Action Plan for the Portland Road Corridor

FOR AGENCY MEETING OF:
AGENDA ITEM NO.:
November 17, 2014
4.3 (b)
TO:
THROUGH:
FROM:
J HN H. WALES, DIRECTOR
URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT:
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR THE PORTLAND ROAD
CORRIDOR LOCATED IN THE NORTH GATEWAY URBAN
RENEWAL AREA
ISSUE:
Should the Agency approve the scope of work for the Portland Road Corridor Strategic
Action Plan, intended to identify and prioritize investment opportunities and needs in the
Portland Road corridor of the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area?
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the scope of work for the Portland Road Corridor Strategic Action Plan,
intended to identify and prioritize investment opportunities and needs in the Portland
Road corridor of the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area (North Gateway URA).
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
The North Gateway U RA Plan was adopted by the City Council on December 10, 1990,
with the goal of eliminating blight and depreciating property values in the more than 900
acre area (Attachment 1). Since 1990 approximately $53 million in Urban Renewal
Agency funding has been invested in the North Gateway URA, including for the
completion of Bill Frey. Drive, Blossom Avenue, Hyacinth Avenue intersection
improvements, construction of Portland Road improvements between Sunnyview Road
and the railroad underpass north of Pine Street, and support for the Hollywood Station
Redevelopment and Salem Center 50+.
In 2004, the largest taxpayer in the North Gateway URA, SUMCO, left the area,
reducing the tax increment available to fund future projects identified in the North
Gateway URA Plan. Since 2009 the Urban Renewal Agency direction has been to
dedicate future North Gateway URA funds to the second phase of Portland Road
improvements , from the railroad underpass to Hyacinth Street.
Strategic Action Plan for the Portland Road Corridor Located in the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area
For Council meeting of November 17, 2014
Page 2 of 3
Since the Portland Road Master Plan was adopted by the Council on October 9, 2000 ,
several regulation changes have increased the scope and cost of the second phase of
Portland Road improvements. Beginning in November 2013 several meetings with the
North Gateway Redevelopment Advisory Board (Advisory Board) and the Urban
Renewal Agency occurred to discuss the policy and priorities in the North Gateway
URA, including reviewing the original intent and projected costs of the Portland Road
improvements.
On October 10, 2014 , Agency Board member Dickey initiated a motion directing staff to
create an investment strategy for the Portland Road corridor, "that prioritizes the use of
funds on opportunities that maximize private investment, job creation, and economic
vitality in the area and leverages other local, state, and federal resources" (Attachment
2) . The Strategic Action Plan for the Portland Road Corridor will likely be completed
over the next six to nine months and evaluate the following needs and opportunities:
• neighborhood livability;
• real estate market conditions;
• prioritize transportation needs (including for Portland Road);
• opportunity sites, possible partners, and catalytic development concepts; and
• financial incentives and creative funding to encourage development.
At their meeting on November 6, 2014, the North Gateway Redevelopment Advisory
Board voted to support the Portland Road Corridor Strategic Action Plan (Action Plan)
(Attachment 3) .
The Action Plan is consistent with Section 608.B identified in the North Gateway URA
Plan project which allows for economic feasibility and market studies, redevelopment
planning studies, cost estimates, and related analysis. Several elements of the Action
Plan scope are also identified in the North Gateway URA Plan, including Portland Road
improvements. Implementation of other Action Plan recommendations may require
future amendments to the North Gateway URA Plan.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Approximately $22 million is available to fund projects in the North Gateway URA. The
funding available falls short of that needed to complete all of the remaining projects
identified in the Plan , including the second phase of Portland Road improvements. Input
received to date from the Advisory Board, North Gateway Neighborhood Association ,
Highland Neighborhood Association, and other stakeholders, reiterates the continued
importance of the Portland Road corridor (Attachment 4) to the surrounding
neighborhood.
