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1996 CITY OF SALEM MASTER PLAN UPDATE AND ACTION PLAN City of Salem Master Plan Update and Action Plan 1996 Master Plan Update Committee Gary Barrett Zoning Board of Appeals Jorge L. Benitez Business Owner/Salem Harbor Comm. Dev, Corporation Joan Boudreau Salem Redevelopment Authority Timothy F. Clarke Salem Partnership Kathy Driscoll-Gauthier Business Owner Donald M. Geraghty North Shore Medical Center Philip E. Harrington Park and Recreation Commission Annie Harris Salem Partnership ,77 David Hart Planning Board Deborah Jackson School Committee Carol MacGown Condominium Owner Joan McGowan Salem State College Dan Monroe Peabody-Essex Museum Walter Power Planning Board Mark Shaw Chamber of Commerce David Shea Mayor's Office Kathie Walsh Parent Teacher Organization John Wathne Historic Salem, Inc. Stan Usovicz City Council Salem Planning Department Craig Wheeler, City Planner William E. Luster, City Planner(to May 1996) Elizabeth Debski Larissa Brown Michelle Cammarata Stephen Dibble Nanci Brown The Saratoga Associates Michael Scott Rudden, Principal in Charge Wyhung Zhang, GIS Specialist Final Report Production: Principal Author: Larissa Brown, Salem Planning Department Maps and Graphics: Juli Riemenschneider, Salem Planning Department The Planning Board Imperative The Planning Board has been involved with the continuous development of the City and has reviewed the draft of the Master Plan Update and Action Plan for 1996. The Planning Board has made the following observations with respect to what it feels are the critical elements facing the City today and in the future: .rl 1• Development of the commercial and industrial properties which have become contaminated from prior activities, and thus are difficult for the generation of new uses See page 23 & 35-36). Z• The rim p 1 I primary transportation requirement for the long-term economic viability of the City of Salem is to secure a limited access highway connector road from Route 128 to and through Salem (See page 17-20). 3• Exploration of the possibility of finding a method of conducting through traffic to and from neighboring cities and towns, whereby traffic would by-pass the built-up areas of the City(See page 20). 4• Additional train stop near Vinnin Square to accommodate Salem State College and neighboring communities of Swampscott and Marblehead (See page 20). 5• Continued emphasis on the maintenance of excellence in the City's public school system(See page 40). 6• Continued emphasis on the livability of the City for its inhabit terms of neighborhoods,parks and cultural institutions. ants and visitors in 7• Promote culturally-based tourism emphasizing the City's non-profit museums, historical houses and neighborhoods,relationship to the sea, and general historical attractions (See page 12, 24-25, 28-29). S. Continued emphasis on the reorientation of the "kernel of the City" -the downtown area- to continue the utilization of this once-prime retail area in concert with modern emphasis on automobile-concentrated retail malls and industrial parks (See page 21). 9• Development plans for the Salem Harbor are in the formulation stage, encompassing many proposals. The harbor is the City's front door and a focus on that is needed. The final plan should provide the City with adequate public and moderately deep-draft boatin access closer to the City's center. g E I ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Contents ■ Executive Summary 3 Plan Overview The Waterfront 11 Waterfront Development Map ■ Transportation #� Transportation Map 1 Economic, Institutional and Downtown 21 Development Economic, Institutional and Downtown Development Map Neighborhoods and Housing Neighborhoods and Housing Map 27 Recreation, Open Space and the Environment 35 Recreation, Open Space and the Environment Map Community Facilities and Services 39 Appendix 43 Sample Survey Survey Results Executive Summary The City of Salem 1996 Master Plan Update for the 1996-2006 decade was developed by a citizens' committee over the course of a two year period with the assistance of the Salem Planning Department and a consultant. Public input and review were solicited through a serve i and several public meetings. The Master Plan Update was approved by the Salem Planning Board on September 4, 1997. I The Plan presents goals and strategies for the coming decade in six categories: • The Waterfront Transportation • Economic,Institutional, and Downtown Development • Neighborhoods and Housing • Recreation, Open Space, and the Environment • Community Facilities and Services Highest priority was given to the promotion and enhancement of a diversified Salem economy, improvement of the downtown economic climate, and redevelopment of the waterfront. In addition to special attention to these improvements, which will benefit the City as a whole in multiple ways, the Plan also emphasizes vigilant neighborhood stabilization and environmental preservation programs. The goals in these categories focus on increasing owner- occupied housing, preserving and maintaining Salem's housing stock, and protecting Salem's water resources and open space. The large number of important physical improvements made in Salem in recent be joined by equally significant projects over the next ten years: completion oftheears Salml- Beverly Transportation Project, entrance corridor improvements, and several waterfront projects. The challenge for the next decade is to continue the development of equally strong public-private and community organizational networks to sustain the vitality of Salem's economic and social life. Salem in 1996 1 Salem is a small city with a multi-faceted identity. It is a coastal community of historic resources; cohesive neighborhoods; an economically and culturally dive unique diverse population; 1 strong medical, educational, and cultural institutions; and a diverse and changing economy. ry` J Throughout the economic and social transformations of the last half-century, Salem has retained its identity through periods of complex and often difficult change. Salem's population has remained stable at approximately 38,000 in the last two decades and is projected to stay at the same level during the next decade. According to the 1990 census, 54 percent of the population is female,the median age is 33.5, and the population is 93 percent White. Hispanics of all races comprise 6.7 percent of the total population, the largest single ■ minority group in the City. Salem is a middle-class city with a median household income close to the median for the state as a whole. Most Salem households are family households, but nearly one-third of Salem residents Iive alone. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, Salem's population is not older than the population of neighboring municipalities. Densely populated in its historic core, Salem also has quite extensive open spaces in the southwestern and south central parts of the City. Until the late 1950s, Salem was the transportation,business,legal,and retail hub of Essex County. Its historic sites have long attracted thousands of tourists to the City every year. For the last half-century Salem has been one of several business centers on the North Shore while also functioning as a suburban bedroom community for Boston. Little of the remaining land is enviromnentally suitable for development and the City is not under severe development pressure. Like many small New England industrial cities, it has seen the erosion of its traditional manufacturing base and downtown retail center. However, industries and commercial enterprises are increasingly attracted to Salem's quality of life and coastal location near to Boston. The City's tourism assets include the National Maritime Historic Site, recently improved, and the Peabody-Essex Museum, which plans a multi-million dollar investment in new and improved facilities in downtown Salem. In addition, state- and federally-funded infrastructure improvements are bringing Salem's transportation network and other infrastructure up to date. In planning for the future,Salem must combine its many identities as a historic city and county seat, tourist destination,North Shore suburb of Boston, industrial center, and maritime port to preserve and enhance its deeply-rooted historic character while improving neighborhood quality of life and economic vitality for all its citizens. Looking Towards 2006: the Purpose of a Master Plan A master plan is a process and a document. The process engages a community in an assessment of its current condition as a place to live,work and do business,and the identification of goals for the future and the strategies needed to attain those goals. The document is a blueprint for the future, serving both as a policy document and an action document to guide Salem as the City makes decisions during the next ten years to evaluate potential development, protect and enhance its assets, and take advantage of opportunities. Master plans focus on the physical development of a community,particularly land use, but they also include discussions of community services. The process of creating or updating a master plan gives people in a community the opportunity to think in a systematic way about 4 s what kind of place they live in,what the problems and Opportunities of place they would Iike it to be. Salem's last Master Plan was completed in 979 and the Cty's Zoning Ordinance has not been significantly revised since 1965. This master plan update is a flexible blueprint for the period 1996-2006, designed to guide the City into the twenty-first century. The Master Plan Committee and the Planning Process In June 1994 the Salem Master Plan Committee was established by the Sal em ing 3 Department to update the Master Plan. The Committee members represented a broad plectrum of Salem neighborhoods, businesses, non-profit institutions, City commissions, and City government. The Committee was assisted in its work by Planning Department staff and The Saratoga Associates, a planning consulting firm. The Committee first agreed on a mission statement: "To provide a forum to facilitate formulation and adoption of a comprehensive cit y-wide Action Plan consisting of short and long term goals and implementation strategies addressing physical, economic, social, and cultural J development." Committee members then engaged in a process of identifying assets and liabilities on a variety of issues, such as city image, transportation, the economy, waterfront development, and so on. Then the Committee divided into smaller groups focus on specific issues and sectors in order to identify goals and propose short and long-term implementation strategies to reach those goals. Meeting over the course of a year, the Committee drafted goals 3 and implementation strategies in five general areas. economic development;neighborhoods and housing; recreation/open space and waterfront development; transportation; and community facilities and services. These proposals were then presented at several community forums for comments and suggestions. 