Council advances zoning ban on large data centers

Top story

Salem Council Advances Zoning Ban on Large Data Centers

The Salem City Council on Thursday gave first passage to a zoning ordinance banning data centers with an aggregate energy demand of two megawatts or more, along with a phaseout of gas-powered leaf blowers by 2030. Mayor Dominick Pangallo proposed the ban after Prime, the developer of the Shetland property, sought to include what city officials determined was a data center, citing the city's size, density and affordability. The measure now returns to committee ahead of a second vote for full passage.

Patch

Salem State Unveils Four-Story Mural on City's History

Salem State University unveiled 'Chronicles of Salem Change Makers,' a four-story mural in Meier Hall depicting Salem's history from Naumkeag heritage to today's students, replacing a mural that had stood since 1966.

Patch

Man Faces Assault, Gun Charges After Harrison Avenue Incident

Salem police say 33-year-old Hector Ramos was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and firearms offenses after a warrant search tied to a Sept. 18 disturbance turned up a Glock .40-caliber handgun and 66 rounds of ammunition.

Patch

Salem Cancels Outdoor Events, Weekend Markets Ahead of Storm

The City of Salem has canceled city-sponsored outdoor events through Monday, Sept. 28, due to the storm forecast, including Mayor's Night Out trick-or-treating and outdoor markets on Salem Common, Front Street and Derby Square.

City of Salem

St. Andrew's Rummage Sale Postponed to Oct. 3 Due to Storm

The St. Andrew's Church rummage sale, originally set for Sept. 26, has been postponed to Saturday, Oct. 3, due to severe weekend storm warnings.

Patch

PEM Celebrates Chuseok with Korean Art and Storytelling

The Peabody Essex Museum hosts its Chuseok Festival today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with storytelling, art making, a Hangeul calligraphy demonstration and a curator-led tour; included with admission.

Peabody Essex Museum

PEM Offers Drop-In Bat-Mask Art Making

PEM educators lead a drop-in bat-mask activity today from 1 to 3 p.m. in the museum's Main Atrium, suitable for ages 4 and up and included with admission.

Peabody Essex Museum

Salem Public Library Marks Good Neighbor Day

Salem Public Library hosts an all-ages Good Neighbor Day celebration today from 10 a.m. to noon, with Richard Scarry's Busytown nostalgia, friendship-bracelet making, library-card decorating and games.

Patch

Salem State Music Alumni Perform Free Recital

Salem State music alumni perform an eclectic program tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall at 71 Loring Avenue; admission is free with goodwill donations welcome.

Salem Chamber of Commerce

Salem Athenaeum Offers Free Historic-Building Tour

The Salem Athenaeum offers a guided tour and brief history of the institution today from 11 a.m. to noon, with historical books on display; registration required, limited to 12 people.

Salem Athenaeum

Author Ken Liu Leads Salem Literary Festival Fundraiser Workshop

Ken Liu leads a writing workshop today from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Salem Athenaeum on telling stories about technology, with proceeds supporting the 2026 Salem Literary Festival.

Salem Athenaeum

Athenaeum Hosts Salem Parlor Magic Show

Magician Evan Northrup presents 'Misfortune,' a theatrical show blending sleight-of-hand with stories about superstition and luck, tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Salem Athenaeum.

Salem Athenaeum

Bit Bar Throws a 1990s Karaoke Prom

Bit Bar in Salem hosts a 1990s-themed karaoke prom tonight from 8 to 11 p.m., with a photo booth, special drinks and prom festivities.

Bit Bar Salem

Ste. Anne's Marks 125 Years with Anniversary Mass

Ste. Anne's celebrates its 125th anniversary with Mass today at 4 p.m., followed by a reception at St. John Paul II Divine Mercy Shrine Hall.

Ste. Anne's Parish