FY24 Community Preservation Plan and FY23 Annual Report
CITY OF SALEM, MA
FISCAL YEAR 2024
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN
& FY23 ANNUAL REPORT
November 2023
Community Preservation Committee
FY 24 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. FY23 Annual Report 7
A. FY23 Funding Awards 7
B. State Reporting 8
C. Status of Projects 8
III. FY24 Funding & Timing 14
A. Financial Forecast 14
B. Proposed Timeline 16
IV. Application Process Overview 17
A. Step 1: Determination of Eligibility 18
B. Step 2: Funding Round 18
C. Step 3: City Council Recommendation and Vote 18
D. Step 4: Funding Awards 19
E. Additional Information 19
V. Community Preservation Needs, Possibilities and Resources 23
A. Evaluation Criteria 23
B. Category Specific Information 27
C. Plans, Studies and Other Public Documents 36
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
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FY24 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.
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 FY23 tax rate):
The annual tax rate is ($12.51 residential, $26.31
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. $25.02=$6.26 per quarter). A Taxpayer
Information Guide is available at
https://www.salemma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif7986/f/pages/fy24_cpa_taxguide_pamphlet.pdf .
Example:
A. Assessment $300,000.00
B. FY 2023 Tax Rate $12.51
C. FY 2023 TAX $3,753.00
D. CPA Residential Exemption $100,000.00
E. CPA Taxable Value $200,000.00
F. CPA Tax Basis $2,502.00
G. CPA Surcharge =1% $25.02
H. TOTAL BILL $3,778.02
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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 believes 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:
John Boris
Joy Livramento-Bryant
Robert Callahan
Deborah Greel
Carole Hamilton (Vice Chair)
Bart Hoskins (Chair)
Kate Martin
Rebecca English
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.
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
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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 8, 2023).
• 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
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.
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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 10, 2023. The PowerPoint
Presentation is then uploaded to the city website. Written public comment is accepted through
October 20, 2023 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 – FY24 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024), the CPC will:
• Prepare the FY24 Community Preservation Plan, which includes the FY23 annual report;
• Prepare the FY25 Budget Recommendation (for July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025); and
• Conduct FY24 Funding Round 11 and prepare the FY24 Funding Recommendations
which will utilize remaining FY24 funds and approved FY25 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.
Salem Willows Phase I - After photos
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FY24 Community Preservation Plan
FY23 Annual Report
________________________________________________
II. FY23 Annual Report
A. FY23 Funding Awards
In June 2023, the CPC submitted its Round 10 Report on Funding Recommendations for the Salem
City Council. The City Council approved the CPC’s funding recommendations for the following
projects:
Housing Resources
o SHA Roof Replacement 5 Barton Square/140 Washington Street $250,000.00
o Residences at El Centro $100,000.00
Historic Resources
o Old Town Hall Restoration $150,000.00
o Emmerton House Repointing $100,000.00
o Hamilton Hall Exterior Restoration $93,000.00
o Pickering House & Barn Exterior Restoration $60,250.00
o Gables Tea House & Barn Roof Replacement $44,000.00
Open Space/Recreational Land
o Palmer Cove Park $250,000.00
CPA PROJECT FUNDS AWARDED - FY23
Community Housing $ 350,000.00 33%
Historic Resources $ 447,250.00 43%
Open Space & Recreational Land $ 250,000.00 24%
TOTAL $ 1,047,250.00
CPA PROJECT FUNDS AWARDED - FY14-FY23
Community Housing $2,173,155.00 20%
Historic Resources $3,522,382.24 32%
Open Space & Recreational Land $5,256,206.66 48%*
TOTAL $10,951,743.90
*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 pertinent information from CP-3.
C. Status of Projects (as of November 2023 unless otherwise stated)
FY18 Awards
• Lighthouse 34 (21 units) as of 11/2023 – Both buildings are complete and fully leased. A
few punchlist items remain to complete, then permanent loan closing will occur.
