Salem to End Flock Safety Contract, Remove License Plate Readers
SALEM — The City of Salem will not renew its contract with Flock Safety and plans to remove the automatic license plate reader cameras installed around the city, ending a Salem Police Department surveillance program. The move was announced this week on the city's official website.
TOWN HALL
The city confirmed it is not renewing the Salem Police Department's contract with Flock Safety and will remove the Flock Automatic License Plate Readers, known as ALPRs, that are currently installed around Salem. The city did not detail a replacement plan or a timeline for when the cameras will come down.
Separately, Salem is recruiting three residents to serve on its newly formed Taxpayer Relief Committee. Per state law, the committee will oversee the city's newly established Taxpayer Aid Fund.
The city is also moving ahead with a slate of roadway, water, sewer and drainage improvement projects planned for the summer and into the fall. And Mayor Dominick Pangallo released the latest episode of his podcast, the Salem Compass, on Friday.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Salem 400+ will host a rededication and unveiling of President George Washington's Lansdowne Portrait on Tuesday, September 8, at 11 a.m., and is inviting community members to attend. Closer at hand, the city's Mack Park Farm hosts its third annual Farm Fest this Sunday, August 9, from 3 to 7 p.m., a free community event supporting the farm's local food mission.
TOWN HALL note: community members also have until August 12 to donate new, unopened personal care products to the "Feeling Fresh" hygiene product drive, which supports local students.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"🌱 Patch AM: How Salem's harbormaster helped save five after Marblehead boat crash": Salem's harbormaster took part in rescuing five people after a boat crash near Marblehead, per Salem Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
"North Shore Drought Still 'Significant' Despite Recent Rain": Above-average July rainfall eased conditions somewhat, but much of Massachusetts, including the North Shore, remains under mild or significant drought, Salem Patch reports. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/north-shore-drought-still-significant-despite-recent-rain)
"Salem, Peabody Public Schools Awarded State Literacy Grants": Salem's school district is among those receiving state PRISM funding to support reading instruction, according to Salem Patch. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
COMING UP
Wednesday, August 12: deadline to donate new, unopened personal care items to the "Feeling Fresh" hygiene product drive for local students.
Monday, August 10: SummerSing: Fauré's Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, per the Salem Patch community calendar. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.