
include repair and/or replacement of the exterior
downspouts, repair and repointing of the brick masonry at
the furnace vent location, repair and repointing of the stone
masonry buttress, repairs/replacement to several interior
sandstone and terra cotta masonry pieces, scraping and
repainting around the stained-glass windows, installation of
window glazing panels, and cleaning and repainting of the
interior masonry walls. Once these problems are corrected,
the building could be returned to use for memorial services
complete 57 Orne Street $106,000
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which will be the best way to ensure its long term
preservation. This chapel is covered by an Historic
Preservation Restriction created in 2016 and which is held
by the Massachusetts Historic Commission.
Mary Jane Lee Park Improvements 2015 In the summer of 2014, the City and its landscape architect
held a series of meetings with stakeholders to develop a
Master Plan for Mary Jane Lee Park. With funding from an
Our Common Backyards grant from the state, construction
of a new splash pad progressed into early winter, with final
weather dependent work to be completed this spring. While
improvements constitute a major upgrade to the park,
stakeholders expressed strong support for the
implementation of the entire Master Plan. Remaining
improvements include installation of approximately 4,000
square feet of rubber play surfacing beneath the existing
play equipment and swing set, 3 to 5 new shade trees, new
perennials along park perimeter, approximately 100
additional linear feet of pipe rail fence and 450 feet of new
chain link fencing, conversion of approximately 4,000
square feet of asphalt to an expanded grass area,
reconstructed basketball area with two junior courts (new
surfacing, striping, and 4 new posts and backboards),
installation of approximately 150 feet of asphalt circulating
paths to be incorporated into a tricycle track for small
children and construction of a small shade pavilion. •
Construction of a new park sign • Proper handling and
disposal of unsuitable soils as needed
complete 41 Palmer Street $85,075
Bentley Academy Charter School
Playground
2016 Bentley Academy Charter School was the only Salem
Public Schools elementary school without access to a
playground. BACS proposed to build a playground and
shade shelter with tables on-site at BACS. The playground
is ADA universally accessible, developmentally age
appropriate and can accommodate a range of capacities for
children ages 5-12.
complete 25 Memorial Drive $73,500
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Bates Elementary School
Playground
2015 The project is to purchase and install new playground
equipment at Bates Elementary School. The project is to
replace the 25 year old wooden structure and the smaller
plastic structure next to it with a new, modern play structure
featuring multiple play experiences: slides of different
heights, multiple climbing areas, a spinning activity and
areas designed to encourage imaginary and cooperative
play. This new structure will be ADA accessible, allowing all
school and community children the opportunity to play
safely. Also to be replaced is the existing and much
deteriorated wood mulch surfacing and the rotting wood
timbers that surround the play area. CPA funds would be
used specifically for the purchase of the new playground
equipment, timbers and main play area surfacing. With non-
CPA funding, the PTO will install swings.
complete 53 Liberty Hill
Avenue
$49,000
Collins Cove Playground
Renovation
2016 Collins Cove Playground is a neighborhood park along the
waterfront. It is home to a picnic pavilion, softball field,
beach, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground
structure. The park is currently in a state of disrepair. The
playground structure is one of the oldest in the City, is well
beyond its useful life and in need of an upgrade. The project
is to improve Collins Cove Playground by transforming the
existing basketball court into a multi-use street hockey and
basketball court.
complete 31 East Collin
Street
$83,000
Salem Community Gardens for All! 2014 SCG, a non-profit organization, currently operates 3
gardens located in public parks within the City of Salem.
While the gardens are relatively small, plants grown are
aesthetically pleasing to many people, provide fresh
produce and clean oxygen, and sequester carbon. They
also help gardeners receive recreation in the form of
exercise and social gathering, as well as a source of
tranquility and enjoyment as a place to unwind. Funds will
be used to install fences with wheelchair accessible
entrances at two of the gardens (Palmer Cove and Mack
Park) as well as sheds (Pickman Park and Palmer Cove). In
addition, all three gardens will receive attractive,
educational signage in both English and Spanish.
complete
$23,048
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Winter Island Scenic Trail 2014 Winter Island is on the National Register of Historic Places
as part of the Winter Island Historic and Archaeological
district. It contains several Native American archaeological
sites dating over 6,000 years as well as Fort Pickering and
the former U.S. Coast Guard and Sea Rescue Station. In
2011, the City of Salem developed a comprehensive Master
Plan for Winter Island. It contains a number of key
recommendations that can be implemented in phases in
order to enhance Winter Island Park’s natural resources,
preserve its historical structures, increase public access and
enable it to operate in a financially sustainable manner. The
scope of this phase includes the creation of a scenic,
walkway/bike path along the perimeter of the park bordering
Cat Cove in order to provide access and viewing spots of
the Cove. The 1600 linear ft. waterside trail will be
interpretive and will contain signage to explain the natural
environment and heritage of the park and its relationship to
the surrounding harbor and community. This new multi-use,
accessible pathway will connect Winter Island directly to an
extensive City-wide Salem Bike Path which links to both
Beverly and Marblehead bike paths, thus increasing access
by alternative methods.
complete 0 Winter Island
Road
$51,000
Great Spaces for Great Places:
Driver & Patten Parks
2014 The project proposes to rehabilitate and restore two small
pocket parks in residential neighborhoods. Driver Park is
located on the corner of Essex Street and Summer Street,
across from the Witch House. Patten Park is at the corner of
School and Buffum Streets. The Scope of work includes:
Driver Park - Installing a new flagpole, enlarging and
improving the decorative planting beds, planting additional
shade trees, shrubs, and perennials, new waste receptacle
and bench. Patten Park - Removing the existing old
concrete and wood benches, replacing them with new city-
standard benches, removing the existing old waste
receptacles and replacing with a new city-standard waste
receptacle, installing new shrubs and perennials in existing
planting beds, repairing the existing metal edging along the
stone dust path, and replenishing the stone dust in the path.
complete
$22,500
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Salem Public Library Roof 2014 Located within Salem’s McIntire Historic District, the Salem
Public Library building is a fine example of mid-19th century
High Renaissance Italianate style brick and brownstone
architecture. It was built in 1855 as the home of ship captain
and philanthropist Captain John Bertram. Donated to the
city by his heirs for use as a public library, Captain
Bertram’s home was renovated and opened its doors in
1889. An addition was added in 1911, which houses the
stacks and Reference area. The roof project will take place
on the 1911 addition. The present roof has long outlived its
warranty. There are leaks damaging the interior of the
building and threatening the Reference collection. HVAC
units will be replaced as part of the project, but will be
funded with Library Board of Trustees funds. This property
is covered by an Historic Preservation Restriction created in
2008 and which is held by the Massachusetts Historic
Commission
complete 370 Essex Street $135,500
Choate Memorial Restoration 2014 CPA funds will be used for the Choate Monument to
stabilize the surface, return the sculpture to its original
appearance, and give the bronze a protective coating in
order to prevent corrosion. The Choate Memorial is set at
the edge of the McIntire Historic District and celebrates an
accomplished and well respected Salem native, Joseph
Hodges Choate, a lawyer and diplomat who served as
Ambassador to the Court of Saint James, chairman of the
American delegation to the Second Hague Convention in
1907, and was involved in many cultural and humanitarian
activities. The Choate Memorial was created by John
Massey Rhind (1858/1860-1936), a Scottish-born, well-
known sculpture whose most-familiar work is his portrait
bust of Andrew Carnegie found in many libraries.
complete 0 Boston Street $25,800
Salem Public Library - Window
Frames & Sills
2016 The Salem Public Library was built in 1855 as the home of
ship captain and philanthropist Captain John Bertram.
