Welcome to the neighborhood!
We are a neighborhood association in historic Salem, Massachusetts
About US
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
Send Your Comments on 40R to City Council
Make your voice heard. The Lifebridge/Harborlight expasnsion proposal is estimated to cost $60 million, including taxpayer funds. The September 6 deadline for public comment on the 40R zoning has passed, but you can still tell City Council what you think.
RECAP: The August 1 meeting with the Mayor included an overview of the 40R zoning process and public comments. Lifebridge and Harborlight Homes are seeking to override current zoning laws and establish a 40R Growth Overlay District in our neighborhood. A 40R zoning would also be used to develop Salem State’s South Campus, located at 8, 11, 20-32 Harrison Road, and 262 Loring Avenue; and Shetland Park. This type of zoning change requires state approval and a vote to adopt it by the Salem City Council. See the August 1 slideshow or watch the video on SATV.
SEND EMAILS to the City Councilors. Their contact information can be found by clicking on their names at this link, see: https://www.salemma.gov/city-council
SEND A COPY OF YOUR COMMENTS to Mayor Pangallo by clicking on this link: https://www.salemma.gov/user/451/contact or write him at:
Salem City Hall
93 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Salem MA 01970
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 page here or contact Elena Eimert, Senior Planner, via email eeimert@salem.com or telephone 978-619-5685.
PRELIMINARY 40R DISTRICT APPLICATION materials, 170-pages, available for download or read online here.
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.
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.
Grazi! GESNA Heritage Block Party on July 20
Thank you, Neighbor! GESNA neighbors enjoyed visiting with friends and meeting new residents at the GESNA Heritage Block Party on July 20, 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.