City of Salem
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News Releases
Drivers Wanted: Join Center 50+ Volunteer Team - 03/12/24

  • Spring pilot will test volunteer driver program
  • Program aims to help those ages 50 and older who have transportation barriers

Salem, Ore. – Center 50+ is launching a new volunteer-based transportation pilot project to benefit residents ages 50 and older. 

The program’s goal is to assist older adults who do not drive, have difficulty paying for or accessing public transportation, and may not have friends or family to help. Rides are provided free of charge to medical appointments, grocery shopping or other essential errands. 

Volunteers will:

  • Drive their own vehicles
  • Provide unassisted door-to-door and door-through-door service
  • Give time as they can, according to their schedules
  • Receive free drive safety training that may yield discounts on their auto insurance

Center 50+ is recruiting a limited number of volunteer drivers and riders this spring to participate in this pilot program. Pilot participation will help evaluate the program, test systems, and develop best practices.

For more information, call 503-588-6303 or email Connect50plus@cityofsalem.net.

Correction: Traffic Alert: Hyacinth Rd NE Closed for Two-Day Construction Project - 03/11/24

  • The previous version inaccurately indicated the day of the week for construction to commence.

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers who use Hyacinth Road NE that the road will be closed to through traffic between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and 25th Avenue NE beginning Friday, March 15, 2024, and ending March 16, 2024. 

The two-day closure is necessary to repair and replace the pavement pad at the railroad crossing on Hyacinth Avenue NE. Detours will be marked on Portland Road, 25th Avenue, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway as construction is taking place. 

           Location: Hyacinth Road NE at 25th Avenue, Salem, OR.

           Date and Time: Friday, March 15 and 16, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

           Affected Areas: The Hyacinth Road closure will include travel lanes and sidewalks near the train tracks in the              construction zone.

           Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

The Active Construction Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.  For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

Traffic Alert: State Street Closed to Eastbound Traffic at 12th Street NE - 02/29/24

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers who use State Street that the road will be closed east of 12th Street NE beginning Monday, March 4, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The one-day closure is necessary to repair and replace the pavement pad at the railroad crossing east of the 12th and State Street intersection. Traffic on 12th Street NE will be allowed in both directions as construction is taking place. 

  • Location: State Street is closed to eastbound traffic at 12 Street NE, Salem, OR.
  • Date and Time: Monday, March 4, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Affected Areas: Travel lanes, sidewalks, and parking spaces near the train tracks in the construction zone.
  • Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

The Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem. For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or service@cityofsalem.net.

New Bike and Pedestrian Upgrades Coming to Commercial and Liberty Streets SE - 02/26/24

  • Installation of the bicycle crossing signal and flashing beacon crossing starts on March 4th, 2024.
  • Restriping Commercial Street SE with high-visibility bike lanes is coming in the summer of 2024.
  • Lane closures and temporary traffic revisions may be necessary.

Salem, Ore. — Beginning in March 2024, Salem will improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure along Commercial Street SE from Oxford Street SE to Madrona Avenue SE. The project includes installing new high-visibility bike lanes, a bicycle signal to cross Liberty Road S, and a rapid flashing beacon on Commercial Street SE at Triangle Drive SE to provide added awareness and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Key Upgrades:

  • Bicycle Crossing Signal: A bike signal on Liberty Road S at Commercial St SE to create added visibility for cyclists continuing south on Commercial.
     
  • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon: A flashing beacon sign will be installed at Triangle Drive SE to provide extra visibility for both cyclists and pedestrians at the intersection.
     
  • High-visibility Bike Lanes: Restriping of bike lanes to include high-visibility green markings will provide dedicated space for cyclists, reducing potential conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles. 

Schedule:

  • Phase 1 (Starting March 4, 2024) This phase will include the installation of a bicycle signal on Liberty Road S and a flashing beacon on Commercial Street SE at Triangle Drive SE. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers should use caution and expect some lane closures and delays. 

    During Phase 1, pedestrian access may be restricted within the work areas and temporary pedestrian routes will be identified around the work zone.
     
