Salem Registry of Deeds Downsizes Office

The Cape Anne Beacon recently reported that Southern Essex District Register of Deeds John O’Brien has proposed to downsize the Registry of Deeds at Shetland Park in Salem by 12,000 square feet, which would in turn save city taxpayers roughly $174,000 per year.

O’Brien states that the Registry of Deeds could continue running as usual with lesser space. With a new “electronic recording module,” all of the cities registry documents dating back to the 1600’s will be held on one small computer. The original physical documents will be stored on location so they are available if needed.

“I am a great believer in keeping our books and I have no intention of destroying these valuable records. So, even with the space reduction, we will be able to keep our books on-site in storage, should anyone need to review a physical document,” O’Brien said.

Registry documents will also be available to the public online at the Registry’s website.

Read the entire Cape Anne Beacon article.