With numerous restaurants, a walkable downtown, world-famous museums and historic sites, and a commuter rail station providing access to Boston, the City of Salem has experienced a revitalization in recent years. While the downtown continues to grow and develop, the City is also looking towards other ares for future growth. Among the City's priorities is the area south of the downtown from Washington Street to Jefferson Avenue (South Salem). Adjacent to this area is:

• The Point, a diverse residential neighborhood;
• Salem State University (SSU), a growing university; and
• North Shore Medical Center (NSMC), the largest healthcare provider in the area and undergoing a major expansion

In order to accommodate future growth, increase access for current and future residents to Boston, and reduce the automobile needs for commuters to SSU and NSMC, the City has set a long-term goal of bringing a commuter rail station to this area of Salem. An additional commuter rail stop within the South Salem area could help to reduce severe traffic and parking problems while offering a convenient transportation alternative to residents and SSU commuting students, staff, and faculty. Equally important, a new stop will be a catalyst for appropriately-scaled transit-oriented development in the Canal Street area, including mixed use with increased bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.