Donated to the city by his heirs for use as a public library
Captain Bertram’s home was renovated and opened its
doors in 1889. This project is to repair and replace window
sills, trim moldings and frames due to extensive dry rot and
continued deterioration which threatens the building’s
weather envelope. This property is covered by an Historic
Preservation Restriction created in 2008 and which is held
by the Massachusetts Historic Commission.
complete 370 Essex Street $102,000
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289 Derby Street 2016 CPA would fund design and permitting costs to design a
gateway park with dynamic open space and a permanent
view corridor showcasing the downtown’s connection to the
South River and its Harborwalk. The intent is to transform
the vacant, waterfront site into a flexible event space with
programming, viewing areas for special events, music and
theater performances.
complete 289 Derby Street $100,000
Turner-Ingersoll Mansion Roof
Replacement
2017 Replace the roof of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, popularly
known as The House of the Seven Gables. The goal is to
seal the mansion’s envelope in order to protect and
preserve the structure and the historically significant
collections and items on display inside of it.
complete 54 Turner Street $69,000
Salem Common Fence - Phase 3 2015 This is Phase 3 of a multi-phase project to repair and
restore sections of the cast iron fence surrounding the 9.5
acre Common in the heart of the Salem Common National
Register District and the Washington Square Local Historic
District. The Common is the site of the first muster of the
East Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, which marked the
beginning of the National Guard of the United States
(approximated as Spring, The goal of this phase is to repair
and restore twenty-five (25) sections of fence flanking
Washington Square South. Once completed, there will have
been seventy-three (73) sections of fence repaired or
restored over the three phases of restoration (or 28% of the
whole fence). There are one hundred and eighty (180)
sections of fence remaining to be restored. This property is
covered by an Historic Preservation Restriction created in
2003 and which is held by the Massachusetts Historic
Commission.
complete 0 Washington
Square
$68,000
75
Camp Naumkeag Master Plan 2015 The project consists of the creation of a master plan for the
Camp Naumkeag site. The Camp Naumkeag site consists
of approximately five acres along the waterfront in the
Salem Willows. Camp Naumkeag is used for recreational
purposes serving the entire community. There are three
buildings and a caretaker’s house at Camp Naumkeag, and
one building at the Waterfront Park. There is a small beach,
parking area and an area for volleyball. Through the Salem
YMCA recreational day camp, over 150 youth ages 5-14
experience the joys of summer on a beachfront camp
location. All of the buildings at Camp Naumkeag are in
disrepair and are in need of rehabilitation. The current
conditions of this site do not allow the City to take full
advantage of programming, rentals and other events. This
project will support multiple recreational uses. A creation of
a master plan will ensure that each area of the property and
recreational opportunity is best utilized, including beach and
boating access, playground, open grassy field, vol leyball
court, basketball court, community garden and picnic/BBQ
area.
complete 85 Memorial Drive $25,000
Salem Public Library - Brownstone
& brickwork
2015 The Salem Public Library, located in the McIntire Historic
District, was originally erected in 1855 as a residence for
the noted Captain John Bertram from designs drafted by
Salem architects William H. Emmerton and Joseph C.
Foster. The interior was remodeled in 1888 as a library .
This project is to address weather envelope issues with
repair and restoration of damaged brownstone that is
severely eroded or in danger of falling, repoint the south
and east façade bricks and address some window repair
needs at the Library. The Library was awarded a Round 21
MPPF grant for these proposed repairs. However as MHC
could only provide $60,000, additional funds are now
needed to keep this critical preservation project on track
and to eliminate all emergency repair needs. This property
is covered by an Historic Preservation Restriction created in
2008 and which is held by the Massachusetts Historic
Commission.
complete 370 Essex Street $60,000
76
Conservation & Restoration of
Historic Artwork
2015 The City of Salem has several fine antique oil paintings in
City Hall that feature prominent individuals important to the
history of the city. This project is to conserve and restore
three of these historic portraits located in Salem City Hall
Council Chambers. The portraits are of 1) John Endecott (c.
1588) painted by George Southward in 1873: John
Endecott served as the first governor of the Massachusetts
Bay Colony in 1629; 2) Simon Bradstreet by an unknown
artist painted and presented to Salem in 1892. Bradstreet,
among others including John Winthrop, helped to found
Boston, the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 3)
John Glen King (1787) painted by Salem artist, Frank W.
Benson: He served as the first president of the Common
Council of Salem. The artist, Frank W. Benson, a native of
Salem, is celebrated as one of America’s best impressionist
painters. The painting in City hall by Benson is a copy of the
original painting by the artist Charles Osgood. Project
Scope of Work: • Conduct an examination of the paintings
and frames by qualified professionals in the field of
conservation and restoration to determine the condition. •
Depending on the examination the following may include
but not limited to cleaning, stabilizing, lining, retouching,
varnishing, rewiring/remounting and stretching.
complete 93 Washingrton
Street
$23,755
Old Town Hall Window Restoration 2014 Restoration of up to sixty (60) of Old Town Hall’s historic
windows. Full restoration on at least 12 windows,
mechanical restoration on at least 20 windows and minor
repairs to 24 additional windows. Old Town Hall is Salem’s
oldest surviving municipal structure, dating back to 1816. It
is an outstanding example of a Federal Style building. The
building and its Derby Square site maintain historical
associations with Salem’s prominent 18th and 19th century
Derby family. The building contains elements attributed to
both Charles Bulfinch, an influential Boston architect of the
Federal period, and Samuel McIntire, Salem’s renowned
architect and woodcarver. This property is covered by an
Historic Preservation Restriction created in 1997 and which
is held by the Massachusetts Historic Commission.
complete 32 Derby Square $113,965
77
Salem Common Fence Restoration 2014 This is Phase 2 of a multi-phase project to repair and
restore sections of the cast iron fence surrounding the 9.5
acre Common in the heart of the Salem Common National
Register District and the Washington Square Local Historic
District. The Common is the site of the first muster of the
East Regiment, Massachusetts Militia, which marked the
beginning of the National Guard of the United States
(approximated as Spring, 1637). In 2012, the City engaged
CBI Consulting to create an Existing Conditions Study and
Preservation Plan for the fence resulting in an estimated
restoration cost of more than $1.2 million, making it
necessary that the project be completed in multiple phases.
This property is covered by an Historic Preservation
Restriction created in 2003 and which is held by the
Massachusetts Historic Commission.
complete 0 Washington
Square
$100,000
Palmer Cove Assessment &
Concept Plan
2017 To complete an assessment of Palmer Cove Park’s existing
assets, an analysis of the existing ballfield, including
upgrade or relocation to another site, and a concept plan.
complete 30 Leavitt St. $27,000
Ryan Brennan Memorial Skate Park
Renovation
2017 To support final construction costs to upgrade the Ryan
Brennan Memorial Skate Park.
complete 53 Hanson St. $75,000
Saltonstall School Playground 2017 Purchase and install playground equipment at the
Saltonstall School.
complete 211 Lafayette St. $95,000
Lafayette Park Renovation 2017 Renovate a highly visible public space at the gateway of the
downtown, the Point Neighborhood and South Salem,
based on a vision developed through a broad public
engagement process.
complete 124-
132
Lafayette St. $100,000
Hawthorne Lofts 2021 Create twenty-nine units of housing with a preference for
artists/creatives. Twenty-four of these units will be
affordable, serving individuals and families at or below 60%
of the area median income. There will also be a creative
program space or co-working space for artists.
In Progress 13-
17
Hawthorne
Blvd.
$250,000
Lighthouse 34 2018 Create 21 units of affordable housing and 750sf of program
space at 34 Peabody Street in a new 5 story building.
Complete 34 Peabody Street $130,150
Salem Common Bandstand 2018 Phase 1 work involves electrical upgrades, a new secure
and historically sensitive entrance/egress to the basement,
new windows, and potentially a new apron. This phase will
also include design funds for future phases which would
include the masonry repair s.
complete 0 Washington
Square
$100,000
Gallows Hill Park Renovation 2019 Renovate Gallows Hill Park, which will include expanding
the baseball field to high-school size, reconstructed
skatepark, improved drainage, enhancements to the
surrounding trail network, and remediation of contaminated
soils.