Estimated completion date: December 2023
• Memorial Park Irrigation as of 7/7/22 – Mostly complete with one remaining PO open
with Shrewsbury Landscape ($2817.87). Remaining $5782.71 unencumbered to be
transferred to the Fund Balance once Shrewsbury Landscape PO is complete.
Estimated completion date: Summer, 2022
FY19 Awards
• Lighthouse 47 (Leavitt/Palmer 25 units) as of 11/2023 - Both buildings are complete and
fully leased. A few punchlist items remain to complete, then permanent loan closing will
occur.
Estimated completion date: December 2023
• Gallows Hill Park Renovation as of 6/1/23 - Completed items: Design, engineering,
permitting, mobilization, construction, improvements to drainage system. Items in
progress: Punch list.
Estimated completion date: December 2023
FY20 Awards
• Transitional Rental Assistance (SHA/COA) as of 8/22/22 - SHA has received and
reviewed twenty six(33) applications for funding and (30) have been approved. The entire
amount, less $50 has been committed to applicants. SHA will continue to bill out the
remaining dollars committed for rental assistance through to early Fall this year. No further
applications will be considered as the funding is fully committed at this time.
Estimated completion date: Summer, 2022
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• New Point Acquisitions as of 8/11/22 - The Department of Housing and Community
awarded NPFA $2.7 millions of Housing Innovation Funds this summer. HUD
Environmental Review is complete. Both the HOME and Project Based Sec 8 financing
funds have been released and received the certification of activities by HUD. The RFP for
Debt and Equity was released in June with good responses. They expect to finalize selection
of equity and debt partners this month. Final pricing is in hand, from the Contractor, NEI
Construction. They are in the process of value engineering and budget finalization. Funding
commitment finalization is slated for August, 2022, Contractor selection and permits:
October, 2022. Close on financing and construction start: November, 2022. Construction
complete: February, 2024. Full occupancy: April, 2024. Affordable housing restriction to
be developed.
Estimated completion date: April, 2024
• Charles R. Curtis Memorial Park Redesign as of 7/7/22 – Project was delayed due to
COVID-19. Carlton School PTO is ready to begin planning with Park & Recreation.
Estimated completion date: TBD
• Lafayette Housing II Limited Partnership as of 8/12/22 – The North Shore CDC has
secured most of the financing for this effort, but because of unprecedented escalation in
construction costs, the project now has a funding gap of approximately $400,000. To
address this issue, they have applications pending for additional HOME funds with the
North Shore HOME Consortium and for State Historic Tax Credits with the Massachusetts
Historic Committee. Also, in June of 2022, North Shore CDC reapplied to
MassDevelopment to a request an Under-Utilized Property grant to fund the tenant fit out
at 98/102 Lafayette Street and to create the PUAM HGs. Once this gap has been addressed,
the project is ready to proceed to a closing. The contractor has been selected and the
rehabilitation scope and plan are in place. We have successfully negotiated the exit of
Lafayette Housing Limited Partnership’s investor, Boston Financial Investment
Management, LP for $3,000 and the assumption of the existing debt. HUD has completed
the Environmental Review and released the HOME funds. Preservation Restriction in
development.
Estimated completion date: April, 2024 with full occupancy by June, 2024
• SHA Phillips House Restoration as of 11/2023 – The project was rebid due to the
original bids coming in well over budget with the lowest bid of $492,900. The architect
then rework the project by eliminating the DCAMM subcontractor category and
designating that general contractor bidders must be certified in masonry. The second
bidding process was more successful. The lowest responsive and responsible bidder was
selected with a bid of $284,420. Project is complete with remaining punchlist items to be
confirmed.
Estimated completion date: Winter 2023
FY21 Awards
• Hawthorne Lofts (27 units) as of 11/2023: The project has been awarded funding by
EOHLC. We have selected a General Contractor and the equity and debt providers have
been chosen. We are working towards an early 2024 construction closing with a projected
17-month construction period.
