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We are a neighborhood association in historic Salem, Massachusetts
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Council Meeting November 13 on Lifebridge Expansion
Lifebridge and Harborlight Homes were granted the Chapter 40R zoning amendment they were seeking to proceed with their expansion plans on Margin, Endicott and High Street. The zoning change required two votes for passage by the City Council. The second passage took place November 13. The vote to change the zoning won in a landslide by a 10-1 vote.
The Lifebridge/Harborlight expansion is listed as: #462 - Zoning Ordinance relative to Smart Growth Overlay District ordinance, which would amend Section 7 Special Residential District Regulations by adding a new Section 7.4.8.2. Margin, Endicott, and High Street Smart Growth Overlay Subdistrict.
The Lifebridge and Harborlight expansion includes housing intended for the formerly homeless that meet very specific criteria and will be determined by lottery not limited to Salem.
The 40R Zoning Process
Following the second passage for the Lifebridge and Harborlight Homes expansion by the City Council, the City will request final approval from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). The Commonwealth has 30 days to review. A more detailed explanation of the process can be viewed at:
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter40r
After EOHLC, there will be a Plan Review of Development Application, and it requires a public hearing of the Planning Board for site plan review.
FIND additional materials related to 40R zoning in the GESNA neighborhood:
https://imaginesalem.org/40rsmart-growth-overlay-districts-marginhighendicott
To learn more about about 40R and Smart Growth generally, please see the 40R Strategy and application process at Imagine Salem online here or contact Elena Eimert, Senior Planner, via email eeimert@salem.com or telephone 978-619-5685.
Citizens for a Better Salem presents: The Lifebridge Expansion Proposal
Salem Access TV (SATV) posted a video to YouTube about the Lifebridge and Harborlight Homes expansion in our neighborhood. It is presented and produced by Citizens For A Better Salem. The 45 minute video is also running on their cable TV channel.
GESNA recommends that you take the time to watch it. Our neighborhood, obviously, figures prominently in it. The video thoroughly explains the project, its issues and implications for our neighborhood and the City, and so much more. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzuBJEx7Xe0
GESNA & HSI Grant Approved
GESNA & HSI working together to preserve our community
GESNA and HSI are proud to announce our grant request was approved by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the survey work began this summer of 2025.
A Perfect Day for a Party
We greatly enjoyed visiting with our neighbors at the 3rd Annual GESNA Heritage Block Party on September 21 at the High Street Playground. Our Block Party was filled with fun stories, lots of laughter, and the musical stylings of Dan Kupka.
We were excited to learn that the Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour, presented by Historic Salem, Inc., December 6-7, 2025, will feature homes in the Summer Street area, including our neighborhood Gedney House. Tickets will go on sale starting October 1 at www.historicsalem.org.
GESNA Salem
The Greater Endicott Street Neighborhood Association (GESNA) of Salem, MA, is a community organization serving as a voice for its residents. The area it serves is roughly south of Norman Street, west of Margin Street, north of Jefferson Avenue, and east of Jackson Street. GESNA includes bits of Ward 2 and Ward 3.
Our Neighborhood, Our History
We have a GESNA committee focused on the expansion proposal by Lifebridge North Shore and Harborlight Homes. Lifebridge has a homeless shelter on Margin Street, an "emergency shelter" on Canal Street, and a large thrift shop on Canal Street — all in Salem. Lifebridge has teamed up with Harborlight Homes, a nonprofit housing developer, to propose a large new complex that will radically expand their presence in downtown Salem and change our city forever.
Their proposal would include demolishing the existing shelter on Margin Street and adjacent structures, and building a significantly larger Lifebridge shelter complex plus Harborlight studio apartments for unhoused individuals. Lifebridge’s offices and the thrift shop would also move here.
The project would expand Lifebridge’s footprint to include the entire Margin Street block — including the historic St Mary’s Italian Church — and would extend around the corner onto side streets. It would also expand upward to 4 stories, and possibly 5 stories in some sections.
Grazie! GESNA Heritage Block Party 2024
Thank you, Neighbor! GESNA neighbors enjoyed visiting with friends and meeting new residents at the GESNA Heritage Block Party in 2024, at the High Street Playground. People shared delicious nibbles, relaxed under the tall trees, and listened to the music of Dan Kupka and Brian Donnelly! Grazi to MDF, BF, and JCS, for capturing the day.
Merci to Historic Salem Inc. for hosting a table and their expertise on historical and architectural surveys. Danke for the financial support of the GESNA Steering Committee and members of Our Neighborhood Our History.