To the editor:
Following is a copy of a letter sent to the Salem Planning Board regarding the former St. Joseph's Church property:
I have lived in the Point neighborhood of Salem for over 30 years. And while I am all for the redevelopment of the St. Joseph property, I think there is more that needs to be said about this project than all the hype I'm hearing about how wonderful this is going to be for our neighborhood and our city.
The developers are asking for approval of two separate and differing plans, which is not only highly unusual, but makes me wonder why they will not commit to just one. My guess is that they do not have a solid commitment from one of the major pharmacy chains yet; but should they obtain one in the near future, rest assured they will go with the pharmacy plan, as this would surely be the most lucrative for them. It is also the plan with the most adverse affects on the neighborhood and for the tenants of these units.
It was stated at the last meeting that this would be a great plan if it were being built on new land. Unfortunately, you are actually putting it in the middle of an existing neighborhood.
Myself and many of my neighbors, own their homes, raise their families here, and work hard.
At the end of the day we want the same things you want — peace and quiet, and a safe and secure neighborhood to come home to.
It is one thing to ask the surrounding neighbors to embrace a new four-story building, with 76 new rental units, and commercial usage. It is quite another thing to add a major pharmacy store with a drive-through.
Do we really need another CVS or Walgreens in Salem? When is enough, enough?
Do you realize the number of trucks that make deliveries every day? And a drive-through would ensure traffic all day long as opposed to mostly at peak departure and arrival times.
What about the noise, and the litter, and the safety of the children who will be living in these units? This drive-through would be in the same parking lot where most of the residents will be parking. It is obvious that no one cares about any of that; it's all about having a big, money-making base.
Those of us who live here know that the intersection of Lafayette and Dow streets is one of the most accident-prone in the city. So much so that a few years ago it was designated as no-left-turn onto Dow Street when approaching from the north on Lafayette Street.
Even now, Lafayette Street is often congested with the traffic going to and from Salem State College, and the Saltonstall and Horace Mann schools. This is probably one of the valid reasons why the seniors were so opposed to having the senior center on this site.
Common sense tells me that 76 more families and at least 100 more cars will have a major impact. Even if every unit does not have a car, some will have two or more. I guess that they, and their friends and families who visit, will be squeezing into that 1.5 parking spaces allotted for each unit.
It was stated that this is a win-win proposal. I beg to differ with that assessment. While I agree that there will be benefits, there will also be many drawbacks.
Isn't this the era of reuse, restore and recycle? How can you possibly justify tearing down usable and well-built buildings? Oh that's right, I forgot: money, money and more money.
I wonder just how deeply anyone has considered the impact this will have on the area. I am talking about quality of life issues, which no one seems to consider or discuss, like how a four-story building cuts off sunshine and fresh air from those living directly behind or around it, or the pollution created by so many cars running day and night.
Do you really think you can throw up a few trees in the parking lot and call it the revitalization of a neighborhood?
Let's not forget that until the developers applied for commercial-use zoning. This was zoned for residential use only. And yes, I know that the courts decided that this was not a case of spot or target zoning for a specific purpose, but I have to say it sure looks like that from here.
It appears that the destruction of the church is a done deal and that is sad beyond description. I am not sure how much effort, if any, was put into reusing the church.
It is hard to believe that there is no way to renovate this historic building for another kind of use. My guess is that it is quite possible, but somehow not as feasible for the powers that be.
It is quickly becoming apparent why this church and school were closed and not other, older churches. The land and buildings have the most potential to make more money for the Archdiocese of Boston.
Let's be honest here, churches don't make money anymore — chain pharmacies do!
It is apparent that the developers have no desire to preserve the history of this site. When it was suggested that the statue that is buried in the parking lot be placed somewhere on the site (and I'm told this is not a myth, there are pictures and witnesses) the developer would only agree to "find" the statue, not to restore it if possible or to use it on site.
I'm guessing they won't be using the word Saint Joseph in naming this little jewel either.
The developers (and remember they are an offshoot of the church) do not seem to understand or care that for the people who attended this church it was not just a building like any other that can and will be torn down at will. It was and is a sacred and holy place that would be far better served if renovated, restored or reused somehow.
The website of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs describes itself as a nonprofit, social justice ministry. If that's true, why are we discussing drive-through pharmacies and not truly affordable housing for all, shelters, rooming houses, food pantries, thrift stores, English classes, or any other kind of social services that would truly improve the quality of life for many in this neighborhood and across the city?
And although I realize that the church does help many people through its social service programs, it really boggles my mind that these buildings have stood empty for over six years while people are homeless on the street. This is not what the church taught me about caring for the less fortunate among us.
Speaking of the homeless, much is being made about the park across from this property. The homeless seem to have found a new home there, just check the police blotter. I wonder how the new residents will feel about that.
While the proposed rent of $750 to $1,350 a month may seem reasonable to the developer, I am thinking it will still be out of reach for a lot of people in this neighborhood without some help from Section 8 housing.
And the developer specifically stated that this would not be Section 8 housing, but "workforce" housing for people earning between $30,000 and $55,000 per year.
So if you are waiting for truly affordable housing, I wouldn't get too excited just yet. If you make less than $30,000 a year, you need not apply for one of these "affordable" units. And the developers never do make clear just how many units will be at the lower end of the rental scale.
It was stated that the units will be "mostly" 1- or 2-bedroom units. How many actually will be, and what will the rest be? You might want to have some of those answers before voting on this proposal.
Deep pockets and smart lawyers will always win out. What will be, will be. Life changes and it is time to move forward with this project.
But I urge you to approve only the plan without a pharmacy, if any. And please, please don't act like you are doing us some big favor down here in the 'hood.
If you want to do me a favor, reuse the church and existing buildings, include housing that will be open to all income levels; consider everyone in the community when making decisions that affect us; and, just for one moment, think about something besides the money.
Or, better yet, why don't we just put it in your neighborhood?
Angie Clement
Salem
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