Thursday Blue Lights On For Autism Awareness Day

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

 Thursday Blue Lights On For Autism Awareness Day

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Kimberley Driscoll

Mayor

Salem Recognizes World Autism Awareness Day Thursday with Blue Lights & Awareness Walk

City to light blue emergency lights on April 2^nd to promote autism awareness

Salem, MA – On Thursday, April 2^nd, the City of Salem will observe World Autism Awareness Day by participating in the City’s fourth annual ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign and lighting up the City’s blue emergency lights located at intersections throughout the community. Residents should take note that there is no actual snow emergency in effect on Thursday.

 The campaign is sponsored by Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, and encourages buildings and landmarks across the world to turn their lights blue on April 2^nd to promote autism awareness. Partnering in the Salem effort is the City’s No Place for Hate Committee and Parents United of Salem. The Tabernacle Church on Washington Street will also have blue exterior lighting in celebration of the day.

“Autism affects 1 in every 68 children in the U.S. and is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in our country,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Salem is proud to help raise awareness of this increasingly prevalent disorder by participating in the ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign." 

“The Salem No Place for Hate Committee is happy to once again be a sponsor of Salem’s ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign to promote World Autism Awareness Day,” said committee member Jean Rockett. “This campaign highlights our City’s diversity and reflects our continued support for those with disabilities across Salem.”

Parents United of Salem, a local non-profit parents organization that helps facilitate community service, enrichment and education, will also host the ‘Light It Up Blue’ Autism Awareness Walk on Salem Common on Thursday, April 2^nd at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s amazing to see our community grow stronger every year,” said Parents United co-president Melissa Wilson. “The amount of participation in this event has been growing annually, which means we are making a difference. This is what community is: coming together for the greater good.”

For more information on the walk, please contact Melissa Wilson at (978) 968-4888 or by e-mail at melzwilson@hotmail.com. Information is also available on their website at http://parentsunitedofsalem.org  The walk will be held at the Salem YMCA in the event of inclement weather conditions.

Autism Speaks has a special website, http://liub.autismspeaks.org to highlight the campaign. The “Light It Up Blue” website provides unique and fun ideas about how people can get involved in their local community, from hosting autism-themed gatherings to viewings of autism-themed films and TV programs. The site also accepts donations to fund autism awareness and research efforts.

This Week's Salem Cable Project Newsletter

From:Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

In case you missed it, we introduced the 2015 Salem Cable Project Map-Schedule in last week's newsletter. Although construction timeframes are subject to change based on a number of factors, we believe that the Map-Schedule will be a useful reference tool for community members to get an accurate sense of where their neighborhood fits into the overall project schedule. On the construction front last week, Salem Cable Project contractors completed manhole "test pits" on Washington Square South and on Hawthorne Boulevard. This work provides contractors with important information that will inform their excavation work in the coming weeks and months. This week, contractors will begin excavation for the Washington Square South manhole installation. Once this work is complete, they will begin the same process for the manhole installation on Hawthorne Boulevard. Looking further down the road—after the Washington Square South and Hawthorne Boulevard manholes are in place—Salem Cable Project contractors are tentatively scheduled will begin duct-bank installation starting just north of the South River Bridge on Congress Street and continuing across Derby Street to connect with the manholes on Hawthorne Boulevard and on Washington Square South. This construction sequence has been developed in cooperation with the City of Salem and members of the community, and it is designed to expedite construction in sensitive downtown areas, specifically at the intersection of Derby Street and Hawthorne Boulevard. Over the last week, we have received some questions related to the gas line work taking place around (and in some cases on) the Salem Cable Project route, and so we wanted to clarify a few points. Unfortunately, due to the historic winter from which we're still recovering, a good deal of National Grid Gas's gas line work in Salem has been delayed. Most of the overlapping work between the Salem Cable Project and National Grid Gas construction areas is located around Hawthorne Boulevard and Derby Street. You can expect to see National Grid Gas's work continuing in the the vicinity for six to eight weeks. We are happy to continue addressing any questions that you might have on this issue and, as always, we'll continue to share new information as it become available. Also, if you are aware of anyone who we should be in touch with please let us know and encourage your network of friends and family to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter! Just click here: www.salemcableproject.com/sign_up_for_updates. Sincerely, The Salem Cable Project http://www.salemcableproject.com/

Swearing-In of Chief Mary Butler on April 9th

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Swearing-In of Chief Mary Butler on April 9th, 10am, Old Town Hall

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Kimberley Driscoll

Mayor

Details Announced for Butler Swearing-In as Salem’s Chief of Police

Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, April 9^th, 10:00 a.m., free and open to the public

SALEM, MA – Acting Chief Mary Butler will be sworn in as Salem’s new Chief of Police in a formal ceremony at Salem’s historic Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, on April 9^th at 10:00 a.m. The event will be free and open to the public.