  • Phase 2 (Starting in summer 2024) This phase will include restriping lane lines of Commercial Street SE to install dedicated bike lanes with high-visibility green markings. 

    During Phase 2, work is expected to occur in the overnight hours (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) Temporary traffic control will include lane closures, limited sidewalk access, and delays along Commercial Street SE from Oxford Street SE to Madrona Avenue SE.

This project was originally identified in the Bike & Walk Salem update to the Salem Transportation Plan 2013. This plan identifies enhanced bike facilities along Commercial Street. In 2018, Salem was awarded funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) All Roads Transportation Safety (ARTS) Program to design and install buffered bike lanes on Commercial Street and improve bicycle and pedestrian crossings in the area.

For the latest updates on road construction projects with the City of Salem, visit current road construction projects on our website.

Bridget Esqueda has been named City Librarian at Salem Public Library in Salem, Oregon. City of Salem photo
Bridget Esqueda has been named City Librarian at Salem Public Library in Salem, Oregon. City of Salem photo
Bridget Esqueda Named City Librarian (Photo) - 02/23/24

  • She brings 17 years of varied library system experience to her role.
  • She was chosen through a competitive internal recruitment.

Salem, Ore. – Bridget Esqueda has been appointed City Librarian for the Salem Public Library effective Monday, February 26. 

Esqueda has been acting in the capacity of City Librarian for the past eight months. This appointment follows a competitive internal recruitment.

“Bridget’s leadership of the Library during this interim period has been exemplary,” said Deputy City Manager Scott Archer, who oversees the Library as part of the Community Services Department. “Bridget has implemented new policies, updated procedures, and stabilized our library operations during a time of change, while thoughtfully supporting staff and fostering a positive organizational culture.”

Esqueda began her service at the Library in September 2022 as Deputy City Librarian. She brings 17 years of experience in varied public library system roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and Technical Communication from Arizona State University, and a master’s degree in Library Science with a focus on administration and public library services from San Jose State University.

“I’m happy to have had this past eight months to see if this would be the right fit for me,” Esqueda said. “I wouldn’t be able to do this job as well as I have if not for the support of our library leadership team, Rachel Collins, Learning and Development Supervisor, and Sonja Somerville, Programming and Outreach Supervisor.

Esqueda’s first months presented their fair share of challenges, as she and her team addressed the impact of the City’s budget shortfall on the Library.

“As we navigate the current budget and revenue challenges, I am committed to optimizing our services to ensure that we are making the greatest impact and using our library’s strategic plan as our guide,” she said. “I will continue my efforts to overcome these hurdles and provide the community the best service possible with our current resources.”

# # #

Block 50 Conceptual Image
Block 50 Conceptual Image
Salem Selects Development Partners for Downtown BLOCK 50 Project (Photo) - 02/23/24

City to Partner with Edlen & Co. and deChase Miksis

Salem, Ore. – Salem has chosen development team partners Edlen & Co. and deChase Miksis for the redevelopment of a premier property located in downtown Salem. Coined as BLOCK 50, the block is one of the largest remaining undeveloped properties in downtown Salem. The property includes three lots bounded by Front St., Commercial St., Chemeketa St. and an ODOT access road. 

“Developing BLOCK 50 is a milestone for our downtown revitalization. It’s an exciting project that I hope sparks even more development in the future. We are working tirelessly to support housing and economic development in this city, it’s great to see it pay off,” said Salem Mayor Chris Hoy.

The concept for the site is a mixed-use development that includes two phases of blended market rate and affordable multi-family housing with retail and public space. Edlen & Co and deChase Miksis have a long history of joint venture mixed-use development in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Their team brings decades of urban mixed-use development and operating experience and a long track record of successfully completing public-private partnerships. 

“This is a key site within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area and the acquisition, site preparation, and redevelopment of the property has been a goal of the Downtown Advisory Board for nearly a decade. It’s both exciting and rewarding to see their vision move from concept to reality, and for our urban renewal program to bring new life and opportunity to this area,” said Kristin Retherford, Salem Community Planning and Development Director. 