Estimated completion date: Summer 2025
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• Superior Court & County Commissions Building/Crescent Lot (129 units, min 10%
restricted) as of 8/19/22 - The project is currently in the predevelopment/permitting phase.
The team received schematic design approval for the project in 2021, and is currently
progressing through final design approval with the SRA for The Exchange Salem. On May
4th, the team submitted for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) site plan approval with the
Planning Board for phase one (The Exchange Salem). Due to the planning board not having
a quorum, first planning board meeting is yet to be scheduled. Affordable housing restriction
to be developed.
Estimated completion date: Q4, 2026
• New Pioneer Village 2026 as of 6/1/23 – Completed items: Concept Plan, Mass Historic
Commission (MHC) filing (Inventory Form A, Project Notification Form) Items in
progress: Business Plan, Interpretive Plan, Estimate, Demo Delay for Camp Naumkeag,
updating the Salem Historic Commission (SHC). Remaining items: Engage with the MHC,
Preliminary Plan, Detail Design, Bidding, Construction/Relocation for Phase 1. Phase 2
Design and Construction. Estimated schedule for next steps and project completion: In the
next year we plan to engage MHC, complete the Preliminary and Detail Designs for Phase
1. We’d also like to hold a public information forum.
Estimated completion date: 2026 for Phase I
• Window Restoration at Emmerton House as of 11/2023 – Entire first floor windows
have been restored with the exception of 3 windows requiring special work to be done at a
later date. Cost increases due to material pricing and labor shortages for window
restoration significantly increased the expected cost of the rest of the project. Campaign to
bridge the gap in funding resulted in two private donations totaling $15K. Partnership with
YouthBuild to complete windowsill restoration at no cost. Window Woman continues to
make progress on windows but slower than expected due to labor shortages. 25 windows
of 88 windows restored to date.
Estimated completion date: August 25, 2024
▪ Preserving and Rehabilitating the Salem Athenaeum for Universal Access as of
11/2023 - Athenaeum is currently looked into issues that arose regarding the approved
exterior lift. We learned that the uncovered lift, as designed, would have significant
liabilities in terms of performance, maintenance, and long-term cost. The architects
presented a rough concept for a glass enclosure to cover the lift, which the Trustees
determined as very intrusive on the facade of the building. We are now engaging an
architect to explore whether a non-mechanical access solution, with low visible impact, can
be designed. In September 2023, we learned that MHC holds a Preservation Restriction on
the interiors as well as exteriors of the building. The accessible restroom that the architects
proposed for the first floor would have a significant adverse effect on the interior,
specifically on the Wendt Room, and would not receive approval from MHC. This
assessment compels the Athenaeum to install an elevator that will go to the basement, where
an accessible restroom would fit. A contract for a schematic design phase to develop interior
access plans that can be approved by MAAB is currently under negotiation.
Estimated project completion date: September 2024
FY22 Awards
• Leefort Terrace as of 6/12/23 - The project is currently in the relocation planning phase.
The Salem Housing Authority will begin requesting funds as the process begins. Items in
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progress: Relocation planning phase. Working with tenants on preparing for relocation and
the logistics prior to demolition and rebuilding
Estimated project completion date: 24 months
• Residences at St. James as of 11/2023 - The project has been awarded funding by EOHLC.
We have selected a General Contractor and the equity and debt providers have been chosen.
We are working towards an early 2024 construction closing with a projected 17-month
construction period.
Estimated completion date: Summer 2025
• Salem Deed Conservation as of 11/2023 – City has contracted with document conservator
to undertake conservation of 1686 parchment document. City Clerk to transport deed to
conservation facility in November 2023.
Estimated completion date: Spring 2024
• Pickering House Front Façade as of 11/2023 – Project is on schedule. All millwork
ordered, received and ready for installation. Preservation restriction completed.
