Is it unsightly because it speaks the truth? How many times have you picked it up off the ground? Maybe if you read the contents of the paper you would become more educated towards the real news. I say it is free speech so leave it! Or are we trying to ban the first ammunition here too?

This is not about free speech. This is about private, commercial enterprises blocking the public sidewalks and using public spaces without permits. The Broadside is not a public resource.

See:
https://library.municode.com/ma/salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH38STSI_ARTIINGE_S38-23NERASI

See: https://library.municode.com/ma/salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH4AD

See: https://library.municode.com/ma/salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH38STSI_ARTIINGE_S38-7OB

As an aside, Bob, you are right. We don't really personally care for The Broadside, although we do read through it from time to time because it is important to know what people are concerned about. And we respect that you and many in Salem enjoy reading it. You may know that there are copies available at authorized locations and in privately owned businesses that have agreed to carry it, including Christina's Pizza at Lafayette and Leach; they offer a number of local newspapers for free. We cherish the First Amendment, but the First Amendment is not a free-for-all and our laws must still be respected until such time as they are changed. While we like many different publications, it would not be OK for us to take it upon ourselves to install our favorite newspaper boxes wherever we choose without asking for permission. Would you like a progressive newspaper box chained to a pole in front of your house? The Rainbow Times, perhaps? Or Mother Jones? Probably not. And we would be the first to support you when you asked for it to be removed.

We will review this report with the Building Inspector's office to determine if they received the required approval to place a newspaper box on a city sidewalk.

Team green street, there are rainbow times available down town; that just happened to be the box those punks blew up with fireworks. Otherwise from your picture it is really not blocking the sidewalk any more then the 30 ft telephone pole. If permitting is an issue then my bad, but otherwise I don't see an issue and if others want to spread their "message" with the proper permitting then so be it.

Salem Code of Ordinances Ch.38, Sec.38-8 and Sec.38-23. Also Ch.4, Sec.4-2. One cannot simply chain a newspaper box to a utility pole without a permit. It's the law.

Great you found the code now the question is is there a permit?

Thank you for reporting this. The public property department confirmed the owner of this newspaper box does not yet have a permit for it. Our staff will reach out to them to help them secure the necessary permit for placing a newspaper box on a public sidewalk.

Sounds like a reasonable solution

Thanks for fixing this issue!

Thank you for addressing this. We appreciate your response.