Salem City Council to Vote on $650,000 Purchase for New Neighborhood Park

The Salem City Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a proposal to purchase a 2-acre property at 1325 49th Ave. SE in southeast Salem for $650,000. The property, located near Miller Elementary and Mary Eyre Elementary schools, is intended to be developed into a neighborhood park.

The purchase price will come from Parks System Development Charges, not the General Fund. The seller will demolish two existing structures on the land before closing on the sale. This property was identified as a possible location for a neighborhood park in the Comprehensive Park System Master Plan Update.

The purchase price is a negotiated amount based on an appraisal completed in April. The property is in a growing part of Salem, with several apartments and housing developments planned or underway in the southeast part of the city.

Why this matters: This development of a new park in southeast Salem has broader significance as it addresses the need for recreational spaces in growing neighborhoods. The creation of this park could have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents in the area, particularly children and families.

The Salem City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE. The meeting can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish.

Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting. Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net.

Additional agenda items for the meeting include a vote on adopting a resolution to acquire right-of-way and easements for the Silverton Road NE Improvements Project, a vote on adopting a final order affirming the planning administrator's decision approving an application for a planned 405-unit apartment complex at 4650 Hazelgreen Road NE, and a public hearing on an appeal of the planning administrator's change of zoning of land at 650 15th St. SE to industrial use.

The council will also vote on using $647,340 in opioid settlement dollars to fund various initiatives, including purchasing naloxone, hiring outreach coordinators, and adopting wellness strategies for first responders.

The upcoming vote on the park property purchase represents a significant step in the city's efforts to enhance recreational spaces in growing neighborhoods. The development of a new park near Miller Elementary and Mary Eyre Elementary schools aims to provide much-needed green space for residents in the southeast part of Salem.

Key Takeaways

• Salem City Council to vote on purchasing 2-acre property for $650,000 to develop into a neighborhood park.
• Property located near Miller Elementary and Mary Eyre Elementary schools in southeast Salem.
• Funding comes from Parks System Development Charges, not the General Fund.
• Park development aims to provide recreational space for growing neighborhoods and enhance quality of life.
• Council meeting to take place on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center.