In Progress 53 Hanson Street $100,000
78
Nathaniel Bowditch House Roof
Replacement
2019 Replace the roof of the Nathaniel Bowditch House located
adjacent to the Witch (Corwin) House.
complete 9 North Street $43,000
Lighthouse 47 2019 Create 25 units of affordable housing and 1500sf of
commercial/program space at 47 Leavitt Street. The nearby
parcel located at 38 Palmer Street will provide seven
parking spaces.
Complete 47 Leavitt Street $200,000
Old Town Hall Master Plan 2019 Undertake a comprehensive Master Plan for Old Town Hall
to assess necessary repairs and upgrades to inform
strategic decisions about its continued, long-term use.
complete 32 Derby Square $25,000
Boston Street Crossing 2016 Harborlight Community Partners, Inc. use of CPA funds is
toward the rehabilitation of two former rooming houses to
create 26 studio apartments for individuals who are
homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. The project will
have a comprehensive supportive services program
available to all residents.
complete
$59,500
New Pioneer Village 2026 Phase 1 2021 Designer fees to relocate Pioneer Village to the Camp
Naumkeag site.
In Progress 85 Memorial Drive $100,000
Willows Restoration Phase ` 2019 Stabilization and revegetation of the area known as “the
Hill”, an elevated area of rock ledge, trees, and turf at the
park’s core.
complete 165 Fort Avenue $50,000
Mack Park Bathrooms 2016 Mack Park is a popular neighborhood park home to a tot lot
playground, softball field and basketball court, as well as a
thriving community garden. Mack Park’s old, outdated
bathrooms have been closed for the last 10 years. The
existing building is in such poor condition it is not feasible to
renovate and needs to be replaced. The work requires
demolition of the existing building and construction of a new
accessible restroom facility on a similar footprint.
Architectural drawings have been created by the City’s
Building Department.
complete 29 Grove St. $50,000
Congress/Dow Street Revitalization 2014 The project involves the acquisition of 52-60 Dow Street (1
building) and 105-111 Congress Street (2 buildings) in the
Point Neighborhood by North Shore Community
Development Corporation, which will be renovated into a
total of 35 housing units and one commercial space,
providing affordable housing for low income families. This
project, post rehab, is important since it highlights the
historical significance of architecture and construction post
the Salem fire from 100 years ago.
complete 105-
111
Congress
Street
$93,505
79
Harbor & Lafayette Homes 2015 This project is located in Salem’s historic Point
neighborhood. Preservation activities at 2 individual
properties. 15-17 Harbor St is a 3-story, 17 unit SRO
building and planned preservation of the building includes
updating and repairing the exterior stucco and brick veneer
to make it watertight and ensuring it’s structural
integrity.104-106 Lafayette Street is a 3-story building with
10 units of SRO housing and planned preservation work
includes new roof, windows and brick pointing to fix
structural issues including water leaks. The funding is
contingent the work funded with CPA only include
preservation activities as provided by the DHCD Public
Housing Notice 2013-12.
complete $100,000
Olde Salem Greens Golf Cart Paths 2018 The golf carts and equipment are being damaged from use
on rough terrain and the use of the carts after rain has
resulted in turf damage. The project will enhance the Olde
Salem Greens golf course experience by widening or
moving the golf cart paths to improve conditions on the
paths, fairway and greens.
complete 75 Willson Street $150,000
Palmer Cove Park, Phase II 2023 Final phase of construction to implement improvements to
Palmer Cove Park
In Progress 30 Leavitt Street $250,000
Hamilton Hall Exterior Restoration 2023 Exterior restoration of the 1805 Hamilton Hall designed by
Samuel McIntire
In Progress 9 Chestnut Street $93,000
Preserving Emmerton House 2016 Completed in 1811, this Federal period double house and
its carved mantels are attributed to Samuel Field McIntire,
son of the noted architect Samuel McIntyre. Initially a
private home, it was later acquired by local philanthropist
Captain John Bertram and his daughter, Jennie Bertram
Emmerton. They donated half of the building to the
Woman’s Friend Society, which soon purchased the other
half and later built a substantial addition in the rear in 1879.
On Sept. 17, 2008, the Emmerton House was accepted for
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The
Woman’s Friend Society has been a positive and often
pioneering force in the charitable life of Salem, since the
society’s founding in 1876. Today our contributions include
providing affordable housing for women who are single,
working, or students. A building over two hundred years old
is in continual need of care. Important improvements to the
exterior of the building include soffits, gutters, doors, granite
steps and roof
complete 12 Hawthorne
Blvd.
$50,650
80
Transitional Rental Assistance 2020 One year pilot project that will support community housing
by offering the opportunity for low-income residents who are
at risk of homelessness to remain in our community. Funds
to be distributed to qualified households through the Salem
Housing Authority in partnership with the Board of the
Salem Council on Aging.
cancelled $120,000
Forest River Pool Conditions
Assessment
2016 Forest River Pool is heavily used by neighborhood families
and summer camp participants. The pool infrastructure,
equipment and systems are all in need of updating. The
project will be to prepare an evaluation of the Forest River
Pool and its adjacent infrastructure to determine the extent
and cost of repairs and renovations, which will include
recommended capital improvements and a plan to prioritize
and implement them.
complete 32-
38
Clifton Avenue $20,000
Charles R. Curtis Memorial Park
Redesign
2020 Redesign of the park. Project scope of work:
• Commission landscape architect to develop vision and
redesign of the Park, informed by public engagements
• Retain a Licensed Site Professional for soil testing
• Retain a surveyor to prepare topographic maps for
concept planning
In Progress 19 March Street $20,000
Emergency Rental Assistance 2020 Provide an emergency rental assistance program for
households who have a demonstrated gap between
household income prior to Covid-19 and now. The goal of
this program is to prevent Salem residents from becoming
homeless. Program was cancelled after 3 units assisted.
complete
$5,000
New Point Acquisitions 2020 Rehabilitation of housing units to create 18 units of
affordable housing in three buildings - 37 Ward, 52
Peabody, and 96 Congress Streets.
complete 37 Ward Street $100,000
Brookhouse Home Brick Repointing
Project
2020 Complete the brick repointing of two southeast exterior
façade elevations of the Brookhouse Home.
complete 180 Derby Street $50,640
Mack Park Food Farm 2020 Assist with the construction of the Mack Park Food Farm,
an urban agricultural project in an existing park.
complete 31 Grove Street $18,185
Charter Street Cemetery
Restoration
2017 The project is to retain the historical integrity and maintain
public access to the Charter Street Cemetery through the
implementation of the new landscape plan. The project
scope includes upgrades and stabilization of pathways,
installation of circulation signage and in-ground lighting,
installation and restoration of fencing, and major
landscaping improvements and the development of a
landscape design.
complete 51 Charter Street $260,000
Broad Street Cemetry Preservation
Plan
2019 Hire a consultant team to complete an updated assessment
of historic resources and landscape features, identify
restoration needs, priorities and costs, and prepare
complete 5R Broad Street $35,000
81
restoration plans and documents for Broad Street
Cemetery.
Salem Common Fence Phase 4 2018 The goal of Phase 4 is to replace significant runs where
there are currently no fence sections and to restore as
much of the fabric of the fence as possible.
complete 0 Washington
Square
$125,000
Salem Athenaeum Universal
Access
2021 The Salem Athenaeum was founded in 1810 and is one of
the oldest membership libraries in the United States. The
project is to provide accessible access to building's front
entrance.