Estimated completion date: Spring 2024
• St. Peter’s Church Coping Stones/Cellar Windows as of 11/2023 – Coping stones and
windows installed. Remaining items: window trim and completion of preservation
restriction.
Estimated completion date: Spring 2024
• 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 - Design is under way for bidding and construction
anticipated to begin in summer or early fall 2023.
Estimated project completion date: 12/31/2024
• Forest River Conservation Area Volunteer Bridge as of 11/2023 – Project has been on
hold due to lack of funding, resulting in delay of two seasons. Completed items: Vandalized
Signs have been cleaned. Items in progress: While the project is seeking additional funds to
carry out the full scope, the current progress work proposed is to prepare safe access to
perform the full rehabilitation. Contractor has provided a quote (9,950.00) to assist with
constructing the planks and support footings for accessibility and provide the support for
full plans. Signage discussions underway with residents regarding use of trails, wildlife, and
input on new signage. Will continue to convene conversations for signage input. Remaining
items: Seek additional funding to carry out completion of project.
• Floating Docks off Winter Island as of 6/1/23 - Completed items: Float system
specifications completed. Items in progress: Procurement-Bid Documents.
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FY23 Awards (Updates due 11/8/23)
• SHA Roof Replacement 5 Barton Square/140 Washington Street
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.
• Residences at El Centro
Creation of 29 units of 100% affordable supportive housing for seniors and 19 affordable
apartments for seniors
• Old Town Hall Restoration as of 11/2023 – Project to restore 1816 Old Town Hall.
Project is delayed due to lack of dedicated funding. Seeking fundraiser, grant writer,
capital campaign manager to facilitate project. Exploring possibility of downsizing
project scope where possible but no changes have been made as of yet.
Estimated schedule: 2024-2025 Seek additional funding
• Emmerton House Repointing
Repointing of the historic Emmerton House constructed in 1810-1812 owned and
operated by the Woman's Friend Society
• Hamilton Hall Exterior Restoration as of 11/2023 - Exterior restoration of the 1805
Hamilton Hall designed by Samuel McIntire. On November 7, 2023, the Hamilton Hall
building committee gathered to discuss the project’s scope and to set priorities based on
available funding. The Committee discussed the pros and cons of hiring an architect to
provide detailed specifications. The committee voted to put the funds toward the project
vs an architect. Brendan Collins and Peter Pitman, both experienced in architecture,
construction, and preservation projects, volunteered to liaise with the contractor. The
Committee voted on the following priorities in order of importance: three South facing
doors; fascia and soffits; and five sets of shutters on the Chestnut Street façade. Peter
Pitman and building committee met with Redwine Construction LLC to review priorities
and request an updated estimate.
• Pickering House & Barn Exterior Restoration
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
• Gables Tea House & Barn Roof Replacement as of 11/2023 – Project will replace
asbestos roofing shingles with new cedar shingles at The House of the Seven Gables Tea
House and Barn. Status: The roof installation is complete and on schedule. The
installation of gutters and downspouts has been delayed due to manufacturing issues.
The parts arrived at the end of October and are waiting for the installers to install them
this month.
Estimated completion date: 12/2023
• Palmer Cove Park 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
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general contractor is mobilizing at the time of this report. Demolition and construction
will commence December 2023.
Estimated completion date: 12/31/2024
Completed Projects
Note: CPA funds have been spent, but project may still be underway.
FY21 Awards
• Restoration of Poseidon Fountain (CPA work complete, project to be completed by 6/30/23)
• Slate Roof on the Oil House, Bakers Island Light Station (Preservation Restriction in
development)
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.)
