[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6306527,"mediaKeyId","2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b","parentId",2437413,"title","Votes at a glance: appropriations, hearings and permits approved Feb. 27, 2025","audioSeconds",833,"startMs",1437000,"endMs",2270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b&start=1437&end=2270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b/thumbnail_1437000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306527/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-appropriations-hearings-and-permits-approved-Feb-27-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306527-bd8be44ea0946677c3386ecdf9b84d0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776243177&Signature=D6-lMTFN8VtOLWXvoAJDvG4qVDpticGeE43GX-GFlC1QQUNPIZKcBWNpURzUtyS2PCtmkmupxbfjIOYUSymS9jKP48c48GGsC4c2nAG0eubwCssmjUymP-vHmbvbx1YwnUBPUF6za8UUmOVjEkSwJfGBLdE6P6b3~b2yeZh~seriN-La1IVOvV5QRl69bZYuw7IwgzfOTxR3~A~oP~XasoNsxH5EpVwTz1oogkTA~bLMo8b7x48ykXRSLvzHwlsLCjcYP3KXe8-00t-n-8ohj1LHBH9KI0D-9wGwuoXCdsYwwFJthXWckHzFc3Vu8FkMPxTYYmOspWLRxnKHO4RHGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salem City, MA","date","2025-02-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Salem City Council took a number of formal actions at its Feb. 27, 2025 meeting. The list below summarizes motions, votes and next steps recorded on the public record.

• National Grid conduit installation (hearing): Council granted National Grid’s request to install 25 feet of conduit at properties on Buchanan Road and Pierce Road to remove an aerial trespass. Sabida Mahabir Sheehy represented National Grid; Councilor Varela moved the grant and the hearing was closed and approved on the record.

• Appointments and reappointments: The council confirmed multiple mayoral appointments including members for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Salem Redevelopment Authority, Historical Commission, Youth Commission and Bicycle and Shared Path Advisory Committee. Roll-call confirmations were recorded as 11 yeas, no nays for the sets presented.

• Appropriation — Harbor Master vessel: The council adopted an appropriation of $300,000 from the general fund balance to the capital improvement fund to cover costs associated with replacing or repairing the harbor master’s 2012 Armstrong Landing catamaran after damage in January 2025. Councilors stated insurance proceeds at the policy limit are expected; the appropriation passed on a voice vote.

• Bond authorization — Bates Elementary feasibility study: The council gave first passage to a $70,000 bond authorization to pay for a feasibility study and schematic design for a potential roof replacement at Bates Elementary School; the Massachusetts School Building Authority has approved Salem Public Schools to enter its accelerated repair program. First passage passed by roll-call with 11 yeas, no nays.

• Appropriation — Greenlawn Cemetery burial account: The council adopted an $11,000 transfer from receipts reserved to the public services burial account to replenish Greenlawn Cemetery operating funds; motion carried by voice vote.

• Prior-year invoice payment: Under M.G.L. c.44, §64 the council approved payment of a $510 prior fiscal-year expense for the solicitors department; a two‑thirds vote was obtained by roll call and carried by recorded ayes.

• Referrals and ordinance votes:
- ADU ordinance amendments: Referred to the Planning Board for a joint public hearing (mover: Councilor Hepworth).
- Condo conversion / tenant protections ordinance: Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole (mover: Councilor Hathworth).
- Halloween parking overlay amendment: Referred to the Planning Board for a joint public hearing (mover: Councilor Hapworth).
- Home-rule petition creating an excise on certain temporary parking spaces ($2 per space per day proposed): Referred to Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs (mover: Councilor Hapworth).
- Haunted Happenings annual report / meeting: Referred to the Committee on Community and Economic Development (mover: Councilor Watzenfeld).

• Zoning — B‑1 business‑neighborhood: First passage adopted (roll-call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent). The amendment expands allowable neighborhood commercial uses in B‑1 zones; additional reading(s) required before final adoption.

• Traffic / handicap parking: The council adopted an ordinance change for a 20‑foot limited-time handicap parking space in front of 26 Hancock Street for first passage; councilors said enforcement is tied to placard rules.