In Progress 337 Essex Street $80,000
Salem Athenaeum Feasibility Study 2019 Conduct a feasibility study for a capital building project to
add universal access, expand staff and program space, and
provide environmental upgrades to preserve collections.
complete 337 Essex Street $35,202
Historic Fire Station Envelope
Rehabilitation
2020
Roof repair at Engine 2 on North Street.
complete 142 North Street $17,975
The Bridge at 211 window
restoration
2018 Full restoration of up to 26 windows on the mid- and lower
levels in the 1889 Bolles Wing. This project is needed to
protect and preserve the building’s climate and security
while also protecting the structure from further weather
damage; all with the goal of providing energy efficiency and
proper ventilation for the building’s users while maintaining
the building’s historical integrity.
complete 211 Bridge Street $66,050
Ryan Brennan Memorial Skate Park
Renovation
2016 The Ryan Brennan Memorial Skate Park at Gallows Hill
Park is named after a Salem student who tragically passed
away after being struck by a car while on a skateboard. The
current skate park was installed almost 20 years ago, is
beyond its useful life and is in need of repair and updating.
Many of the elements at the skate park are difficult or
impossible for skaters to use due to the wear and tear
caused over the years. The project will begin the design
phase for the skate park and the City will work with a group
of stakeholders along with a consultant to help guide the
process to construct a new skate park as a resource for the
entire City. Investing in a well-constructed and well-
designed skate park will not only make the skate park a
safer place to skateboard and/or scooter but also will help
make the park more of a destination for people and families
of all ages.
complete 53 Hanson St. $25,000
Bertram Field 2020 Demolish the existing field house and create a new code-
compliant facility at Bertram Field for recreation purposes,
including gender equitable locker and umpire facilities, as
well as family/unisex public restroom for use during non-
games. The bonding commitment is for up to $100,000 per
year over a term of up to 20 years.
complete 1 Powderhouse
Lane
$2,000,000
82
Salem Community Gardens:
Splaine Park
2020 Substantially restore Splaine Park Community Garden.
There are many boxes that are rotted and unusable, as well
as invasive species and weeds that need to be cut back
and pathways that need to be cleared. We plan to increase
the number of ADA accessible garden plots from 2 to 12 or
more. We also plan to recognize indigenous history and
presence in the area, through plantings and signage, in
close coordination with representatives from the
Massachusetts and Wampanoag tribes. After the project is
completed, the Splaine garden will support more gardeners,
including senior gardeners and those with disabilities,
produce more food and be more aesthetically pleasing,
rodent-free and easy to maintain.
complete
$15,000
Brookhouse Home Brick Repointing
Project
2019 Repairing and re-pointing the exterior brickwork of the
Brookhouse Home, also known as the Benjamin W.
Crowninshield Home, located adjacent to the Custom
House and directly in front of Derby Wharf.
complete 180 Derby Street $125,000
Ward Street Pocket Park 2014 North Shore CDC converted a blighted, vacant, paved lot in
the urban Point neighborhood into an environmentally
friendly park that will provide an open, passive recreational
space for the densely populated, heavily paved, low income
neighborhood.
complete 15 Ward Street $40,000
Gallows Hill Park Renovation -
Designer Services
2018 Undertake design services for trails, ballfield, accessible
parking, lighting and other features of Gallows Hill Park. The
scope of work will also include outreach to the community to
determine areas of upgrades or improvements needed for
other areas of the park, including Upper Gallows Hill and
Mansell.
complete 53 Hanson Street $65,000
Superior Court and County
Commissioners Building
2021 Create 129 units of mixed-income housing,
commercial/institutional and public accessible spaces.
In Progress 32-
34
Federal Street $200,000
Facilitating the Redevelopment of
the Courthouses
2019 Engage a team of professionals to assist in completing
several predevelopment activities in advance of issuing a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for preservation and
redevelopment of the former Superior Court and the County
Commissioner’s Building.
complete 32-
50
Federal Street $40,000
Salem Willows Phase II 2024 Salem Willows Phase II park improvements to include
upgrading pedestrian pathways to meet ADA standards,
removing pavement, adding greenspace, plantings, trees,
and bioretention basins, and connecting the project area to
the adjacent pier replacement project.
In Progress 200 Fort Avenue $200,000
Charles R. Curtis Memorial Park
Redesign
2024 Redevelopment of Curtis Park, an existing City owned park
in the Bridge Street Neck neighborhood. Additional funding
for previously awarded project.
In Progress 19 March Street $200,000
83
Tea House and Barn Roof
Replacement
2023 Replacement of asbestos roofing shingles with new cedar
shingles at The House of the Seven Gables Tea House and
Barn
In Progress 155 Derby Street $44,000
1-3 Bemis Street Acquisition 2017 Purchase of two lots to incorporate into existing park. complete 1-3 Bemis Street $100,000
Bakers Island Oil House 2021 Restoration of the slate roof on the 1893 Oil House at the
Bakers Island Light Station
complete 0 Bakers Island $7,000
Salem Public Library Poseidon
Fountain
2021 Restore and preserve a historic cast iron fountain. CPA
funded work is complete. Remaining work to be completed
by June, 2023.
complete 370 Essex Street $80,487
Forest River Pool, Bathhouse &
Associated Facilities
2019 Soft costs (i.e. design) to create a new pool complex,
including 2 pools, restored bathhouse with community and
concession area, restored tidal area and open space with
walkway along ocean at Forest River Park.
complete 32-
38
Clifton Avenue $150,000
Renovation of Palmer Cove Park 2020 Make improvements to Palmer Cove Park, including
expanded waterfront access, new paths, benches and
trees, additional parking, and an additional basketball court.
complete 30 Leavitt Street $100,000
Salem Willows Pavilions
Preservation
2016 Salem Willows is a park of approximately 35 acres on
Salem Neck with frontage on Beverly Harbor. It was
originally the site of a tuberculosis hospital that included a
formal alley of Willow trees said to have been planted in
1801. The area was indicated on 19th century maps as
Hospital Point. Salem Willows is home to a total of five
pavilions that residents and visitors utilize for shade, to
picnic and for passive recreational activities.. The dates of
the pavilions, based on a Salem Historic Preservation
Maintenance Plan completed in 1998 by Finch and Rose,
are probably ca. the 1890’s to ca. 1920. Proposed is the
renovation of three of the five pavilions and the work
includes replacement of wood posts suffering from rot and
deterioration.
complete 200 Fort Avenue $15,000
Residences at St. James 2022 Adaptive reuse of the St. James School into 33 units of
mixed-income rental housing for those age 62 and older, by
the North Shore Community Development Coalition.
In Progress 160 Federal Street $250,000
Salem Willows Pier 2022 Replacement of the Salem Willows Pier in coordination with
the Massachusetts Office of Fishing and Boating Access
and the Division of Marine Fisheries.
In Progress 200 Fort Avenue $250,000
Palmer Cove Park, Phase II 2022 Funds to be used toward the final phase of construction to
implement the community’s vision for improvements to
Palmer Cove Park, including a second basketball court, a
new multiuse field, water access, trees, furnishings and
public art.
In Progress 30 Leavitt St. $115,000
84
FRCA Volunteer Bridge
Rehabilitation
2022 The City of Salem Conservation Commission and Salem
Sound Coastwatch will oversee necessary improvements to
the "Volunteer Bridge" and add a new stone seating area
that will improve public safety and increase immersive
outdoor learning in the Forest River Conservation Area for
Salem students and visitors.
In Progress
$66,149
Salem Deed Conservation 2022 Undertake conservation of the Salem Deed, a 1686
parchment document, and to rehouse the document in an
archival frame.
In Progress $15,430
Replacement of Floating Docks 2022 Design and construction of replacement wooden floats used
for staging and summer storage of sailboats for sailing
programs on Winter Island.