• Bertram Field – Field House
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
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
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
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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
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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FY24 Community Preservation Plan
FY24 Funding & Timing
________________________________________________
III. FY24 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 FY23 budget at its meeting of June 8, 2023
(based upon the Assessor’s estimate of $845,000 in surcharge revenues, and a 28% estimate ($236,000)
in State match funds). Due to bankruptcy proceedings, the $75,000 of Year 4 Footprint Community
Benefits Agreement contribution was not included in the approved estimate. Current available fund
revenues and expense estimates are:
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 $236,000 28% $1,081,000.00
$9,552,982.28
Approved CPA Budget FY23
Open Space & Recreation
Projects Reserve $108,100
Housing Projects Reserve $108,100
Historic Projects Reserve $108,100
Administration Expenses $ 54,050
FY22 Budgeted Reserve $602,650
TOTAL $1,047,989
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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
$9,264,483.70
This leaves an estimated $247,925.27 to carry over into the upcoming funding round for projects. When
the State match percentage projections are released in March 2024 for FY25, the estimated State match
funds and the estimated local surcharge for FY25 (to be provided by the City Assessor), will form
Salem’s FY25 CPA budget. Once approved by the City Council, the FY25 budget will also be available
to the CPC as it considers its funding recommendations for FY25 projects to be awarded during the
FY24 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 FY24 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 2023 Updated Taxpayer Information Guide issued
October 10, 2023 Annual public hearing
November 15, 2023 State match funds released
December 2023 Finalize FY23 Community Preservation Plan
January 5, 2024 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 2024 DOR releases State match percentage projection
March 22, 2024 Step 2 Funding Application deadline
April 2024 CPC proposal review and development of funding recommendations
April/May 2024 Submission of FY24 budget recommendation to City Council
May/June 20243 Submission of Round 11 funding recommendations to City Council
Gables Tea House and Barn Roof Replacement
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
executed with the property owner. Funded projects will require the filing of a restriction on the
property at the Registry of Deeds.
19
• 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.
Property Owner Project Administrator Do Procurement & Prevailing
Wage Laws Apply?
22
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;
• 5 public and 3 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 seventeenth and early eighteenth 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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Forest River Pool and Bathhouse
Before and After
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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 July, 2021, the MA Department of Housing & Community
Development calculated Salem’s Chapter 40B subsidized housing inventory at 12.59%.
Housing costs have continued to rise and Salem, like other communities, is currently unable to
meet the demand for affordable housing. Since 2010, the median sales price for a home in Salem
has increased 49%, while the Salem family median income only rose 8%. In 2019, a renter’s
median income was approximately $40,516 and a homeowner’s median income was
approximately $100,548. Also, in 2019, around 48% of Salem households had incomes below
80% of the Area Median Income ($113,300) and 38% (approximately 6,995) of all households
were spending more than 30% of their income on housing. In 2019, those with a median income
could afford to buy a house selling for $276,000. However, the 2020 median condo price was
$385,000 and the median Single Family home was $490,000, creating an affordability gap of
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between $109,000 and $214,000. In order to afford the 2019 median condo price, a household
would need to earn $100,387 a year, yet 54% of Salem residents earned less than $75,000 per
year. In 2019, the average rent for a two-bedroom unit was $2,014/month. However, the average
renter can afford a monthly rent of just $1,013. In addition, as of July 2021, Salem has 2,391
housing units that are deed restricted to affordable levels. However, 530 of these restrictions will
expire by 2032.
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 Department of Housing
and Community Development.
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.
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)
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.
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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.
On the next page are maps from the 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update:
• 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. 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
• Restore landscape structures including Sargent Pond culvert, Dickson Bridge and Dickson
Steps
• Conserve historic headstones
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2. 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);
• 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;
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• 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
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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
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.
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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
• 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
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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
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
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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.
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.
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• 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
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
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• 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:
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.
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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.
14. City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update: 2015-2022 (2015)
Goal: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities.
Objective: Increase park and open space maintenance to sustainable levels, prioritize and
focus on neglected areas
Actions:
▪ Implement Winter Island master plan:
▪ Barracks bldg. rehab
▪ Hanger rehab.