371 The Saratoga Associates helped guide the process and produced some of the working documents. The final report, both text and maps, was written and prepared by Planning Department staff. Public Process: Community Survey and CommunityReview w At the direction of the Committee, the Planning Department undertook a community survey to ascertain Salem citizens' views on a variety of issues. A 3-page questionnaire was mailed in the summer of 1994 to a random sampling of 2,400 Salem residents. Four hundred ninety surveys were returned,resulting in an acceptable response rate of 21%. (See the Appendix for the survey.) As often happens, the demographic characteristics of the group of residents who responded to the survey did not match many of the characteristics of Salem's entire population as shown in the 1990 census. Survey respondents as a group were disproportionately older, retired,homeowners, and long-term residents, compared with the City's population as a whole. Residents under fifty, employed people, and renters were underrepresented in the survey, and, 1 by implication, families with younger children. The proportion of young adults aged 18 to 34 in � 5 1 3�3 the total population is twice as great as the proportion of young adults in the respondent group. These differences should be kept in mind when evaluating the survey results. (See the Appendix for survey results and analysis.) } Survey respondents saw economic development(42%), public education (40%), and, to t a somewhat lesser degree, neighborhood revitalization (30%), as the most important issues facing the City over the next ten years. Fewer respondents saw the environment(23%), land use management(15%),housing (10%),transportation (9%) and human services (6%) as the most pressing concerns. In addition, over 60 percent of respondents chose development of vacant industrial properties as one of the two most important land use and development issues in the City, with growth management and waterfront development following at some distance. All of these issues are dealt with in some detail in this Master Plan Update,with the exception of public education. The City schools recently completed a six-year, $39 million school reconstruction program. The School Department engages in its own program planning process separate from the master planning process. The Committee presented its draft recommendations for the Master Plan at three community meetings,two in May 1995 and one in June 1995, held at different times of the day and evening to accommodate residents' varied schedules. Residents were asked to review the goals, implementation strategies, and maps developed by the Committee and write down their comments and suggestions. Their comments were taken into account during production of the final draft. Report Format The Report is divided into one thematic part,the Waterfront, and five functional parts covering various activity and area sectors: Economic, Institutional, and Downtown Development;Neighborhoods and Housing; Recreation and Open Space; Transportation; and Community Facilities and Services. The Waterfront was chosen as a thematic focus because g development and improvement of Salem's waterfront is a long-standing goal which clearly demonstrates the importance of plans that integrate economic, environmental, land-use, social, and cultural strategies. Although the other parts of the Report are functionally divided, their goals and strategies are also interrelated. 6 Plan Overview Setting the Stage: Infrastructure and Physical Facilities Many physical improvements to Salem's transportation network and community facilities have been completed in recent years or are currently being designed or built: Riley Plaza, New a Derby Street, the Salem-Beverly Transportation Project, school renovations, the new police station, numerous park improvements, and so on. The transportation projects in particular set the framework for economic development, neighborhood preservation, and other land use decisions. Perhaps the most significant of these projects is the Salem-Beverly Transportation Project, which will reconfigure major road connections at the heart of Salem's downtown. 1 Highest Planning Priorities Economic Development After passing through a difficult regional economic recession Salem residents are understandably concerned about assuring the economic health of their City. 7 Vacant industrial and city-owned buildings are a reminder of job losses. Retaining existing businesses and attracting new ones, while redeveloping the vacant sites, is a to p priority. it is also important that the City plan for impending changes in the circumstances of its biggest taxpayer,New England Power Company. Downtown Development. The decline of Salem's retail center is due to suburban competition more than lack of attractive physical facilities. Although continued programs to improve appearance remain important, the focus must be on improving the retail mix attracting higher-income shoppers. and Tourism Development. Salem attracts thousands of tourists annually,but the majority come on day trips for the witch attractions and spend relatively little money. Promotion of Salem's maritime and cultural heritage, along with provision of a greater variety of lodging options and facilities for tourists to arrive by water are required to realize Salem's tourism potential. Waterfront Development. Although Salem's historic prosperity derived from its waterfront location, for many decades the City tended to neglect its waterfront_ Visual and 7 E physical access to the water is poor, especially downtown. Waterfront development can link the City's tourist attractions,bringing economic benefits,while providing recreation for City residents. Quality of Life Priorities Public Schools. Concern about the quality of the Salem Public School system is 'A widespread. Although this plan does not encompass a master plan for the school system, the importance of a good public school system - and the perception of good schools - emerged at several stages of the master planning process. Living in the Neighborhoods. Most Salem neighborhoods are stable and attractive. In a city with a high proportion of renters and an older housing stock,however,every effort must be taken to keep up the appearance of neighborhood public spaces and the condition of private housing. The Environment. In a densely-urbanized coastal city,environmental protection and improvement of coastal and inland water resources and remaining upland open spaces is essential. Environmentally healthy open space and recreational resources offer residents an exceptional quality of life and attract new businesses,residents, and visitors. Planning Tools The City of Salem has a variety of tools available to implement the goals and strategies in this plan. Existing regulations, such as the Zoning Ordinance, should be reviewed to y determine if they promote the policy goals put forth in the Master Plan Update. Zoning and Regulation. The regulatory powers of the government through zoning,wetlands law administration, and health and safety laws permit the city government,within limits,to regulate land use in order to benefit the community as a whole. • Housing Policy. Housing policy includes the use of federal and state funds for the creation and preservation of affordable housing as well as assistance for rehabilitation and deleading. Policy choices include how to target this money geographically and allocate it between rental and owner-occupied housing. The City works with the local non-profit A housing developer,Salem Harbor Community Development Corporation, and with other North Shore communities on affordable housing issues. 11 • Economic Development Incentives and Assistance. Because Salem has been designated an Economic Target Area,it can offer tax incentives to business. Other assistance includes small business loans, facade and 8 A signage loans, infrastructure improvements,and help in obtaining permits and licenses. _a Public-Private Partnerships. The Salem Partnership is the preeminent nt organization of this type in Salem. However, other models, such as Business Improvement Districts, may prove useful in implementing the goals of the Master Plan. Institutional Planning. City coordination of planning with Sale major institutions - the Museum, the College, and the Medical Center s can contribute to effective implementation of the Plan's goals. Activity and Event Programming and improvements, while important,t are nd of ssufficientPin themshysical elves to make things happen. Community Organization and Activism. Strong neighborhood and community organizations can be key contributors to implementing Plan goals. Challenges for the Next Decade Physical improvements and bricks and mortar projects will continue to be essential city activities over the next decade, particularly in waterfront development. Perhaps the bigger challenge will be to organize and coordinate a variety of incentives, regulations, development assistance programs, and public-private initiatives to bring Salem into the twenty-first century with a dynamic economy, vital neighborhoods,and a healthy environment, while preserving its unique historic heritage. l 9 r "All 10 ;Ig X s The Waterfront Salem's 16 miles of coastline and waterfront are natural and man-made,commercial and residential, historic and touristic, recreational and industrial. The City's oceanfront location is a key ingredient in giving it a unique sense of place. Salem residents intensely value this waterfront identity and seek to enhance it. The waterfront requires a holistic planning approach that integrates and balances preservation of environmental resources with economic and A recreational uses. When Salem was founded,the land was deeply penetrated by the North and South River estuaries. Over the centuries Salem's coastline was filled in and the North and South Rivers were channelized. Many of Salem's cultural and historic attractions, including the National T Maritime Historic Site, the Peabody-Essex Museum, and the City's architectural jewels, are linked to its seafaring past. After the golden age of maritime trade ended for Salem, the waterfront became a favored location for industry. Today most of the coastline is taken up by a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and utility uses. Visual and physical access to the downtown waterfront is somewhat limited and visitors to the City are often 71 unaware of their proximity to the water. Although Salem has a large natural port, cargo use is limited to a private port owned by New England Power Co. used for deliverin heating oil. g coal and home Redevelopment of the City's waterfront is a goal of long standing; the waterfront also merited a separate chapter in Salem's last comprehensive master plan in 1979. The City has already recommitted itself to an ambitious plan to revive and rejuvenate the City's maritime identity and tradition in the downtown. A recently completed Maritime District Development Study proposed redevelopment of the South River channel area, creation of a Downtown Maritime District, improvement of the waterfront outside downtown, comprehensive harbor planning, creation of a management entity, state approval of the waterfront as an Economic Opportunity Area,and designation of the waterfront as a Heritage State Park. The plan includes dredging of the South River and creation of a series of downtown waterfront public spaces, including a marina, parks, walkways, and a parkin Several components of the new plan are already under-way, as well as festival programming. , giving grounds for optimism that these plans will reach fruition. A new Congress Street Bridge was recently completed and a parking garage at the corner of Derby and Congress Streets will be constructed. � 11 In addition,a public-private group(including representatives from City government,New England Power Company, and other businesses) produced a study addressed to the Massachusetts Seaport Council promoting the dredging and expansion of Salem's working port to accommodate more ocean-going bulk cargo tankers,passenger cruise ships, and,possibly in k the future, small- to medium-sized high-speed cargo ships. Because of the spatial division between Salem's deep water port and tourist harbor, the proposed expansion of the working port ' would be easier to accommodate here than in many other communities,as long as the increased land side activity could be effectively integrated into the surrounding dense and historic neighborhoods. This project was included in the Seaport Bond Bill recently approved by the state legislature. I Concerns and Opportunities The Master Plan Committee recognized that Salem benefits from having many residents involved in waterfront issues and that the City has unique waterfront attractions: Salem Willows, Winter Island, Forest River Park, Pioneer Village, Derby Wharf and the National Maritime Historic Site, and Pickering Wharf. However,they also felt that many waterfront areas are not sufficiently developed, utilized, or maintained, and that the complexity of waterfront development requires more comprehensive planning. Despite Salem's long coastline, public access to the waterfront is limited, especially beach access. Particular concerns include a need for improvements at the Willows and Winter Island,the unappealing visual impact of industrial 133 and utility sites on the coastline, and the need for dredging. Areas where committee members saw great underused potential include the South and North Rivers,Winter Island, and the harbor islands. Survey respondents chose waterfront development as the third most important land use/development issue facing the city,after vacant industrial properties and growth management. Respondents were also very supportive of efforts to protect natural resources. Forty-eight percent agreed that it is"very important"and another 19 percent agreed that it is "important." Salem's coastline and downtown waterfront are underutilized resources. Communities across the country have successfully turned to waterfront revitalization as part of economic development,tourism,recreational,and environmental planning. Now that the groundwork for redevelopment is complete in the form of the maritime planning study, and key pieces of the plan, such as the Congress Street Bridge and the new parking garage, are underway, other components of the project will follow. j 12 Goals and Strategies The Committee recognized that a lively waterfront must enhance the environmental health of water resources, provide room for a variety of activities which contribute both to the City's economy and recreational resources, and intensify Salem's identity as a maritime community. MR Goals Strategies Department Planning and management Comprehensive waterfront •Prepare Municipal Planning planning and management Harbor Management Plan for state •Adopt the Maritime District approval District Proposal •Create a waterfront management entity/agency Port Economic Development Expanded deep water port and -Request Army Corps of Mayor's Designated Port Area(DPA) Engineers dredging of federal Office, channel Planning -Secure funding for expansion of DPA New economic uses of the harbor -Seek funding for dredging of Planning, and port North and South Rivers Tourism and -Construction of new wharf for Cultural cruise ships and other uses Affairs, -Encourage private investment Possible in a Salem Harbor water shuttle Waterfront -Develop programming for the Agency downtown waterfront -Create South Harbor Marina -Promote waterfront commercial businesses -Construct parking garage Public Access and Waterfront Recreation Expanded public waterfront -Identify and preserve all existing Planning access public access areas •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 I3 Goals Strategies Department s -Develop multi-purpose trail system along waterfront as much as possible -Convert old Salem-Beverly Bridge to a public recreational pier Enhanced access to harbor -Encourage tours of harbor and Planning and islands islands -Retain ownership of city lands on islands -Determine appropriate public access to islands, if any Expanded and improved -Expand/promote use of Planning, waterfront facilities marinas at Kernwood,Collins Park and Cove,Winter Island,and Salem Recreation Willows -Seek funding for South Harbor Marina -Expand sea wall maintenance program -Seek funding for dredging of South and North Rivers Aesthetic improvement of private -Encourage painting or other Planning waterfront properties visual improvement of Boston Gas and NEPCO facilities •Identify and pursue strategy for Franklin St.properties and junk yard Environmental Resources Protection Protection and enhancement of -Enact Riverfront District Planning, coastal habitat Ordinance to maintain water Public quality, preserve habitat, Works and protect downstream resources •Incorporate stormwater runoff Best Management Practices in subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances.and in golf { course and athletic field maintenance programs -Eliminate CSOs(Combined Sewer Outflows)to improve beach and shellfish bed conditions -Expand Household Hazardous Waste Collection program 14 i 1 Goals Strategies j Department *Encourage and maintain boat pumpout programs in targeted embayment areas 1 'Implement education program for residents on avoiding nonpoint pollution 15 Ail 16 E) ., Economic Development • Encourage private investment in City of Salem Salem Harbor Water Shuttle Action Plan • Encourage state program for Salem-Boston Ferry �� ., Develop waterfront programming and events • Encourage new waterfront businesses Waterfront Management • Prepare Harbor Management Plan • with state assistance Waterfront Development Create waterfront management agency • Evaluate possible creation of proposed Maritime Development District Coastal Habitat Protection Promote More Use of Legend � Eliminate all combined sewer outflows McCabe Park E • Incorporate stormwater runoff Best Management Practices in subdivision Focus Areas regulations,zoning ordinances,and field and golf course maintenance programs • Enact Riverfront District Ordinance South Harbor to maintain water quality,preserve habitat, Downtown Maritime District and protect downstream resources • Expand household hazardous waste Designated Port Area collection program North River Winter Island • Encourage and maintain boat pumpout programs • Pursue feasibility of dredging North River • Education program for residents on • Create recreational pier at old bridge Collins Cove avoiding nonpoint pollution • Relocate junkyard and marine contractor to create more open space Proposed Dredging South River . � Salem Harbor North River Public Access and Recreational Sites Downtown Maritime District Lead Mills Acquisition • Link retail district to central waterfront Winter Island • Reinforce Derby Street spine to connect waterfront attractions r • Collins Cove Old Bridge Pier • Develop Maritime District signage • Develop festival programming I I ! Reinforce waterfront public access North River Site • Create waterfront walk to new port '� Connect to bicycle/pedestrian trail system McCabe Park r ..i t 7 Proposed Walkways South Harbor • Dredge South River Channel ; •••••••'••"' Walkway at the South River • Develop marina and walkway �• �'` 11 Walkway at Collins Cove • Encourage waterfront businesses,including restaurants • Pursue waterfront park development proposals Walkway at the North River • Economic Development South River Designated Port Area e Port • Develop new wharf for cruise ships and other uses • Pursue state funds for dredging of basin • Pursue maintenance dredging of federal channel by Army Corps of Engineers Winter Island • Expand recreational boating and fishing Developed By: • Increase dockage and improve launch ramp City of Salem Master Plan Committee • Restore fort and historic buildings • Coordinate development with private owners Assisted by: Lead Mills Acquisition o 500 ,N00 z.� City of Salem Planning Department and Saratoga Associates 1 A -1 Transportation y'M Transportation networks structure the land use and development activities of any 71 community. Although Salem is well-connected to the dense transportation networks of the Boston metropolitan area, it also faces certain constraints due to its location and historic character. With its proximity to Logan Airport and public transportation via commuter rail and bus lines, Salem is linked to regional,national, and international transportation systems. However, many Salem residents have long felt that the City's lack of a direct connection to a major interstate highway is a significant locational drawback. The City's topography, irregular -11 coastline,and historic street plan all contribute to Salem's challenging road configurations. At the same time,these characteristics provide opportunities for inter-modal transportation, linking pedestrian, bicycle, and water transport with public transit and vehicular arteries. Today's challenge is to make navigating to and through the City easier and quicker while 311 enhancing its character and neighborhood quality of life. In recent years Salem has been laying the groundwork for a revitalized city through the replacement and redesign of much of its aging 33 transportation infrastructure. These projects will improve safety, traffic flow, and road appearance. Improvements completed or underway include New Derby Street, Riley Plaza,the Congress Street Bridge,the Swampscott Street Bridge,and four intersections: Loring,Canal, and Jefferson; North, Summer and Essex; Boston, Essex, and Highland; and Swampscott Road at Highland. In addition, portions of the $57 million Salem-Beverly Transportation Project, the single largest transportation improvement project in North Shore history and the biggest project currently underway in the state after the Central Artery Project in Boston, are in the design and construction phase. The entire project should be completed well within the next decade. Yet more transportation projects are planned for the near future, including the reconstruction and enhancement of all the City's entrance corridors and development of a pedestrian and bicycle trail linking Salem's scenic attractions, public transportation nodes, and adjacent communities. This investment in transportation will provide a strong framework for the economic and social development of the City and the enhancement of neighborhood life. 17 ,l Concerns and Opportunities The Committee recognized that Salem has many transportation assets, including public transportation,proximity to Logan Airport,parking garages and lots in downtown, and the new 3".11 Sal Bride. It identified as liabilities the difficult access to Salem from major highways and Boston,poor directional signage,the perception of a lack of downtown parking, unrealized train service potential,and a lack of connections among the neighborhoods,especially for nondrivers. Nine percent of the survey respondents considered transportation one of the two most important issues facing Salem in the next ten years,transportation ranking seventh out of eight l issues overall. Only human services,at 6 percent,ranked lower. This low ranking may indicate17 that respondents are aware of the many transportation projects already completed or underway, making them feel that sufficient attention is already being directed to transportation issues, or that they believe that the city has little control over transportation routes. When asked to identify specific streets for safety threats, respondents chose Riley Plaza(pedestrian safety), Congress Street, and the intersection of Loring. Canal, and Jefferson. Intersections identified as having excessive traffic were North, Summer, and Essex, as well as Boston and Essex Streets. Respondents identified Highland Avenue, Swampscott Road,and Bridge Street as most in need of aesthetic improvement. Current and planned transportation investments and the City's appropriateness for intermodal transport offer important opportunities. The construction of the new Salem-Beverly J Bridge, the bypass road, and associated improvements to Bridge Street, including the North River Canal Mitigation ProjectlLinear Park, will have a major impact on Salem. The City is working to ensure that the design of these projects is responsive to existing neighborhoods, traffic patterns, businesses, and the aesthetic character of the community. For people traveling to and from Salem by car, and for those traveling within Salem, safety and efficiency are paramount. Congested and unattractive entrance corridors and several busv intersections impede access between the City and Route 128. Opportunities to reduce travel times include improvements to several heavily traveled intersections, reconstruction of �s roadways in entrance corridors,the elimination of"no turn on red"at appropriate intersections, and improvements to signage. Reconstruction and signage projects can also improve appearances with new landscaping, lighting and sidewalks. Salem's combination of transportation resources makes it a prime candidate for intermodal transportation networks. In addition to the existing roads,rail, and bus transport, the City is beginning to develop a multi-purpose trail system for non-motorized traffic. The more distant future may bring light rail and ferries to downtown Boston. 