Bluebird Self-Storage Visibility and Landscaping along I-93
Salem
Summary
Clearing part of the wooded parcel near I-93 will make the big storage building highly visible from the highway, which is why the board made preserving the remaining tree line a condition of approval. The applicant restored the tree count to 64 and added windows and landscaping to soften the view.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
Impact fees before occupancy total about $49,770 — a road impact fee of $5,609.38 and a public safety impact fee of $44,160.39.
Bluebird gets its long-delayed storage facility, and travelers get a screened, landscaped view instead of a bare building.
The Salem Athletic Club loses some tree cover at its back property line as vegetation near the highway is cleared.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Planning Board (Regular) - Sep 10, 2026
Clearing part of the wooded parcel near I-93 will make the big storage building highly visible from the highway, which is why the board made preserving the remaining tree line a condition of approval. The applicant restored the tree count to 64 and added windows and landscaping to soften the view.
Planning Board (Regular) - Jul 14, 2026
Board members pressed the Bluebird self-storage applicant to preserve trees and add plantings along I-93, calling the corridor the 'entryway to Salem and New Hampshire.' The plan was continued partly to address landscaping.
Planning Board (Regular) - Apr 28, 2026
The Board pushed back on enlarging a nonconforming pylon sign along Route 93, consistent with its master plan goal of limiting visual clutter on the corridor — the applicant withdrew that piece of the request.
Related development
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