In Progress $96,500
St. Peter's Church Coping Stone &
Cellar Window Preservation
2022 Reinstall fallen granite coping stones to the roof of the 1872
chapel and replace clear glass cellar windows (4) to historic
condition.
complete 24 St. Peter Street $40,000
Pickering House Front Facade
Replacement
2022 Replacement of the iconic south-facing Gothic Revival
matched board siding and all related trim and details at the
c1660 Pickering House.
In Progress 18 Broad Street $80,000
Old Town Hall Restoration 2023 Restoration of the 1816 Old Town Hall In Progress 32 Derby Square $250,000
Memorial Park Irrigation 2018 Install an updated sprinkler system to enhance the
appearance and provide a better quality grass surface,
including updated water service line, and placing a new
water meter, back flow device, irrigation lines, controllers,
solenoids and water tap.
complete 25 Memorial Drive $54,000
Ryan Brennan Memorial Skate Park
Renovation
2017 Construction costs to upgrade the Ryan Brennan Memorial
Skate Park
complete 53 Hanson Street $117,750
Salem Willows Phase I
Improvement
2021 Undertake renovations and restorations at Salem Willows
Park, focusing on the stabilization and revegetation of the
area known as “the Hill” at the park’s core. The project is
the first phase of a larger upgrade to the park that will
improve access to the multitude of current recreational
uses, creating a more cohesive experience of the park.
complete 200 Fort Avenue $150,000
Emmerton House Repointing 2023 Repointing of the historic Emmerton House constructed in
1810-1812 owned and operated by the Woman's Friend
Society
In Progress 12 Hawthorne
Boulevard
$100,000
Pickering House and Barn Exterior
Restoration
2023 Exterior restoration of the Gothic Revival Pickering House
and Barn including window and chimney restoration on the
main house and exterior siding restoration on the south
elevation of the barn
In Progress 18 Broad Street $60,250
85
SHA Roof Replacement 5 Barton
Square
2023 Roof replacement on the Powers Block in downtown Salem.
Roof system is in significantly poor condition with leaking
causing significant harm and destruction to building and 16
affordable housing units. Complete new roofing system with
addition of insulation.
complete 5 Barton Square $250,000
Residences at El Centro 2023 Creation of 29 units of 100% affordable supportive housing
for seniors and 19 affordable apartments for seniors
In Progress 73 Lafayette
Street
$100,000
5 Barton Square Elevator Upgrade 2024 Replacement of elevator to service 16 units of low-income
elderly and disabled persons public housing.
In Progress 5 Barton Square $160,000
Phillips House Restoration 2020 Preservation/restoration of the building envelope of the
Phillips House at 86 Essex Street/50 Washington Square
South.
complete 86 Essex Street $171,681
Broad Street Cemetery Tomb
Restoration
2024 Restoration of a deteriorated brick and marble table top box
tomb in the historic Broad Street Cemetery.
In Progress 5 Broad Street $20,000
Leefort Terrace 2022 Beacon Communities and the Salem Housing Authority to
replace fifty obsolete state public housing units with one
hundred and twenty-four units of affordable housing in a
regenerative and climate resilient development.
In Progress 1 Leefort Terrace $200,000
Old Town Hall Exterior Restoration 2024 Award of additional funds for the restoration of 1816 Old
Town Hall. Exterior work to include masonry repointing,
repainting of wood trim, slate repairs, structural
reinforcements, and restoration of historic light fixtures.
In Progress 32 Derby Square $250,000
St. Nicholas Church Cupola
Restoration
2024 Restoration of two cupolas on the historic St. Nicholas
Orthodox Church. Work to include replacement of slates
and copper flashing, new copper apron and restoration of
cupola window and wood trim.
In Progress 64 St. Forrester
Street
$25,000
Phillips House Carriage Barn
Restoration
2024 Exterior restoration of the ca. 1821 brick Carriage Barn at
the Phillips House Museum complex. Work to include
masonry repointing, window restoration and repairs to wood
trim and roof slate.
In Progress 34 Chestnut Street $25,000
St. Peter's Church Bell Tower
Restoration
2024 Restoration of the bell tower at the historic 1833 St. Peter's
Church. Work to include structural stabilization of the
tower's floors and joists, masonry repointing, and
restoration of the lancet window and original church bell.
In Progress 79 St. Peter's
Street
$225,000
Bridge at 211 Renovation and
Accessibility
2024 Prepare a detailed assessment and design plan to address
code compliance issues and accessibility needs at the
historic 1808 former First Universalist Church building.
In Progress 211 Bridge Street $65,000
Bentley School Playground Shade
Structure
2024 Construct a permanent shade structure for the public
playground at the Early Childhood Center at the Bentley
School.
In Progress 25 Memorial Drive $59,000
Emmerton House Repointing 2024 Provide an additional $250,000 ($100,000 awarded
previously) for the exterior repointing of the historic brick
Emmerton House constructed in 1810-1812.
In Progress 12 Hawthorne
Boulevard
$250,000
86
Fort Lee Preservation and
Management Plan
2024 Develop a Preservation and Management Plan for the
historic Fort Lee. Project will document, assess, identify and
prioritize the preservation needs of the 1776 earthwork fort
and develop strategies to preserve and improve the historic
site, retaining fort's historic integrity while maintaining and
improving public accessibility and environmental
sustainability.
In Progress 100 Memorial Drive $36,000
Dickson Memorial Chapel Stained
Glass Window Restoration
2022 Restore historic stained glass windows at Dickson Chapel
that are original to the 1894 chapel.
complete 57 Orne Street $60,000
Lafayette Housing II Limited
Partnership
2020 Restore and sustain 11 properties at 100 - 102 Congress,
98-102 Lafayette, 51-53 Palmer, 8 -10 Peabody, 12
Peabody, 24 Peabody, 34 Prince St, Prince St. Place # 1-7,
Prince St. Place # 9-15, 2 Prince Place St., and 4 Prince St.
Place.
cancelled 100 Congress
Street
$100,000
City of Salem Code of Ordinances
Section I. Chapter 2 is hereby amended by adding a new division within Article IV Boards, Commissions,
Committees and Authorities as follows:
“ARTICLE IV. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND AUTHORITIES
DIVISION 15. COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Sec. 2-1010. Established
There is hereby established a Community Preservation Committee, in accordance with the Massachusetts
Community Preservation Act, M.G.L. Chapter 44B, consisting of nine (9) voting members.
Sec. 2-1011. Membership and Terms
The composition of the committee, the appointment authority and the term of office for the committee
members shall be as follows:
(1) One member of the Conservation Commission as designated by the Commission for a term of three
years.
(2) One member of the Historical Commission as designated by the Commission for an initial term of two
years, and thereafter for a term of three years.
(3) One member of the Planning Board as designated by the Board for an initial term of one year, and
thereafter for a term of three years.
(4) One member of the Park and Recreation Commission as designated by the Commission for an initial
term of one year and thereafter for a term of three years.
(5) One member of the Housing Authority Board as designated by the Board for an initial term of two
years and thereafter for a term of three years.
(6) Two members appointed by the City Council, two of the general public or in the alternative one
member of the City Council recommended by the Council President and one member of the general public,
to be appointed for a term of one year and thereafter for a term of two years for appoints from the general
public.
(7) Two members of the general public to be appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by majority vote of the
City Council, one member to be appointed for a term of one year and thereafter for a term of two years
and one member to be appointed for a term of two years and thereafter for a term of three years.
(8) All members of the Committee must be Salem residents.
The Commissions, Boards, Council and Mayor who have appointment authority under this Division shall
appoint such representatives within 45 days of the effective date of this ordinance. Should there be a
vacancy or resignation in any of the Community Preservation Committee positions, the Commissions,
Boards, Council or Mayor who have appointment authority under this Division shall appoint a new
representative within 45 days of the first date of a known vacancy or resignation.