18 w r A Goals and Strategies Since the construction of Route 128, Salem residents have been pursuing tr tion improvements to enhance traffic flow and mitigate congestion on the City's major entraance corridors. In addition, increasing traffic congestion within the city presents opportunities for development of intermodal transportation options. Goals Strategies Department Repair and replacement of failing -Reconstruct hazardous Planning, infrastructure and unsafe or intersections: Boston&Essex ; outdated design Mass Highway Summer/North&Essex; Highland at Swampscott Road; Highland/Jackson/Dalton Parkway;Hawthorne/Congress/ Derby. Improve major vehicular -Traffic flow,pedestrian,and routes through Salem Planning,Mass o streetscape improvements on Highway entrance corridors: Boston Department ■ Street;Bridge Street;North Street. . -Design and construct the Bridge Street Bypass Road with community input on design. •Improve safety at Marlborough Road. -Improvements to Swampscott Road. -Eliminate"No Turn On Red" at appropriate intersections. -Conduct a study to determine the impact of future growth on Highland Ave. If determined necessary,design and construct a right turn lane. Improve access and parking -Design and construct the Planning,in the downtown downtown connection portion of Salem/Mass. the Beverly Transportation Project. Highway -Connect Commercial Street to Parking Dept, Bridge St.adjacent to the North St.overpass. •Implement a downtown parking program. -Construct the South Harbor Parking Garage. -improve intersection at Brown St. and Hawthorne Blvd. 19 �A _4 of c gq Department Se s trat -Expand and maintain vehicular sig.,nacre system. Expanded access to Public -Construct a 600-car parking M113TA, transportation deck at the MBT.A station- Planning Dept. -Assess the feasibility of 31 constructing;a new META station - in South Salem. -implement a system of bicycle/ Planning imp rovement Development and Mass. of alternate modes of pedestrian trails:extend Webb St. transportation trail beyond Cross St.;design and Highway build a trail along the Bypass Road -- and on Bridge Street;design and build a trail on the Marblehead Branch. 31 -Seek funds to complete trail system. - -support the Coastal Corridor Plan for a Light Rail System to Logan Airport,Boston and the South Shore. _2 -Support Salem-Boston ferry - proposal. Improvement of infra-city -Evaluate potential traffic and Planning road linkages to enhance neighborhood impacts of possible traffic efficiency and flow new routes:Swampscott Road bypass;South East Corridor road from Marblehead line to Jackson/Highland intersection; North-South Corridor road connecting Highland Ave.to Canal St.;East-West corridor road connecting First St.to Willson St;and adding capacity to Highland Avenue 20 Public Transportation City Of Salem • Support the Coastal Corridor Plan for a light � 4 rail system to Logan Airport,Boston,and the , yh South Shore "# Action Plan • Support the Salem-Boston ferry proposal �� iBL t Freight Transportation r Support consolidation to freight yards from Commercial Street to Jefferson Avenue • Pursue construction of new wharf in the s_ designated port area Transportation Legend /,••""" Hazardous Intersection Improvements Vinnin Square �• r Boston and Essex Streets Summer/North and Essex Streets • Highland Ave. and Swampscott Road Highland Ave. and Jackson Street Congress/New Derby and Hawthorne . � F Entrance Corridor Improvements Boston Street Bridge Street North Street Salem)•. Beverly Transportation Project t✓ - ", �� North River Parkway/Bypass Road Bridge Street Expansion Downtown Connection - Linear Park �00 i Pier at Old Bridge New Parking �•►; �I �i Garage at Congress and New Derby �;•• MBTA Parking Structure Road Improvements Marlborough Road !� Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail System Potential New Routes and/or Road Widening 1 ............ Developed By: City of Salem Master Plan Committee Assisted by: City of Salem Planning Department and Saratoga Associates .J Economic, Institutional, and Downtown Development During its long history Salem has been an international trading center, an industrial 73 pioneer, a regional retail hub, a transportation corridor,public utility site, and a tourist magnet. As the county seat, Salem is home to the county courts, and it has long been the banking center of the North Shore. The City is home to other important institutions of regional and national 3 significance: the Peabody-Essex Museum, Salem State College, and the North Shore Medical Center. -773 Like many small New England cities, Salem has undergone complex adjustments over the last fifty pa rticularly in response to the economic transformations sweeping the industrial sector, the regional transportation network, and retailing. Modern light industry typically prefers a large expanse of one space locatedjust off a major interstate. Salem has limited space for large new industrial plants and is relatively far from regional hi ways. Man of the City's traditional industries have relocated—textiles, leather making, electric products, games — and jobs have been lost. However, some older industrial successfully redeveloped, such as the Shetland Office Park in the old cotton textile mill,and Salem has attracted new industry, from high technology to handicrafts. At the same time, the City is working hard to retain its remaining industries, as in its provision of infrastructure 11 assistance in 1995 to help Thermal Circuits relocate to larger quarters in the City's industrial park off Swampscott Road. Manufacturing, however, now accounts for less than 20 percent of Salem employment, while approximately 50 percent of employees are in the services and trade sectors. Although they employ only about 5 percent of Salem workers, the utility and communications industries in Salem are very important to the economic health of the City. The New England Power Company(NEPCO),Nynex, and Mass Electric are the top three taxpayers, and Boston Gas is within the top ten. The City must be alert to the effects of changes in the regulatory and competitive climate on these industries' investments in Salem. Salem's downtown retail district has faced strong competition from regional malls and from suburban-style retail strips on Highland Avenue within the City. Two-thirds of respondents to the community survey frequent downtown Salem once a week and one-third go there once a day. The top to reasons given for going downtown were banking (55 percent), shopping 36 percent), restaurants (30 percent), and city hall (17 percent). Since the respondent group was 21 J� more likely to be older, retired, and a long-time resident than the population as a whole, it is possible that other residents are even less likely to go downtown than the respondent population. Respondents indicated that they typically go to Highland Avenue for daily and weekly shopping .1 and go to the North Shore Mall in Peabody monthly. Vinnin Square and Canal Street were less likely to be visited monthly than other shopping areas. (This finding may not reflect more frequent use from adjacent neighborhoods.) City government depends on business for 53 percent of its tax revenue,particularly on the taxes paid by a handful of large businesses. The top ten business taxpayers account for approximately 60 percent of business taxes, and NEPCO's power plant pays nearly one-fourth A of Salem's total property taxes. Judging from the community survey, Salem residents are not well-informed about business taxes. Fifty-five percent of respondents underestimated the business contribution to the City's overall tax receipts. The stability of Salem's large institutions, the college, the museum complex, and the medical center, also contribute to the City's economic health through the provision of jobs, customers for local businesses, and attraction of visitors. Salem has the country's oldest urban national historic site and many other attractions for tourists. It is estimated that direct and indirect tourism spending in Salem amounts to approximately$25 million annually. The focus of Salem tourism tends to be on the witch trials, attracting tourists on day trips who spend money on smaller items. The lack of sufficient lodging is one source of this problem.The Peabody-Essex Museum will be making a major investment in downtown Salem over the next decade, which will enhance the effect of current and planned investments in the National Park Service complex. Salem's unique historical and architectural heritage is an economic as well as a cultural resource. Concerns and Opportunities In 1995 Salem and the region as a whole was emerging from one of the most serious economic recessions since the thirties. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Committee saw economic development as the greatest challenge facing the City during the coming decade. The Committee believes Salem has many economic development assets, including Pickering Wharf,the City's large institutions, the Highland Avenue commercial strip, and the diversity of the local economy with its health, tourism, service, and boutique retail sectors. Moreover, Committee members highlighted the importance of human assets: innovative businesses with optimistic owners and City government support for business development through its business loan program and efforts to develop important vacant sites. A However,the Committee was especially concerned about improving the business climate by retaining existing businesses and attracting new ones and pointed to a perception of high business taxes as a liability. Although they recognized the value of non-profit institutions, Committee members also voiced concern that too many non-taxpaying institutions would i increase the City's government's financial vulnerability. The lack of tenants in the upper floors 22 i ri 71 3 of downtown commercial buildings was cited as an index of the need for downtown busi district development. ness Survey respondents also chose economic development as the most 'm' t issue facing Salem over the next ten years. Moreover,sixty-five percent of respondents sawn vacant industrial properties as the single most important land use issue facing the City. Some of these properties are known to have environmental contamination problems, making redevelopment of these buildings and sites even more problematic. Despite its economic problems, Salem has many competitive advantages: inexpensive industrial and commercial space, proximity to Boston and Logan Airport, rail access, a labor force with diverse skills, a variety of housing options, an appealing lifestyle and not least, a unique history and sense of place. In addition,the City has been designated an Economic Target Area (ETA) by the state, which allows the City to offer special state and local tax credits and other incentives. Goals and Strategies Economic development goals and strategies are intended to increase economic diversity, preserve and promote existing economic strengths (such as tourism), and focus particularly on downtown development and redevelopment of vacant sites. Goals Strategies Department Commercial/Industrial Existing firms retained and -Market ETA incentives new business attracted Planning•Develop new light industrial sites/facilities -Redevelop vacant public and private sites -Train City staff to provide