This page is intended to provide updates on the 40R subdistrict proposed to be located at 56 Margin Street, 54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, 20 Endicott Street, and 24 Endicott Street. To learn more about about 40R and Smart Growth generally, please see the 40R Strategy page here or contact Elena Eimert, Senior Planner, at eeimert@salem.com, or 978-619-5685.

The City of Salem is considering the establishment of a Smart Growth Overlay District, with a subdistrict located on the property located at 56 Margin Street, 54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, 20 Endicott Street, and 24 Endicott Street. This zoning overlay would enable the redevelopment of the existing Lifebridge shelter facility to increase from 50 to 70 beds (and shift those from congregate to non-congregate) and add up to 56 new Single Room Occupancy housing units (with the 22 existing intended to remain).

For general questions about 40R, please consult the FAQ on the 40R Strategy page. Questions on the proposed zoning should be directed to Elena Eimert at eeimert@salem.com. Questions about the proposed redevelopment project, which would need to conform with the proposed zoning, should be directed to Andrew DeFranza of Harborlight Homes at Andrew DeFranza adefranza@harborlighthomes.org. A page with details of proposed project is available here.

Timeline:

Past:

• The project representatives, Harborlight Homes and Lifebridge, held community meetings to discuss the project concept and hear feedback. A recording of the meeting held on July 6, 2023, is available via SATV here. A recording of the meeting held on November 15, 2023, is available here.

• On August 1, 2024, the City of Salem hosted a Public Hearing. The purpose of the hearing was to share information about 40R/Smart Growth Overlay Districts and to collect public comment on the Preliminary Application to the state, which includes the text of the draft zoning ordinance and outlines how the City believes the proposed district complies with the requirements of MGL Ch. 40R. SATV’s recording of the Public Hearing is available here. The slides presented that evening are available here. Public comment was collected at the hearing and was collected through end of day on Friday, September 6, 2024.

• The project representatives, Harborlight Homes and Lifebridge, held a Question & Answer session about the project at Immaculate Conception Church at 15 Hawthorn Boulevard on Thursday, September 5, from 6-8pm. Flyer for the event, including portal to submit questions, is here. At the meeting, the teams indicated they would share answers to received project and programmatic questions - please consult this page periodically for updates.

• The City reviewed and analyzed all received public comments.

• Council of the Whole invited the proposed project developers, Harborlight Homes and Lifebridge, to attend the body’s March 10, 2025, meeting to provide an update on the project. See City Council calendar (revised link is here) for more information.

• The City submitted the revised Preliminary Application to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on Monday, March 31, 2025. The state has 90 days to respond with a determination of eligibility. Under this timeline, the City anticipates an eligibility determination by June 30, 2025.

• The City received a Letter of Conditional Eligibility from EOHLC, indicating that the proposed subdistrict is eligible to be a Smart Growth Overlay district, following the satisfaction of conditions outlined in the letter. The City is working to address those comments before the subdistrict zoning ordinance is filed with the City Council.

• An ordinance amendment to establish the Margin, High, and Endicott Smart Growth Overlay Subdistrict was filed for inclusion on the September 25, 2025, Regular Agenda of the City Council. At this meeting, Council will take a vote to refer the ordinance to a Joint Public Hearing (JPH) with the Planning Board. Information as to how to access the meeting and materials is available on the City Calendar.

• Then item was referred to a Joint Public Hearing. That hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, starting at 6pm. Please consult the City Calendar for information on how to access the hearing. Public comment will be taken at the hearing. Written comment can be sent to the City Council (CityCouncilors@Salem.com) and the Planning Board (planningboardcomments@Salem.com). Agenda and Zoom link for the Joint Public Hearing on October 15, 2025.

Current:

• Joint Public Hearing was held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. A recording of that meeting, with presentation slides included, is available here. The item was referred to the Planning Board for its recommendation at the October 16, 2025, meeting, where the board issued a positive recommendation. The item will be on the Regular City Council agenda for its October 23, 2025 meeting. Information as to how to access the meeting and materials is available on the City Calendar.

Next steps:

• After the Planning Board provides a recommendation, the City Council will vote on the ordinance at a regular City Council meeting. If it receives a majority of votes, it will need to receive a second majority vote at a second regular City Council meeting. Both City Council meetings will provide additional opportunities for public comment.

• Should the ordinance receive second passage by the City Council, the City would request final approval from EOHLC. A more detailed explanation of the process can be viewed at:  https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter40r

Last updated 10/20/2025.

Resources

Housing Strategies