Thursday, December 10, 2015

Electrical Service Solicitors

Salem PowerChoice is not making sales calls

The City understands that residents are receiving in-person and telephone-based sales calls from companies that are selling electricity supply services. In some cases, these companies appear to represent the City’s program, Salem PowerChoice.

SALEM POWERCHOICE IS NOT MAKING IN-PERSON TELEPHONE CALLS OR SALES VISITS.

All eligible customers will be automatically enrolled.

On November 30, the City made a single automated call about Salem PowerChoice. If you receive a call on any other date or an in-person visit, here are three things to keep in mind:

  • The company you are speaking with is not associated with Salem PowerChoice.
  • You should treat your National Grid account number like you treat your credit card information. Do not give it out unless you want to purchase your electricity from someone else.
  • You do have the right to select an electricity supplier of your choice. If you choose to explore this option, please check the terms of the agreement carefully. Things to check for include: minimum bill amounts, contract length requirements, early termination fees, low introductory rates that change after the introductory period ends, and rates that vary.
The City has worked carefully to ensure that Salem PowerChoice provides a trustworthy, transparent alternative. The program has no minimum contract length requirements. The rate is fixed for 12 months. You may leave, or opt out, at any time. And there are no early termination fees or penalties for opting out.

All solicitors must be registered with the police department in accordance with city ordinance. If a solicitor comes to your door and does not present a police issued identification card at your request call the police at 978-744-1212.

For more information, visit www.salem.com/powerchoice

Free Christmas Dinners

Our friends at North Shore Community Action Programs have again put together a list of establishments offering free Christmas meals to those in need this year.

Please pass the information on to anyone you may know who may be going without a meal on Christmas.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Drug Addiction Assistance

Please pass on this information about battling drug addiction. The information could help save someone's life. We're here to help our community and are taking multiple avenues to do so.

If someone you know is experiencing a drug overdose time is critical. Do not wait, call 9-1-1 immediately because seconds really do count.

If you have information about drug activity in your neighborhood you can reach out to our Detective Division at 978-745-9700.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Records Division - Holiday Hours/Closures

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our records division will have modified hours on Wednesday and will be closed on Thursday and Friday.

Records Thanksgiving Schedule:

Wednesday, November 25th, Modified Hours: 10am - 2pm
Thursday, November 26th, CLOSED.
Friday, November 27th, CLOSED.

Records will re-open Monday, November 30th.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Walk for Opiate Awareness

Join us on November 22 in the Walk for Opiate Awareness. Visit www.facebook.com/opiate.epidemic for more information.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Free Thanksgiving Meals

Our friends at North Shore Community Action Programs have put together a list of establishments offering free Thanksgiving meals to those in need this year.

Please pass the information on to anyone you may know who may be going without a meal on Thanksgiving. The list also includes information for those looking to volunteer their time.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Trick or Treat Times and Safety Information

Police Chief Mary E. Butler has announced that Trick or Treat will be held on Saturday, October 31st, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat is a fun event for the entire family, but it is important to remember to be careful. The streets of ghouls and goblins can give you a scare, but pedestrian-vehicle accidents and trips and falls can be more dangerous. Here are a few tips to make sure you have a safe and fun Halloween!


Monday, October 26, 2015

Halloween Road Closures and Parking Restrictions

The Salem Police Department's Traffic Division announce the following road closures and parking restrictions for Halloween Night (October 31, 2015). Visitors are encouraged to review these road closures and pick alternate routes when coming to the city. Expect heavy traffic throughout the weekend, specifically along Routes 128 and 114 coming into Salem.

Road Closures

The following roads will be closed to traffic as of 12:00 noon time (or earlier if needed).
  • Washington Street from New Derby Street to Bridge Street
  • Essex Street from Barton Square to Union Street
  • Derby Street from Lafayette Street to Union Street
  • Lafayette Street from Derby Street to Front Street
  • Hawthorne Boulevard from Derby Street to Essex Street
  • Washington Square West from Essex Street to Brown Street
  • Winter Street at Bridge Street closed to inbound traffic
  • Williams Street at Bridge Street
  • Congress Street at South Harbor Garage. (Traffic detoured to Pickering Way and out to Derby Street)
  • Front, Charter, and Central Streets
  • Federal Street from Saint Peter Street to North Street
Bridge Street will be closed between the ramps to North Street and the Bypass Road at 10:00 pm and remain closed throughout the fireworks.

Note: Brown Street and Washington Square North have remained open in previous years, however may be closed if needed.
Note: The Lafayette Street and New Derby Street intersection have remained open in past years, however may be closed if needed.


Parking Restrictions

The following areas will be posted as "No Parking - Tow Zones" from 2:00 pm through 12:00 am.


  • Lafayette Street both sides from Harbor Street to Front Street.
  • Public parking lot along Front Street. Public parking spaces located on Central St in front of old police station.
  • Essex Street from Barton Sq. to Union Street. Both sides.
  • Derby St both sides between Union Street and Lafayette St.
  • Hawthorne Blvd both sides.
  • Front Street. Central Street.
  • Washington Street from New Derby to Bridge Street both sides.
  • Washington Sq. South and West both sides.
  • Norman Street from Washington Street to Crombie Street.
  • New Derby St between Klop Alley and Lafayette Street.
  • Margin Street and Gedney Street along post office. Taxi’s only.
  • Federal Street both sides between Washington Street and the District Court. No parking tow zone from 8am to 2400.

Advisories

Visitors are reminded there will be heavy traffic along Route 114 and Route 128. If you plan on driving to Salem, please consider alternate routes when entering or leaving the city including:
  • From downtown leave using Lafayette Street southbound, Canal Street southbound to Rt. 1A south to Lynn and Swampscott and points south. 
  • From downtown leave using Margin Street, Mill Street or Washington Street to Jefferson Avenue to Wilson Street or Jackson Street to Rt. 107 South or North. 
  • Jackson Street to Essex Street to Boston Street into Peabody and Rt. 128 North and South.
 
The Salem Police encourage the use of the MBTA's commuter rail when visiting the city. The MBTA has added extra trains Halloween night. There are parking garages along the line, and access to the subway system. See this page for more details about using the Commuter Rail.

The Salem Police will close any additional street, or make changes to the above plan, without notice to ensure public safety. Please use extra caution when traveling to Salem due to pedestrian traffic. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter where we will be posting live updates about traffic concerns.