Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem would like to address recent concerns circulating on social media about a wall sign on a local business within City limits. 

This is a beautiful way to honor and recognize this significant moment in our history, and the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. 

We appreciate the quality of the work and its meaning for many in our community.  The City’s rules for public art murals and signs do not consider the content or the craftsmanship of public art or signage. 

Our last resort is enforcement of the Code.  City staff has been working directly with the property owner since mid-November.

We actively work with property owners and businesses to navigate Salem’s rules and regulations, encompassed in the Salem Revised Code pertaining to (Chapter 900) or (2) public art (Chapter 15).  In short, sign code is concerned with the size, location, and construction of signage, not what the sign says or how it is portrayed.  The public mural code addresses art and follows a public process, through the Salem Public Art Commission with a public hearing, as the work is considered for inclusion in the City’s Public Art Collection. 

Many outside our community have misrepresented steps the City has taken to date and spread false allegations of the intent behind these actions.  The facts are that no fines have been imposed.  City staff is in continuing dialogue with the property owner. The City of Salem’s laws, encompassed in the Salem Revised Code, represent the values of our community. We remain committed to fair and equal treatment for all individuals and businesses making Salem a great place to live and work. 

Salem, Ore. — UPDATE: River Road S has been reopened after a 6-day closure due to a landslide that occurred on December 23^rd, 2021. City crews, with the assistance of local contractors, finished the necessary excavation of the hillside, removed the fallen debris, and repaired the fencing along the impacted area on Tuesday, December 28^th, 2021. At this time, engineering consultants have determined that the roadway is safe for public use.

River Road South was initially closed after a landslide was reported blocking the north and southbound lanes in the early morning hours. The street has been closed to all traffic from Owens St. SE to Minto Island Road SE due to further slide concerns impacting local neighborhoods and business access. Heavy rains and saturated soils were contributing factors for the landslide and street closure. 

The City of Salem would like to thank the residents who use this roadway for their patience as these repairs were completed.

Salem, Ore. — Update: Weather forecasts indicate Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley could continue to receive snow across the Valley this evening. Subfreezing temperatures are expected to follow the storm for several days. In anticipation of this continued weather event, the City of Salem would like to caution drivers that road conditions could get worse during the evening and early morning hours. City work crews will continue to plow, sand, and apply deicer to City streets throughout the day and night but caution drivers to:

• Reduce your speed and leave extra distance between vehicles
• Use extra caution on sharp curves and expect longer stopping distances
• Give snowplows plenty of room and only pass if necessary
• Make sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before driving
• Carry a shovel and sand or kitty litter for emergency traction assistance
• Keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle that includes a blanket, some food, and water

Information on the priority and secondary snow routes in Salem can be found on the City’s website on the Current Road Conditions Map.  These routes are based on the amount of traffic received.