Salem Development News
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06.23.26 Planning Board
Published: Jun 23, 2026
Salem Planning Board Prefers Spandrel Glass Over Living Walls for Building 1030 Façade
The Planning Board reviewed proposed elevations for Building 1030, the southern jewel building, which faces the fountain. The applicant requested to eliminate four windows and install framed grates with vegetation, citing difficulty for retailers in placing merchandise along walls. Staff recommended using spandrel glazing, similar to other buildings in the area, to achieve the look of windows without compromising retail space. The board expressed a preference for spandrel glass over a living wall, citing climate unsuitability for real greenery and potential maintenance issues. The applicant stated that the windows create difficulty for merchandise placement and that back-of-house areas are limited in these buildings. Staff noted that spandrel glazing can accomplish the aesthetic of a window and comply with design guidelines.
Tuscan Village Amenities Approved with Conditions, Including Restrooms and Temporary Use Monitoring
The Planning Board reviewed renderings for the Tuscan Village area between 1200 and 1300, specifically concerning the placement of a food truck and a beverage container bar (container bar) near Friendly Toast and Tavern in the Square. These amenities are proposed to operate from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM and potentially through January 1st. The area is intended to be a 'flex space,' with some areas geared towards children and others towards adults. The container bars are already present on site. The board discussed whether these amenities constitute recreation and set a precedent for counting a beer garden as recreation. They agreed to ensure these amenities are present before occupancy and that adequate restroom facilities are available. The board also discussed a vacant space in Building 2000 (hotel) that the applicant wishes to use for temporary events rather than seeking a Certificate of Occupancy. Staff will monitor this usage to ensure it remains temporary and does not circumvent impact fee requirements.
Planning Board Approves Site Plan for 401 Main Street Residential Conversion
The Planning Board reviewed a site plan application for Main Street 401 LLC to change the use of office units to four residential apartments at 401 Main Street. The applicant, represented by attorney Suzanne Brunell, purchased the property in January 2021 and has been updating it. They received a variance in April 2026 for the change of use, as the state law requiring mixed-use development to be permitted in commercial districts becomes effective July 1, 2026. There are no exterior changes proposed, only internal renovations. The project complies with sewer capacity requirements, as confirmed by the town health officer, and parking requirements are met, with a net reduction in demand due to the change from office to residential use. The change is consistent with the town's planning goals of increasing housing availability. The board approved the site plan with eight conditions, including paying impact fees, recording an affordable housing restrictive covenant for one unit, replacing dead trees, installing additional trees, and constructing the affordable unit prior to occupancy of the third market-rate unit.
Salem Planning Board to Hold Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Including Mixed-Use Development
The Planning Board discussed proposed amendments to the town's zoning ordinances, including updates to the permitted use table for churches and educational institutions, consolidation of personal service uses in the business office district, and provisions for mixed-use development in commercial districts, consistent with state House Bills 631, 1010, and 1588. The board also addressed proximity requirements for cigar bars and kennels. Specific discussions included the height and density of mixed-use buildings, with a preference for maintaining consistency with the Depot and Main project (four stories, 60 feet, or three stories depending on location) and referencing the master plan. The board decided to proceed with noticing a public hearing for July 14th, allowing for modifications based on the governor's action on the pending legislation. Concerns were raised about the definition of 'mixed-use development' and whether it sufficiently implies residential components.
Salem Planning Board Unanimously Adopts 2026 Open Space Master Plan
The Planning Board held a public hearing and adopted the 2026 Open Space Master Plan, which was developed by a task force with the Rockingham Planning Commission over 2025. The plan updates town maps and data as a natural resource inventory, identifies open space priorities based on other planning documents and practical considerations, and outlines methods for implementing open space protections like easements and land acquisition. The plan aims to enhance community quality of life, support town center revitalization, protect the environment, and provide recreational and educational opportunities. Key themes identified include mitigating flood impacts, protecting town connections via trails and sidewalks, exploring recreational opportunities, and maintaining wildlife corridors. The plan prioritizes parcels for protection efforts, with darker red areas scoring highest based on natural resources, community priorities, and practical considerations. Salem currently has nearly 2,000 acres of protected open space. Recommendations include using the plan to guide protection efforts, working with landowners, identifying funding sources, and promoting the open space preservation zoning ordinance. The board unanimously adopted the plan.
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The Salem News archive
06.25.26 Budget Committee
06.23.26 Planning Board
Planning Board Regular Meeting Materials
Agenda for Salem School Committee - Special School Committee Meeting - June 22, 2026
Agenda for Salem School Committee - Regular Session - June 22, 2026
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