As a prerequisite to appointment to the Community Preservation Committee, a Commission or Board
appointee must be in good standing, meaning that the member’s term of appointment from the Board or
Commission shall not have lapsed. In the event that a Commi ttee member who is appointed by a Board
or Commission has term of appointment to the underlying Board or Commission that lapses while he or
she is a member of the Committee, that appointee shall be ineligible to vote on any matter before the
Committee until the member is back in good standing or replaced.
Should any of the Commissions or Boards who have appointment authority under this Division be no
longer in existence for whatever reason, the appointment authority for that Commission or Board shall
become the responsibility of the City Council.
Should the Mayor fail to appoint a committee member into his/her two allotted spots within 45 days
following adoption of this Division or a known vacancy, the appointment authority for that position shall
be the City Council.
Should the City Council fail to appoint a committee member into their two allotted spots within 45 days
following adoption of this Division or a known vacancy, the appointment authority for that position shall
be the Mayor.
Should any of the Commissions or Boards who have appointment authority under this Division fail to
appoint a representative within 45 days following adoption of this Division or a known vacancy, the
appointment authority for that position shall be the Mayor. In the event the Mayor appoints following a
Commission or Board’s failure to do so, the individual chosen must be a current member in good standing
of the Commission or Board and whose appointment shall be subject to approval of the City Council. In
the event 45 additional days have lapsed since the Mayor was to appoint a member to the Committee from
a Board or Commission and the Mayor fails to make such appointment, the City Council shall them
become the appointing authority for that position.
Sec. 2-2012. Powers and Duties
(1) The community preservation committee shall study the needs, possibilities and resources of the city
regarding community preservation. The committee shall consult with existing municipal boards, including
the City Council, the conservation commission, t he historical commission, the planning board, the park
and recreation commissioners and the housing authority, or persons acting in those capacities or
performing like duties, in conducting such studies. As part of its study, the committee shall hold one or
more public informational hearings on the needs, possibilities and resources of the city regarding
community preservation possibilities and resources, notice of which shall be posted publicly and published
for each of two weeks preceding a hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. The committee
may, after proper appropriation, incur expenses as permitted by state law using funds from the community
preservation fund to pay such expenses.
(2) The community preservation committee shall make recommendations to the City Council for the
acquisition, creation and preservation of open space; for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and
restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration
of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing;
and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space and community housing that is acq uired or created
with Community Preservation Funds. With respect to community housing, the community preservation
committee shall recommend, wherever possible, the reuse of existing buildings or construction of new
buildings on previously developed sites. With respect to recreational use, the acquisition of artificial turf
for athletic fields shall be prohibited.
(3) The community preservation committee may include in its recommendation to the City Council a
recommendation to set aside for later spending funds for specific purposes that are consistent with
community preservation but for which sufficient revenues are not then available in the Community
Preservation Fund to accomplish that specific purpose or to set aside for later spending funds for general
purposes that are consistent with community preservation.
Upon approval of any rule or regulation by the committee, a copy of the same shall be filed with the City
Clerk and become effective as of the date of filing thereof unless the specific vote of the committee
establishes a later effective date.
Sec. 2-2013. Amendments
This Division may be amended from time to time by a majority vote of the City Council, provided that
the amendments would not cause a conflict to occur with M.G.L., Chapter 44B.
Sec. 2-2014. Severability
In case any section, paragraph or part of this division is for any reason declared invalid or unconstitutional
by any court of last resort, every other section, paragraph or part shall continue in full force and effect.
Section II. This ordinance shall take effect as provided by city charter.
Secretary's Standards for Rehabilitation
The Standards (Department of Interior regulations, 36 CFR 67) pertain to historic buildings of all
materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the interior, related
landscape features and the building's site and environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related new
construction. The Standards are to be applied to specific rehabilitation projects in a reasonable manner,
taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change
to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.
2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials
or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create
a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements
from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own
right shall be retained and preserved.
5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that
characterize a historic property shall be preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration
requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color,
texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features
shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall
not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible.
8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such
resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that
characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible
with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property
and its environment.
10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if
removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment
would be unimpaired.
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
Dominick Pangallo, Mayor
Community Preservation Committee
98 WASHINGTON STREET ♦ SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
♦ 978-619-5685 ♦
FY25 CPA Determination of Eligibility Application (DOE)
Submit 1 original and 10 copies to: Patricia Kelleher, City of Salem, Dept. of Planning & Community Development,
98 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970. To ensure consideration for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding during
this round, submit no later than Monday, January 6, 2025. Early applications are encouraged. Projects determined
eligible will be invited to submit a Funding Application. Awarded funds will not be available before 7/1/24. Send
questions to pkelleher@salem.com.
PROJECT NAME:
PROJECT LOCATION
APPLICANT NAME / ORGANIZATION:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CONTACT PERSON: PHONE:
EMAIL:
In the chart at right, please indicate (X) all categories that
apply to this project (minimum of one). For information
on CPA funding categories, please refer to the “Allowable
Spending Purposes” chart on the reverse page.
INDICATE THE LEGAL PROPERTY OWNER OF RECORD:
HISTORIC RESOURCES PROJECTS: CPA funds are primarily for property exteriors. *At this time, the Salem CPC does not
recommend awards for private residences or private, for-profit commercial properties.
• Date of original construction:
• Is the resource listed on the State Register of Historic Places? YES NO
• If the resource is not listed on the State Register of Historic Places, has the Salem Historical Commission
made a determination that the resource is significant? YES (ATTACH COPY) NO
COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECTS:
• Total number of units proposed
• Of the total, number that will meet the State definition of “affordable”
▶For municipal owned properties, when the applicant is NOT a city department (i.e. PTA, neighborhood group),
the applicant MUST provide written consent to submit the DOE by the managing City department. Funding
applications will require co-signing by the authorized representative of the City department.
▶For non-municipal properties, if the applicant is NOT the owner of the property, a written consent to apply must
be included in the DOE application, which acknowledges that the funding application will be co-signed by the
owner and that any required funding agreements and restrictions (i.e. preservation restriction, affordable housing
restriction) will be executed by the property owner. Restrictions shall be recorded at the Registry of Deeds.
PLEASE ATTACH A BRIEF NARRATIVE WHICH PROVIDES A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AND HOW IT RELATES TO THE
CATEGORIES THAT ARE SELECTED IN THE CHART ABOVE – NO MORE THAN 1 PAGE & NO LESS THAN 12 PT FONT, PLEASE.
REV. 12/6/24
Applicant is (check one):
City board or department
Other public entity (i.e.
Housing Authority, MA State)
Non-profit - 501(c)(3)
Private group or individual*
Open
Space
Historic
Resources
Recreational
Land
Community
Housing
Acquisition
Creation
Preservation
Support
Rehabilitation/
Restoration
CITY OF SALEM, MA
Community Preservation Committee
FY25 Funding Application
To ensure consideration for FY25 Community Preservation Act funding, please submit this no later than Friday, March 21, 2025.
Prior to submitting this funding application, applicants should first submit a Determination of Eligibility application and receive a Letter of
Eligibility from the Community Preservation Committee. Please read all materials carefully. Omitted information may result in delays or
application rejection. Awarded funds will not be available before 7/1/25.
PROJECT NAME (BRIEF):
PROJECT LOCATION
INDICATE THE LEGAL PROPERTY OWNER OF RECORD:
APPLICANT NAME/ORGANIZATION:
CO-APPLICANT NAME/ORGANIZATION:
APPLICANT MAILING ADDRESS:
APPLICANT CONTACT: DAYTIME PHONE:
EMAIL: In the chart below, please indicate (X) the approved
• category(s) from your Letter of Eligibility.
If acquisition, please provide the number of acres to be acquired:
Provide a one sentence
description of the project:
I/we attest that all information provided in this entire submission is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and that no
information has been excluded, which might reasonably affect funding. I/we authorize the Community Preservation Committee an d/or
the City of Salem to obtain verification from any source provided. I acknowledge and agree that a permanent restriction filed at the
Registry may be placed on the property as a condition of funding. I understand that this application will be made available to the public.
