The 24 Norman Street Blog is written and privately maintained by resident George Courage. This blog is no longer endorsed or paid for by either Markwood Management, or Harvest Properties and the opinions, observations and recommendations expressed therein are those of the author alone. This blog welcomes constructive comments, opinions and feedback about anything and everything affecting the quality of life in, near and around 24 Norman Street and Salem, Massachusetts.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Situational Awareness Statement: ISO New England Electricity Conservation Request


















With ongoing high temperatures, ISO New England is forecasting New England’s electricity usage to reach near record-breaking levels throughout the week. Although power system resources are currently adequate, supplies are likely to become tight. As a precautionary step, ISO New England is requesting voluntary electricity conversation. ISO New England suggests several ways to reduce electricity consumption and advises that these measures be taken consistent with one’s health and safety:

• Raise air conditioning thermostats by a few degrees if health permits. A suggested temperature range is between 74°F–78°F

• Turn off unneeded lights and appliances

• Turn off unnecessary office equipment

• Shut off air conditioners when leaving home for extended periods of time

• Defer laundry and other chores requiring electricity until the early morning or late evening hours

Salem Intermodal Station Improvements: Parking Lot Closing July 20

On Saturday, July 20, 2013, the parking lot at Salem Station will be closed to allow the MBTA’s contractor to begin work on construction of the new Salem Intermodal Station and Garage Improvements. The contractor, Consigli Construction, will begin preparing the site for construction that day.

The MBTA has been working closely with the City of Salem to ensure that many current services can remain on site during construction. Services that will remain on site will include MBTA Commuter Rail service, MBTA bus service, the current accessible parking spaces, “The Ride” pick-up and drop-off and the current bicycle storage racks. The station kiss n' ride will be relocated at two locations off the current site. The first will be Bridge Street on the ramp to Route 114 in front of the existing pedestrian ramp and stairs to the station below. The second will be in the westbound lane of Bridge Street, just before the existing entrance to the station. Pedestrians will be able to access the station at the current locations and will be directed on the site along pedestrian paths to the platforms. Taxis will be relocated to the first block on Washington Street, with a space for spillover onto Federal Street. Automobile parking will be moved off site to make room for construction.

Those of you who live outside of Salem, please consider a variety of other travel options, including driving to and parking at other stations (Lynn Garage, Montserrat Station in Beverly, Swampscott Station, North Beverly Station and Wonderland in Revere). Other options include taking the Salem to Boston Fast Ferry or riding the 459 bus from Salem Depot to Downtown Crossing. A full list of alternatives with details on cost and access is available at www.BuildingSalem.com. You can also visit the MBTA’s website to sign up for “T Alerts” for the Newburyport/Rockport line.

The MBTA bus stop at the station will be relocated in the next few weeks to the City of Salem lot adjacent to the station. Bus 465, which currently stops on Washington Street between Federal and Bridge Streets, will move one block east, in front of Tabernacle Church.

The City of Salem is completing construction of a parking lot on Bridge Street (known as the Universal Steel site). The City anticipates that parking will be available at this site in mid-August. Notices will be posted when the lot is open. Currently the City of Salem is providing 30 parking spaces available at the Alpha Auto Sales lot, adjacent to the Universal Steel lot on Bridge Street.

While the project will pose some inconvenience to customers, the end result will be a new high-level platform; sheltered waiting areas; bicycle, pedestrian, and bus areas; and a parking garage. Input from the City and many of you, who attended planning meetings, has contributed to a successful process. The MBTA and the City of Salem ask for your patience as they work through the parking lot closure. Updates will be posted on the Building Salem site and the MBTA’s website. Please take care to follow signs directing you around the construction. The MBTA will meet with the community this fall to report on their progress and check in with you as the construction advances.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Electronic Waste Drop-Off

Do you have an old air conditioner, computer, TV monitor or other hard-to-get rid of appliance? Instead of clogging up our dumpster, why not recycle them? Starting July 1, 2013 Salem Residents can drop off the following items FREE of charge, the last Saturday of the month at the Department of Public Services, 5 Jefferson Avenue, from 8am until noon.