Mayor Dominic Pangallo Kicks Off the Legislative Luncheon Series in Style

We were honored to have Mayor Dominick Pangallo join us for this special event held at the Hawthorne Hotel with the Salem Chamber of Commerce. As he recently announced his candidacy for another term, Mayor Pangallo will share insights from his time in office, his vision for Salem’s future, and what’s ahead as we celebrate Salem 400 and beyond.

Salem is moving forward with plans for a new or renovated high school serving grades 9-12. The project is now in an initial design phase to determine whether renovation or a new school makes the most sense, which will continue through 2027, followed by permitting in 2028. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with completion in 2031.

With increasing student enrollment and Salem ranked as the #1 academically performing school district among Gateway Cities, the investment in education is clear. Additionally, Horace Mann School and Salem High School have been recognized as Massachusetts Schools of Recognition. The project also aligns with the city’s sustainability goals, aiming for a net-zero building.

The city remains committed to clean energy, with Crowley having secured all necessary permits for its offshore wind project. Construction is anticipated to start in 2025, with completion by 2027, though final timing is still being determined.

With support from private, state, and federal funding, including a secure federal grant, this initiative positions Salem as a leader in renewable energy. Mayor Pangallo emphasized the moral responsibility to act on clean energy solutions, reinforcing Salem’s commitment to a sustainable future.

Addressing Salem’s housing crisis is a top priority. New initiatives include:

• Ordinance changes to bring abandoned and foreclosed properties back to livable conditions.

• Proposed amendments to the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance to expand housing options.

• Restrictions on rental-to-condo conversions to help protect renters.

• Parking ordinance changes to reduce wasted space and urban heat.

• Zoning changes around South Campus to lay the groundwork for hundreds of new affordable housing units.

• Expansion of LifeBridge to increase transitional housing options.

With over 300 homeless students in Salem Public Schools (1 in 12 students), housing affordability remains a major challenge. These efforts aim to create more stable housing options for all residents.

Salem is preparing for its 400th anniversary with a full slate of events. Key highlights include:

• Public Info Meeting on April 7 at Salem High School.

• 250th Anniversary of Leslie’s Retreat.

• Heritage Days Parade returns.

Guided by the knowledge that communities existed here long before 1626, Salem 400 will be a meaningful commemoration of the city’s history and future.

Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress! You can also email the mayor directly mayor@salem.com.

TICKETS AVAILABLE

Tickets to several events that the Salem Rotary donated to are still available FOR FREE, including:

2 tickets to Spur NorthShore's Fling on April 5   
2 tickets to the Citizens Inn Gala and Auction on April 5
4 tickets to the Salem Academy's Reach for College Gala on May 3

If you are interested, please contact Dakota Russell or Ryan Guilmartin. First come, first serve.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LINK IS LIVE!

Tell your friends! Tell your neighbors! Tell the whole city! The Salem Rotary Club Scholarship Application link is live on the website. You can also access it here. 

District Learning Assembly April 10