The Action Plan will help identify and prioritize future North Gateway URA expenditures
that address the needs and opportunities of the area. Strategic Action Plans have been
completed in the Riverfront Downtown URA and West Salem URA to confirm and
prioritize urban renewal area investments over a 5-20 year period . In recent years the
Strategic Action Plan for the Portland Road Corridor Located in the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area
For Council meeting of November 17, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Riverfront Downtown Action Plan and Edgewater-Second Street Action Plan have
informed annual budget recommendations and guided the activity of the urban renewal
area advisory boards in those areas. The Action Plan will be informed by ongoing input
from the Advisory Board, Highland Neighborhood Association, Northgate Neighborhood
Association, area businesses and residents, and real estate and development
professionals.
Next Steps
If the Agency approves of the Action Plan tonight, staff will initiate an outreach strategy
to communicate information to the public and solicit consultant expertise to support the
market assessment and transportation analysis tasks identified in the scope of work.
Staff will provide updates to the Agency and to the Advisory Board (at minimum) on a
quarterly basis and likely host two joint work sessions with the Agency and the Advisory
Board to discuss key findings. A project website, schedule, and other materials will be
finalized by January 2015. Recommendations from the Action Plan are anticipated in
summer 2015.
Attachment 1:
Attachment 2:
Attachment 3:
Attachment 4:
North Gateway URA Map
Board Member Dickey Motion
Draft Strategic Action Plan Scope
Correspondence Regarding North Gateway URA and Portland Road
Report Prepared by: Annie Gorski, Project Manager
G:\URBANDE\1\ADMINISTRATION\Final Council Staff Reports\2014\Nov 17\NG Action Plan\NGURA Action Plan_Nov172014.docx
ATTACHMENT 1
North Gateway Urban Renewal Area
City of Salem Urban Development Department
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ATTACHMENT 2
FOR AGENCY MEETING: OCTOBER 13, 2014
AGENDA ITEM:
l) (a)
TO:
URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
FROM:
MEMBER DIANA DICKEY, WARD 5
SUBJECT:
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR THE PORTLAND ROAD CORRIDOR
IN THE NORTH GATEWAY URBAN RENEWAL AREA
MOTION:
I move that staff proceed with preparing a Strategic Action Plan within the Portland
RQad Corridor defined by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks on the west , Hyacinth Street
on the north , the eastern edge of the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area boundary on
the east and the Union Pacific Railroad over-crossing and Silverton Road on the south
as depicted in the attached map. The Strategic Action Plan should evaluate and include
the following :
1. Summarize existing conditions and prior plans/studies .
2. Develop and implement an outreach strategy.
3. Market analysis and opportunities/needs analysis .
4 . Gathering information on livability issues identified by property owners ,
businesses and residents through the public outreach process on issues such
as safety, connectivity , visual appearance and types of business desired to
inform the evaluation elements below.
5. Industrial , Commercial , and Professional business opportunities and
constraints analysis .
5
Identify opportunity sites , possible partners, and catalytic development
concepts .
7. Prioritize Transportation Infrastructure Projects .
8. Recommend financial incentives and other creative funding to encourage
redevelopment and partnerships .
9. Fmal Action Plan Recommendations and Report.
DISCUSSION:
1. The propo:;ed Portland Road Corridor Strategic Action Plan (Action Plan) will
serve as an investment strategy that prioritizes the use of funds on opportunities
that maximize private investment, job creation, and economic vitality m the area
and leverages other local, state, and federal resources.
2. The Poriland Road Corridor has not seen private investment like other locations
with Salem . The Action Plan will assist in determining if the market is a major
barrier to redevelopment in the Portland Road Corridor or are other factors
limiting redevelopment?
3. The Portland Road Corridor is well served by transportation infrastructure,
including rail access, transit service and access to Interstate 5. How can we
strengthen these assets to utilize/market them as assets and opportunities?
4. How can we start to create an identity for the area that fits the
needs/opportunities of the area and generates market interest while addressing
community desires?
ATTACHMENT 3
NORTH GATEWAY URA
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN FOR THE PORTLAND ROAD CORRIDOR
DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK
Context and Purpose
The proposed North Gateway Strategic Action Plan (Action Plan) will serve as an investment strategy that prioritizes the
use of funds on opportunities that maximize private investment, job creation, and economic vitality in the area and
leverages other local, state, and federal resources. The geographic focus for the Action Plan is on the Portland Road
Corridor, as defined by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks on the west, Hyacinth Street on the north, the eastern edge of
the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area boundary on the east and the Union Pacific Railroad over-crossing and Silverton
Road on the south (see attached map).
