WHERE DO 2025 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES STAND ON PRESERVATION?
CYNTHIA JERZYLO
HSI Mission and New Development
Historic Salem, Inc.’s mission states that “new development complements the historic nature of the city.” How would you interpret this principle, and how would you put it into practice as an elected official? Please also share whether you see value in this approach for Salem’s future.
Historic Salem, Inc.’s mission states that “new development complements the historic nature of the city.” How would you interpret this principle, and how would you put it into practice as an elected official? Please also share whether you see value in this approach for Salem’s future.
Historic Preservation Priority
Do you believe preserving Salem’s historic buildings, streetscapes, and neighborhoods should be a top priority for the City, equal to other major areas such as housing, public safety, and infrastructure? (Yes/No — brief rationale.)
Do you believe preserving Salem’s historic buildings, streetscapes, and neighborhoods should be a top priority for the City, equal to other major areas such as housing, public safety, and infrastructure? (Yes/No — brief rationale.)
Top Preservation Issue & Action
What is the single most pressing preservation issue in Salem right now, and what specific action would you take in your first year?
What is the single most pressing preservation issue in Salem right now, and what specific action would you take in your first year?
The most pressing preservation issue in Salem right now is the need to restore our
historic forts—Fort Lee off Fort Avenue and Fort Pickering at Winter Island—along with
the historic Coast Guard hangar on that site. Fort Lee, a colonial fort much like Fort
Sewall in Marblehead, has been neglected for decades despite its incredible historic and
scenic value. Growing up, we called it Cannon Hill, and I know firsthand how special it is
to the neighborhood and to Salem as a whole.For the past five years, I’ve worked with
neighbors and the neighborhood association to push the city to take action. While local
groups like the Boy Scouts have made small efforts to keep the pathways clear, the site
needs major attention. The city has recently received a grant to explore revitalizing Fort
Lee, and I believe this is our opportunity to finally restore it.
At the same time, Fort Pickering and the Coast Guard hangar at Winter Island deserve the
same commitment. Together, these historic sites tell Salem’s story and connect us to our
maritime heritage. In my first year, I will make preservation of both Fort Lee and Winter Island a
priority—ensuring that grant funding translates into real results, and working with community
partners to restore and protect these treasures for residents and visitors alike.
historic forts—Fort Lee off Fort Avenue and Fort Pickering at Winter Island—along with
the historic Coast Guard hangar on that site. Fort Lee, a colonial fort much like Fort
Sewall in Marblehead, has been neglected for decades despite its incredible historic and
scenic value. Growing up, we called it Cannon Hill, and I know firsthand how special it is
to the neighborhood and to Salem as a whole.For the past five years, I’ve worked with
neighbors and the neighborhood association to push the city to take action. While local
groups like the Boy Scouts have made small efforts to keep the pathways clear, the site
needs major attention. The city has recently received a grant to explore revitalizing Fort
Lee, and I believe this is our opportunity to finally restore it.
At the same time, Fort Pickering and the Coast Guard hangar at Winter Island deserve the
same commitment. Together, these historic sites tell Salem’s story and connect us to our
maritime heritage. In my first year, I will make preservation of both Fort Lee and Winter Island a
priority—ensuring that grant funding translates into real results, and working with community
partners to restore and protect these treasures for residents and visitors alike.
Historic District Oversight
Do you support maintaining or expanding Salem’s historic districts and the Salem Historical Commission’s oversight to ensure changes meet preservation standards? (Yes/No — brief rationale.)
Do you support maintaining or expanding Salem’s historic districts and the Salem Historical Commission’s oversight to ensure changes meet preservation standards? (Yes/No — brief rationale.)
I support maintaining Salem’s historic districts. I believe the Historic Commission does an
excellent job in overseeing these areas and ensuring that any changes meet the preservation
standards that protect Salem’s unique character. We are fortunate to have such a
knowledgeable and passionate group of commissioners who are deeply committed to
preserving our city’s history. Salem’s historic districts already encompass a wide area, and the
work the commission has done to date has been both admirable and effective.
excellent job in overseeing these areas and ensuring that any changes meet the preservation
standards that protect Salem’s unique character. We are fortunate to have such a
knowledgeable and passionate group of commissioners who are deeply committed to
preserving our city’s history. Salem’s historic districts already encompass a wide area, and the
work the commission has done to date has been both admirable and effective.