Redevelopment goals for the site include serving as a catalyst and model for the revitalization and redevelopment of underutilized sites in downtown and as a model of mixed-use, mixed income housing development in downtown Salem that includes public open space and takes into consideration site proximity to the Downtown Historic District, Riverfront Park, and the Capitol.

Between 2019 and 2021, the Salem Urban Renewal Agency used tax increment funds (TIF) to purchase underutilized buildings formerly owned by the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, Saffron Building Supply, and ABC Music. In 2023, the buildings were demolished in accordance with historic and archaeological requirements. The City of Salem issued a request for letters of interest in August of 2023 and the Edlen & Co. deChase Miksis team was selected based on alignment with redevelopment goals/vision for the sites. 

Additional information about the Block 50 project is available at www.cityofsalem.net/Block50 or by calling 503-540-2495.

# # #

Attached Media Files: Block 50 Conceptual Image
Mayor Hoy Convenes Community Conversation on Violence Reduction - 02/23/24

Salem, Ore.Salem Mayor Chris Hoy, a retired undersheriff with thirty years of experience in law enforcement, has partnered with Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack to launch the Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI) to address the rise in violent crime in Salem. 

“We need to come together to address this growing problem,” Hoy said. “It will take a united community effort to develop meaningful prevention and response strategies.”

The rise in shootings in Salem and the longer-term upward trend of violent crime are issues that have impacted the entire city. For Salem police officers and staff, there is no higher priority than the protection of life and physical safety within our community.

This is the first of several conversations that will take place this year to build strong partnerships with community leaders, organizations, and residents to understand why we are experiencing community violence and what we can do to address it.

CVRI Kick-Off Meeting Goals

  • Develop a broad base of understanding and knowledge about violence in our city.
  • Learn about what Salem Police and the City of Salem are doing to address this issue.
  • Gain support in creating and implementing an intervention strategy.

 

Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI)

Community Conversation

Wednesday, March 6

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

East Salem Community Center

1850 45th Ave NE

Salem Parks and Recreation Board Approves Funding for 12 Park Enhancement Projects - 02/22/24

  • Neighborhood Associations submitted 12 qualifying applications for park enhancements.
  • Selected projects include activity equipment, invasive plant removal and pollinator garden, and information kiosks.

Salem, Ore. – A record number of parks in the City of Salem will benefit from amenities and enhancements approved through the Salem Parks Improvement Fund (SPIF). The program was established in 2006 to give neighborhood associations the ability to recommend improvements to local parks. 

“I’m really excited to see so many applications this year from across the City,” said Dylan McDowell, Vice Chair of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “SPIF funding allows the City to support projects that really meet the needs of the local users, whether that is fitness and sports equipment, benches, or new artwork.” 

Each year, Neighborhood Associations across the City submit proposals for new park enhancements. The program annually awards up to $60,000 from the General Fund to be used over the next two years.  Projects require matching funds and need to align with the Comprehensive Park System Master Plan. 

Qualifying projects include: 

  • Fairmount Park: Mutt Mitt Dispenser and Invasive Species Removal
  • Richmond Park: Multi-generational Fitness Equipment
  • Englewood Park: Invasive Plant Removal/Pollinator Garden
  • McRae Park: Soccer Goals
  • Sunnyslope Park: Pickleball Court Striping and GaGa Pit
  • Secor Park: GaGa Pit
  • Lansing Park: Sports Benches and Picnic Tables
  • Pringle Pathway to Riverfront: Bench
  • Fairview Park: Information Kiosk
  • Edgewater Parkway: Park Sign, Garbage Receptacles, and Information Kiosk
  • Nelson Park: Information Kiosk
  • Northgate Park: Painted Art Fence Enhancement

SPIF proposals are reviewed by City staff for feasibility and to ensure they meet the master plan requirements. Members of the Salem Parks and Recreation Board, Salem Parks Foundation, and Salem Parks Planning and Operation staff then serve on the SPIF review committee to make the final selections. The neighborhood associations work with the City on delivering the project and are expected to contribute supplemental funding and in-kind support in many cases to make the projects a reality. 

For more information on the SPIF program to support Salem area parks, contact Jennifer Kellar, Parks and Recreation Division Manager.