comprehensive information and excellent customer service -Organize CEOs in industry sectors to serve as"ambassadors" to prospective firms -Explore opportunities to build on rail traffic -Pursue state and federal assistance for infrastructure development Contamination issues resolved -Determine environmental status at vacant sites Planning of vacant sites •Promote use of state"Covenant Not to Sue"and other programs as appropriate to encourage clean up and re-use of sites 23 t I Goals Strategies Department .Pursue state and federal assistance for environmental clean up Plans made for future of NEPCO -Obtain more information Planning about NEPCO plans and Iong-term prospects in Salem -Support port development -Develop contingency plans for alternative tax sources and uses of the site -Determine potential on-site environmental contamination j Downtown Development Strong existing businesses and -Develop special events and Planning, attraction of middle and upper year-round programming Tourism& income shoppers with an -Market small business loan Cultural improved retail mix program to desirable businesses Affairs, •Inventory and market Salem Rede- vacant downtown space velopment •Improve tourism assets for Authority middle and upper income visitors (SRA) -Build awareness of importance of preserving first floor retail space -Develop waterfront attractions r and complete pedestrian link with downtown -Tie Museum/cultural institution events with retail efforts -Conduct surveys/focus groups on market demand of downtown workers and residents -Extend store hours -Develop strong public-private partnerships to provide technical assistance in management, property maintenance,and marketing 3.1 Continued improvement of -improve signage from Rt. 128 Planning, appearance and infrastructure and from downtown to Tourism and of downtown waterfront Cultural -Enforce sign regulations Affairs, a -Market facade improvement SRA loan program -Continue to install period lighting -improve traffic flow and y parking ,Construct garage at Congress & Derby Streets 24 i Goals Strategies Department 'Promote clean up of vacant 71 storefronts Increase downtown activity •Maintain communication with of major institutions institutions on future plans Planning, Mayor's •Locate downtown space for Office SSC adult education classes *Pursue funding and locate site for court improvements and construction of new judicial center . 'Promote linkages between merchants/innkeepers and special Museum events Tourism More middle-and upper- *Promote"cultural tourism" income tourists (architecture/maritime/museum Tourism& Cultural rather than witches) Affairs Improved way-finding *Expand and maintain and signage comprehensive uniform sign SRA ing system, inside and outside the City,remove unnecessary signs,and periodically inspect signs for accuracy y Greater quantity and *Encourage development variety of lodging alternatives of convention hotel, family, Planning, and B&B lodging Tourism& •Implement a strategic Cultural marketing plan to increase Affairs, SRA overnight stays *Promote RV parking at several sites including Winter Island •Encourage development Of youth/senior hostels *Promote summer Lodging at SSC Increased marine tourism *Promote additional docking Planning, and mooring space *Support development of Tourism& Cultural cruise ship port/wharf Affairs *Provide boaters with materials on City attractions 2j Goals Strategies Department Institutions Public institutional master plans •Encourage communication Plannina of institutional master plans to City government •Coordinate institutional master plans with City Master Plan 31 ,4 26 Attract New Businesses Major Institutions City of Salem • Market Economic Target Area incentives r Coordinate institutional planning with City planning `,Organize local CEOs to serve "ambassadors"to prospective s Explore opportunities to build on rail traffic Pursue funding and locate site for courthouse improvements and ction Plan • • Pursue state and federal funding for infrastructure development construction of new judicial center Redevelop vacant public and private sites Promote linkages between Museum events and merchants/innkeepers �� 1996 • • Coordinate Peabody-Essex expansion with downtown development and programming • Encourage increased downtown presence of Salem State College �+ • Encourage development of Salem State College Jobs Center Economic and Environmental Issues 1 • Determine environmental status of vacant sites Institutional• Promote use of state clean-up programs such as"Covenant Not to Sue„ • Pursue state and federal funding for site remediation �— Downtown Development • Strengthen existing businesses • Attract middle and high income customers with improved retail mix Highland Avenue Business Corridor Continue improvements in appearance and infrastructure Encourage business parks and BPD land development Develop special events and year-round programming Legend • Limit retail growth to appropriately-zoned parcels Market business and facade loans • Review non-commercially zoned land Preserve first floor retail space • Establish buffer zone between commercial and residential land • Market vacant space Publicly Owned Redevelopment Sites • Extend store hours Old Police Station East Branch Library Sheridan School Old County Jail Winter Island Buildings Privately Owned Redevelopment Sites Parker Brothers R Osram Sylvania GTE Sylvania Flynntan I Seaboard Chemical Major Institutions [Swampscott Road Business Industrial Park Gcounty court Complex • Attract Tight industry and manufacturing � � �� Peabody Essex Museum • Develop remaining parcels in BPD T 1 North Shore Medical Center Salem State College Major Historical and Tourist Sites Salem 1692 Salem Maritime National Historic Site I Derby Street Area Salem Common Area Focus Areas 0 500 °000 # jr New England Power Company Highland Avenue Business Corridor Swampscott Road Business Industrial Park New England Power Company _J Downtown • Develop contirgency plans for alternative tax sources • Support port development Potential Financial Resources for Economic Development • Salem Redevelopment Authority Small Business Loan Program Tourism • Tax increment Financing(TIT=) Promote cultural tourism(architecture maritime/museum) • Massachusetts Development Finance Agency • Expand and maintain comprehensive,uniform sign system; Developed By: • Small Business Administration aside and outside the City City of Salem Master Plan Committee • Business improvement District(BID) Develop greater quantity and variety of lodging alternatives:hotel, A.ssLked by. •• Entrance corridor Loan Pool bed&breakfast,youth,'senior hostels,summer lodging at the College • Entrance corridor Overlay District Loan Program • Increase touri&rn by boaters through marketing and new facilities City of Salem Manning Department • Bridge Street Loan Program and Saratoga Associates Neighborhoods and Housing Salem residents Iive in identifiable, diverse, and strong neighborhoods. People experience planning decisions and priorities most directly and intimately in their neighborhoods,where decisions about housing,traffic,beautification projects,and municipal services affect their daily lives. Even Salem's strongest neighborhoods need vigilant policies to keep them stable. In addition, there are several Salem neighborhoods that merit focused attention because they are subject to special conditions. Housing Characteristics and Affordability. Salem has an older, mixed housing stock and little land suitable for new residential construction. As befits a historic City,more than half of the housing units were built before 1940. While only 25 percent of housing units are single family homes, another 32 percent of the units are in two- or three-family homes. 7 The presence of so many multifamily dwellings means that a slight majority of Salem residents are not homeowners and,given the present housing stock,no more than 52 percent of units are ever going to be owner-occupied. During the tight regional housing market prevalent in the 1980s, Salem's most important housing issues were the effect of condo conversions and student housing on the availability and cost of rental housing, the availability of elderly housing, and poor maintenance of rental units by absentee owners. Rising prices threatened to make Salem too expensive for younger residents and the elderly. Salem housing,however,remains more affordable than housing in most neighboring communities. The regional recession in the early 1990s resulted in declining sale prices, especially for multi-family dwellings and condominiums. Rents also dropped somewhat as demand eased on the rental market, though renters still tend to pay a greater proportion of their income for housing than owner-occupants. The creation of new elderly housing reduced waiting list time to six months, indicating that supply has nearly caught up with demand. The wait for family public housing has also been cut in half to about two years. Although the waiting lists for tenant-based rental housing(Section 8 vouchers)remain large, many of the people on the lists currently are residents of other municipalities and have applications on several lists, making the waiting list numbers an unreliable barometer of the need for rental assistance solely among Salem residents. Approximately 12 percent of Salem housing units are now subsidized in one form or another. 27 13 Housing markets are cyclical,and housing price stabilization and even increases are already underway in Salem. Under these circumstances it seems prudent to retain the current percentage of subsidized housing. However, Committee members felt that Salem already - provides its share of subsidized housing to meet regional needs and preferred that the City focus new subsidies on affordable home ownership programs. Neighborhood Improvements and Programs. The Neighborhood Improvement Plan, initiated in mid-1994, has focused on improvement of neighborhood amenities, elimination of problem properties, and collaboration with neighborhood residents. This program has already improved performance and accountability, as well as citizen participation. The Salem neighborhoods which need special attention are the Point, the Bridge Street Neighborhood,the Boston Street Corridor,South Salem(especially between Lafayette and Canal Streets), and Mason Street east of Ledge Hill Park. It is also important to remember that Downtown is also a neighborhood, and its residents help keep the city center alive. ■Historically Salem's densest industrial and low-income neighborhood,the Point needs a continuing program of stabilization. According to the 1990 census,the Point had the City's highest proportion of low-income and minority residents and the smallest proportion of owner-occupants. Property values were hit particularly hard during the recent recession. ■ The Bridge Street Neighborhood will see very significant transportation 33 improvements with the construction of the North River Parkway/Bypass Road along the North River and the reconstruction and enhancement of existing Bridge Street as a neighborhood main street. Substantial portions of this neighborhood are predominantly low-and moderate-income. t_ ■ Boston Street will also be redesigned and improved in the near future. The �1 designation of this route as the primary entrance corridor from Route 128 requires care in effectively integrating the improvements with the residential character of much of the street and the neighborhood. ■ The South Salem neighborhood between Lafayette and Canal Streets needs stabilizing policies because it is subject to the impact of student rentals and traffic problems. ■The Mason Street neighborhood east of Mack Park will also be affected by road projects and requires stabilizing policies. ■ Downtown housing includes single family and 2-family dwellings as well as apartments and condominiums. Downtown improvement programs must be compatible with and encourage a stimulating mix of residential and commercial land uses in downtown because residents are the core of the downtown market. 