I’m not sure I’d go that far. My family ate at Tavern In The Square and parked across the street (2hr metered spot). We fed 2hrs worth of quarters in the meter, and then had a 1hr 6min lunch. When we got back to the car, there was a ticket on the windshield – with 54min left on the meter!!!

I was with my kids, so I didn’t express my feelings. My wife and I took pictures of the meter with the ticket + meter + car in the background, as there was no way I was going to let that fly. I scanned the ticket and the car description matched mine, but the parking spot # matched the car next to ours, whose meter had actually expired!!!

So, we got the ticket for the guy next to us! I hope we can fight this one…

Ugh!

I don’t think I have had that much fun since my older brother put me in a dryer with a snake~!

LMAO

GO SALEM!

I’m not sure the residents have much of a leg to stand on. The boat they are talking about would allow them to unload directly on the property of the lighthouse.

Now the whole resentment thing. I can see the islanders’ point. They have these properties there, its theirs, they own it. And imagine if the public started coming over? Trash everywhere, graffiti maybe, noise, vandalism, the list goes on and on. Not to mention, someone gets hurt, which might be easy especially with the place not really up to modern civilization standards? Lawsuits waiting to happen. What happens at public beaches? Same nonsense. The public can’t be trusted to behave and respect people’s properties! And who cares if theyre rich? Let them be rich! Thats America.

NOW, having said that…. I can also see the other point a little bit sometimes. We live in a capitalist society, so what you pay for is yours, good. But is every inch of this place actually owned by people? I guess I have trouble with people being able to own an island in the first place. Its like being able to own a lake or a pond in my mind. Doesnt seem like things like that should be able to be “owned.” I see rock formations on the eastern shore? Are they all owned? If every inch is in fact owned by different people it seems like a convenient way to just keep out the public and mask it as something else. When I bought my house, I couldnt buy parts of the street with it.

So theres my 2 cents. Let them enjoy it. Like I said, doesn’t sound like the place is even that happening. Rather spend more money and try a place down the Cape or something.

http://www.salemnews.com/local/x233318644/Park-service-to-get-boat-for-Bakers-Island-tours

It was interesting to learn about the islands history though, I never knew there was a hotel there.

P.s. Jeff,

FYI – the law for public rights to coastal properties states the land below the ‘median’ tide mark is public, above the median belongs to the land owner. But keep in mind, although this is regarded as the standard law, by no means is it all inclusive. There are dozens if not hundreds of properties in the Beverly, Salem, Manchester, Marblehead area where the entire beach, down to the low tide line is considered private and going on it is trespassing. Just something for people to keep in mind before pressing that sort of issue.

Ambience/atmosphere: B
Service: D-
Menu variety: B-
Food: C+
Desert: B-
Value for dollar spent: C-
OVERALL dining experience: C
[Parking availability/convenience: D+]

As for assessments, until there are some sales recorded, and not of the $1, I’ll pay you off the books variety that we see, we won’t know if this land is assessed properly or not. This was the year that the assessor’s office was supposed to attempt to view each property in Salem. Any word on how that went out there?

In the same vein, in Massachussetts, the land between the high and low water mark is all public, as long as you can access it from the water. Therefore, maybe those of you who are dying to visit Baker’s could come ashore at low tide and walk the beach, as long as you don’t stray inland. For non-residents, that will have to do unless or until the lighthouse is open to the public.

The locals will almost certainly not like ‘outsiders’ strolling the edge of the beach; but, again, we all have to respect the law, regardless of our own personal feelings.

In general, I have to agree that it is a shame not everyone can enjoy the island. But this was not always the case. Its private now but 40-50 years ago, you could visit the island even if you were
not a resident. It all changed once people started vandalizing and burglarizing homes out there, what choice did the islanders have but to declare it as private and start asking people to leave? And now, many years later, they are elitist snobs for protecting their homes and property?

Its simply amazing how some of you can twist this against the islanders.

I support them 100%. Allowing the public on the island will lead to all sorts of problems. One person mentioned it, but I’m sure most of you either forget or don’t know, Misery Island was once inhabited as well. Along with a dozen houses, it had a hotel, casino, golf course and sea plane hangar. Everything is now gone thanks to vandals.

