Salem's Shetland Park Development 'Framework' In The Works

SALEM, MA —Shetland Park owners Prime Group are pledging to continue to seek public and municipal input as they look to develop the large commercial property on Congress Street.

The goal of what's being called "The Framework" is to balance the goals of the neighborhood, owner and the city as investments are made in the historic site once home to the Naumekeg Steam Cotton Company.

"Prime Group has always sought community involvement and support in the redevelopment of Shetland Park," Prime Group's CEO Robert Moser. "(I) anticipate that the process for the production of a Framework Plan will lead to the best way forward for this critical redevelopment in the city of Salem."

Prime Group has contributed $100,000 to fund this effort. Salem has retained Sasaki Associates to help with the planning process, which the city said is "centered around expansive and diverse community engagement."

"We've encouraged the property owner to be responsive to stakeholders' concerns and questions and thoughtful about how the role and impact this major site has in our larger community," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "My hope is that the Framework that emerges from this process will be one that is workable for those who live near or work at Shetland, the owners of the property, and our community as a whole.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our city and we want to make sure investments in this site include insights and are shaped by community needs and feedback."

An upcoming Community Listening Session and an online survey will be used for Sasaki to take the public feedback and create draft plans for additional comment and reactions at a second community event and via a second online survey. Sasaki will convene several smaller focus groups to get a "deep dive" perspective from specific segments of impacted community members.

A project website will also be developed with the details of the Framework expected to be ready for public review in early summer.

"I am very excited to be part of this important process," said City Councillor Bob McCarthy, who represents Ward 1 where Shetland Park is located. "I look forward to hearing from the neighborhood and the city as a whole, as we work with the new owners of this site and develop a shared vision for it moving forward."

More details about the Framework, how to participate in the listening session and online survey, and the working group can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)