• Permits and events: The council granted several street-use and event requests, including the Wicked Half Marathon (BNS Fitness, 09/21/2025) and the World Needs You Here Walk (08/03/2025); event permits and public-guide lists were approved or referred as recorded.

• Licenses and claims: A number of license applications were referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs for further review; six claims were referred to the same committee for disposition.

Details and recorded roll-call tallies appear in the council minutes and the meeting audio/video record. Items referred to committees will return to the council after staff and public review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Salem City Regular Council Meeting February 27th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 27 meeting the Salem City Council approved multiple appropriations, confirmed appointments, granted a utility hearing and approved event permits; several zoning and ordinance matters were referred for further review.","taxTitle","Salem City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",70531,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306532,"Council approves first passage of B‑1 business‑neighborhood zoning amendments, 8–2",700,5160000,5860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b&start=5160&end=5860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b/thumbnail_5160000.jpg","/articles/6306532/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-first-passage-of-B1-businessneighborhood-zoning-amendments-82","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306532-cd3c590156b607f760504fd376973552/orig.mp4?Expires=1776243177&Signature=E90eJ4aaO08g5ovqTPUijPwGSUf057EPMQTl1bob-NXc1lJczRTty3vu8BTgFOHm5440Kyk7flAZRhexCFBN5zwCu7FbQyRL05MKEVTNJeBTvVkGRGQUNVNNJIJIc73IV0i5C29SMNCIEthYv4BkbeCvmhl3JjbhWC52yHf1thrO1JsK4YlpqGLipgeeKyzqi4LK9Q8QO7PgVeX0bTgMq06OqLGNYcmPWQ9AKCia8rQ4sLGCAxrNa6gbUuTVPa6AK5MsuwzDodLYG56TeSONm8gHC4JiCy16knIJLDmPsRsbtGT487duSWqXqUdN209bOqUvOV2sRY2v1a6sxBvcIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council voted for first passage of an amendment to the B‑1 business‑neighborhood zoning table that expands permissible neighborhood commercial uses in B‑1 zones. The motion for first passage passed by roll call, 8–2 with one member absent.

Councilor Cohen, who moved the measure, said the amendment modernizes zoning in older mixed-use neighborhoods and helps support walkable neighborhood amenities such as small grocery stores, childcare and neighborhood businesses. \"The majority of Americans and people in Salem want to live within walking distance of neighborhood amenities,\" Cohen said during debate.

Opponents argued the change could alter neighborhood character and hurt existing residential conversions. Councilor Jerzillo, who said he represents a unique neighborhood, cited historic examples of commercial-to-residential transitions on Derby Street and said he would not support the change. Councilor Jerslow and Councilor Harvey cast the two recorded no votes; council roll-call results recorded eight yes votes and two no votes.

Supporters said the amendment does not bypass existing permitting processes and regulatory enforcement; uses such as restaurants serving alcohol may still require additional review or special permits. Councilors who supported the change emphasized the zoning reflects existing neighborhood conditions where commercial uses historically coexisted with housing.

The vote was for first passage; the amendment will return for additional readings required by city procedure before final adoption. Councilors also discussed possible neighborhood-specific concerns and enforcement considerations during the committee and permitting processes that follow the first-passage vote.","The council approved first passage of amendments to the B‑1 business‑neighborhood zoning table, expanding allowable neighborhood commercial uses; the vote was 8 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 absent after heated debate about neighborhood character and liquor licenses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306537,"Council sends tenant-protection and condo conversion ordinance to committee after multi-year effort",545,3324000,3869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b&start=3324&end=3869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b/thumbnail_3324000.jpg","/articles/6306537/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-sends-tenant-protection-and-condo-conversion-ordinance-to-committee-after-multi-year-effort","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306537-2c7f953558e2586b33cf48771686ba95/orig.mp4?Expires=1776243177&Signature=Oql25P7XX5jGclJ8DI2NJzLfdAsAMJlv1H8PM-K0-mYF9tg-rNzrXDpQYx8yFU8aYfvQKMvZBFQ7Jk9kaJ1li1jbQdbIb8bTBLH3XzTAwNizWBqi4mYTI-NmJr8mtJshqP4sOxlriNZHAmNHAj1M~e1LchCQDEiSJySHYifAyvEJgXYsadBTPHBrNugmgYsOBRFa1ZY2ptjC-5usBX8lXZDK4YqBj1aGhPc4yAlRQd6hPUKcqszLnN7Pv3Sm8GOcli5FGjmyZxSVi7~au9HT7QV8FcPIxGoSW65wp32lsThlhtRWdz0Jjpz0hURvs9wkPInESNJeNrcO~VOgymyUog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council voted to refer a proposed ordinance imposing additional regulations on condominium conversions and establishing tenant protections to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole.

