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Shetland Park Engagement Study Completed

Posted on
August 4th at 3:19pm.

The Shetland Park Planning Engagement Study, which was a collaboration between the Prime Group Development Team and the City of Salem Planning Department, has been completed. As a reminder, Shetland Park is a 27-acre waterfront property, privately owned by the Prime Group, in the Point neighborhood of Salem.

The Prime Group has offered three different frameworks for the mixed-use development project. Please see a brief summary of each framework below:

  • Framework A: 850 to 950 possible residential units with approximately 250,000 square feet of potential open space
  • Framework B: 950 to 1050 possible residential units with more potential open space (than framework A) achieved by slightly taller buildings.
  • Framework C: 1,150 to 1,400 units with the tallest buildings, a destination waterfront park looking out to Salem Harbor and approximately 300,000 square feet of potential open space.

After soliciting public feedback, each framework was analyzed based on the following criteria:

  • Theme 1: Accessible and interconnected district
    • Framework A received the most favorable votes with 25, Framework C received 23 votes, and Framework B received 3 votes
  • Theme 2: Vibrant and culturally relevant neighborhood
    • Framework B received the most favorable votes with 31, Framework C received 27 votes, and Framework A received 17 votes
  • Theme 3: A mixed use and welcoming development
    • Framework C received the most favorable with 25, Framework B received 9 votes, and Framework A received 6 votes

The Shetland Park Planning Engagement Study recommends the following next steps:

  • Complete an anti-displacement study
  • Coordinate with local housing organizations to understand planned developments, housing needs, and opportunities for community benefits
  • Explore impacts of new housing units on available funding for affordable units
  • Coordinate with Resilient Together
  • Explore State and Federal programs for climate and infrastructure investments
  • Explore recommendations for community engagement featured in Resilient Together

To read the completed Shetland Park Redevelopment study, please click HERE.

Updates regarding future community outreach regarding the Shetland Park Development will be posted on the NSR blog.