I’ll dispense with the biggest issues first: no action was taken on either the accessory dwelling ordinance (ADU) or the inclusionary zoning (IZ) ordinance.
The ADU ordinance had the most public commentary, with 22 people speaking in favor and 13 speaking against. The matter was introduced by Councilor Madore, who explained the amendments put forward by the planning board; primarily, the cap on rent that would apply to ADUs. Madore opened the floor to discussion before making a motion. Following statements by Councilors Dominguez and Dibble that did not indicate support for the ordinance, Madore tabled the motion. When the motion is tabled, no further debate can ensue until she reintroduces the matter. Councilors Dominguez, Dibble, Flynn and Sargent opposed the tabling, all others supported, so the matter was tabled.
The Inclusionary Zoning ordinance, which had broad and enthusiastic support from all councilors when it was introduced at the public hearings, and has the full support of the LWV-Salem, was moved to the ordinances, licenses, and legal affairs (OLLA) committee. Councilor Sargent was unhappy with the bonuses that he noted were “slipped in” to the ordinance, but Madore countered that the ordinance remained unchanged from when the council considered it for the public hearings. The planning board unanimously endorsed it without any change. Nevertheless, the matter was sent to committee.
Both matters, ADUs and IZ, have until 2 August to be resolved and require two votes.
Now, working back to the other matters: Mayor Driscoll gave an update on COVID. The good news is that contract tracing is in place. The bad news is that unemployment in Salem spiked dramatically. In March 2020, there were 769 people on unemployment (3.1%); in April 2020, that number grew to 4215 (18.5%). Before the city can open back up, they have to meet certain benchmarks, one of which is to be 10% positive cases or under*. Salem is at 17.5% as of last night.
FUN OPENING NEWS: The Library will be open for curbside service the week of 1 June. Watch for the announcement, and yay!
The small cell antennae were debated at length again. The thrust of the argument from Councilor Dibble was that abutters were “scared,” and so the antennae should be placed elsewhere. An engineer from Verizon verified that the risk to safety diminishes once someone is 8 feet from the device. These are going to be placed atop 30 foot poles. There is zero risk to safety. At the last meeting where these were debated, Councilor Prosniewski suggested that Verizon reach out to neighbors to inform them of the use and science around these antennae. They were approved for installation, and the council once again urged Verizon to conduct some outreach.
Money, money, money…$32K was approved to support the joint Beverly-Salem climate action plan. $646,477 was received from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for COVID response. Specifically, this funding will help cover the costs of “basic needs,” such as rent assistance, homeless supports and services, and more. A second round of federal funding is expected.
And, finally, the council voted to close Fort Ave. to traffic on 5 June from 5–7 PM for a car parade to celebrate Salem High graduates. These young adults have not been properly recognized for their hard work. If you are so inclined, please plan to join the parade with signs, horns, and good wishes for a fulfilling future for the 2020 graduates.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch
*The city is moving forward with reopening following the state’s guidance and timetable. The 17.5% positivity rate is for all tests from day 1 through 27 May. The 10% target is based on the most recent week of testing, which they still aren’t getting from DPH, only the running cumulative percent positive. Over time, the cumulative will come down, but it’s going to lag the one week rate.