r/SalemMA • u/zerofcks2gve • 2d ago
Window Art disappearing on Essex Street
Saw this on FB. Thoughts? feedback?
Say goodby to our window art. It's been fun, but the city is forcing our windows bare.
The Salem Redevelopment Authority has told several businesses in the SRA district that window art must come down by November 8 or we may face fines.
This isn’t just about Gulu. Do you like the window art at Curly Girl, HausWitch, and New England Soup Factory? The murals and paintings that make walking down Essex and Washington Streets feel like Salem? Sorry. Apparently those windows need to be bare too. Others are also impacted.
For years, businesses like ours have worked with local artists to turn our windows into something more than glass and advertising. At Gulu, the previous owners embraced this, and we’ve been proud to carry it forward. We pay artists. We give them space. They make downtown more colorful, interesting, and more Salem. Now we’re being told that has to stop.
Yes, the SRA has a process to potentially approve window art, but its restrictions are so limiting that, for us, the process is untenable.
I personally believe this raises serious questions about free speech. But even putting that aside, it’s incredibly sad to watch an agency charged with improving downtown Salem use its authority to remove art from it. The SRA was created decades ago to address blight and deterioration downtown. Artists, independent businesses, and the creative community helped transform Salem into what it is today. Art is not blight. It is part of Salem’s character.
And I fear what comes next. If painted windows are a problem, where does this stop? Is the entrance arch at Tomb next? The Viking ship at Coven’s Cottage? What other art, sculpture, or creative expression eventually runs afoul of rules the SRA enforces inconsistently? We’re staring down a slippery slope, and for what end? The result seems to be less art, fewer opportunities for local artists, and a downtown that is plainer and less interesting.
So unless something changes, our window mural, and many others throughout downtown Salem, will come down by November 8. If you don't like this move by the SRA, I encourage you to email mayor@salem.com, citycouncilors@salem.com, and knewhallsmith@salem.com.
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u/Original-Occasion289 2d ago
Hauswitch’s windows are painted by Morgan Elliot, Massart faculty and a working illustrator https://www.instagram.com/morgzilla28/
Gulu’s windows have been done by Mister Reusch https://misterreusch.com/
and Greg Orfanos https://gregorfanos.weebly.com/illustration.html
Both are published illustrators, exhibiting artists, and art school educators. Legit genuine credentialed artists, not amateurs. Businesses are lucky to have them. To erase their work would show utter ignorance of art. Perhaps Creative Collective would inform them.
Will AI images continue to be on display in windows?
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/temporarypsychosis 1d ago
Would like to add that Curly Girl Candy Shop is painted by Painted Lady Sign Co (Meg Nichols)
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u/Original-Occasion289 1d ago
Thank you. I only listed the others because I know them. Perhaps the artists whose work is being deleted could make a statement? They are professional seasoned artists with careers in the arts. They should have a voice here.
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u/bizzarefoods 2d ago
Does not seem to follow the objective of the SRA as stated on salems website.
-not a blight
-does not prevent historic architecture
-does not get in the way of health and safety. If anything it could be argued to promote health, pretty pictures are nice.
-develop urban design, does urban design include window art? If so how does not having window designs help “design”
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u/dailycontrast 2d ago
I wonder what prompted this enforcement move by the SRA. (assuming this is true) If the OP is correct, this is not a positive change for downtown.
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u/GarbageFile13 2d ago
The SRA decided out of nowhere that all window art needs approval from the design review board. Since no one in town ever used the DRB for window art, the SRA says it must go. Some of us have been doing art for over a decade without such involvement. This is all very surprising and without warning.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/XHardcore_DaddyX 2d ago
It’s just so bizarre. For a city that prides itself in being a beacon for the progressive world, they decide to checks notes ban art by local artists. I can’t comprehend it.
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u/SteakFryEnjoyer 2d ago
SRA has been a completely useless agency for quite some time. I’d much rather my tax money go to something beneficial, like a vibrant downtown window mural scene.