▪ Ft. Pickering restoration
▪ USCG hanger plaza
▪ Improve paths and walkways
▪ New park furnishings and amenities
▪ Infrastructure improvements
▪ Repair/improve picnic areas at McCabe Park.
▪ Improve tennis and basketball courts at parks throughout the city.
▪ Replace & repair park benches & tables on a regular basis.
Objective: Expand Recreational facilities and programming at existing sites and identify
new opportunities.
Actions:
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▪ Improve & maintain hiking trails in Forest River conservation area and Highland
Park/Salem Woods.
▪ Evaluate need and feasibility of drinking fountains at parks, using current
technology. Consider Mary Jane Lee park as trial installation.
▪ Find locations, pursue funding and construct additional playing fields and
playgrounds.
▪ Identify opportunities for creating open space and playground facilities in dense
neighborhoods that lack such opportunities.
▪ Look for opportunities for new park/playground in West Salem
▪ Consider creation of a new dog park to address overuse of the current dog park at
Leslie’s Retreat Park.
Objective: Establish stewardship programs to encourage community engagement and
participation in park and open space improvements and maintenance activities.
Actions:
▪ Work with Salem community gardens to site gardens within walking distance of
each neighborhood.
▪ Support and cooperate with parks “friends of” organizations.
▪ Establish a program for enhancing protection of land owned by the Conservation
Commission, such as the Forest River trail.
Objective: Increase public street tree and landscape maintenance (street trees)
Actions:
▪ Provide funding for DPS and tree warden to inventory, restore & add street tree
planting pits and trees
▪ Remove invasive species and poison ivy
▪ Maintain, replace and add trees in parks
Objective: Provide mixed uses in parks for all age groups and abilities.
Actions: Inventory park needs as part of 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and
act on recommendations
Objective: Create more walking / biking /running trails and linkages throughout city
Actions: Update bicycling master plan to analyze city streetscapes and park linkages to
identify the best linkages and locations
Objective: Install & maintain automatic irrigation systems at select parks & athletic field
facilities
Actions: Include funds for irrigation systems in conjunction with any field renovations
where appropriate
Objective: Include public art as part of any park or facility renovation or expansion
Actions: Coordinate parks and open space projects with public art commission to identify
projects and funding sources.
Goal: Develop and Implement a Capital Improvement Program
Objective: Identify key maintenance and improvement needs in City recreational facilities.
Actions: Repair and improve items as necessary.
Objective: Explore alternative means for funding park maintenance and improvements.
Actions:
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▪ Pursue grant opportunities to enhance City parks and playgrounds.
▪ Seek to establish public/private partnerships
Goal: Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible
Objective: Acquire key parcels and sites for multi-purpose trails, scenic views, and visual
access to the water.
Actions: Acquire old railroad rights of way for multi-purpose trails.
Objective: Assess historic resources and prioritize improvements to protect those resources
that are most endangered.
Actions:
▪ Support Salem Historical Commission and Historic Salem Inc. efforts to identify
and protect their designated “endangered” historic sites.
▪ Maintain, Restore and enhance Salem’s Historic Cemeteries, and their unique
features including fences, headstones, etc.
Objective: Provide consistently high standards for “symbolic landscapes.”.
Actions:
▪ Plant new trees in parks
▪ Continue the program for regular tree replacement and planting with a goal on
increasing tree canopy at Salem’s parks and open spaces.
Objective: Protect examples of Salem’s ecological diversity.
Actions: Proactively eradicate invasive species at City parks, open space and wetlands.
Objective: Identify and plan for acquisition of key properties for parks and open space.
Actions:
▪ Identify desirable parcels not owned by the City that are located in key locations and
identify the current owner. If purchase and sale is not possible, speak to the current
owner about developing a conservation restriction on the property.
▪ Identify desirable parcels for acquisition that would improve existing park usage or
access
Goal: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness
Objective: Improve signage to direct people to the parks and to help orient them within the
parks.