 Following brief remarks from City officials, including former Chief of Police Robert St. Pierre, former Chief of Police and current State Representative Paul Tucker, and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Chief Butler will take the oath of office and offer remarks.

Chief Butler was promoted from Lieutenant to Acting Captain in the Salem Police Department in 2014. In that capacity she was commanding officer of the department's special operations division, with oversight of the community impact unit, special response unit, traffic division, and records office. She has served with the Salem Police Department since 1987, where she has overseen patrol division and the community impact unit as a Lieutenant, served as public information officer and detective, and worked as administrative aide to former Chief St. Pierre. She has served as Acting Chief of the department since her appointment by Mayor Driscoll was announced in early March.

Book Swap & E-Waste Event on Sat. March 28

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Book Swap & E-Waste Event on Sat. March 28

Two great recycling opportunities on Saturday, March 28, 2015

Free Book Swap–10am-1pm at Council on Aging-5 Broad Street!

Just in time for Spring Cleaning - SalemRecycles is holding another free book and media swap on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 10 AM - 1 PM at the Senior Center, 5 Broad Street, Salem. All~books will be accepted. Everything that doesn’t find a new home will be donated or recycled.

Materials can be dropped off in advance on Friday, March 27 from 5:00-7:00 PM or bring them with you on Saturday (before noon). Volunteers will be available to help unload.

Everyone is invited to take books, etc.—no “swap” needed.

E-Waste Recycling-8am-noon at Salem High School, 77 Willson Street!

The City has contracted with RMG Enterprises to recycle residential e-waste.  RMG will accept anything with a plug-most items are free.  There will be a $10/unit fee for TVs, Computers, Monitors, Laptops, and Large Appliances (Refrigerators, A/C and Freezers).

This event is for Salem residents only, ID required.

For more information on either event contact Julie Rose at jrose@salem.com or 978-619-5679.  To learn about these events in advance, please sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter at GreenSalem.com

This Week's Salem Cable Project Newsletter: Salem Cable Project Update

From:Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: This Week's Salem Cable Project Newsletter: Salem Cable Project Update

We wanted to provide a quick update, heading into next week's Salem Cable Project schedule. After reviewing the construction schedules, working with the City and our community partners, we have made a slight revision to the order of the manhole installation work.  Instead of beginning the first manhole installation at the Hawthorne Boulevard work site, the first manhole installation will take place on Washington Square South (near number 56) during the week of March 16. All information related to the Congress Street work site--scheduled for March 16--remains the same.  Contractors will begin installation of the duct bank that will house the new underground electrical transmission cable on Congress Street. This installation work will continue northward, towards Derby Street, ending on Hawthorne Boulevard. Please note that before excavating for these installations, both scheduled for the week of March 16, contractors will be surveying an existing manhole at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Derby Street.  Once this is complete, crews will begin working just north of the intersection on Hawthorne Boulevard and south of the intersection on the north side of the South River Bridge on Congress Street. Police details and signs will always be present throughout construction to assist everyone through the work zone and to facilitate traffic management. During the week of March 30, you should expect to see manhole construction activity beginning on Hawthorne Boulevard.  A project map, including the approximate location for the Washington Square South and Congress Street work sites, is available on our project website. You can access all of the above information on our website and social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter)—and you can always reach out in person. We're glad to take your call on our toll free hotline (844-SALEM-CABLE), and you can connect with our staff through our website 24/7. Thank you for your interest in the Salem Cable Project. Sincerely, The Salem Cable Project http://www.salemcableproject.com/ This email was sent to robertmccarthy@verizon.net. To stop receiving emails, click here.