Scope Elements
•
Task 1 -Identify and prioritize ways to improve neighborhood livability- Identify and prioritize issues and
recommendations defined by property owners, businesses and residents. Issues may include but are not limited
to safety, connectivity, visual appearance, and desired business types.
•
Task 2- Summarize existing conditions and prior plans/studies
•
Task 3- Develop and implement an outreach strategy -Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach
strategy for the Action Plan, including ongoing communication with the NGRAB, Agency Board, neighborhood,
business groups, and other key stakeholders.
•
Task 4- Market analysis and opportunities/needs analysis- Analyze market conditions, opportunities, and
needs in and adjacent to the Portland Road Corridor, including for new housing, commercial and retail
development, industrial uses, and other creative development opportunities. The market analysis will be
informed by interviews, surveys, and other outreach.
•
Task 5 -Industrial, commercial, and professional business opportunities and constraints analysis- This task
will be supported by information from interviews with existing businesses, brokers, and investors in the area .
This task includes evaluation of industrial and commercial buildings in the area.
•
Task 6 -Identify opportunity sites, possible partners, and catalytic development concepts- Recommend
opportunity sites where purchase/assembly by the Agency or private developer may trigger catalytic projects
and identify any URA funding or support, partners, and development concepts that could be utilized.
•
Task 7- Prioritize Transportation Infrastructure Issues -Review priorities identified in the adopted
Transportation System Plan and transportation issues identified within and adjacent to the Portland Road
corridor, including review of modified improvements to Portland Road, north of Pine Street . Transportation
issues will be prioritized based on how they address market challenges and neighborhood and community
needs.
October 30, 2014 DRAFT
•
Task 8- Recommend financial incentives and other creative funding to encourage redevelopment Recommend financial incentives that can be developed to address needs/opportunities identified through the
Action Plan and to spur redevelopment .
•
Task 9- Prepare Action Plan Recommendations and Report -Prepare a draft and final report that summarizes
the above tasks and findings, along with key recommendations, cost estimates, and phasing for URA (and other)
investments, over the near, mid, and long term. Report will identify the anticipated economic and
neighborhood impact and return on investment of each of the recommendations .
Key Study Questions:
1. The Portland Road Corridor has not seen private investment like other locations with Salem. The Action Plan will
assist in determining if the market is a major barrier to redevelopment in the Portland Road Corridor or are other
factors limiting redevelopment?
2.
The Portland Road Corridor is served by key transportation infrastructure, including rail access, transit service
and access to Interstate 5. How can existing infrastructure be strengthened to utilize/market as assets and
opportunities?
3. How can we start to create an identity for the area that fits the needs/opportunities of the area and generates
market interest while addressing community desires?
October 30, 2014 DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 3
North Gateway Urban Renewal Area
City of Salem Urban Development Department
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ATTACHMENT 4
Portland Road - Key Actions and Dates
City Council action creates the North Gateway URA, December 10, 1990
Original NGURA Plan objectives included but are not limited to:
• Enhancing opportunities for residentia l, civic , cultural , business and tourist-related property to be
developed , redeveloped , improved , rehabilitated and conserved
• Upgrading the amenities of public and private streets serving industrial , comme rcial and residenti al
sectors of the Urban Renewal Area
• Protecting the livability of the residential neighborhoods
• Placing underground overhead utilities that are located in areas of maximum pedestrian and
vehicular traffic, with emphasis in the Portland Road Corridor
• Improving the visual appearance , capacity and traffic flow of streets
• Cooperating and assisting owner participants in the rehabilitation of their bu ildings and property
City Council adopts the Salem Industrial/ Northgate Area Local Access and Circulation Study
(SINALACS), May 3, 1999
• A traffic circulation and land use study for the north area , including a two mile stretch of Portland
Road . Recommendations included changes in land use, including creation of several mixed use
overlay zones in the area .
