Dear Citizens and Business Owners,
The members of Salem City Council wish to commend each of you for the ways you have responded to the unprecedented disruptions COVID-19 has brought to your daily lives. Citizens have stepped-up to keep our school children fed, our non-profits operational and our daily utility services uninterrupted. We appreciate each and every one of you.
Today, we begin Phase One of the reopening of the Commonwealth. Many folks had hoped for a more accelerated regional approach that would have allowed us to jump start our economy much sooner, but now that this day has arrived, we need to respond. Businesses of all sizes and shapes in Salem have been adversely affected by the drastic downturn in the economy during the past two months. Our small businesses have been hit especially hard, and for that reason, we are asking each of you to support them as never before.
City leadership is working to pump new life into these establishments in a variety of ways. Tax deadlines have been extended for personal property, machinery and tools and real estate payments. Council and staff are working daily to find local, state, and federal assistance measures to keep our businesses fluid and help them rebound as quickly as possible.
This weekend, many of our restaurants will begin welcoming patrons to their outside dining areas. We strongly encourage you to support their creative efforts of serving you. Some eateries may not be participating in the outdoor dining, so we ask that you keep their carryout menu items in your weekly meal planning. Our TakeOut Zones will stay in place along Main Street, and we know you will continue to show your love for our restaurateurs.
Our local retail establishments are also planning to reopen this weekend in the “new normal” of shopping. The city’s Safely Shop & Eat in Salem slogan is designed to let folks know that we are open for business and taking the recommended precautions to ensure a safe shopping experience for all. Our citizens in every corner of Salem have been affected in one way or another by the spread of the virus, but we know from talking to many of you, businesses and residents are ready for a safe reopening.
We encourage you to join us and be an active participant in what we think will be the greatest comeback story in Salem history.
Sincerely,
Salem CIty Council
Randy Foley - Mayor, Jane Johnson - Vice Mayor, Bill Jones, James Martin, John Saunders