28 Concerns and Opportunities Concerns raised by the Master Plan Committee about housing and neighborhood preservation and revitalization are interrelated. Committee members saw Salem's sense of community,culturally diverse population,neighborhood associations, and housing stock as 3 strengths. However,they were concerned about street maintenance, possible neighborhood decline and destabilization as a result of the crash of the housing market earlier in the decade, abandoned houses,poor maintenance of rental units by absentee owners, and the amount of subsidized housing as compared to neighboring jurisdictions. Neighborhoods are well- 21 defined, but they are not well-linked,making it difficult for children and youth to get around the City. 23 Survey respondents ranked "neighborhood revitalization" third, after economic development and public education, when asked to identify the two most important issues facing Salem over the next ten years. Nearly 60 percent believed that the City needs additional housing,particularly elderly housing, low income housing, nursing homes, and single family housing -- in that order. Although 32 percent indicated a need for more affordable housing,39 percent thought there is"just enough"and the remainder believe there is too much. Some of these responses may reflect a lag in perceptions from the reality of the eighties (a very tight housing market) to the reality of the nineties, as well as the overrepresentation of residents over age 50 in the respondent group. The opportunities created by the current state of the housing market and the federally- funded road improvement projects are to use housing policy, targeted code enforcement programs, and infrastructure improvements to promote overall neighborhood preservation and targeted stabilization programs. Goals and Strategies Neighborhood revitalization and housing improvements are closely linked. High levels of owner-occupied dwellings have proven benefits for neighborhood quality of life. Continuing programs of rehabilitation, maintenance, code enforcement, and deleading are also essential to stable neighborhoods, as are strong neighborhood organizations and effective communication between city government and neighborhood residents. Last, but certainly not least, public beautification programs not only enhance neighborhood quality of life, but encourage private owners to keep up their property to a similar standard. Goals Strategies Department Housing 50%owner-occupancy of Expand owner-occupancy of Planning housing units overall housing units overall by 15% in 10 years (approximately 400 units) 29 I 1 Goals Strategies Department -Expand homebuyer market through first time buyer counseling -Aggressively market first time homebuyer soft second loan program } Seek expanded participation of private sector in first time buyer programs *Support nonprofit production of affordable ownership housing -Especially target neighborhoods with low percentages of owner occupants:the Point,the Bridge St.neighborhood,part of South Salem 80%owner-occupancy of -Target 2-and 3-family Planning 2-and 3-family buildings buildings for a 5%increase over 10 years in owner-occupancy (approximately 125 units R out of 400 units overall) -Continue Multi-Family Bonus incentive in soft second program -Keep annual statistics on investor-owner ? percentages in 2/3 family buildings Preserve,maintain,and -Aggressively market City Planning adapt older housing stock housing rehabilitation assistance for low/mod income owners and investors with low/mod income tenants -Expand painting assistance program •Investigate designation of Neighborhood Conservation Districts to protect historic housing outside of official Historic Districts Inspect multi-family -Organize coordinated code Building, buildings every five years enforcement program on the Fire, model of the annual rooming Health house inspection program 30 3 � Coals Strategies Department Preserve current level of •Continue affordable rental Mayor, subsidized housing and restrictions for City housing planning evaluate any proposed improvement loans Housing "j increases in light of Authority regional distribution of .' subsidized housing Neighborhoods Protect residential streetsTraffic calming design from commuter traffic Planning, such as wider sidewalks, Police J neckdowns,etc. *Promote multi-modal transport: bike trails, improved bus and train service Improve appearance *Complete road improvement Planning of entrance corridors, and enhancement projects for neighborhood commercial Boston Street,Bridge Street, streets By-Pass parkway and boulevard -Seek funding for improvement of commercial streets such as Jefferson Ave.,Congress Street Eliminate problem properties -Institutionalize and continue Mayor's Neighborhood Improvement Office, 1 Plan activities Planning Expand beautification programs -Institutionalize City Planning Beautification Committee *Adopt-a-Park/Plot programs The Point 25%owner-occupancy in 10 years *Target affordable home- Planning ownership programs *Target problem properties for Buy/Rehab/Sell projects to encourage investment Improve appearance of public -Continue upgrading of Planning property streets,public properties, parks,lighting -Seek aesthetic improvements to power station land; investigate acquiring this parcel 31 � RI Goals Strategies Department Improve appearance of private -Code enforcement Planning, property -Market rehab loan programs Building, Support and assist responsible Health, landlords Fire -Tenant education grogram Improve community image -Community celebrations and Planning and pride ethnic fairs -Produce and/or craft market I Bridge Street Neighborhood Revitalize neighborhood in -Promote neighborhood and Planning conjunction with road business organization improvements -Implement recommendations of neighborhood planning process -Housing inventory and targeted ownership and rehab programs -Facade improvement loans for businesses -Improve open spaces and connections to the water Boston Street Corridor Revitalize corridor in -Target housing ownership Planning conjunction with road and rehab programs and improvements code enforcement Playground in Beaver/Silver -Seek site and funding for Planning Street area playground South Salem between Lafayette and Canal Streets Increase owner-occupancy -Target affordable ownership Planning and rehabilitation programs Resolve parking and traffic -Resident parking on side Traffic, concerns streets Planning -Explore new parking options for students Vest pocket park/playground -Seek site and funding for Planning in central Cabot Street area neighborhood park 32 Goals Strategies Department Improve appearance of -Plant more trees and other Planning Canal Street vegetation along street and on fence Mason Street Area Preserve housing stock *Target rehabilitation programs Planning Insure residential compatibility •Include residents in design Planning with by-pass road project Process © Downtown Preserve and enhance -Encourage neighborhood-based Planning ■ residential attractiveness businesses such as specialty foods of downtown and housewares -Insure residential compatibility with new downtown development 33 f 13 A 34 . F:W City of Salem t . Action flan 1996 City-Wide Neighborhood Improvement Plan • Task Force-focus on eliminating problem properties • Advisory Committee-focus on neighborhood association recommendations • Constituent Services-focus physical improvements and maintenance NO such as sidewalks,street paving and tree planting Boston Street Neighborhood Legend Streetscape and pedestrian safety improvements • Revitalize corridor in conjunction Existing Historic Districts with road improvements • Preserve the existing housing mix . ,Establish a playground in the .......0... Preserve Historic Districts Beaver/Silver Street area Mason Street Neighborhood Potential Expansion of Historic Districts • insure compatibility of new road projects with neighborhood character �...� Expand districts if residents agree Buff um Street Potential Neighborhood Conservation Districts earborn Street Consider creation of selected Neighborhood ** Conservation Districts to focus attention on ••*f� historic properties with more limited review of * i ,i,�•��•, ..• ,,, * ,, changes than in Historic Districts • V. ,. � � Focus Neighborhoods **••�* � �. � = These neighborhoods merit special attention Downtown as a Neighborhood because they are subject to special conditions. • Policies for all Focus Neighborhoods include: Insure residential compatibility with new downtown development * �, t4, Continue homeownership and housing • Encourage neighborhood-based •. rehab programs businesses,such as specialty foods Bridge Street Neighborhood reet Support programs to improve neighborhood • Pedestrian and safety improvements image and pride ** Revitalize corridor in conjunction Provide incentives for private property i e ju 41 Lafayette and Canal Streets Neighborhood � with road improvements • Improve student-resident relations ,� `: *'. •�* .,.«* Mpasse any prorse impacts of the c improvements adve ject • Establish off-street student parking options * Increase green space • Coordinate Salem State College long-term plans with •* neighborhood needs ,•«• • Establish a playground in the central Cabot Street area *•* l • Improve the appearance of Canal Street (_ { � The Point Neighborhood • Achieve owner-occupancy goal of Loring Avenue Neighborhood 25%of housing units Protect residential identity • Upgrade streets and public properties # increase green space • imorove traffic circulation and develop Willows/Juniper Point new parking options Naples/Savoy Naples/Savoy Roads Provide incentives for private property improvements Developed By.- City of Salem Master Plan Committee Assisted by: ■■�■■o City of Salem Planning Department 500 00 .G and Saratoga Associates s Recreation, Open Space and the Environment Salem is fortunate to have an extensive park system and large tracts of conservation land. Most of Salem's densely populated neighborhoods are served by small neighborhood playgrounds. Larger parks, including Ledge Hill, Gallows Hill, McGrath, Forest River Park, and the Salem Willows, tend to be located on the outskirts of the most populated neighborhoods. These parks provide recreational opportunities which draw people from all parts of the City. In recent years a major commitment of resources has resulted in improvements to these parks and playgrounds. Salem also has parks of regional and national importance. Derby Wharf and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site,as well as the Salem Common,surrounded by stately federal mansions, offer residents and visitors windows into Salem's rich maritime heritage. Salem Willows, a popular seaside destination in the early twentieth century, and Winter Island,location of a colonial fort and former Coast Guard Base, are large oceanfront parks. In addition to its parks and recreational facilities Salem is endowed with substantial expanses of relatively pristine open spaces: Forest River Conservation Area and Salem 19 Woods in Highland Park. These areas represent the last vestiges of saltwater estuary and upland forest left in the City. The Forest River Conservation Area, while valuable from an environmental standpoint, is underutilized due to poor maintenance of trails. Salem Woods is heavily used;however, it is also in need of trail maintenance. According to 1985 figures from the state's Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA)Salem has 382 acres or 7.3%Urban Open Land and 345 acres or 6.6%Recreational Land. Parks and open spaces therefore constitute roughly 14%of Salem's total land area. Salem is plagued by environmental problems common among older urbanized areas. Remnants of Salem's tanning industries include high levels of heavy metals in the sediments of Salem Sound and the North River. Combined