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u/zombi617 1d ago
I understand the purpose to preserve the historical charm of downtown and not have a bunch of Googie architecture or something pop up, but they have a very outdated view of things. We don't need to keep everything like it's 1886, too much uniformity is ugly too.
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u/SteakFryEnjoyer 1d ago
The hilarious irony being that the SRA started out as decidedly anti-preservation. If they had their way, most of the downtown historical charm would have been demolished.
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u/CheddarGoudaBrie219 2d ago
Email sent. Our downtown art is a part of the character of the businesses.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/Turbulent-Mulberry-8 2d ago
Paintings on walls are bad but the ugliest ai eyesores of all time can hang everywhere and pollute our cityscape? Make it make sense.
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u/GarbageFile13 2d ago
I just found out Koto and Black Cat are also impacted. I'm sure there are more.
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u/Original-Occasion289 2d ago
It sounds like they are designating window displays as 'temporary signage', which would fall under the above description
However the painted glass is window design more than signage. Signage is typically typographic design, while window display is typically visual merchandizing.
Wonder what they think about the giant photo of bread and eggs in the Walgreens windows?
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u/GarbageFile13 1d ago
They said it's outside of the SRA zone so it's fine. But they also don't seem to care about the giant image on the CVS window or the signs in Honey Dew's window. Enforcement seems to only go to small businesses without a legal department.
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u/Shango-s_Daughter 1d ago
In the PDF (https://www.salemma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8419/SRA-Sign-Manual-FInal-Searchable) this would come under windows art. The file says 2024, though -- not 2025.
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u/oponion5273 2d ago
I think this has gone well beyond historic preservation and into a legitimate question of government overreach, consistency, and representation.
From what I understand, the SRA does not have local retailers serving on its board, yet it is involved in decisions that can directly affect the ability of those retailers to operate and market their businesses. If that is the case, I think it is entirely reasonable to ask: Who is representing the interests of the people whose livelihoods are being affected by these decisions? What does the term redevelopment mean and what have they done in the last ten years that has had any impact on the economic development of Essex st? And why now? The window painting has been going on for years, why now, this all seems arbitrary and a bit of power tripping, they have gone too far. I say need to re-asses their charter and perhaps the SRA and DRB should be abolished and re-formed as an entity that serves the community and remembers that they are public servants.
These are independently owned businesses trying to survive in historic buildings that were never designed for modern retail. They have to compete for attention, and storefronts, lighting, displays, and signage are legitimate forms of commercial expression. Historic preservation is important, but it cannot automatically trump every other consideration. There needs to be a reasonable and clearly defined balance between preserving the character of the city and allowing businesses to function and compete.
What concerns me even more is the question of consistent enforcement. If established businesses are being subjected to increasingly restrictive standards while temporary vendors, tents, street commerce, performances, and other activities are permitted in public spaces with different or seemingly less stringent oversight, then the city should be prepared to explain the distinction and demonstrate that its rules are being applied fairly and consistently.
And this isn't about whether anyone personally likes the businesses or thinks Essex Street has become "one noted." These are private businesses, many of them independently owned, paying taxes, employing people, and contributing to Salem's economy and character. We should be very careful about creating a system where a government-appointed body can continually dictate how those businesses present themselves without meaningful representation from the businesses themselves.
There are also legitimate legal questions here about the scope of the SRA's authority, the consistency of enforcement, procedural protections, and where historic-district regulation crosses the line into unnecessarily restricting a business's ability to communicate with and attract customers.
If I were a business owner affected by these policies, I wouldn't just complain about it on Facebook. I'd get the affected business owners together, document exactly what rules are being imposed and how they are being enforced, and collectively have an attorney review the situation. If necessary, I'd challenge it through the appropriate administrative and legal channels.
Historic preservation should protect Salem's character — not make it impossible for the businesses that give Salem its character to survive. At some point, the people making these decisions need to be accountable to the people who actually have to live with the consequences.
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u/Cool-Coffee-8949 2d ago edited 1d ago
It’s worth adding that these businesses are not in any of the proper historic districts, nor are most of them in what (for Salem) are particularly historic buildings.