Name (printed) Signature Date:
Name (printed) Signature Date:
Submission:
Ten 8½ x 11 copies (double sided acceptable). To preserve file space, NO 3 -ring binders please; and
Application Cover Page
Must be on top of entire application packet. NO cover letters, please!
Applicant is (check one):
City board or department
Other public entity (i.e. Housing
Authority, MA State)
Non-profit - 501(c)(3)
Private group or individual*
Open
Space
Historic
Resources Recreational
Land Community
Housing
Acquisition*
Creation
Preservation
Support
Rehabilitation/
Restoration
Indicate Total CPA Funds Requested
(must match total CPA request in attached
Budget Summary). Use whole dollars only.
$
Please date stamp here upon
receipt.
One (1) electronic copy of all submitted materials (Word for narratives, .jpeg for pictures, no PDFs
(except application, support ltrs) on CD or flash drive to: Patricia Kelleher, City of Salem, Dept. of Planning
& Community Development, 98 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970
Submission Requirements
Please check √ each item included in your submission. Your submission should include the applicable items in the order listed below.
General
Application Cover Page (form provided)
Submission Requirements Checklist (this form)
Narratives
Category Specific Narratives
Project Timeline - Provide a project schedule showing all major milestones (i.e. study, design,
environmental, permitting, construction, estimated completion date, etc.), including receipt of other funding
sources.
Financial
Budget Summary (form provided)
Cost estimates and/or written quotes, if applicable
Proof of secured funding (commitment letters, bank statements), if applicable
Visual
Map - Please include a map showing the property location (if applicable, show wetlands and wetland buffers,
flood plain, water bodies, parks, open spaces, rails, and other features pertinent to the project). Applicants may
use the City’s interactive mapping website at https://www.salem.com/gis-and-maps/links/interactive-map
Catalog cuts (i.e. recreation equipment), if applicable
Photos of the project site (not more than four views per site). Digital copies for use in a presentation must be
provided.
Ownership/Operation (non-City)
The property owner MUST be an applicant. Co-applicants that are not owners are permitted.
Certificate of Good Standing (if operating as a corporation)
501(c)(3) certification (if operating as a non-profit)
Purchase and Sale agreement or Copy of Current Recorded Deed (if applicable)
Community Support (Recommended)
Letters of Support (i.e. city departments, residents, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, businesses, etc.).
Please do not have supporters mail in letters; please include them in the application.
Historic Resource Projects
Documentation that the project is listed on the State Register of Historic Places or a written determination from
the Salem Historical Commission that the resource is significant in the history, archaeology, architecture or
culture of Salem. Note: If located within a local or National Register district, it must be a contributing property
to the district.
Photos documenting the condition of the property.
Report or condition assessment by a qualified professional describing the current condition of the property, if
available (PDF acceptable).
Community Housing Projects
Development proforma
Plans and Reports (if available) - If available in 8 ½ x 11, include in the application. If not, provide separately,
not bound to the application.
Renderings, site plans, engineering plans, design and bidding plans and specifications
Applicable Reports: 21E, Historic Structure Reports, appraisals, survey plans, feasibility studies - for reports of
more than 10 pages, applicants may provide 2 copies, rather than 11.
Budget Summary
Indicate the total project costs, including CPA funding request, from all proposed sources.
Application package must include a complete itemized budget of all project costs.
Note: CPA funds cannot be used for maintenance.
STUDY SOFT COSTS* ACQUISITION CONSTRUCTION** TOTAL
SOURCE 1: SALEM CPA
(total must match amount
requested on cover sheet)
$ $ $ $ $
SOURCE 2: $ $ $ $ $
SOURCE 3: $ $ $ $ $
SOURCE 4: $ $ $ $ $
SOURCE 5: $ $ $ $ $
SOURCE 6: $ $ $ $ $
TOTAL PROJECT COST $ $ $ $ $
*Soft costs include design, professional services, permitting fees, closing costs, legal, etc.
**For this application “construction” refers to new construction, rehabilitation, preservation and/or restoration work.
In the column to the right, please explain the status of each funding source (i.e. submitting application 7/1/14,
applied on 1/1/14, received award notification 3/1/14, funds on-hand in organization bank account, etc.). For
sources where funding has been awarded or funds are on hand, please attach documentation proof from the
funding source (commitment letter, bank statement, etc.).
SOURCE 2: STATUS:
SOURCE 3: STATUS:
SOURCE 4: STATUS:
SOURCE 5: STATUS:
SOURCE 6: STATUS:
Do you anticipate that your project may require bonding (City projects only)? If yes, please elaborate.
Please attach concise narratives that respond to all questions in the order they are described below.
General Narratives (All Applicants)
A. Project Description
1. What is the project description, scope of work and goals?
2. Where is the project located? Describe the visibility.
3. Why is this project needed? How does it preserve and enhance the character of the City?
4. What is the public benefit? Describe the population the project will serve. Does the project encourage economic
development and/or enhance the tax base?
5. How is the project consistent with recommendations of current relevant planning documents? For information on
available planning documents, refer to the Community Preservation Plan and/or https://www.salem.com/planning-
and-community-development/pages/studies-and-reports . Be specific, citing document and page of each
goal/object quoted.
6. Is the project of an urgent nature?
a. Is there a critical deadline? Please specify if the project is constrained by scheduling factors not controlled by
the applicant (i.e. opportunity for immediate acquisition, opportunity to leverage available non -CPA grant or
other financial opportunity).
b. For historic resource applications, is the property at risk for irreparable loss? If so, please include a condition
assessment from a qualified professional.
7. What is the nature of community support for this project?
8. How does the project meet any additional General Evaluation Criteria?
B. Financial
1. Will there be in-kind contributions, donations or volunteer labor? Are there fundraising plans? Describe other
attempts to secure funding (including unsuccessful).
2. What is the basis for the total CPA funding request?
3. Provide any additional pertinent information relative to the proposed budget.
C. Project Management
1. Please describe how the project is practical and feasible and can be implemented within a reasonable, feasible
schedule and budget.
2. Will the project need any permits? Please describe the nature of permits and inspections required. Applicants are
encouraged to concurrently begin to seek applicable permits. Are there any other known or potential barriers to
project implementation and completion?
Application Narratives
3. Who will be responsible for undertaking the project? Is the project regional? Identify and describe the roles of all
known participants (applicants, architects, contractors, etc.).
a. For City of Salem (and regional) projects, what City of Salem department will manage the project?
b. For non-City of Salem projects, what are the qualifications/experience of the project’s sponsoring organization?
Demonstrate that the applicant/applicant team has successfully implemented projects of similar type and scale,
or has the ability and competency to implement the project as proposed.
4. Who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance?
Category Specific Narratives
Prepare narratives that respond to all questions below for each category checked on the Application Cover Page.
.
Community Housing Projects
A. How does the project meet the CPC’s Evaluation Criteria for Community Housing Projects? Please describe how the
project meets the category specific primary criteria and any secondary criteria for Community Housing.
B. What are the total number of units proposed? Of the total, will 10% of the housing units or more be affordable to
households who earn below 60 percent of the area median income? What will be the long term affordability? Note:
Property owner must enter into an affordable housing restriction for a minimum of 99 years (if CPA funds are used for
acquisition, a permanent restriction). The area-wide median income shall be the area-wide median income as
determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
C. If the project incorporates sustainable design features, explain how they will reduce impacts on the environment
including, but not limited to, reducing energy consumption, enhancing energy and water conservation, and the use of
recyclable materials.
D. Explain how the project incorporates universal design, if applicable.
Historic Resource Projects
Note: CPA funds are primarily awarded for work to property exteriors.