Actions: Apply City wide signage program to install, repair and update entrance signs
installed at Salem’s park facilities.
Objective: Update equipment and park surfaces/ access to comply with current safety and
ADA standards.
Actions: Implement and update improvements identified in the ADA self - assessment as
park improvements are undertaken, and provide accessible playground facilities.
Objective: Expand bike paths and designated routes to connect to downtown and
surrounding communities.
Actions:
▪ Create interconnecting trail system linking schools and parks on roadways and by
off road routes (bike paths).
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▪ Purchase and install bike racks throughout downtown, schools, and parks.
Objective: Increase and improve access to the water improve signage directing people to
the waterfront.
Actions:
▪ Identify and improve access points such as public boat launches and provide
required parking, signage, and other amenities.
▪ Continue to work toward implementation of a continuous Harborwalk.
Objective: Increase security at Salem Parks
Actions: Install lighting in parks to increase night visibility
Objective: Improve access to Parks
Actions:
▪ Update parks to be accessible to all age groups and abilities
▪ Maintain & upgrade walks, linkages and amenities for accessibility
Objective: Consider Climate Change when planning for parks and open space improvement
and acquisition
Actions:
▪ Salem Climate Change Vulnerability & Assessment Plan should be consulted when
considering development in low lying or flood prone areas.
▪ Consider projected future expansion of flood areas when locating parks, recreation
areas and open space
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.
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.
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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
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
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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.
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
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• 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
• 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;
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• 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
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
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• 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.
▪ 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
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• 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
• 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
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• 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:
• 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:
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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
• 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
58
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
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
59
• 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
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
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64
CP-3 Excerpts
PROJECT NAME YEAR
APPROVED
DESCRIPTION STATUS CPA FUNDING
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.
Project
complete
$ 178,300.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 69,630.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 25,600.00
65
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.
Project
complete
$ 29,565.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 85,707.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 106,309.00
Bakers Island Oil House 2021 Restoration of the slate roof on the 1893 Oil House at the Bakers
Island Light Station
Project in
progress
$ 7,000.00
66
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.
Project
complete
$ 90,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 90,550.00
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 any unsuitable materials into the park design.
Construction was completed in July, 2018.
Project
complete
$ 76,363.00
67
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.
Project
complete
$ 15,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 20,000.00
68
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 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.
Project
complete
$ 106,000.00
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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
Project
complete
$ 85,075.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 73,500.00
70
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.
Project
complete
$ 49,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 83,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 23,048.00
71
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.
Project
complete
$ 51,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 22,500.00
72
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
Project
complete
$ 135,500.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 25,800.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 102,000.00
73
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 69,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 68,000.00
74
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, volleyball court, basketball court,
community garden and picnic/BBQ area.
Project
complete
$ 25,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 60,000.00
75
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.
Project
complete
$ 23,755.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 113,965.00
76
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 27,000.00
Ryan Brennan Memorial
Skate Park Renovation
2017 To support final construction costs to upgrade the Ryan Brennan
Memorial Skate Park.
Project
complete
$ 75,000.00
Saltonstall School
Playground
2017 Purchase and install playground equipment at the Saltonstall School. Project
complete
$ 95,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 250,000.00
Lighthouse 34 2018 Create 21 units of affordable housing and 750sf of program space at
34 Peabody Street in a new 5 story building.
Project in
progress
$ 130,150.00
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 repairs.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
77
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.
Project in
progress
$ 100,000.00
Nathaniel Bowditch
House Roof
Replacement
2019 Replace the roof of the Nathaniel Bowditch House located adjacent
to the Witch (Corwin) House.
Project
complete
$ 43,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 200,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 25,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 59,500.00
New Pioneer Village
2026 Phase 1
2021 Designer fees to relocate Pioneer Village to the Camp Naumkeag
site.