Funding for Preservation
State law requires that at least 10% of CPA funds each year go toward historic resources. In Salem, more than this minimum has typically been allocated. Would you support continuing — or expanding — this level of funding for preservation projects, either through CPA allocations or the City’s capital budget? (Yes/No — please explain.)
State law requires that at least 10% of CPA funds each year go toward historic resources. In Salem, more than this minimum has typically been allocated. Would you support continuing — or expanding — this level of funding for preservation projects, either through CPA allocations or the City’s capital budget? (Yes/No — please explain.)
Yes, I would support continuing this level of funding for preservation projects through the
CPA. However, I believe that when CPA funds are allocated to private institutions or
businesses—such as the House of the Seven Gables—Salem residents should receive free
access to those sites. These are our residents’ tax dollars being invested, and it is only fair that
they see a direct benefit. For example, when the Peabody Essex Museum was given New
Liberty Street from the city, one of the conditions was that all Salem residents have free access.
I feel the same principle should apply here: preservation funding should not only protect our
history but also ensure that our community can fully experience and enjoy it.
CPA. However, I believe that when CPA funds are allocated to private institutions or
businesses—such as the House of the Seven Gables—Salem residents should receive free
access to those sites. These are our residents’ tax dollars being invested, and it is only fair that
they see a direct benefit. For example, when the Peabody Essex Museum was given New
Liberty Street from the city, one of the conditions was that all Salem residents have free access.
I feel the same principle should apply here: preservation funding should not only protect our
history but also ensure that our community can fully experience and enjoy it.
Monitoring and Protecting Development
Would you support the creation of additional 40R “Smart Growth Overlay Districts” in Salem, similar to the already approved Margin/High/Endicott Street and Salem State South Campus districts, and the Shetland Park district currently under review? (Yes/No — please explain.)
Would you support the creation of additional 40R “Smart Growth Overlay Districts” in Salem, similar to the already approved Margin/High/Endicott Street and Salem State South Campus districts, and the Shetland Park district currently under review? (Yes/No — please explain.)
Yes, I would support additional 40R smart growth overlay districts in Salem, but only with
careful planning and strong neighborhood input. Each project is unique and affects very different
parts of the city, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. While I support smart growth and
the opportunities it can bring, I don’t agree with eliminating parking minimums as proposed in
the South Campus district. Residents’ concerns about density, traffic, and neighborhood
character must be heard and addressed before moving forward. Growth is important, but it has
to be done responsibly and in a way that works for both the city and the people who live here.
careful planning and strong neighborhood input. Each project is unique and affects very different
parts of the city, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. While I support smart growth and
the opportunities it can bring, I don’t agree with eliminating parking minimums as proposed in
the South Campus district. Residents’ concerns about density, traffic, and neighborhood
character must be heard and addressed before moving forward. Growth is important, but it has
to be done responsibly and in a way that works for both the city and the people who live here.
Historic Streetscapes
In Salem’s historic districts, how should the City balance pedestrian safety with preservation of historic streetscapes when installing or replacing bollards and similar fixtures? (Please explain and outline the design/placement criteria you would use.)
Regarding the newly installed bollards at the Ropes Mansion, which option best reflects your position? Retain as installed, Replace with a design more visually compatible with the historic setting, Modify placement/quantity while keeping the current design, or Other (Select one and explain.)
In historic districts and other important historic areas, how would you prioritize sidewalk materials? As a policy preference, do you favor brick over concrete or asphalt? (Yes/No — brief rationale.)
In Salem’s historic districts, how should the City balance pedestrian safety with preservation of historic streetscapes when installing or replacing bollards and similar fixtures? (Please explain and outline the design/placement criteria you would use.)
Regarding the newly installed bollards at the Ropes Mansion, which option best reflects your position? Retain as installed, Replace with a design more visually compatible with the historic setting, Modify placement/quantity while keeping the current design, or Other (Select one and explain.)
In historic districts and other important historic areas, how would you prioritize sidewalk materials? As a policy preference, do you favor brick over concrete or asphalt? (Yes/No — brief rationale.)