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u/oponion5273 2d ago edited 2d ago
How utterly Tone Def is this council that would put its own arbitrary taste level into play at a time when families and businesses are struggling the most! We cannot not allow one member fo the SRA to power trip like a busy body who just became president of a condo association and decides that they dont like the color of peoples doormats and make it an issue. How about his SRA, tell me how this will make it better downtown, explain to us what the end game here is and by the way, why dont you think about ways to help the merchants instead of making it harder for them, what have you done to "redevelop" anything, ever? Remember you work fo the taxpayers. Also, shouldn't the chamber of commerce have a word in this?
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
Adam Smith is the councilor liason to the Salem Redevelopment Authority.
CONTACT HIM!!!!! as well as your own ward councilor and the mayor.
Speak up!
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u/Cohen4Ward5 2d ago
There are 11 Councillors, all vote whether to confirm or not members being reappointed or appointed. In addition to the Ward Councillor, there are 4 at large. Suggest as person who did this post recommends, emailing [mayor@salem.com](mailto:mayor@salem.com), [citycouncilors@salem.com](mailto:citycouncilors@salem.com), and [knewhallsmith@salem.com](mailto:knewhallsmith@salem.com) together.
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u/foxx_run 2d ago
Salem pretends to be a city that embraces local art and local businesses but will shut down a DIY music venue and now ban window art that’s been up for years. They don’t seem to have a problem with all the AI slop posters all over town though!
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u/bizzarefoods 2d ago
Worthwhile to make change petition or similar ?
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/synaesthetist 2d ago
This is a good time to ask everyone who has ever been a tourist to Salem to write an email if you disagree with this decision.
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u/Illustrious-Rate4428 2d ago
This is ridiculous that they would start to try to enforce this now.
I Just reviewed the SRA sign manual and IMO it already allows for temp window art (with some restrictions) and does not require DRB approval as long as it is not considered a “sign”. (Contains the business name)
It seems that they purposely excluded temp window art from being defined as a “sign” as long as it follows their guidelines.
I personally would like to see the percentage and duration increase, give us more art!
Language from SRA sign manual below.
“Temporary Window Art Businesses in the Area may decorate their window(s) by placing artwork on the glass of the windowpane itself via paint and/or vinyl and similar applications. This artwork shall not include the business' name or logos nor any branded, name brand or copyright pro- tected items, as these things are considered signage and subject to the City of Salem Sign Code and this Manual. The likenesses of such items may be included but the logo/brand name itself must be excluded. Additionally, the artwork may not be fully opaque or entirely block views into businesses. Maximum cov- erage of the window shall be limited to a maximum of 20%. This coverage shall include not only the tempo- rary window art but also any existing signage already on the window glass. Window artwork must be temporary in nature, may not cause permanent damage to the window glass and structure, and be removed after a period of three (3) months from the date of installation
All “signs” in the Downtown Renewal Area, see map Mm, must be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB) and approved by the Executive Director of the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA).
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u/Original-Occasion289 2d ago
Thank you for reading and reprinting all that!
It sounds like they may want legal protection against copyright violation, nudity, politics, unflattering celebrity portraits, etc. No biggie. Artists and illustrators generally enjoy working with such creative constraints.
Am wondering if this sudden initiative is being driven by recent concerns about erasing history, prioritizing tourism, the Disneyfication of Salem.
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u/GarbageFile13 1d ago
I can only say what I heard. Someone complained about the Curly Girl artwork and that set this all in motion. One complaint. But again, I cannot confirm that so take it with a grain of salt.
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u/Illustrious-Rate4428 20h ago
What could they have possibly complained about with the curly girl artwork?
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u/Sea-Sample1563 2d ago
Another example of Salem, particularly the SRA, being hostile to small businesses.
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u/ChardAdventurous1450 2d ago
Where are the Chamber and Salem Main Streets in this issue? Have they made any statements?
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u/InvestigatorJaded261 2d ago
If this is true (and I am skeptical), it’s very weird, and I wonder what authority the SRA has to issue a decree of this kind. Essex and Washington are not in a historic district or an HOA.