If you want onto the island bad enough, do what my uncle did… Marry an islander… Otherwise, let them live the good life undisturbed on their beautiful retreat.

Don’t go changing Bakers Island, you are perfect the way you are!

http://doubleeaglecharters.com/

You can reach them at (978) 658-6322 or amy@doubleeaglecharters.com

Only residents and invited friends of island residents are offered the ferry service, so you’ll have to contact them in advance to state your case.

Good luck!

I ordered a burrito, quesadilla and side of beans & rice. I waited about 5 minutes for the order, happily grabbed my bag when it was done. I did my due diligence to peek inside to make sure I had everything. All looked right.

However, when I got home, what I thought was my beans and rice were containers of sour cream and salsa. Grr.

When is Comida opening up?

There are no roads, there are no public buildings, there are no historic places, everything is owned privately, either by a homeowner or group of homeowners. Hence, they are able to ask people to leave.

Regarding the tax rates; these are not homes, they are summer cottages on an island. They have no electricity or running water. The island receives no services from the City of Salem, ie schools, police, fire, emt, elec, water, sewer, but still pays for them.

Nevertheless, we’re the only ones looking out for the well-being of people who use the pedestrian mall and the sidewalks downtown. It has been made clear to us that no one else other than the Mayor’s office will.

The crew behing the counter and in the dining area were both friendly and attentive. The dining room was kept tidy and the bathrooms were spotless.
If you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant with wait service and all the frills go wait in line accross the street. If you’re looking for good food and a good value this is the place.

This morning I took the train up to Manchester and let my stand-up paddleboard into the water. I paddled out of the harbor and after taking in the beautiful scenery decided to aim for “an island with some houses and a lighthouse” – maybe I could take a short break there, get some food and be on my way again…

More than an hour later I did need a rest and paddled near the pier.
Lots of kayaks and a few old windsurfers were piled up and spread out high up from the water – looked like a nice place.
A grim looking man on a blue boat (“off the hook”) slowly chugged by towards his mooring and mustered me, though.
Our eyes lock and we exchange terse “Howyadoins”.

I was alone, with a small backpack on a what looks like a big surfboard and a long paddle – I was silent, did not make wakes and stayed out of everyones way.

Some folks on the shore and the pier watched me but that´s normal.

Since I was not sure what sort of place it was, I only dragged my board 5 feet from the water – at least 10 feet below (!) the highwater line marked by a line of seaweed – so as not to take my break on anyones “private beach”.

A man with a wheelbarrow was near the pier filling it with things from the beach. He mustered my board and things apprehensivly as I walked over, politely said hi and ask if there was a store where I could get something to drink.
His reply: “Do you know anybody here?”
Me: “No?”
He:”No store here. This is a private island.”
I immediatly got the message:”OK, I´ll just finish my short rest and be off.”
He (in a very relaxed and almost thankful tone now):”Thank you.”

Respectful communication among adults!

So I went back to my stuff, sat down two more minutes and started to prepare my things to leave.

As I´m doing this Mr. “off the hook” had made his way to the pier and felt compelled to yell a question at me which I only understood after the second time because we were so far apart..:
“Do you know anybody here?”
Me: “I already talked to someone. It´s private and I´m just getting ready to be on my way.”
He:”Just wanted to make sure – Pal!..”

And he stood there “making sure” until I was finally in the water a few minutes later.

All of this took place under a big U.S. flag flying in the summer sky, and not under “Keep away from Bakers Island” which they should maybe fly instead, just to make things clear for everyone from a distance.

Only after this experience did I find out where I had been.

My point:
Nowhere in the world have I ever been “welcomed” in such a way.

And with all my respect for the history of the place, private property and despite the “fear-of-the-unknown-outsider” in which at least several of the islanders obviously live, this is now way to treat anyone who in the middle of the day rings the bell at the gate to your “private property” to ask for directions.

They need to work on making their rice consistently cooked, and they should invest in an actual steamer for the tortillas themselves… their cooker is inadequate.

The flavors were good though, nice and rich, and their corn salsa was fabulous.

Looking forward to improvement

I have to agree with Forrest that your commission is “special interest”, and I’m cool with that. As we all know there are many special interests and voices at play in the down town area. We as a city all benefit when business prosper (I’m sure the Tavern makes some nice coin for the city coffers). So it is the best interest of the city to try and be accommodating to businesses in an effort to help them succeed without encumbering any of its people.