sewer outflows, and the lack of secondary treatment have contributed to high levels of fecal coliform,which has resulted in the closure of clam beds. This problem is currently being corrected by separation of the sewer systems and construction of a secondary treatment plant. Contaminated sediments are also being buried by natural siltation in Salem Harbor. Inland wetlands however, are under increased 35 pressure from development as previously undeveloped lands are few. Salem currently lacks a statutory requirement for protection of buffer zones and requirements for soil erosion 711 control measures for construction sites. A separate Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee was convened in 1995 and issued its report in 1996. This plan includes an overview of environmental conditions and recreational resources in Salem, a detailed inventory of lands of recreational or environmental interest, and a five-year action plan, which develops in more detail the goals articulated in this Master Plan. A Concerns and Opportunities Due to its rich heritage and coastal location Salem has many extraordinary parks and open spaces. Moreover, opportunities exist to expand and improve this system. They include improving maintenance, developing specific recreational facilities, and protecting or developing specific areas of historical or environmental importance. Twenty percent of survey respondents listed the environment among the two most important issues facing Salem over the next ten years,after economic development,public PA education,and neighborhood revitalization. Forty-eight percent of the respondents indicated that protecting natural resources, including the acquisition of wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas,was very important to them and another 19 percent deemed it was important. s In answering the question "what are the two most important land use and development issues facing Salem in the next decade?" respondents listed "need for open space"and"need for recreational space"as the fourth and fifth highest issues, preceded by vacant industrial properties, management of growth, and development of the waterfront. The reality behind these responses may be that the existing conservation lands are not publicized or maintained to promote use, that there is actually a deficit of specific recreational facilities, and that in general people perceive open space and recreational space as beneficial to the community. Because the City has made major investments in neighborhood playground and park renovation in the 1990s, it now has the opportunity to concentrate resources on responding to unmet recreational needs. The recreational and environmental elements of the waterfront r development plan will be a particular focus of activity. d� Goals and Strategies The recreational and environmental goals emphasize the continuation and expansion of current activities, special attention to maintenance issues, improved public awareness of resources, and concentration on the recreational possibilities and environmental health of water resources. -r 36 a Goals Strategies Department 37 Recreation Develop recreational facilities *Acquire and construct bicycle Planning to meet specific City needs trails as funds and land become available *Find a location and construct an ice skating facility *Find a location and construct a new soccer field -Pursue feasibility of SaIem/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 S at the South River Improve maintenance of parks *Continue the annual"park plan" Planning for maintenance improvements and Parks *Encourage neighborhoods to and form"Friends of the Park" Recreation groups that could assist the City in routine maintenance •Improve maintenance of the Common and Willows Parks Continue and expand *Establish a sailing program Parks and recreational programming *Expand programming for Recreation water related activities: swimming,water safety,and environmental awareness Continue to implement specific *Update equipment and Planning improvements to parks and surfacing to comply with neighborhood playgrounds current safety standards •Improve handicap accessibility in accordance with the ADA Target Winter Island for *Secure funds to increase float Planning major improvements space at pier *Secure funds to reconstruct boat ramp *Restore and develop interpretive signage for historic resources on Winter Island 37 Goals Strategies Department -Undertake a study for a commercial use for the barracks building Improve publicity to -Develop brochures and Planning promote underutilized guides for existing trails at the parks and conservation Forest River Conservation areas area -Promote use of picnic areas at McCabe Park Open Space and Environmental Protection Protect inland water resources -Acquire and protect Planning Thompson's Meadow City Council -Acquire Leggs Hill property on the Salem Marblehead boundary •Implement requirements for soil erosion control at construction sites -Adopt an ordinance to protect a portion of wetland buffer zones Protect and improve areas -Develop trails at Fort Lee Planning, of historical significance -Expand Salem 1630 Pioneer House of Village Seven y Gables Protect and improve areas -Acquire the Leggs Hill planning of scenic importance 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 38 _y Community Facilities and Services Recent investments in new or improved facilities for community services have brought Salem a new fire house, a new police station, an expanded main library, and 7A extensive renovations and improvements to school buildings. However, there are several vacant city-owned buildings, such as the old police station, the east library, the old county jail, and buildings on Winter Island,which need new uses. J'A As an older urban center, Salem always faces infrastructure maintenance and improvement programs: improvement of water and sewer systems, road and sidewalk maintenance, as well as solid waste management: -The City's water, sewer, and drainage system is undergoing extensive repair, replacement,and rehabilitation. Many components are well over 100 years old, may fail at any time,and do not meet modern economic and environmental requirements. As part of this improvement program, for example, numerous fire hydrants and all water meters have recently been replaced, and combined sewer outflows are being eliminated. r -Funding for existing road and sidewalk reconstruction is always limited,but the City has recently made this a priority. Unfortunately, there are no funds for installing r sidewalks where there are none at present. -Solid waste management now includes a regular curbside recycling program and an annual hazardous waste collection day. r: Human services managed by the City include the Council on Aging, the Veterans' Agent, and the Health Department: -The Council on Aging serves approximately 8,000 residents 60 years old or older with a shuttle system and other transportation services, lunches at the Senior Center and Meals-On-Wheels, Social Day Care (for a fee)., a Wellness Clinic, educational and recreational and social services assistance with 3 programs, th hous�n „ insurance, referrals, and so on. l _39 l s l r i s -The Veterans' Agent provides benefits to veterans and their families in cases of disability, unemployment, or illness; serves as an advocate for veterans and their dependents in dealings with the federal Veterans' Administration, providing transportation if needed to VA hospitals,and coordinates and assists all veterans'and patriotic community organizations. The Veterans' Agent has weekly or monthly contact with approximately 700 veterans' cases,predominately Vietnam and Korean War veterans. The agent also gives assistance to transient and homeless vets. -The Health Department,in addition to its inspectional responsibilities, distributes � all state-provided vaccinations,offers blood pressure and diabetes screening clinics, provides school nurse services on request to private schools, and provides dental screening to both public and private schools. The department also collaborates with other communities on educational efforts such as the Tobacco Control Initiative to reduce disease and death linked to tobacco use. There is no City-sponsored Youth Commission or activity center for youth. Private organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA fill this need to the degree possible. Concerns and Opportunities The Committee agreed that the general level of community services in Salem is good and noted the new facilities (fire,police,library) and senior citizen programs as particular assets. Members'greatest concerns focused on finding uses for vacant city-owned buildings, and inadequate street maintenance and resurfacing. Survey respondents ranked the public school system, which is not included in the scope of this master plan update, as the second most important issue facing the City in the next decade,and ranked human services last among the two most important land use issues. When asked to rank facilities and services from excellent to poor they responded in the following manner: ' • Excellent/Good: Fire Protection,Police,Library • Adequate/Poor: Water, Parks, Street Cleaning, Schools Don't Know: Human Services, Youth, Senior Services In recent years Salem has gained modern fire protection,police,and library facilities. Although City residents do not appear to view the level of community services as a pressing issue (the public school system excepted), there are opportunities to expand the services which people can see and experience directly-- such as street cleaning and senior citizen services--and make the essential improvements in engineering infrastructure, which tends to be invisible to most people until the system breaks down. 40 Goals and Strategies Public works goals emphasize physical improvements expanded recycling, and a higher level of street maintenance. Except for the need to find uses for City-owned vacant buildings (which is also an economic development goal) and completion of the Library expansion plan, most other goals and strategies in this section focus on increased services and public awareness. Goals Strategies Department Public Works Improved efficiency -Modernize water,sewer, of water and sewer system and storm drainage system Public to guarantee public health -Develop a master plan for Works and safety water and sewer system Road and sidewalk repair -Seek more funding for road and installation as needed and sidewalk reconstruction Public Works, Planning and repair Expanded recycling and -Establish on-site recycling composting program y g Public Works, and composting center at the Planning Transfer Station -Contract out all Transfer Station operations -Continue public education on recycling,composting, and water conservation -Continue annual household hazardous waste disposal day More frequent street sweeping -Purchase new street sweepers Public Works Public Safety Improved community policing -Continue efforts to hire more and officer training Police Hispanic/bilingual officers Provide training on sexual harassment issues;appropriate use of force;domestic violence issues;multi-cultural issues Improve Fire Department -Fire Department Master Plan planning Fire -Develop capital budget, management information system,apparatus replacement program 41 i Goals Strategies Department City Facilities/Services Adaptive reuse of public buildings -Seek funding for rehabilitation Planning projects 7 Create incentives to attract private developers More library space -Complete Phase Ili construction Library to add 3200 sf.of new space on two floors Expanded outreach and -Public information campaign Council services to senior citizens on senior services through local on Aging media !More staff to permit home visits and staff assistance for appointments -Medically trained assistance for van trips to and from hospital � Expanded veterans's services -Improve transportation services Veterans' for veterans Agent -Seek funding for free adult day care for vets Expanded public health education Develop campaign through Health media,personal appearances Department to local groups,cable TV programming h 42 ' City of Salem Action Plan 1996 Recreation, Open Space and the Environment Legend Spring Pond/Highlands Waterfront Access,Acquisition, and Recreation 1 Lead Mills Acquisition Winter Island r (old Bridge Pier 1 �� North River Site McCabe Park McCabe Park Port Development South River Forest River Park r ""'�►� Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail System:Acquisition and �► Construction North River Properties Future Quarry Uses — — — — Proposed Bike Path • Develop future reclamation program and l development plans in coordination with "`" " "' C'.. .. 