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We are a neighborhood association in historic Salem, Massachusetts
About US
Council Meeting November 13 on Lifebridge Expansion
The Salem City Council will meet on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7pm in the Council Chambers, 93 Washington Street, 2nd floor, to vote on the Second Passage for the Lifebridge expansion with Harborlight.
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.
Review the OLD agenda packet for the past October 23 meeting here:
https://www.salemma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10232025-7832
In the 111-page AGENDA: pages 33 to 77 are relevant to the Lifebridge/Harborlight expansion.
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.
October 15 Hearing on Lifebridge Expansion
A Joint Public Hearing of the Salem City Council and Planning Board was held on October 15, 2025, regarding the Lifebridge and Harborlight expansion plan, Chapter 40R Smart Growth Overlay District zoning ordinance.
Stream the recorded meeting online here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYkd9YiwZAs
RELEVANT SEPTEMBER 25 AGENDA PACKET for City Council outlining Ordinance requirements, dimensions, etc for the expansion:
https://salemma.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1144/files/attachment/1432
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.
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.
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
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.
The 40R Zoning Proposal
Make your voice heard. The Lifebridge/Harborlight expasnsion proposal is estimated to cost over $65 million, including taxpayer funds. Tell City Council what you think.
Recap. The 2024 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, 2024, slideshow or watch the video on SATV.
City Council Committee of the Whole meeting with Lifebridge and Harborlight presentation on March 10, 2025. Watch the video on SATV:
http://ondemand.satvonline.org/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=34364
The March 2025 meeting is just under 2 hours long. First is a presentation to the Council from Lifebridge President, Jason Etheridge and Harborlight Homes spokesperson Andrew DeFranza. The presentation is followed by a period of questions, answers and commentary from the Council. Lastly, the microphone is opened for public comment, approximately 1hour and 21 minutes into the video.
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.
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.