The university campus is being replaced by 473 private apartments. We are fighting to secure **10 permanent public parking spaces** so you can still access and enjoy the Forest River trails.
⚠️ Remember to add your Name & Address to the email!
To build this project, the developers are using a special state law. Here is what that means for us:
40R is a Massachusetts law that allows developers to build high-density housing (like these 473 units) in areas near transit or town centers.
The City of Salem receives financial payments from the state for every new housing unit built under this 40R "Smart Growth" overlay.
Because this is a special zoning request, the community has the right to ask for Public Benefits—specifically, dedicated public parking for trail access.
Under Salem Zoning Ordinance §7.4.8, the Planning Board has the authority to mandate public benefits. We request 10 Deeded Public Spaces to mitigate the loss of existing trail access.
Consistent with ADA/ABA Chapter 1005, we propose a Low-Impact Overlook. If the vertical drop is <48", a 4" Curb-Only (Toe Kick) safety edge is sufficient, preserving 100% of the viewshed.
To protect the Forest River ecosystem, we demand IDA-Approved, Full-Cutoff fixtures with a maximum color temperature of 3000K to eliminate light trespass into the conservation area.
"Don't let them dim your light. We have the leverage."
Required the developer to build a dedicated walking trail with public parking and 260 underground spaces.
Converted 16 acres (half the site) into a public park with direct Blackstone River bike path access.
40R standards specifically mandate "green corridors" and direct legal connections to all abutting open spaces.
The SEIR Certificate for **EEA #16757** mandates "enhanced connectivity." Providing only 4 public spaces (3 + 1 ADA) for a massive 485-unit development and a 140+ acre resource area is a token gesture that fails these state environmental commitments.
Salem's Coastal Resiliency District (C-ROD) requires "Safe and Functional Pedestrian Movement." A dilapidated, un-permitted bridge fails this mandatory zoning standard.
Under the 2021 Climate Roadmap Act, projects near Environmental Justice (EJ) populations must meet "Enhanced Outreach" standards. Refusing to codify basic public access needs for seniors and families fails this mandate.
The Planning Board has the authority—and the legal obligation—to enforce these standards.
The current plan provides only 4 public spaces (3 regular + 1 ADA). For a 140+ acre regional resource, this is inadequate. Without 10 deeded public spots, the Forest River and Salem Woods trails will become a "private amenity" for the 473 new households, effectively gating out the rest of the city.
The current bridge is dilapidated, has zero railings, and is a significant safety hazard. We are proposing a Safe Public Overlook with a repaired surface and minimalist, high-visibility safety railings (such as high-strength mesh or cable). This provides the required 42" safety height without blocking the river view for children, seniors, or wheelchair users.
Our Leverage: A "Minimalist Overlook" is a cost-effective, high-impact project that the developers should fund as a community safety gesture.
"The campus is going away—the access shouldn't."
A massive thank you to the residents who have already taken the time to email city leadership. Every message makes a difference! Now, we must maintain this pressure by showing up in force at the upcoming public hearings.
Choose who to contact. One click will generate an email focusing on the 10 deeded parking spaces and public access.
⚠️ Important: Don't forget to add your Name & Address at the bottom of the email!
Your Message Highlights
Your 3 Critical Talking Points:
"I request the Commission include **10 Deeded Public Parking Spaces** as a mandatory condition of approval per Salem Zoning §7.4."
"The Secretary's SEIR Certificate (**EEA #16757**) requires enhanced connectivity. A safe river overlook is a required mitigation."
"We demand **IDA-approved, full-cutoff lighting** to protect the Forest River nocturnal habitat from light trespass."
Conservation Commission
Bridge & Wildlife Focus
April 21
6:30 PM
Salem Planning Board
Parking & Site Approval
April 23
6:30 PM
Note: On the city page, click "Salem Conservation Commission SharePoint website" to see the full files.
Planning Board (Cont.)
Tentative Continuation
May 07
6:30 PM
Conservation Comm. (Cont.)
Tentative Continuation
May 19
6:30 PM
Momentum is everything. Show up.
Momentum Update LIVE
Incredible surge in visitors and emails today. Salem is speaking up—thank you!