Not all people feel this way. In fact, just this past weekend I was having a beverage at the Lobster Shanty when neighboring condo owners called to complain about the music. Apparently the two gigantic explosions on Cromby and Essex didn’t bother them but some DJ’d music (not as loud as the bands that play there) was offending their ears.

The point here is that everybody wins when our down town is prosperous. And for that to happen everybody needs to be willing to make certain concessions and get along. New condo owners need to understand that a vibrant nightlife is part of Salem’s attraction. The city needs to work with the businesses. Finally the businesses need to work with the people to offer them what they want in a safe and positive environment.

Be honest with yourself and others. Its because of people like you who take the time to look out for the special needs and interests of others that these groups exist. Just like the Council on Aging looks out for the special interests of our elderly, and the Salem Historical Commission tries to keep our historic districts preserved your special interest group tries to keep Salem friendly for people with disabilites.

Pushing an occasional baby carriage around Salem I understand the impediments caused by some of these restaurants and shops in their attempt to offer Al Fresco dining. Its a major pain trying to walk on Front St near Maria’s and I can only imagine the hassle a person in a wheel chair must go through.

I agree with Glen that TITS changed the game here in Salem but I wish the Licensing Board allowed the sidewalk to be kept open because its just a pain to walk around (I’m lazy). I also think that other obstacles like sandwich boards and push carts should be eliminated, but I guess that’s a rant for another time.

We are not “special interests”.

About Tavern in the Square, I (and the Commission) have no animus against the restaurant; I have dined there myself. The closing of the sidewalk might just be an overly-conservative application of the state liquor laws.

It is not, as SRA’s Kevin Brennan put it, something for lazy people who can’t “walk an extra 20 steps”. I have the eyesight of a much older man, and I have chronicled on my blog how a legally blind person might see or not see the ropes that the restaurant uses while the dining area is open. Yet, I know good people who *would* have trouble making those extra 20 steps, on a perimeter sidewalk that is not as wide and easy to traverse as is the closed area.

Many councilors, like yourself, don’t want to be the ones that made some restaurant close, or cancel plans. Neither do we. But the Commission is the only body in the city that advocates for all pedestrians downtown, and everywhere else in the city.

You only have to look down Front St. to imagine what happens if our sidewalk space is allowed to be unmanaged. During heavy crowds such as we see in the summer–or Halloween–it can actually be dangerous.

We have gotten much criticism along the lines of “special interests” and “being reactive”.

That’s our job. Believe me, if the state were to rule that Tavern in the Square could open the sidewalk during dining, as it has done in Cambridge’s Central Square (where the sidewalk CANNOT be blocked; I’ve been there.), the Commission would be more than happy to take that as a win and move on. We have too much on our plate to do otherwise.

But we have to speak out for the disabled–and the non-disabled–citizens, visitors and other denizens who use downtown.

I can understand people don’t like our position and don’t agree.

Just say so.

Don’t try to tell me we’re “special interests”.

Personally..if you are going to sit your business smack in the middle of a tourist area, you need to make sure your fare is healthy and at least somewhat pallatable. We discussed leaving before the food came since the beverages were so foul, but gave it a chance as my husband had to return to work, and we were time constrained. We stupidly payed the bill…not sure why. I felt like calling the health department. Every other place we have eaten here has been pretty good! This shop should be inspected, and improved>>>>>or shut down. Not fair to take people’s money serving up bad junk. When we return, we will make a beeline around it. in 64 years…I have never had food bad enough to bother to complain. Your city thrives on tourism….this should be looked into. Cute area..nice waitress..horrendous food.

What would they think if Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket became private?

I live in Marblehead, where I’m sure there are huge collections of people that would like to keep it private and not let people in….yet people walk through our back yards to get to beaches, historic sites, and other places of beauty. It’s the price we pay for living in a lovely area.

I find it shocking that this group of people hire somebody to stand at the dock and tell people to get lost. Shocking. And no amount of “these people are really nice” can change that. They’re nice, but it’s a part of the United States. And the property values need to be reassessed. That is shocking.