City issues notice to proceed to Otak to complete the "Portland Road Streetscape Improvement
Project," including development of a master plan, December 28, 1999
Transportation Growth Management grant secured to follow up on SINALACS Study
• Economic analysis and profile for the area completed
• Land use feasibility analysis conducted to pursue mixed-used districts at key intersections and
support additional retail uses
• Enhanced design guidelines and standards created to encourage development in mixed use nodes
and complement the planned Portland Road improvement project
Public open house to review Portland Road Master Plan, March and May 2000
• A summary of survey responses is contained in the Portland Road Concept Design Report.
Additional public input was sought on specific design elements and street furniture through a series
of driving and walking tours .
NGRAB approved the Portland Road Master Plan, June 29, 2000
• NGRAB recommended pursuing design and construction of the middle and northern phases of the
Portland Road project.
Council staff report for Portland Road Master Plan (Concept Design Report), October 2, 2000
• Staff report included several attachments , including cost estimates , support letters, and other
documentation . City Council did not approve of the Master Plan on the 2nd , but deferred to October
9, 2000
Responses to City Council Q & A and adoption of Portland Road Master Plan, October 9, 2000
• Staff returned with responses to questions from October 2nd _ The Council records show that they
approved of the plan on October 9, 2000 , with several amendments
Updated September 17, 2014
Portland Road Phase I Construction, 2002- 2004
• Utilities undergrounded from Sunnyview Road to the railroad underpass, north of Pine Street
• Improvements to Portland/Fairgrounds Road "" and completion of the Pine Street realignment
Largest taxpayer in NGURA (SUMCO) leaves, thereby reducing tax increment collections, 2004
NGRAB review of project priorities, October 2007- March 2009
• NGRAB spent several meetings reviewing and discussing project priorities, including reviewing
projects in the URA Plan and discussing new ones
FY 09-10 NGURA budget recommendation to pay off debt in support of Portland Road Phase II
• NGRAB recommends to Agency Board that remaining funds be used to pay off debt and that no
short term debt be issued to allow for Portland Road Phase II funding , April 2009
• Adopted FY 09-10 NGURA budget includes funding for projects utilizing cash on hand from
previous bond issuances and leaves unspecified funds held in reserve for Portland Road Phase II
Informational Council staff report regarding the status of the Portland Road project, June 8, 2009
NGRAB recommends purchase of remaining right of way needed for Portland Road Phase II, July
2, 2009
Council approves $400,000 for purchase of right of way to support Portland Road Phase II, July 13,
2009
•
Funding was to purchase the remaining five properties and temporary construction easements
needed for the project
Agency Board work session to evaluate URA priorities, November 2013
• Agency Board direction to evaluate NGURA priorities with NGRAB, including consideration of the
Portland Road Phase II project
Meetings with NGRAB to review URA priorities, November 2013- February 2014
• December 5: Reviewed prior NGRAB priorities, including 2003 Portland Road Phase II design ,
cost, and status
• December 19: Reviewed objectives for Portland Road; discussed other potential projects
• January 16: Confirmed approach to pursuing revised Portland Road scope and exploring other
economic incentives in the area. NGRAB motion states, "Advise the Agency to look at options,
including an RFP, along with making changes to the original Portland Road Improvement Project
Plan."
Agency Board work session to present NGRAB recommendation, February 10, 2014
• Agency Board direction to explore other actions that spur private investment and job creation in the
entire URA and pursue an action plan that prioritizes investments, given the $22 M available.
NGRAB meeting to present draft NGURA Action Plan for review/feedback- June 5, 2014
• Presented draft Action Plan scope which included evaluation of options for Portland Road and
other projects in the URA; NGRAB made a motion to , "reject the scope of the Action Plan as
written because it fails to recognize the importance of the Portland Road Phase II corridor
geographic area, specifically the railroad underpass, the Epping property site, access to the Kroc
Center, and the Claggett Creek pedestrian access."
Updated September 17, 2014
FOR AGENCY MEETING OF:
AGENDA ITEM NO.:
May 12, 2014
5 (b)
ISCAL YEAR 2013-14 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
UPDATE: AGENCY BOARD WORK SESSIONS, MAKE IT IN
WILLAMETTE VALLEY GRANT, AND BUSINESS RETENTION
EFFORTS
ISSUE:
A quarterly update on economic development activities for the third quarter of Fiscal
Year 2013-14.