A. How does the project meet the CPC’s Evaluation Criteria for Historic Resource Projects? Please describe how the
project meets the category specific primary criteria and any secondary criteria for Historic Resources.
B. What is the date of the original construction/creation of the resource? The resource must be a minimum of 50 years
old.
C. Is the resource listed on the State Register of Historic Places or has the Salem Historical Commission made a
determination that the resource is significant? Written documentation is required.
Note: As a condition of CPA funding, the CPC has routinely required Preservation Restrictions (PR) for ALL private
projects receiving CPA funds for historic resources. Such restrictions place the property under Salem Historical
Commission (SHC) review for exterior alterations. In order to ensure compliance with the required restriction, all
projects needing a PR as a condition of receiving CPA funds shall not receive a building permit until the project plans
have first been reviewed for compliance with the PR and are reviewed by the SHC, if required. If the PR is still in
development and has not been recorded at the Registry of Deeds, the property shall be flagged in the City’s permitting
system to request that a Building Permit be held until either the PR is filed with the Registry or the project proponent
submits design plans to the SHC for review to ensure that the project complies with the Secretary of the Interiors
Standards and the intent of the CPA funding for historic resources. Note: For municipal historic resource projects that
are not located in the local historic district, nor in the Salem Redevelopment Authority area, project plans shall be
reviewed by the City’s Preservation Planner for adherence to the Secretary of the Interiors Standards prior to project
bidding.
D. If the project incorporates sustainable design features, explain how they will reduce impacts on the environment
including, but not limited to, reducing energy consumption, enhancing energy and water conservation, and the use of
recyclable materials.
E. Explain how the project incorporates universal design, if applicable.
Open Space Projects
A. How does the project meet the CPC’s Evaluation Criteria for Open Space Projects? Please describe how the project
meets the category specific primary criteria and any secondary criteria for Open Space.
Recreational Land Projects
A. How does the project meet the CPC’s Evaluation Criteria for Recreational Land Projects? Please describe how the
project meets the category specific primary criteria and any secondary criteria for Recreational Land.
B. Does the project support multiple recreation uses? Describe each use.
C. Explain how the project incorporates universal design, if applicable.
Application Information
General:
• If the proposal involves City-owned land or structures, either the applicant or the co -applicant must be a City
agency/department.
• Applicants must review the Community Preservation Plan, including the Evaluation Criteria and all materials in this
Funding Application packet. Review of the CPA legislation is recommended.
• All proposals must be submitted using the application forms contained herein (Application Cover Page, Application
Checklist, Budget Summary) along with the required narratives and attachments.
• Applications may be accepted at any time. However, the CPC will announce one annual cutoff date to ensure funding
consideration for that funding round. Applications received after the deadline may be held until the next funding round.
• If submitting multiple applications, the applicant may indicate if one application is preferred over another.
• During the funding round review, the CPC may request additional information from the applicant.
• Supplanting is not permitted. CPA funds cannot be used to reimburse funds paid from other sources.
• Implementing cost-saving measures and leveraging other funding or in-kind donations is encouraged.
• Other permitting: Projects must conform to the zoning regulations of the City of Salem, as applicable. Projects must
have Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Salem Historical Commission, Planning Board, Salem
Redevelopment Authority and/or Park & Recreation Committee approval, as applicable. Projects must have a building
permit before proceeding, as applicable.
• Non-city applicants must be in good standing with all real estate taxes and water/sewer fees.
• For acquisition of an interest in real estate, property value will need to be established through procedures “customarily
accepted by the appraising profession as valid”. Applicants for acquisition projects are encouraged to include an
appraisal from a qualified professional. CPA funds may be requested to pay for an appraisal, but this may delay a CPA
funding award. Please include an estimate of the number of acres to be acquired.
• Project Sign - Permanent signage that identifies that the project receives CPA funding from the City of Salem may be
required by the CPC for certain completed construction projects. For all construction projects, temporary signage is
required while work is underway. See the CPA administrator for the current policy. CPC staff will provide appropriate
language for signage. Awarded organizations should work with CPC staff to determine if the City has temporary signage
available for use during construction.
• Non-city property will require the filing of a permanent restriction at the Registry of Deeds to ensure that the property
continues to be used for the applicable CPA purpose. Restrictions are legal documents that place limitations on the
property and must be executed by the property owner. These restrictions apply to all future owners of the property, and
cannot be easily changed or removed by subsequent owners. The restriction will be held by the City of Salem or its
designee in order to facilitate enforcement of the conditions. Project proponents whose projects have restrictions as a
condition of CPA funding, or with restrictions in development, shall submit project plans for compliance with the
restriction prior to obtaining any building permits. Commonly used restrictions in CPA projects:
o For Open Space Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Projects, the Conservation restriction will be approved by
the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA)
o For Community Housing Projects the Affordable Housing Restrictions will be approved by the MA Dept. of Housing
and Community Development (DHCD)
o For Open Space Agricultural Projects, the Agricultural Preservation Restrictions will be approved by the MA Dept. of
Agricultural Resources (DAR)
o For Historic Projects the Preservation Restrictions will be approved by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
Please direct any questions on completion of this application to Patricia Kelleher, pkelleher@salem.com
or 978-619-5685.
Rev. 11/1/24
Salem Historical Commission
98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (978)
619-5685
October 17, 2024
Community Preservation Committee
120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Salem, MA 01970
RE: FY25 Community Preservation Plan
Members of the Community Preservation Committee:
Thank you once again for the opportunity to provide input into the City’s Community Preservation Plan
annual update. The Historical Commission continues to be thrilled that many of the projects awarded CPA
funds each year are historic preservation projects. Salem’s rich history and its impressive collection of historic
resources provide the foundation for an enriching quality of life for its residents, as well as the basis for a
strong tourism industry. We believe it is important for historic preservation to continue to be a strong focus of
the CPC and we encourage the continued incorporation of recommendations from the City’s 2015 Historic
Preservation Plan Update into the updated Community Preservation Plan. These include actions relating to the
preservation of City-owned historic buildings as well as preservation projects at the city’s historic parks,
landscapes, cemeteries, and forts.
The Commission offers the following comments and recommended priorities for the FY25 Plan:
▪ We strongly encourage the City to prioritize the allocation of CPA funds to stabilize and preserve City-
owned vacant and underutilized historic buildings and resources. Several of these community landmarks,
which play a significant role in defining Salem’s heritage and sense of place, are suffering from significant
deterioration with the real potential that without imminent intervention, they will be lost. Utilizing CPA
funds to stabilize these publicly owned resources and develop plans for their restoration was a priority
recommendation in the 2015 Preservation Plan. In particular, we encourage the City to pursue preservation
efforts for the National Register listed historic assets at Winter Island:
o The Barracks Building – A Colonial Revival style brick building constructed in 1934 to serve as
officer’s quarters and administration offices for the U.S. Coast Guard Air & Sea Rescue. Today, the
vacant building is in significant danger of imminent loss as portions of the roof have collapsed, the
building is open to the elements, and interior structural elements such as the bearing walls and floors
are in danger of collapse (see photos). We strongly encourage the City to seek CPA funds to complete
an historic structures report for the Barracks to assess current conditions and develop a stabilization
and preservation plan.
o The Hangar – Art Deco style brick and metal building constructed in 1934 to serve as storage for
seaplanes. While currently used for storage, the building is showing visible signs of
deterioration and destabilization (see photos). As with the Barracks, we strongly encourage the City to
seek CPA funds to complete an historic structures report for the Hangar to assess current conditions
and develop a stabilization and preservation plan.
We look forward to seeing the completion of current CPA projects and the preservation of many more
important historic resources to come.
Sincerely,
Laurence Spang, AIA
Chair
Cc: Mayor Dominick Pangallo
Patricia O’Brien, Director, Park, Recreation and Community Services
Tom Daniel, Director, Department of Planning & Community Development
1938 Photo of Barracks and Hangar in operation