I recognize the importance of balancing pedestrian safety with the preservation of Salem’s
historic streetscapes. For example, on Essex Street in front of the Ropes Mansion, the
installation of bollards came after a tragic fatality, but I also understand the pushback from
neighbors about the design. The city needs to work more closely with neighborhood groups and
city commissions to ensure that safety measures fit within the character of the historic
district.I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating it can be when projects move forward without
community input, such as when bike lanes were installed on Fort Avenue overnight with no
notice to the residents. The people who live in these neighborhoods are the ones most affected,
and their voices should be part of the decision-making process. I believe the city can and should
do better by engaging residents early, listening to their concerns, and finding solutions that both
improve safety and respect the historic fabric of our community.
I would support replacing the current bollards with a design that is more visually compatible
with the historic setting. While I understand the good intentions behind the installation, I believe
the placement of the bollards too close to the curb creates new safety issues by forcing people
to stand in the street. A higher curb could also have been a safer and more effective solution to
prevent vehicles from mounting the sidewalk. This project was undertaken with the right
goal—protecting pedestrians—but I feel it was rushed, and with more thought and community
input, we could achieve both safety and preservation in a better way.
In historic areas, I would prioritize brick sidewalks over other materials because they are an
important part of the aesthetic and character of those neighborhoods. However, I believe the
city needs to do a much better job maintaining them once they are installed. Too often we see
bricks become loose, creating tripping hazards for residents and visitors. If brick is going to be
the standard in historic districts, then the city should also commit to a regular maintenance
schedule and budget to ensure they remain both safe and beautiful.
historic streetscapes. For example, on Essex Street in front of the Ropes Mansion, the
installation of bollards came after a tragic fatality, but I also understand the pushback from
neighbors about the design. The city needs to work more closely with neighborhood groups and
city commissions to ensure that safety measures fit within the character of the historic
district.I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating it can be when projects move forward without
community input, such as when bike lanes were installed on Fort Avenue overnight with no
notice to the residents. The people who live in these neighborhoods are the ones most affected,
and their voices should be part of the decision-making process. I believe the city can and should
do better by engaging residents early, listening to their concerns, and finding solutions that both
improve safety and respect the historic fabric of our community.
I would support replacing the current bollards with a design that is more visually compatible
with the historic setting. While I understand the good intentions behind the installation, I believe
the placement of the bollards too close to the curb creates new safety issues by forcing people
to stand in the street. A higher curb could also have been a safer and more effective solution to
prevent vehicles from mounting the sidewalk. This project was undertaken with the right
goal—protecting pedestrians—but I feel it was rushed, and with more thought and community
input, we could achieve both safety and preservation in a better way.
In historic areas, I would prioritize brick sidewalks over other materials because they are an
important part of the aesthetic and character of those neighborhoods. However, I believe the
city needs to do a much better job maintaining them once they are installed. Too often we see
bricks become loose, creating tripping hazards for residents and visitors. If brick is going to be
the standard in historic districts, then the city should also commit to a regular maintenance
schedule and budget to ensure they remain both safe and beautiful.
Shetland Park Redevelopment
What is your position on the current Shetland Park redevelopment proposal, particularly regarding its impact on Salem’s historic waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods? How do you think Salem can balance new development with preserving our city's historic character?
What is your position on the current Shetland Park redevelopment proposal, particularly regarding its impact on Salem’s historic waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods? How do you think Salem can balance new development with preserving our city's historic character?
I believe the current Shetland Park redevelopment proposal is too large for the neighborhood
and the already congested area it sits in. This project has the potential to be one of the most
significant redevelopments in Salem since the Great Salem Fire, which is why it requires careful
planning, broad community input, and a stronger commitment from the developers to listen to
residents. While I have been meeting almost monthly with representatives from Prime Group for
the past two years and participating in community discussions, I feel much more needs to be
done on their side to truly engage the public.
This project could be transformational—in a positive way—if it is done thoughtfully, with a
balance between new development, the preservation of our historic waterfront, and the
character of surrounding neighborhoods. With genuine collaboration and community-driven
decision making, Shetland Park can become a model for how Salem grows while still honoring
its history.
and the already congested area it sits in. This project has the potential to be one of the most
significant redevelopments in Salem since the Great Salem Fire, which is why it requires careful
planning, broad community input, and a stronger commitment from the developers to listen to
residents. While I have been meeting almost monthly with representatives from Prime Group for
the past two years and participating in community discussions, I feel much more needs to be
done on their side to truly engage the public.