RECOMMENDATION:
Information only.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Salem 2013-2015 Council Goals address a variety of topics, including
economic development. The Council's economic development goal is to "initiate and
pursue economic development strategies and appropriate funding for strategies that
place emphasis on attracting and retaining jobs and strengthening the economic
prosperity for Salem residents and businesses." The City's economic development goal
is strengthened by projects and funding within Salem's seven urban renewal areas.
The urban renewal areas each have a unique focus, but were generally created to
remove blight and declining property values and to attract more jobs and private
investment.
Members of the City Council have asked the Urban· Development Department to provide
quarterly updates on economic activities. The last report was provided on January 27,
2014. This quarterly report focuses on current and planned urban renewal area
activities, as well as activities that support retention and expansion of Salem
companies. The City and Agency rely on partnerships with many local, regional , and
state organizations, including SEDCOR, the Willamette Valley Council of Governments,
and Business Oregon, to strengthen economic activity in the City and region .
Economic Development Activities Update
Page 1 of 4
May 12, 2014
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
From January to March 2014, the following economic development activities occurred:
•
Agency work sessions - A series of Agency Board work sessions occurred from
November 2014 through February 2014, to discuss the status, intent, available
funding, and future policy guidance for each of the City's urban renewal areas
(Attachment A). The guidance for each urban renewal area is summarized
below.
o Mill Creek Industrial Park Urban Renewal Area - continue to aggressively
market the site for development, in collaboration with the State of Oregon
(State), SEDCOR, Business Oregon and other partners, as well as
continued investments in infrastructure to make the property more
marketable, and to explore opportunities with the State to secure a master
developer for the site. This direction is consistent with a FY 13-15 Council
goal to "attract companies to the Mill Creek Corporate Center."
o
Fairview Urban Renewal Area - continue the Fairview Small Business Pilot
Loan Program to support job growth and private investment in the area.
o
McGilchrist Urban Renewal Area - pursue the design of the McGilchrist
Street improvements to be prepared to compete for future grants to fund
construction of the road. The Agency Board asked staff to consider other
needed road connection projects and whether it would be possible to
incorporate improvements to 22nd into upcoming amendments to the
Transportation Systems Plan. Additional outreach was completed with
businesses in the area confirming the need for the road and to address
flooding concerns in the area. Additional projects are on hold to focus on
the McGilchrist Street improvements.
o
North Gateway Urban Renewal Area - engage the North Gateway
Redevelopment Advisory Board (NGRAB) in a discussion of the Portland
Road Improvement Project scope and other possible projects to focus
future investment on job creation and return on investment. Following
input from the NGRAB, the Agency Board directed staff to not proceed
with the second phase of the Portland Road Improvement Project at this
time and instead to evaluate project priorities in the entire 900 acre area
that focus on maximizing private investment, job creation, and economic
vitality. This analysis will inform development of an action plan which
priorities the remaining $22M over the next several years.
o
Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Area - identify opportunities to
reduce vacancies and increase rent prices into the historic core, evaluate
opportunities to improve alleys, including encouraging use of alley
frontage, and modifying the "Toolbox" Grant Program to attract larger
projects with more private investment. Approval of the Riverfront
Downtown URA Capital Improvement Grant Program, replacing the
Economic Development Activities Update
Page 2 of 4
May 12, 2014
existing Riverfront Downtown URA Downtown Building Rehabilitation and
Restoration Interior and Exterior "Toolbox" Grant Program, is on the
Agency's agenda tonight.
o
West Salem Urban Renewal Area- continue investments in the West
Salem Business District Action Plan and in revising the Toolbox Grant
Program to encourage larger developments that bring new uses, more
jobs, and private investment to the area. The West Salem Business
District Action Plan, expected to conclude in fall 2014, will help prioritize
future urban renewal area funding in infrastructure, property
acquisition/support, and other capital projects in the commercial and
industrial areas of the district.
•
Oregon Legislative Session- Staff reviewed nine bills in the 2014 legislative
session and provided written testimony on two of those, House Bill 4041 and
House Bill4141. The bills identified were consistent with the Council's economic
development legislative priorities.