Councilor Hathworth moved the referral. Supporters described the ordinance as the product of several years of work and said it would guarantee tenants additional rights — including a right of first refusal to purchase units, relocation assistance and stronger notice requirements — while stopping short of making conversions impossible.

\"This is not saying that condo conversions can never happen,\" Councilor Hathworth said. \"They are happening very, very fast and the incentives are all stacked toward them continuing to happen, due to our housing crisis.\" Councilor Cohen and others said the measure responds to displacement experienced by hundreds of Salem families and cited the need to give tenants more time and options.

Councilor Morcillo, a member of prior Affordable Housing Trust work on the issue, said the ordinance \"gives some breathing room and some protections for those tenants when the owner knows they're going to be turning it into condos.\" Several councilors urged robust outreach to tenants about the rights and remedies the ordinance would create if adopted.

The motion to refer the ordinance to committee passed. The sponsor and multiple councilors urged that committee consideration include public testimony, policy refinement and consultation with city staff before a final council vote.","A proposed ordinance tightening requirements for condominium conversions — including right of first refusal and relocation assistance — was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole; councilors stressed this will not ban conversions but will add tenant protections.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306541,"Council refers ADU zoning changes to Planning Board for joint public hearing",2250,850000,3100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b&start=850&end=3100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b/thumbnail_850000.jpg","/articles/6306541/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-refers-ADU-zoning-changes-to-Planning-Board-for-joint-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306541-80bfa0cc997cf696934ed436b221c1c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776243177&Signature=mwn1uYZl21CTszBkXNPZp4Q~8Ny4WAYZCTS5s8epvH~-HjVamSL2MyyvMGlvZJkcbeSFb~KN0sxCi6AKxP0tBSVbveNgaAglxLNvKWJVG6m9mB6wOlXjh0hYfeE-lw9DettPLVLtiDfJz-9VYvErLT37YGhPzMuGfq9sd5X4FS7hC4EKU5w~kio31jo0L9MBIojGGeHFyU5AJExiGRtnR8z3yxzdCyDXHf-1dUcqNbo61CJWKYM2JBkDZchNXoEjIxghc1aa3QxQxKztm3tZrl8ICvsM6pBoOACI7Dk7zBwrLEmDJvbxd6YfW~dgo2ceaGdJwnRTXa9dYaXPaYNs7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salem City Council voted to refer proposed amendments to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to the Planning Board and to hold a joint public hearing, starting a formal review process that will include public comment.

Councilor Hepworth moved the referral and described two main issues the city must address: compliance with the state Affordable Homes Act and local ordinance changes beyond that minimum, including the owner‑occupancy requirement. He said the state law requires changes \"in any zone that allows single family homes,\" which the council should reflect locally.

Councilors who spoke in favor said removing barriers could increase the number of small, naturally affordable units. Councilor Stott noted the ADU ordinance's history: an initial 2018 ordinance limited ADUs to caretakers or relatives; the 2021 ordinance allowed ADUs as‑of‑right and included a 70% cap, and, he said, \"13 ADUs have been completed under that ordinance.\" Other councilors urged balancing speed with careful rulemaking and pointed to parking and neighborhood impacts as areas for planning review.