Project in
progress
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 50,000.00
78
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.
Project
complete
$ 93,505.00
Harbor & Lafayette
Homes
2015 This project is located in Salem’s historic Point neighborhood.
Preservation activities at 2 individual properties. 15-17 Harbor Street
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 150,000.00
Palmer Cove Park,
Phase II
2023 Final phase of construction to implement improvements to Palmer
Cove Park
Project in
progress
$ 250,000.00
Hamilton Hall Exterior
Restoration
2023 Exterior restoration of the 1805 Hamilton Hall designed by Samuel
McIntire
Project in
progress
$ 93,000.00
79
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
Project
complete
$ 50,650.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 120,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 20,000.00
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
Project in
progress
$ 20,000.00
80
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.
Project
complete
$ 5,000.00
Phillips House
Restoration
2020 Preservation/restoration of the building envelope of the Phillips
House at 86 Essex Street/50 Washington Square South.
Project in
progress
$ 171,681.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 100,000.00
Brookhouse Home Brick
Repointing Project
2020 Complete the brick repointing of two southeast exterior façade
elevations of the Brookhouse Home.
Project
complete
$ 50,640.00
Mack Park Food Farm 2020 Assist with the construction of the Mack Park Food Farm, an urban
agricultural project in an existing park.
Project
complete
$ 18,185.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 260,000.00
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 restoration plans and documents for
Broad Street Cemetery.
Project
complete
$ 35,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 125,000.00
81
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.
Project in
progress
$ 80,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 35,202.00
Historic Fire Station
Envelope Rehabilitation
2020 Roof repair at Engine 2 on North Street. Project
complete
$ 17,975.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 66,050.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 25,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 2,000,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 15,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 125,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 40,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 65,000.00
Superior Court and
County Commissioners
Building
2021 Create 129 units of mixed-income housing, commercial/institutional
and public accessible spaces.
Project in
progress
$ 200,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 40,000.00
1-3 Bemis Street
Acquisition
2017 Purchase of two lots to incorporate into existing park. Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
83
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.
Project
complete
$ 80,487.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 150,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 100,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 15,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 200,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 250,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 250,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 115,000.00
84
Dickson Memorial
Chapel Stained Glass
Window Restoration
2022 Restore historic stained glass windows at Dickson Chapel that are
original to the 1894 chapel.
Project in
progress
$ 60,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 66,149.00
Salem Deed
Conservation
2022 Undertake conservation of the Salem Deed, a 1686 parchment
document, and to rehouse the document in an archival frame.
Project in
progress
$ 15,430.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 96,500.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 80,000.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 40,000.00
Old Town Hall
Restoration
2023 Restoration of the 1816 Old Town Hall Project in
progress
$ 250,000.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 54,000.00
Ryan Brennan Memorial
Skate Park Renovation
2017 Construction costs to upgrade the Ryan Brennan Memorial Skate
Park
Project
complete
$ 117,750.00
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.
Project
complete
$ 150,000.00
85
Emmerton House
Repointing
2023 Repointing of the historic Emmerton House constructed in 1810-1812
owned and operated by the Woman's Friend Society
Project in
progress
$ 100,000.00
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
Project in
progress
$ 60,250.00
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.
Project in
progress
$ 250,000.00
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
Project in
progress
$ 44,000.00
Residences at El Centro 2023 Creation of 29 units of 100% affordable supportive housing for
seniors and 19 affordable apartments for seniors
Project in
progress
$ 100,000.00
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
Kimberley L. Driscoll, Mayor
Community Preservation Committee
98 WASHINGTON STREET ♦ SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
♦ 978-619-5685 ♦
FY24 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 Friday, January 5, 2024. 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. 2/15/24
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
FY24 Funding Application
To ensure consideration for FY23 Community Preservation Act funding, please submit this no later than Friday, March 22, 2024.
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 7/1/24.
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 a nd/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 fla gged 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. 11/1/23