Before & After: Essex Street Ped Mall

A project aimed at improving the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall in downtown Salem will begin today and is expected to wrap-up before the end of June.

Proposed work schedule:

• From May 13 to 22 - "Area 3" located between Central Street and Museum Square.
• From May 22 to 31 - "Area 2" located between Derby Square and Central Street.
• From June 3 to 14 - "Area 1" between Fountain and Derby Square.

Work will include:

• The removal of both landscaping beds located in front of the Museum Place Mall, and the replacement with brick matching the existing pattern.
• The removal of both landscaping beds located in front of the Museum Place Mall, and replacement with brick matching the existing pattern.
• The removal of eight diseased street trees and replacement with seven new trees in front of Coons to Cabot Money Management and one new street tree planted in front of the Magic Parlor.
• The removal of the kiosk and replacement with brick paving.
• The removal of cobble parking tabs and replacement with brick to match the existing patterns in three areas along the pedestrian mall and replacement with brick matching the existing pattern.

Residents with questions about the work being performed are encouraged to contact Andrew Shapiro in the City’s Department of Planning and Community Development: 978-619-5685 or ashapiro@salem.com.