Salem Planning Board Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Salem Planning Board met on April 14, 2026, with Chairman Joe Fioli presiding. Members present included Jim Harvey, Victor Helenick, Rhett Paul Pelletier, Chuck Sabah, and Damon Norcross. Planning Director Jacob La Fontaine also attended. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes, conducted public hearings on three new business items, and addressed several planning matters.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the March 24, 2026 planning meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Goulet (12 Pond Street) expressed strong opposition to the Willows Park site plan unless the existing wetland encroachment on the property (from 5 Hampshire Street) is resolved. He stated that the encroachment, which includes fill and parking, has caused flooding on his property and that the condition from the 2023 approval to remove it has not been met. He urged the board to reject the application until the condition is fulfilled.

Discussion Items

• Duncan Site Plan (36 Lowell Road) – Conditional Use Permit for Digital Screens: The applicant, Jen Point Signs, presented a plan to upgrade the drive-through menu board and replace other signs, including a freestanding sign with an opaque face and copy-only illumination. The Planning Department recommended three conditions consistent with a prior approval at North Broadway. No public comments were offered. The board voted unanimously to grant the conditional use permit with the recommended conditions (no roof sign; opaque background; all representations and notes incorporated).
• Lot Line Adjustment (272 Lawrence Road, 423 & 445 South Broadway) – SDL Farm/GDD Properties: Applicant’s representative Kurt Miser described a simple land swap among three family-owned parcels to add land to a residential lot and transfer two triangular pieces to a farm parcel. The lots are served by municipal services and meet zoning requirements. The Planning Department recommended three conditions. No public comments. The board voted unanimously to grant conditional approval, subject to the conditions (staff approvals, monument bonding, representations incorporated).
• Willows Park Site Plan (9 Hampshire Street) – Additional Single-Family Rental Dwelling: The applicant proposed a sixth single-family rental unit on a lot that already contains five rental units approved in 2023. Anne Ainsley, the applicant’s engineer, presented the plan, which mirrors the existing units, with drip trench drainage, screening, and tree preservation. A variance was obtained from the Zoning Board in October 2025. Staff highlighted that an existing wetland encroachment by the abutter at 5 Hampshire Street (approximately 3,463 square feet) remains unaddressed, despite being a condition of the 2023 approval that it be removed. Staff recommended adding a note and a condition requiring removal of the encroachment prior to occupancy of the sixth unit. Public commenter Steve Goulet testified that the encroachment causes flooding on his property and opposed approval without resolution. Applicant representative Kurt Miser argued that the applicant is not responsible for the encroachment and has attempted to work with the uncooperative abutter; he suggested a wetland mitigation plan as an alternative. After extensive debate on enforcement and timing, the board voted to continue the hearing to the May 12, 2026 meeting. The applicant is to return with a mitigation plan or removal plan and an update on legal steps taken.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of March 24, 2026 approved.
• Duncan site plan: Conditional use permit granted unanimously.
• Lot line adjustment: Conditional approval granted unanimously.
• Willows Park site plan: Hearing continued to May 12, 2026; applicant to provide a wetland mitigation/removal plan and legal update.

Other Business (Staff Reports)

• 15 Armour Road: Noted increased daycare enrollment by 5 students, manageable with existing parking; no further action needed.
• 11 Manor Parkway: Proposed facade change to relocate an egress door; staff to review building and fire code compliance.
• Hedgehog Park Pavilion: New 3,000 sq ft shelter planned; board acknowledged the municipal project with no adverse comments.
• 15 Charlie Lane: Clarification on showroom use within warehouse; board found it consistent with approved warehouse use.
• Restaurant Equipment Tenant: Similar showroom clarification for a commercial equipment store; deemed acceptable as warehouse use with occasional customer visits.
• Miles for Moms 5K at Field of Dreams: Temporary event permit noted; police will review circulation.
• Town-wide Yard Sale: Temporary event permits for June 13 and September 26, 2026, noted; no concerns.
• Tuscan Village Updates: North Jewel buildings: lighting plan to be finalized before occupancy; foundation permit allowed with condition that outstanding issues (landscaping, crosswalk) are resolved before vertical construction. Casino: facade lighting comments pending; demolition permit may be issued once comments addressed. Speed table alternatives considered.
• State Line Pay Saver: Flower sales approved for Mother’s Day (May 8-10, 2026, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
• Kennedy Lake Toyota: Modifications approved: right-only exit, tree species change to shorter variety, dumpster enclosure material changed from vinyl to chain link with privacy slats.