Council approves first passage on ordinance barring tour-group narration in Howard Street roadway

The Salem City Council voted for first passage Thursday on an ordinance amendment that would bar tour guides from stopping and delivering narration or storytelling in the roadway on Howard Street, directing guides instead to the green area at the base of Howard Street near the Old Salem Common lot. The motion for first passage carried with a request that the matter be sent to committee between first and second passage for further review of enforcement and citywide issues.

Councilor Hathworth introduced the item and described Howard Street as a narrow "shared street" without a functional sidewalk where tour groups have stopped in the middle of the roadway. "It is a dangerous situation," Hathworth said, and the amendment aims to permit tours to traverse the street but only to stop for narration at the safer green space at the bottom.

Many councilors supported first passage while calling for a wider look at tour-guide behavior across other narrow streets such as Botts Court and Central Street. Councilor Watzenthelt said the Howard Street issue "is separate" from broader downtown concerns but welcomed a committee meeting with the city solicitor to consider clarifying ordinance language and enforcement. Councilor Stott and others asked that the committee examine the city's existing tour-guide licensing, training and enforcement mechanisms to avoid piecemeal regulation of every street.

Councilors voted to approve first passage and to have a committee meeting between first and second passage; the council also asked the city solicitor and licensing staff to consider ordinance language that would make expectations and enforcement clearer. No fines or specific enforcement mechanisms were adopted at first passage; the committee will take up recommended modifications prior to a second reading.