Studies and Reports

Studies and Plan Projects Actively Underway

 
Community Development Block Grant - Each year, the City of Salem receives federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for housing and community development activities. The City uses these funds to undertake housing, community and economic development projects and programs that assist low- to moderate-income individuals, families and neighborhoods. In order to receive these funds, the City must prepare a Consolidated Plan every five years, as well as annual Action Plans to implement the five-year plan. The Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans are available here.
 
Bridge Street Neck Zoning Overlay - The City is working to develop zoning regulations that will help achieve the neighborhood’s vision. 
 
Flood Hazard Overlay District Ordinance Amendment - As part of the City’s ongoing effort to address projected climate change impacts, the Departments of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) and Sustainability and Resiliency are preparing an amendment to the City’s Flood Hazard Overlay District (FHOD) Special Permit zoning ordinance for the City Council's consideration. The ordinance, being developed with the support of Beals + Thomas and a working group comprised of staff from the DPCD, Engineering, Building, and Sustainability Departments, representatives from land-use boards, local environmental groups, the development community, and the general public, will be modified in light of projected increased coastal flooding. 
 
North River Resiliency Study and Multiuse Path The Cities of Salem and Peabody are undertaking a study to identify strategies to mitigate flooding and riverine erosion in the Harmony Grove Road segment of the North River Corridor. The resulting adaptation strategies will increase the resiliency of a proposed multiuse path and existing roadway, freight rail line, and South Essex Sewerage District infrastructure. 
 
Old Town Hall Assessment Project The City of Salem has conducted a full building conditions assessment, as well as a market and economy evaluation, which resulted in a determination that the space is well suited as a Community Arts and Culture Facility, but no matter the use, it requires substantial improvements. Design development closed out in October, 2022. The next steps are feasibility testing, fundraising and renovation with an goal of 2026.
 
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update The City of Salem's Open Space & Recreation Plan update will build upon recent related planning initiatives and establish goals and a seven-year action plan to guide the City's decision making for parks, recreation facilities and programming, and related policies. The City has hired MAPC to draft the plan with the support of an advisory group that will guide the plan's development based on existing conditions data and public input elicited through public forums, focus groups, and an online survey. 
 
Salem Municipal Harbor Plan The Salem Municipal Harbor Plan serves to guide development along the City’s shoreline to meet local community and planning goals. The current update to the Harbor Plan focuses primarily on the redevelopment of Salem's Designated Port Area and a portion of the North River.
 
Existing Studies and Plans 
To locate an existing study or report, please select the relevant category below. Note: If the document you are looking for is not in that category, it may be located in another category. To download large PDF files, it is recommended that you right click on the link, save the document to your computer, open the software program (i.e. Adobe) and, from your software, open the file that is saved on your computer.
 
City-Wide Plans
 
Housing and Homelessness
 
Location Based Projects
 
Neighborhood and Area Based Plans
 
Parks, Cemeteries, and Open Spaces
 
Streets and Transportation
 
Waterfront and Environment

 

For completed projects or for studies prior to 2010, please refer to City of Salem Digital Archive