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Issue · Salem, MA

No-Camping Ordinance and Homelessness

Residents link the ordinance and LifeBridge closure to deaths of unhoused individuals, with calls for a public hearing unanswered.

Overview

Residents at the 2026-07-09 city council meeting linked the no-camping ordinance to the LifeBridge closure and deaths of unhoused people, requesting a public hearing. The council recorded the testimony without committing to further action.

Background

The No-Camping Ordinance and Homelessness issue surfaced during the public comment period at the city council meeting on 2026-07-09.

Residents connected the ordinance directly to the prior closure of the LifeBridge transition center, testifying that the combination criminalizes homelessness and has produced fatal outcomes for unhoused individuals.

Multiple speakers urged the council to schedule a dedicated public hearing on the ordinance in light of these developments, while also expressing support for related housing measures such as rent stabilization.

The council heard the testimony but offered no direct response or commitment to holding the requested hearing, leaving the matter unresolved at the close of the session.

How it unfolded
Residents testified that the no-camping ordinance, following the LifeBridge transition center closure, has contributed to deaths of unhoused individuals and called for a public hearing on the ordinance.
2026-07-09City Council
Arguments in favor
The ordinance criminalizes homelessness and lacks protections for unhoused residents.
city-council 2026-07-09
For
The ordinance combined with the LifeBridge closure has directly contributed to deaths of unhoused individuals.
city-council 2026-07-09
For
A public hearing should be scheduled to address the ordinance after the LifeBridge closure.
city-council 2026-07-09
For
Key voices
“Shared the story of a deceased friend to argue that the ordinance and lack of protections have directly contributed to deaths of unhoused individuals.”
Residentcity-council 2026-07-09
“Called for a rescheduled meeting to discuss the no-camping ordinance in light of the LifeBridge center's closure.”
Residentcity-council 2026-07-09
“Urged the council to address the needs of the homeless community following the closing of the LifeBridge transition center.”
Residentcity-council 2026-07-09
What's next

Possible future public hearing on ordinance

no camping ordinanceLifeBridge closureunhoused deaths