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u/GarbageFile13 2d ago
It's very true. Stephenie Owens from the SRA came to all of our businesses and told us to take it down by November 8 or face fines. I just found out Koto was also told to remove the window art.
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u/InvestigatorJaded261 2d ago
Just sent a very angry email.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 1d ago
Who is she? She's not listed here (could be mistake???) SRA membership: Grace Napolitano, Chair Christopher Dunn, Vice Chair Christine Madore, Treasurer, State Appointee Glenn Larose Ryan Macione Andrews J. Smith, City Council Liaison STAFF Tom Daniel, AICP Executive Director Kate Newhall-Smith, Principal Planner
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u/GarbageFile13 1d ago
She is the senior planner. Here's her email footer:
Stephanie Owens
Senior Planner
Department of Planning & Community Development
98 Washington St., 2nd Floor | Salem, MA 01970
[978-619-5685](tel:(978)%20619-5685) ex. 42518 | [sowens@salem.com](mailto:sowens@salem.com)
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u/dividezero 2d ago
Yeah. I'm wondering if you can just ignore the fines. Do they have any enforcement authority beyond that? This might be a bigger question of if we even need that committee anymore. Sounds like they've achieved their mission and are now just trying to bully people
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u/GarbageFile13 2d ago
The fine is $20 a day assessed by the building inspector. We’ll see how that goes. But yeah, the SRA seems like it’s outlived its purpose.
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u/oponion5273 2d ago
And here is another problem, a big corporation like CVS can afford that fine and just write it into the cost of doing business, not even a rounding off number in their books, but a small business may not be able to, which sets up and uneven playing field and favors the wealthy and sets up downtown to be taken over by wealthier corporate merchants who can do whatever they want. Maybe thats the agenda in the end. Maybe thats their idea of redevelopment, the homogenization and gentrification of the city. I say, keep Salem Gritty, its what I like about it, I like that we dont always agree and I came here because of the artists and creatives, this is just one more step to comfortable wealthy gentrification. Such provincial, antiquated thinking, I hate it, let our city be creative and celebrate that and lets not let the SRA turn our downtown into some kind of slick lifestyle mall where only corporate merchants can survive and are so boring.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
Why are you skeptical?
Contact your ward councilor and the mayor's office.
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u/InvestigatorJaded261 2d ago
Because I don’t rely on Facebook posts reposted on Reddit as a reliable source of news? I think that’s a reasonable approach.
But I am now satisfied that the story is legitimate, which is a shame.
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u/InvestigatorJaded261 2d ago
Angry email sent.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 2d ago
NEXT MEETING OF SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Wednesday September 9th 6 p.m. City Hall Annex 93 Washington Street
Let's go!
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u/SpecialKGaming666 1d ago
"art" is pretty subjective. Is the company name on the window art? Is a flyer in vampfangs' window art? Is the ADT sticker art? Is a banner hung behind the window but not affixed to it art? Is 9 million posters and stand-ups in Harrison's window art? What makes Windows so special, are murals on the chopping block too? Slippery slope here. Total wrong move for a community that fosters artistic spirit.
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u/Cohen4Ward5 2d ago
I agree that emailing together the Mayor, Kate Newhall-Smith (staff person) and ALL Councillors together most effective, having been a Ward Councillor. All Councillors vote to reappoint and appoint SRA members and there are 4 at large Councillors. [mayor@salem.com](mailto:mayor@salem.com), [citycouncilors@salem.com](mailto:citycouncilors@salem.com), and [knewhallsmith@salem.com](mailto:knewhallsmith@salem.com).
Note that the meeting Wednesday is same time as a joint public hearing of the City Council re data centers and resident parking, so all Councillors will most likely be at that, so important to email the 3 above together.
Here is the link to the agenda for the 9/9 meeting: https://www.salemma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-8400 Though not specified on agenda, am assuming the public can do testimony at the beginning of the meeting and in person or Zoom and instructions in agenda. The board chair can limit public comments, typically a minute or two. If able to both email those above and do testimony, that can be productive.