Help the City Address Park, Recreation, and Open Space Needs

From:Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Help the City Address Park, Recreation, and Open Space Needs

Residents are invited to complete a survey about Salem’s park, recreation, and open space needs. The City has hired Gale Associates to conduct a Recreational Facilities Needs Assessment & Master Plan and to update the City’s Open Space & Recreation Plan. These plans, based on input from the community, will help guide investment in Salem’s parks and open spaces.

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/salemmpeng

Español: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/salemmpesp 

This survey will be online until noon on Friday, April 3.

Please contact Tom Devine at the Department of Planning and Community Development at 978-619-5685 or tdevine@salem.com with any questions.

This Week's Salem Cable Project Newsletter

From: Robert K McCarthy
Councillor Ward One

This Week's Salem Cable Project Newsletter

The Salem Cable Project

The Salem Cable Project begins this week! Below, you'll find the latest information about construction plans, timelines, and how to learn more about what's happening in your neighborhood.
Last week, we announced the location of the first two work sites for the project, beginning or around March 11: Hawthorne Boulevard, just north of the Derby Street intersection, and Congress Street, on the north side of the South River Bridge.
On Hawthorne Boulevard, contractors will be installing a large manhole. This work is expected to last for approximately two weeks, weather permitting.
On Congress Street, contractors will begin installing the duct bank that will house the new underground electrical transmission cable. This installation will continue northward, towards Derby Street, ending at the newly installed manhole described above. Due to the nature of this type of work, it is estimated to be completed in five to six weeks, weather permitting.
Looking ahead to the week of March 24, you'll see construction activity begin on Washington Square South, near number 56 Washington Square South, where contractors will also be installing a large manhole.  Work at this location is also expected to last approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

Also, please be aware that during the construction activities described above, one National Grid Gas crew will be finishing gas line installations on Hawthorne Boulevard between Derby Street and Washington Square South; and along Congress Street, on the north side of the Congress Street Bridge. A project map including the approximate location for the Hawthorne Boulevard and Congress Street work sites is available on our website’s Blog: www.salemcableproject.com/blog.
In order to shorten the construction process, manhole installations and duct bank installations have been sequenced so that the work will be done on parallel tracks, compressing the time spent in each of these areas. Traffic and road information will be posted to our website's "Today's Project Work" section, Blog, and shared in a follow-up newsletter on Tuesday.  In addition, we will post this information on our Facebook and Twitter accounts, and you can call our hotline (844-SALEM-CABLE) or connect with our staff through our website 24/7.

The work hours for the Salem Cable Project are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (which includes one hour from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for work site clean-up), Monday through Friday.  A small number of “no parking” signs will be posted in advance of construction, and those restrictions will remain in effect until construction is complete for that day. Police details and signs will always be present to assist everyone through the work zone and to facilitate traffic management.

Our priority is to keep things moving with as little inconvenience to you as possible! Thank you for your interest in the Salem Cable Project.

Sincerely,
The Salem Cable Project
http://www.salemcableproject.com/

BLANEY STREET/SALEM WHARF PARKING LOT NOTICE

BLANEY STREET/SALEM WHARF PARKING LOT NOTICE

The contractor working on the Salem Wharf project will be resuming work on Monday, March 9th. The City of Salem will be clearing snow in part of the Blaney Street/Salem Wharf parking lower lot area on Tuesday afternoon, March 10th. Vehicles parked in this area of the lot should be removed before Tuesday. No parking signs will be posted in the area of the lot where parking is prohibited during snow removal. Thank you for your cooperation and your patience.

 Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Parking issues at the House of Seven Gables

This winter’s snow has strained an already difficult parking situation in our neighborhood.   Realizing this, the staff of the House of the Seven Gables has allowed Derby Street neighborhood residents to park their cars in their lot during snow emergencies. However, they do request that cars be removed from the lot after snow emergencies end and/or before 8:00 in the morning.  The Gables opens to the public at 10:00 am, but the lot needs to be free of neighborhood cars by 8:00 in order to give staff time to plow the lot and to make room for employees that arrive prior to opening.

Unfortunately, a few individuals have been using the lot as their regular winter parking spaces and this is impeding the Gables’ ability to clear the lot. It also leaves little, if any, space for visitors and staff to park.  Although residents may be at wits end trying to find a place to park their car anywhere in the neighborhood, the Gables lot should not be used outside of snow emergencies, especially during business hours.

