Salem Council Backs Rent Control Resolution After Lengthy Debate

SALEM — Salem's City Council backed a rent control option resolution following lengthy debate, a symbolic move that comes weeks after the state's Supreme Judicial Court struck down a related statewide ballot initiative, while the city presses ahead with weekend plans for a free Family Field Day at Forest River Park.

TOWN HALL

Mayor Dominick Pangallo released the latest episode of his podcast, "Salem Compass," featuring a conversation with Michaela Short, director of Food & Nutrition Services for Salem Public Schools. The episode is interpreted into Spanish by Margarita Ramos, continuing the city's effort to make mayoral communications accessible to Spanish-speaking residents.

The city is preparing to host the Salem 400+ Family Field Day this Sunday, July 12, at Forest River Park, a free community event featuring field games, pool access, and a kickball tournament, according to the town's News Flash. Residents also have until July 12 to vote for their favorite "Ladies of Salem" figureheads for the Beautification Committee, with the top six vote-getters to be featured in the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade float on August 1.

Separately, the city has announced a planned water infrastructure improvement project beginning July 13 to replace nine critical water valves in Salem's water distribution system.

SCHOOLS

Mayor Pangallo's latest podcast episode centered on school nutrition, spotlighting Food & Nutrition Services Director Michaela Short's work feeding Salem students, a conversation made available in both English and Spanish.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

Preparations continue for Salem Heritage Days, with the historic tall ship Pride of Baltimore II set to visit Central Wharf as part of the festival, a visit also reported by Patch. The Beautification Committee's "Ladies of Salem" figurehead vote, tied to the August 1 Heritage Days Parade, closes this Sunday, July 12.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Salem City Council Backs Rent Control Option Resolution After Lengthy Debate" — the council passed the measure 9-2 following a statewide ballot initiative that the state's Supreme Judicial Court struck down last month, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/salem-welcome-pride-baltimore-ii-heritage-days-festival).

"North Shore Still In 'Critical Drought,' Spurring Water Restrictions" — Patch reports the region remains in a critical drought designation with a hot, dry stretch forecast for the next week to ten days (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/north-shore-remains-critical-drought-spurring-water-restrictions).

"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" — Patch reports the tall ship will dock at Central Wharf from July 31 to August 2 during Salem Heritage Days (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/salem-welcome-pride-baltimore-ii-heritage-days-festival).

"Salem To Host Free Family Field Day At Forest River Park On Sunday" — Patch previews games, kickball, free pool access and a fire spray zone for the July 12 event, a story the town's News Flash also covered today (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/salem-host-free-family-field-day-forest-river-park-sunday).

"Merry Mixers Deliver Salem Hospital Record $132K Gift For Pediatric Patient Care" — Patch reports the volunteer group, marking its 76th anniversary, donated a record-breaking sum for pediatric patient care at Salem Hospital (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/merry-mixers-deliver-salem-hospital-record-132k-gift-pediatric-patient-care).

"Salem Church To Host Nazareth Peacebuilder, Musician For 2 Sessions" — Patch reports the Nazareth-based interfaith leader will speak at Grace Episcopal Church at noon and 7 p.m. Monday (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).

COMING UP

The Salem 400+ Family Field Day takes place Sunday, July 12, at Forest River Park. Voting for the "Ladies of Salem" Beautification Committee figureheads closes the same day, July 12. Water infrastructure work to replace nine valves begins Monday, July 13. A Nazareth-based interfaith speaker addresses Grace Episcopal Church on Monday at noon and 7 p.m. The Pride of Baltimore II arrives at Central Wharf July 31 through August 2 for Salem Heritage Days.