Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Spicket River Tree Removal / Clean River Project
Downed and leaning trees are clogging the Spicket River, including near Bill Valentine Park. A cleanup group from Massachusetts/Nashua pitched help, but staff worry about liability, private landowner permissions, cost and state approval — so commissioners will first meet with the town manager to see if the town even wants to pursue it.
Recycling Program Support
The budget appears to drop recycling, and Councilor Wright asked whether the town can simply end it. The Town Manager confirmed the Council has the authority, but residents can speak at Deliberative Session or the Budget Committee hearing to try to restore the money.
Ending recycling at the transfer station
The Council voted 5-2 to end the town's transfer station recycling program, saving about $65,000 a year. Sweeney and Hatch argued the program is costly, sends mixed recyclables to a landfill-bound processing plant, and that residents who want to recycle can pay private haulers; Wright and Stacey disagreed.
Solid Waste Costs and Recycling's Future
Solid waste costs are up nearly $300,000 with the contract out to bid, and recycling is getting pricier as less material actually gets recycled. Councilors debated whether to re-educate residents on what's recyclable or scale back the program.
Meadow Glen easement incursions
A homeowner removed a fence and gate on conservation easement land, and ATVs and SUVs are now using the access. The commission voted to bring in code enforcement and is considering a new gate.
Conservation easement monitoring gap
The town holds roughly 50-60 conservation easements but hasn't done formal field monitoring in years, meaning encroachments and dumping could go unnoticed. A licensed forester offered to rebuild the program, likely on a rotating schedule with a volunteer commission committee coordinating priorities.
Old landfill at 8 Atkinson Road
A two-lot subdivision is going in on land that once held a burned daily dump. The state Solid Waste Bureau will have a say before anything is built or permitted.
Open Space Master Plan Update
The Open Space Master Plan will get a public hearing at the June 23 meeting, shaping how Salem protects and plans its open land.
Spicket River Tree Obstructions and Cleanup
Fallen trees, including a large pine near Bill Valentine Park, are backing up the Spicket River and may be contributing to Town Forest flooding. Cleanup involves private landowner permissions, NHDES approvals, tree disposal rules, and potential recurring costs as storms drop more trees each year.
Beaver Flooding at Hummingbird Lane Trails
Multiple beavers are flooding trails and nearby yards. The commission rejected drowning traps and is exploring more pipes, dam-breaking, and drone surveys — no final decision yet.
Arlington Pond conservation land purchase
The town is spending $500,000 from the conservation fund to buy 10 acres with a quarter-mile of shoreline around Arlington Pond, its winter drinking water source. The land will be deed-restricted for conservation, blocking future development and runoff.
Willows Park wetland encroachment and phased occupancy
A pavement encroachment into a wetland buffer at 9 Hampshire Street has sat unaddressed for three years while abutters report drainage and well problems dating back to 2007. The board split 4-3 on letting the developer occupy another unit before fixing it, and neighbors pushed hard on runoff concerns.
Wetlands encroachment and flooding at 5 Hampshire Street
A nearly 20-year-old wetland fill by the abutter at 5 Hampshire Street was a condition to fix in the 2023 approval but still hasn't been resolved, and neighbor Steve Goulet says his backyard keeps flooding. The town has only recently sent violation notices, and enforcement likely requires court action. The sixth rental unit is now being held as leverage.
CO2 tank and concrete pad near wetland at 44 Pelham Road
A 50-ton CO2 tank and concrete pad are proposed within 28 feet of a wetland where 40 feet is required. The Commission flagged weight, setback and safety concerns and asked the Planning Board to look at fencing and soil stability before the project advances.