Please help make it possible for the Gables to continue offering their parking lot for use during snow emergencies by respecting their needs. If The Gables makes the decision to no longer allow residents to park their cars in their lot during severe weather, parking will be even more difficult than it already is.

Public Forums to Discus Open Space and Recreation Planning

Public Forums to Discus Open Space and Recreation Planning

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 

120 WASHINGTON STREET   

SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS  01970 

TELE: 978-619-5685   ♦   FAX: 978-740-0404 

KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL MAYOR
LYNN GOONIN DUNCAN, AICP DIRECTOR

Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. at 135 Lafayette Street Monday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. 120 Washington Street 

The City of Salem has hired Gale Associates to conduct a Recreational Facilities Needs Assessment & Master Plan and to update the City’s Open Space & Recreation Plan. These plans will help guide investment in Salem’s parks and open spaces. 

Two public forums will be held to gather input from the community. The first will be hosted by the Point Neighborhood Association on Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Room at 135 Lafayette Street. The second meeting will be Monday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room at the City Hall Annex at 120 Washington Street. (Please note that a public meeting scheduled for February 9 was canceled due to a snowstorm.) 

We hope that you will be able to attend and participate. Please contact Tom Devine at the Department of Planning and Community Development at 978-619-5685 or tdevine@salem.com with any questions. 

Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 and City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033.

Foro público para discutir la planificación De áreas de recreación y espacio abierto

Lunes, 23 de febrero a las 6:00 pm en 135 Lafayette Street Lunes, 9 de Marzo a las 7:00 pm en 120 Washington Street

La Ciudad de Salem ha contratado al grupo Gale Associates para asesorar las necesidades de áreas de recreación en Salem y para desarrollar un plan global para actualizar el Plan de Espacios Abiertos y Recreación de la Ciudad. Estos planes servirán de guía para decidir las inversiones que la Ciudad  hará  en los parques y los espacios abiertos de Salem. 

Dos foros públicos se llevarán a cabo para obtener la opinión de la comunidad. La primera reunión será organizada por la Asociación del vecindario El Punto,  el lunes 23 de febrero a las 6:00 pm en la  sala comunitaria en el 135 Lafayette Street.  La segunda reunión será el lunes 9 de Marzo, en sala de conferencia (City Hall Annex), en el  3rd  piso, 120 Washington Street.  

Esperamos que usted pueda asistir y participar. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Tom Devine en el Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo Comunitario al 978-619-5685 o  escriba a: tdevine@salem.com con cualquier pregunta. 

Conozca sus derechos bajo la ley de Open Meeting (Reunión Pública) M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 y las Secciones 2-2028 a 2-2033 de las Ordenanzas de la Ciudad. 

Former Celtic to Speak at SHS 3/9 - 7pm

From: Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

  Former Celtic to Speak at SHS 3/9 - 7pm

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Kimberley Driscoll

Mayor

Former Boston Celtic Chris Herren to Give Powerful Speech in Salem Monday

Salem High School, March 9, 7pm, Free

Salem, Massachusetts – Former Boston Celtics player Chris Herren will be giving a free presentation to Salem families, students, parents, and community members on the consequences of addiction, the path to recovery, and the impacts of both.

 This free speech will be held at the Salem High School auditorium on Monday, March 9, at 7pm.

THE GABLES BRICK PROJECT

The Gables Brick Project Happy St. Patrick's Day ! from your friends at The Gables. Lucky for you there's still time to order a brick for a Lass or Laddie of your choice ! THE GABLES BRICK PROJECT The front entrance walkway of The Gables is in need of brick repair. This offers a unique opportunity for the community to honor their friends and family, whether living or deceased. Bricks can be purchased and inscribed with the name of your family member or friend. Please see the price list below. Order forms are available on our website http://www.7gables.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HOLIDAY-Brick-Project-Order-Form.pdf  If you have any questions, please call the Development Department at 978-744-0991 x 126 or email kbarter@7gables.org Prices:   Brick, 4" x 8", red clay with laser cut script in black, 1-2 lines (20 characters per line)$65 each Brick, 8" x 8", red clay with laser cut script in black, 1-3 lines (20 characters per line)$125 each The House of the Seven Gables reserves the right to not accept the wording of a donor if it does not align with our mission and code of ethics. In this case, we will contact the donor and try to find an agreeable change. No proofs will be offered and placement will not be promised. This purchase is not refundable.