1 ,..� Proposed Bike Lane owner and Town of Swampscott ♦ 1..+s''0 Existing Trail # ExistingiProposed Walkway Recreational Pier Salem Woods/Highland Park • Improve hiking trails and publish trail guide ✓ '' 1 Potential Open Space Acquisition • Balance preservation of locally rare upland ✓ natural areas with recreation f Thompson's Meadow South River Thompson's Meadow1 Leggs Hill �•►� I 1 Spring Pond/Highlands Forest River ConservatioAreas Acquire i_ ggs Hill ••,. ,� Trail Improvements and Guide Maps f � Protect tidal beaches '�"►,rw �... ,, �.o ... Study impact of tidal gates Public Access • Improve hiking trails and publisVtrail guide '1 Salem Woods / Port development AOL. Forest River Conservation Area r Heritage Trail Bicycle/Pedestrian Trails Forest River Park Historic Walks t Salem 1630 1 Winter Island Sk Improvements L.eggs Hill Lead Mills Acquisition Developed By: Soo '000 2,00' Salem Islands City of Salem Master Plan Committee • Transfer city-owned parcels to conservation commission Assisted by:Cit � of Salem Planning Department • Determine appropriate public access,if any P • Maintain public ownership of Baker's Island Lighthouse and Saratoga Associates 2. INN -3 ,'3 Append]*[-X-. Survey Results 31- ,:3, 4 23 3 -if aw 43 � \� .� \\� } «§� . . \ 74 � \7 2% � \ / \ \ _ \ \ � 44 \ / � CITY OF SALEM, MA Master Plan Survey Fin take a few minutes ui complete this survey. its P y purpose is informational only. After completion, fold and attach the as indicated and mail it back within seven(7)days of receipt. Postage is not necessary. mportant process. P g axy. Thank you for your participation f A. Issues Question: 1. What do you see as the two most important issues facing the city over the next ten(10)years? (Check only two —Environment —Land Use Management —Economic Development Neighborhood Revitalization —Housing Human Services _,_,_Public Education —Transportation Other B. Community Facilities and Services: 2. Please rate the following city facilities and services as excellent,good,adequate,poor or do not know. Please indicate"do not know"if you have no basis or experience upon which to judge the facility or service. (Circle the appropriate letter). ,4 Excellent Good Adequate Poor Do Not Know a) School System E G A P K b) Fire and Emergency Service E G A P K c) Police Protection E G A P K d) Road Maintenance E G A P K e) Library E G A P K f} Water E G P 1{ A P g) City Parks/Recreation Areas E G A K h) Activities and Facilities for Youths E G A P K i) Activities and Facilities for Senior Citizens E G A P K j) Human Services E G A P K k) Beautification and City Cleaning Programs E G A P K 2) Other(Please specify) E G A P K C. Transportation: 3. Please respond to the following questions by writing in a sDecific street in the space provided. Which road within the city........ poses the most serious safety threat? bears excessive traffic considering its design and surrounding setting and neighborhood? requires the most aesthetic improvement? (e.g_,more planting, sign control, etc.) D. Natural Resources:. d. a) Please circle the number of the level of importance that the Important Very cityshould give to Unimportant �> g protection, including acquisition of, wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas. 1 2 3 4 5 6 I i i E. Housing Diversity, 5, Are additional types of housing needed in ern? Yes _ No 35 If Ycs please LhIELthe_two types that you feel that are most needed. Rousing for s i rgle farniily housing Apartments and Townhouses senior citizens Duplexes(Two-family) —Low Income Housing Nursing H orrics Other(Pleasespecify.) 6. How would you rate the amount of affordable housing in Salem? (Circle the appropriate number.) Not enough Just enough Too Much x 1 2 3 4 6 v, ' v 'r7777x s xryr 5 r rr 511 A. Issues Question: 21.11 7. What do you believe are the two most important land use and development issues facing Salem over the nerd decade? QSLonIX two _Management of growth in undeveloped and partially developed areas of the city. Need for additional recreation facilities. Need for additional permanent open space. Development of waterfront fatalities. Redevelopment of vacant and/or underutilized industrial properties. Other(Please specify) B. Economic Development* 8. In your estimate,what is the approximate percentage of the city's property tax revenue collected from business properties? Please nuke your best guess.(t ieck one _,_,13% ---33% _53% —73% —93`10 9. Please circle your level of agreement to the following statements, Strongly Strongly Agree Disagree011 a)The City adequately manages its growth and development activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 111 b)The city should create a formal economic development plan 1 2 3 4 5 6 c)The City should pursue strategies to fill vacant space in its commercial and industrial areas 1 2 3 4 5 6 10a. flow often do you typically go to downtown Salem? Once a day Once a week __ Once a month Less than onto a month b. When you do go,why do you typically go? (Check up to three.) Shopping —City Mall __ Day to day services such as laundrornats and garages —Banking „_,,Restaurants __Professional services such as lawyers and doctors Visit family or friends .�_County Offices _Court Business _Historic sites Museums " Workplace Other(Please specify) 11. How often do you typically shop at the following retail -yeas? a. highland Avenue u Once a day Once a week Once a month ___ Less than once a month b, Vinnin Square Once a day ___ Once a week _ Once a month Less than once a month c. Canal Street s Once a day Once a week Once a month Less than once a month a i d. Northshore Mall Once a day Once a week Once a month Less than once a month A. Background: 12, What is your age? Check one 51-65 Over 65 18-35 __ 36-50 _ - 13. Your are: Male Female 14. How many people are in your household? 15. How long have you lived in Salem? years 16. Your current work status is: Check one) Part-time employed l unemployed Student Current _Employed in the City of Salem — Y Retired Employed outside the City of Salem Homemaker 0 a 17. Do you: Check one} Rent your residence Own your residence Own a condominium 4 A .g S e N" Please use the space below for any particular comments that you wish to highlight to the Master Plan Committee. i r *Thank you for your time and insight. your responses will help us in our efforts.* 1 � City of Salem Master flan Committee P.O. Box 8012 Salem, MA 01970 Attach Here 1 FIGURE I Question# 1: What do you see as the most important issue facing the city,over the next ten years? i 50 Total Response: 468 -� 40 40 42 � r I I � _ 30 f 0.30 { 22.6 aCi 20 U a I 15 10 i 9.8 9 � 6 9 i ti Environment Neigh borhood Public Land Use Housing Transportation Economic Human Other Revitalization Education Management Development Services k J i r� t FIGURE 2 Question 42: Rating of cite facilities as excellent, good. adequate, poor or do not know. Other Cleaning Human Services Senior Youth Parks Water Library Road J Police Do Not Know J Fire Poor J Adequate School Good Excellent A 0 10 20 30 40 io 60 70 A Percent Response "51 jj FIGURE 3 Question 43): Identify specific streets with the follokviing characteristics: Safety Threat: Riley Plaza Congress Street Loring, Canal &Jefferson Excessive Traffic: North, Summer, Essex Boston. Essex Aesthetic Improvement: Highland, Swamspscott Bridge Street FIGURE 4 Question 94: Please indicate the level of importance of protecting natural resources in Salem, including acquisition of wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas. Total Response: 457 50 — 48 40 o30 % 20 � 19 18 10 6.3 4=4 4.4 2 3 4 5 6 Very Important Very Unimportant J A j FIGURE 5 Question#5: Are additional types of housing needed in Salem? Total Response: 406 FIGURE 5A Question 5a: What Q types of housing are most needed in Salem? (Choose 2) Total Response: 237 Nursing Home 179'0 Senior Citizens Housing 30% Single Family 17% ` Other 6% Duplex 7°l0 Apartments & Townhouses 5% Law Income Housing 18% i I FIGURE 6 { Question # 6: Please rate the amount of affordable housing in Salem: Total Response: 440 40- 39 4 35 - k 25 v 20 20- ! % Z 15 12 -a to I t t 7 .l �y ! 6 i 1 Not Enough Just Enough Too Much FIGURE 7 Question# 7: What are the two most important land use and development issues facing Salem over the next decade? Total Response: 440 ?0 60 - f I t 50 ! 40 30 F-----7 20 - { '--------i I j Q Management Need for Need for Development Vacant Other w Of Growth Recreation Open Space of Industrial Waterfront Properties i FIGURE 8 Question#8: What is the approximate percentage of the city's property tax revenue collected from business properties? Total Response: 410 K 45 36 i y 327 Oj Oj a 19 J j y U j j j `' t4 13% 33% 53% 73% 93% FIGURE 9A Question 9A: Indicate your level of agreement to the following statement: The City adequately manages its growth and development activity, Total Response: 409 60 50 j I i I 40 i o 1 ! i 20 I 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Strongly " !agree Disagree �s au i FIGURE 9B Question 913: Indicate your level of agreement to the folio NvIng statement: The City should create a formal economic development plan. .-A Total Response: 414 50 40 30 34 ;5 20 10 0 2 3 4 5 6 Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree 711 FIGURE 9C Question 9C: Indicate your level of agreement to the following statement: The City should pursue strategies to fill vacant space. Total Response: 427 70 60 50 — 40 30 zl 20 — 10 Strongly Agree- Strongly Disagree FIGURE 10A Question#10a: How often do you typically go to downtown Salem? 35 33 34 Total Response: 440 30 1a � 25 - 20 19 15 - 15 10 � _ 1 - o I Once a Day Once a Week Once a Month Less Than Once a Month AN FIGURE 10B Question#10b: Why do you typically go to downtown Salem? � 70-, Total Response: 415 62.8 50 c 1 4.3.6 40 eu o= 32.5 30-- u 20 - a 17 16 13.4 10 8 ( 3 5 i 1.8 5 4 3 r Banking Historic City Hall County Offices Day to Day Court Shopping Friends Other Restaurant Museums Professional Workplace t� ■ FIGURE II Question#11: How often do you typically shop at the following retail areas? a�n 60 50 0 40 -f 0 r-4 30 ■ 20 - F 10 0 a - i +� Highland Avenue Vinnin Square Canal Street North Shore Mall Once a Day Once a Week Once a Month Total Response: _ Less Than Once a Month Highland Avenue-431 (86%) Vinnin Square -425 (87%) Canal Street-421 (86%) Northshore Mall -435 (89%) i i 1 FIGURE 12 ._1 Question #12: What is your age? 1 Total Response: 487 36-50 Years Old 32.8% 1., 18-35 Years Old 18.2% l �- 51-65 Years Old 20.3% Over 65 28.7% l FIGURE 13 A Question#13: What is your gender? Total Response: 474 Female 55.0% 1 � 1 C FIGURE 14 -A Question#14: How many people in your household", Average-2.3 FIGURE I Question 4 15: How long have you lived in Salem? Average-31.6 years FIGURE 16 Question#16: Your current work status is: Total Response: 482 40 37 35 32 30 25 A t-,4 20 18 15 a- 10 5 4 3 4 0 Employed Outside Salem Unemployed Student Employed in Salem Employed Part-Time Homemaker Retired J J I 1 A FIGURE 17 Question#17: Do you: Rent your residence, own your residence or own a condominium. . Total Response: 477 4 Rent 25.9/0 \� _ 1 �O_wn Residence 61.6% Own Condominium 12.5% 9 1 1 I I � I