On September 28th, SAFE partnered with North Shore CDC, Point Neighborhood Association, Resilient Together, the City of Salem, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to reflect on the outcomes and impacts of the high heat project this summer. The event brought community members together to learn, share their experiences, reflect on previous community conversations, and provide feedback on the project and its impact on the community.
The gathering was held at the North Shore CDC office on Lafayette Street, where more than 30 community members attended. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the outcomes of this summer’s high heat project and hear from Dr. Marcos Luna,regarding an ongoing air quality project happening around Salem. Dr. Marcos Luna is a professor of geography and sustainability and the graduate program coordinator of the geo-information science program at Salem State university. Dr. Marcos Luna is also affiliated with Salem State University’s CEEDS program which identifies and drives high-impact, hands-on projects that build students’ skills, experience and confidence through internships, workshops, idea incubation and feasibility studies.
Accessibility and community connection remained an important part of the evening. Interpreters were onsite and provided live interpretation in both English and Spanish, allowing community members to participate in the conversation in their preferred language. Attendees enjoyed food from Salem Tipico, while childcare was available throughout the event.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed their knowledge, questions, and experiences throughout the summer. Community conversations like these remind us that building resilience is not only about infrastructure and environmental solutions, but also about creating spaces where residents can come together, share their experiences, and help shape the future of their neighborhoods.