Alejandro Alvarez addresses community concerns on LifeBridge project at Salem meeting

The Salem City Council meeting held on March 27, 2025, commenced with procedural announcements, including a reminder that public comments would be limited to three minutes per speaker. The meeting featured four speakers, two present in council chambers and two participating via Zoom.

The first speaker, Alejandro Alvarez from 12 Pratt Street, addressed concerns regarding recent discussions about the Harbor Light project and its impact on the neighborhood. He clarified that while there had been positive sentiments expressed about LifeBridge's involvement over the past decade, significant progress had not been made until recently. Alvarez emphasized that the proposed senior housing project on High Street would require state legislative approval under Chapter 91, which he indicated was unlikely to be pursued due to its impracticality.

Alvarez articulated the challenges faced by residents living near the proposed development, highlighting issues such as drug paraphernalia in local parks and the burden placed on residents and law enforcement. He urged the council to reconsider the scale of the project, suggesting that resources could be better allocated to improve existing facilities rather than constructing new buildings. His remarks underscored the disconnect between the perspectives of those living in the neighborhood and those who do not face the same daily challenges.

The meeting proceeded without further public comments, and the council members engaged in discussions regarding the implications of Alvarez's statements. The council is expected to continue deliberating on the Harbor Light project and its potential effects on the community in future meetings.