This project could be transformational—in a positive way—if it is done thoughtfully, with a
balance between new development, the preservation of our historic waterfront, and the
character of surrounding neighborhoods. With genuine collaboration and community-driven
decision making, Shetland Park can become a model for how Salem grows while still honoring
its history.
Crescent Lot Development
The city sought out a developer to preserve and rehabilitate the courthouses on Federal Street. To make it more attractive to developers, the city added the crescent lot for commercial development. Winn Development, the winning bidder, is now asking to separate the two projects so they can develop the Crescent Lot independently, without being required to complete the courthouse preservation first. Do you support this change in prioritization? How would you approach holding developers accountable with respect to historic preservation? (Yes/No — please explain.)
The city sought out a developer to preserve and rehabilitate the courthouses on Federal Street. To make it more attractive to developers, the city added the crescent lot for commercial development. Winn Development, the winning bidder, is now asking to separate the two projects so they can develop the Crescent Lot independently, without being required to complete the courthouse preservation first. Do you support this change in prioritization? How would you approach holding developers accountable with respect to historic preservation? (Yes/No — please explain.)
I strongly believe Winn Development should be held accountable to complete the courthouse
preservation first. Too often in Salem we’ve seen developers make commitments, secure
approvals, and then fail to follow through once projects are underway. A clear example is the
Footprint Power Plant’s Community Benefits Agreement, which promised sidewalk repairs on
lower Derby Street but was never enforced and ultimately expired without being completed.
For this reason, I do not support separating the courthouse preservation from the Crescent Lot
development. The project was originally proposed as a package, and it should move forward
that way. The city must exercise stronger oversight and ensure that developers are held
accountable to their commitments, especially when it comes to historic preservation. Salem’s
history is too important to risk losing to broken promises.
preservation first. Too often in Salem we’ve seen developers make commitments, secure
approvals, and then fail to follow through once projects are underway. A clear example is the
Footprint Power Plant’s Community Benefits Agreement, which promised sidewalk repairs on
lower Derby Street but was never enforced and ultimately expired without being completed.
For this reason, I do not support separating the courthouse preservation from the Crescent Lot
development. The project was originally proposed as a package, and it should move forward
that way. The city must exercise stronger oversight and ensure that developers are held
accountable to their commitments, especially when it comes to historic preservation. Salem’s
history is too important to risk losing to broken promises.
26 Winter Street
A request has been made to the ZBA to allow an inn at 26 Winter Street (the Joseph Story house), changing the use from residential to commercial. Do you support this change in use? Please explain the key factors behind your position and your view on the impacts this precedent could set for this historic neighborhood, including the impacts of lost trees and green space to make parking lots on these properties. (Yes/No — please explain.)
A request has been made to the ZBA to allow an inn at 26 Winter Street (the Joseph Story house), changing the use from residential to commercial. Do you support this change in use? Please explain the key factors behind your position and your view on the impacts this precedent could set for this historic neighborhood, including the impacts of lost trees and green space to make parking lots on these properties. (Yes/No — please explain.)
I have heard from several residents in the neighborhood who have raised legitimate
concerns about converting 26 Winter Street from residential to commercial use, and I share
many of those concerns. While I believe the current owners may have good intentions, there is
no guarantee the property won’t eventually be sold to a developer, which could lead to further
loss of residential housing at a time when Salem is already struggling with issues like short-term
rentals and the disappearance of long-term housing.
This property is a beautiful piece of Salem’s history, and any change in use should be
approached with great care and with full input from the surrounding neighborhood. My biggest
concern is that allowing this change could set a precedent for other historic residential areas,
leading to the loss of trees, green space, and the historic character that makes Salem so
unique. Once that character is lost, it cannot be regained. I believe more discussion and
community involvement is needed before.
concerns about converting 26 Winter Street from residential to commercial use, and I share
many of those concerns. While I believe the current owners may have good intentions, there is
no guarantee the property won’t eventually be sold to a developer, which could lead to further
loss of residential housing at a time when Salem is already struggling with issues like short-term
rentals and the disappearance of long-term housing.
This property is a beautiful piece of Salem’s history, and any change in use should be
approached with great care and with full input from the surrounding neighborhood. My biggest
concern is that allowing this change could set a precedent for other historic residential areas,
leading to the loss of trees, green space, and the historic character that makes Salem so
unique. Once that character is lost, it cannot be regained. I believe more discussion and
community involvement is needed before.