Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Pelham Road/Keewaydin Drive Traffic Signal Repair
The signal's vehicle detection cameras failed, so the light runs on a fixed timer — causing unnecessary delays and unsafe peak-hour conflicts. Impact fees, not general taxes, will cover the $28,432 fix.
CART Senior Transportation Costs Jump
CART bus service costs jump from $47,000 to $123,000 now that federal COVID relief has dried up. Councilors want a conversation with Salem Caregivers about alternatives and floated cutting on-demand rides to three days a week.
Bridge Street Bridge Cost Overrun
Spring flooding and undersized contractor pumps drove up engineering oversight costs on the Bridge Street bridge replacement. The council released $200,000 from the road reserve fund, and the project is now targeted for December 4 completion.
Gravel Road Paving (Palm Road)
A resident whose family has waited 70 years for Palm Road to be paved asked why gravel roads keep getting bumped from the road program. Councilors explained gravel roads are expensive to convert and none were done this year because bids came in high; the road committee will take up her request.
North Main and Bluff Intersection Status Quo
The town found the intersection operating correctly with good sightlines; crashes are tied to high volume rather than an unsafe design, so no changes for now.
Barnes & Noble Plaza Traffic
Chairman Bryant says the new traffic island and no-U-turn setup near Barnes & Noble made safety worse, with long backups behind the shops — the town is taking a look.
Rockingham Park Flyover Closure
The flyover closes April 1 through November 13 for construction — expect detours, but it will reopen before holiday shopping traffic. Councilor Stacey stressed it cannot slip past that date.