Public comment before the vote included several residents who urged the council to move quickly. Christine Madore, a former councilor, told the council she supported tweaks that would get homes built \"so I hope you keep that in mind during your deliberations.\" Judith Riley and Caitlin Halapa also spoke in favor of the amendment and raised parking considerations linked to increased housing.

The referral passed without recorded opposition; the sponsor said the measure will proceed to a joint public hearing with the Planning Board, then return to the council for further steps, including possible legal review and additional revisions.","Council voted to refer proposed amendments to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to the Planning Board for a joint public hearing; supporters urged removing owner‑occupancy and other barriers to encourage more ADU construction.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306546,"Councilor withdraws proposed community benefits committee ordinance for revisions",4074,726000,4800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b&start=726&end=4800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437413-e2e6782628df1db6fcb1d1a7bd01015b/thumbnail_726000.jpg","/articles/6306546/Salem-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Councilor-withdraws-proposed-community-benefits-committee-ordinance-for-revisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306546-f84374bd6243882b67d1e8e510e29f98/orig.mp4?Expires=1776243177&Signature=UVDIxwF6D4AfayGqjR0twXDBUlIV~wqA~7BttMVO2PnpXFEVc705sTes6eDScjuyEhtsDPlh2OhR4UvtG6CbbuLrBwCXU-PTLNd9bTVJd3jNk-c5H2IzaIgIXlEW52vVadogQxCJ6~hovsPZhDCRrfpQsj8WSqVh2QDkFGTFr~YGVzUL0R944M~bQTx6JeeQ~EBHx1leWp~kmR1E0mqJiUarY5lfo2dZpN7iiJJCg1pvdpWc2CjmbDrT6hbG1iGA7s3OcXdGptG3uiSTOzJA8AZGDfzbo6YpfzlPEQvBp~qAzGuvQdw8QtGzx418yjh4fB9Qcvg6EKMbhHFKyJsgPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilor Lydia Davis withdrew a proposed ordinance to create a Community Benefits Committee — sometimes described in testimony as a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) committee — saying she would revise the draft after receiving feedback from city departments, fellow councilors and neighborhood groups.

Davis said the draft, which she co‑authored with a fellow councilor, began eight months of work and drew advice from the city solicitor, the planning department and community organizations. She told the council the ordinance is intended to create a clear, repeatable process for negotiating community benefits when large development projects advance in Salem.

\"Residents deserve clarity about whether a conversation around community benefits will take place, why or why not, and what the process will look like,\" Councilor Lydia Davis said during her explanation. She added the ordinance would not grant residents a veto over projects and included timelines to prevent delay.

Public testimony before the withdrawal included support from residents who said a formal process would help ensure developers listen. Jeremy Meeley, speaking during the public-comment period, said a committee of Salem residents \"that includes representatives of the people who will be most affected by a development project is a democratic good.\" Meeley urged the council to adopt a structure that ensures developers hear residents' needs.

Davis said the proposal draws on precedents from other Massachusetts cities, including Somerville, and aims to lock in a structured practice so it survives changes in leadership. She told the council that, after incorporating feedback, she plans to bring a revised draft back to the council in a few weeks and refer it to committee for formal review.

The measure was formally withdrawn by Davis at the council meeting; no committee vote or council vote on the text occurred at the Feb. 27 meeting. The sponsor said she expects an updated draft to be submitted to the council and to its committees for review and public hearings.

Council documents and the sponsor's remarks indicate the withdrawal is procedural: the sponsor intends further drafting rather than abandoning the idea. Next steps identified by the sponsor include revisions with city staff and community stakeholders followed by committee referral and public hearings.","Sponsor Councilor Davis withdrew a proposed ordinance to create a Community Benefits Committee, saying she will revise the text after feedback from city departments and community groups; public speakers voiced support for a formal community benefits process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: appropriations, hearings and permits approved Feb. 27, 2025

Council approves first passage of B‑1 business‑neighborhood zoning amendments, 8–2

Council sends tenant-protection and condo conversion ordinance to committee after multi-year effort

Council refers ADU zoning changes to Planning Board for joint public hearing

Councilor withdraws proposed community benefits committee ordinance for revisions