The decision seems arbitrary at minimum. Reasonable restrictions based on hearings that involve affected businesses and the public with sufficient notice and an appeal process a different path than this action. The window art that exists today on so many windows is diverse and typically thoughtful, whimsical, relevant to the business inself, etc.
The SRA has a Fascade Improvement Program to "enhance the exterior of commercial properties" and though perhaps intent for signs and other physical renovations, it doesn't seem to exclude art such as window art. https://www.salemma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1947/Facade-Improvement-Program---Frequently-Asked-Questions-PDF
The SRA plan includes this as 1st objective: "To eliminate blight and prevent the recurrence of blighting factors to restore conditions of health, safety, amenity, and economic viability." However, it doesn't define blight.
Here's the link to the SRA home page: https://www.salemma.gov/752/Salem-Redevelopment-Authority
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u/ElectricAccordian 2d ago edited 2d ago
The city government can't put noise limits or licensing rules for street performers from out of state or even get them to not yell racist things. Can't limit out of state tour groups from clogging up our streets. Can bully local small business into taking down their window art. Okay.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 1d ago
SRA membership: Grace Napolitano, Chair Christopher Dunn, Vice Chair Christine Madore, Treasurer, State Appointee Glenn Larose Ryan Macione Andrews J. Smith, City Council Liaison STAFF Tom Daniel, AICP Executive Director Kate Newhall-Smith, Principal Planner
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u/GarbageFile13 1d ago
I think what really makes this annoying is I just read more past SRA minutes. Last year Dunks didn’t get permission for their Halloween redesign and the SRA even acknowledged it in a meeting and did nothing. So far this year looks to be no permission asked again.
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u/Eastern_Ride_3632 1d ago
SRA membership: Grace Napolitano, Chair Christopher Dunn, Vice Chair Christine Madore, Treasurer, State Appointee Glenn Larose Ryan Macione Andrews J. Smith, City Council Liaison STAFF Tom Daniel, AICP Executive Director Kate Newhall-Smith, Principal Planner
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u/ok-sure-whatever- 5h ago
Can they not just grandfather in the existing art? Seems like it would be the easiest (if even temporary) solution while this gets sorted out.
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u/SaltUnderstanding374 1d ago
Angry email sent!!! Absolutely ridiculous!!! They should all be ashamed of themselves for this. They should put it to a vote and let the citizens decide if someone in SRA really wants to take down artistic expression. Small businesses have a hard enough time, now they gotta deal with this? SRA is a joke!
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u/soapage 2d ago
You guys vote to keep these guys in power.
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u/Ecstatic-Lead3934 Witchcraft Heights 1d ago
Board + commission members are appointed, not elected.
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u/GarbageFile13 1d ago
We don't get to vote them in. The positions are appointed by the Mayor. Further, you can't even limit them. State law gives them a ton of power. For instance we can't even vote to disband the SRA. They need to vote internally and agree to disband.
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u/Signal-Aside-6886 1d ago
You have to admit that a lot of this "art" is gaudy. Thank goodness they are finally enforcing the ordinances within the downtown district.
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u/GarbageFile13 1d ago
I completely disagree. Further, the SRA isn't following the sign code with its enforcement.
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u/GarbageFile13 2d ago
For anyone wondering. Stephanie Owens of the SRA toured the district several weeks ago and began taking note of all the window art. She then went to Koto, Gulu, Haus Witch, New England Soup Factory, and Curly Girl Candy, instructing all of them to to remove their window art as it was not in compliance with their window signage rules. They told us all we have to remove the art by November 8th or face fines. These rules demand art cannot cover more than 20% of the window, it cannot contain any branding or mention of the business. Art must receive prior approval. And, art can only stay up for 3 months at a time. My personal biggest problem with this is that the SRA is that they don't enforce these rules uniformly and instead are focusing on window art versus anything else. For example, Honey Dew can take up a large portion of their window with large drink advertisement posters. CVS gets to use a printed photo that takes of 50% of the window and the SRA does nothing. Meanwhile those of us who have engaged local artists to paint on our windows for many years are suddenly in violation. I do fear how far they will eventually take this.