No amount of work you have to do to live there “earns” you any right to start your own civilization….like it or not, your a part of the US. I agree with the other poster who stated that anyone who has entire summers to spend with their families…no matter how much they are “roughing it”….(and lots of us pay a lot of money for the privilege of “roughing it” likt that)……they are rich and privileged.

Who among us can just take 3 months off of a job? Adjust the property values and maybe they’ll actually have to work to afford their paradise and you’ll see more rented homes….like there should be.

It isn’t as easy as it sounds
there are no public bathrooms, the trash is expensive to haul back and pay another trash boat to pick up..

I understand the jealousy, but ranting and raving isn’t going to get you an invite.. besides, with the celebrities on the island things would just get out of hand, people go to get away from the hustle and bustle

I’d love to see a little of the Bakers Island lifestyle described if for no other reason than to lay to rest the idea that residents are merely show-offs. I would bet they’re protective for good reason. Just listen to the carping of outsiders jealous and angry at their situation, yet panting at the idea they can “come on down” when the lighthouse begins to offer tours!

Bob

I can’t be more happy to know that the lighthouse is going into public hands (despite arguments from the islanders) and the beautiful 10 acre parcel will be available for everyone to visit and enjoy.

But to be honest people don’t name the island too much beyond what it written on t-shirts
people want to keep the island all hush hush for these reasons and more, but to be quiet frank, with some of the comments posted above, I’m glad it’s a private island..

I respect the owners’ wishes to remain secure and free from idle visitors. After-all it is their property and they quite naturally see the “well-meaning” but “very curious” visitors as impositions or maybe even burdens. The residents of Bakers Island share what could be considered a private enclave, if not for the American concept that almost all property is public in one way or another.

I would like to see the Island, but, I realize that I have no real right to do so. In the very same way as I do not have the right to enter a neighbors back garden and snoop around peering into his goldfish pond and kid’s play area. That, without permission, would be rude and improper. So, I thank the residents greatly for the glimpses they provided us. And, politely, I hope, I will bid them all best personal wishes and hope others, besides me, will let6 them live and grow as they want on the island. The best.

Bob

The folks at Roost have been feeding us bits and pieces of their knowledge about this place…

Actually, you are one of several people who seeded that information, here on twitter and on facebook.

Thanks for the tip.

GH

Actually if you look at the date of this post it’s almost 3 years old. While you are correct that things have changed, at the time of this post the buildings that existed were nothing more than eyesores.

I do appreciate the comment though and I guess I should take some photos and write a follow up to this piece.

I tried to visit the island once and was nicely greeted by someone on the dock asking who I was and if I was not visiting someone or owned a house I needed to leave. Apparently it is a very tight knit group as people say because this gentlemen new immediately that I was not a resident or friend.

I later learned the the entire island, besides a government owned portion, was actually owned privately and that for years people have been attempting to or have successfully got onto the island and were walking through peoples property or trying to camp in peoples yards and even worse causing damage to property.

I was not treated inappropriately when i tried to get on the island but I’m surprised that I was not if it is true that people are always sneaking on the island, and even more so if they cause problems.

I think we should all respect their right to be secluded and be private. And I don’t think that they are snobbish or selfish after learning of how some people from shore have treated them in the past. I would be on guard if there was any threat from outsiders of causing damage or danger to anyone or anything on the island as help is not close at hand.

And if you want to share, then maybe you should talk to my friend who has a house out there, im sure he would love to have someone help him…. carry his bags to his house, mow the lawn, paint the house, clean the windows, get water from the well, clean the boat, stain the decks, move 180lb gas tanks, clean gutters, cook food on 1950s stoves, carry trash to the pier, carry water from the ocean to flush the toilets, winterize the house

all of these things take up a large portion of either everyday of portions of every year and believe me ive seen and helped with some of these things and its not easy. Just because you have ridden by on your boat on the weekend and seen people at the beach doesnt mean they sit at the beach all week and drink pina coladas. These people have jobs on shore and going to the island is what lets them relax, im sure they dont appreciate it when people like you who have never been there or met them say they are rich spoiled and lazy.

I can certainly understand people being jealous that they dont have a house out there, but its quit ridiculous to assume that you have the right to go out there and enjoy the island when you have put no work into it like everyone there has.