Commission approves solar canopy despite historic preservation concerns
Historical Commission approves solar canopy with split vote and contingencies. The Salem body voted 6 to 2 on June 3 to approve a solar installation at 331 Essex Street, conditioning approval on deputized member review of final details. Vice Chair Kelly Tyler-Lewis and member Rebecca English
Historical Commission · Meeting of June 3, 2026
SALEM — Historical Commission approves solar canopy with split vote and contingencies. The Salem body voted 6 to 2 on June 3 to approve a solar installation at 331 Essex Street, conditioning approval on deputized member review of final details. Vice Chair Kelly Tyler-Lewis and member Rebecca English dissented, citing visibility concerns and the contingency on pending Zoning Board of Appeals action.
Applicant Richard Pabich emphasized a July 1 federal tax-credit deadline. The commission also unanimously designated 259 Washington Street historically significant and preferably preserved, committing to support a relocation proposal before the ZBA.
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Source: the Historical Commission meeting of June 3, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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