Last Call for Salem Snowmaritan Nominations & Snowmaggedon T-Shirt Orders

From: Robert K McCarthy
Councillor Ward One

Last Call for Salem Snowmaritan Nominations & Snowmaggedon T-Shirt Orders!

Nominate a Salem Snowmaritan: http://goo.gl/AKRrqm

Place a Snowmageddon T-shirt order: http://goo.gl/3F9dc7

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Final Orders/Nominations are due by 4:00PM tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3rd.

Subject: Snow Emergency in effect at 9pm March 1 until 7am March 2

From:Robert K McCarthy

Councillor Ward One

Subject: Snow Emergency in effect at 9pm March 1 until 7am March 2

There will be a Snow Emergency in effect at 9pm on Sunday March 1st until 7am on Monday March 2nd.

Please remember that during the Snow Emergency a parking ban is in effect, and vehicles must be totally removed from city streets and sidewalks throughout the entire duration of the snow emergency or your vehicle will be ticketed and towed.

If you are parked in a school lot,  you must remove your car immediately after the snow emergency ends at 7am,  as Salem Schools will be on a two-hour delay schedule on Monday March 2nd.

If you can keep your car off of city streets after 7am please do so as this will help our DPW crews cleanup after the snow has ended.

We would also like to thank you in advance for shoveling your sidewalks and ask that you also clear the snow around the hydrants near your property so that they can be accessible to firefighters in case of an emergency. 

Also, please be aware, snowplowing, shoveling, or throwing snow back onto the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks is prohibited by City Ordinance and violators can be fined.

  Other Important Snow Information:            

 Click Here for City of Salem Snow Brochure

•               

SIDEWALKS

• The removal of the snow and ice from sidewalks is greatly appreciated. This will help school children, the elderly, and the general public from having to walk in the street. The City of Salem clears designated sidewalks following each storm. It takes time to accomplish this task and it is only done after all the roads have been cleared.
• There are city ordinances requiring property owners to remove snow and ice from their bordering sidewalks within six hours after the snow ceases to fall or the city's snow emergency lights are turned off, whichever time is later. ~If the snow ceases to fall and the snow emergency lights are turned off in the nighttime, the snow shall be removed before 12:00 noon. If he/she neglects to do so, he/she shall be fined $25 for 1st offense, $75 for 2nd offense and $100 for 3rd and subsequent offenses.

DRIVEWAY

• While the Department of Public Services tries to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed across driveways and exits, it is unavoidable. Clearing driveway openings is the responsibility of the property owner.
• Plow blades cannot be lifted as they pass by a driveway.
• Unfortunately, snow will be plowed into driveways as we perform curb-to-curb plowing.
• You may wish to clear your driveway several times during the storm or wait until the storm and plowing activities have ended.
• Snowplowing, shoveling, or throwing snow back onto the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks is prohibited by City Ordinance and violators can be fined $75 for 1^st offense, $150 for 2^nd offense and $200 for 3^rd and subsequent offenses.

CATCH BASINS

• Help us stop street flooding by shoveling out catch basins near your home.

FIRE HYDRANTS

• There are many Fire Hydrants in the City of Salem. Please help us Keep Salem Safe by shoveling around the hydrant near your home.

ALTERNATIVE DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS           

• The City of Salem offers alternative designated parking areas that include the following:
• Museum Place Parking Garage*
• South Harbor Garage*
• * During a snow emergency, parking in the city garages is $5/24 hours, or any fraction thereof. Vehicles should be removed from the garage by the close of business the day the snow emergency concludes. Vehicles left in the garage after that time will begin to accrue charges at the regular hourly parking rate.
• Blaney Street Parking Lot (Salem Ferry Landing),
• Forest River Park,
• Gallows Hill lower,
• Mack Park,
• Broad Street Playground,
• Castle Hill Playground,
• Salem Willows Park,
• the Bentley School Lot,
• the Carlton School Lot,
• the Witchcraft Heights School Lot,
• the Bates School Lot,
• the Saltonstall parking area on Salem Street only,
• and the Collins Middle School - Jackson Street parking area.