•
Business Retention and Expansion- Henningsen Cold Storage Company and
NORPAC Foods, Inc. concluded exterior construction of their new facilities in
April 2014; overall completion is expected by early summer. Garmin AT, Inc.
continues with the construction of their new building. When complete, these
companies will have invested over $40,000,000 and added approximately 200
jobs. The Enterprise Zone program was influential in helping these firms
determine to locate and expand in Salem. Enterprise Zone incentives provide
three to five years of property tax abatement for eligible traded sector businesses
and support the City's business retention and expansion efforts. An eligible firm
must make new investment in a building or equipment located in Salem's
Enterprise Zone to qualify.
o
•
From January 1, 2014, to March 30,2014, Enterprise Zone applications
were received from three Salem firms, West Salem Machinery, The
Traditional Company (Wandering Angus), and FedEx, that anticipate
adding more than $6,200,000 in private investment with new equipment
and processes and five new full-time jobs.
Made in America Grant- In October 2013 the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of
Governments, SEDCOR, and Job Growers, Inc. received a $2,003,000 Make it in
America Challenge grant to support and expand manufacturing activity in Marion,
Polk, and Yamhill counties. Funding will be used to support the "Make it in the
Willamette Valley" project, a collaborative effort that will focus on workforce
development and training, technical assistance, and outreach over the next three
years. The first phase began in April 2014 and includes identifying opportunities
to strengthen regional assets and to fill gaps in the supply chain for existing
manufacturers. A third party vendor was selected to lead this component of the
project. A manufacturing support team will also provide on-site assistance for
Economic Development Activities Update
Page 3 of 4
May 12, 2014
firms positioned to grow. The market research and outreach will help guide the
City's economic development activities by providing additional information about
the needs and opportunities of Salem's manufacturing sector. Salem
manufacturing firms are expected to benefit from the assistance.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to return with economic development activity updates on a quarterly
basis.
Attachment: URA Guidance Summary
Report prepared by: Annie Gorski, Project Manager
G:\URBANDEV\ADMINISTRATION\Final Council Staff Reports\2014\May 12\ED Quarterly\EDUpdate_May 2014.docx
Economic Development Activities Update
Page 4 of 4
May 12, 2014
For Urban Renewal Agency Work Sessions
November 18, 2013, January 13, 2014, and February 10, 2014
North Gateway Urban Renewal Area
Established
•
•
•
1990
$75M in maximum indebted ness
926 Acres
Intent
•
Stimulate private development and building rehabilitation, Improve
infrastructure
Status
•
$22M remaining in maximum indebtedness, collecting tax increment
Portland Road improvement project (north of railroad underpass to
Hyacinth) has been priority for remaining funding since 2008
Current $26M+ cost estimate for Portland Road exceeds URA funding
capacity; project scope must be revised
$900,000 allocated for design of project in FY 2013 -14
•
•
Estimated Funding
Available for Pay-AsYou-Go Projects
Current Issues/
Policy Questions
•
•
As much as $4M (FY 2014-15)
Policy Questions
0
Pursue NGRAB recommendation to develop a revised scope for the
Portland Road project and identify other incentives to spur job
creation and private investment along Portland Road?
Continue grant and loan program 7
0
Explore other actions to spur private investment and job creation,
0
beyond the Portland Road corridor?
Advisory Board?
•
•
Policy Direction
•
•
Yes
Agency provides guidance through Urban Renewal Agency budget
Pursue NGRAB's recommendation to develop a revised scope for Portland
Road and identify other incentives to spur job creation and private
investment
Work with NGRAB on a more regular basis to pursue the above actions;
come back to the Agency Board with formal recommendations
ATTACHMENT A
High Ia
Neighborhood
Association l_I.-E~~~. . . .,~~. ...._
Dear Mayor Peterson and Salem City Councilors:
The Highland Neighborhood Association supports moving forward with safety and aesthetic
improvements to Portland Road between the ra ilroad underpass and Hyacinth Street, consistent
with the mission statement of the North Gateway Urban Renewal Plan .
This urban renewal area exists due to the hard work of Highland and Northgate neighborhood
stakeholders. A quarter-century ago , neighbors grew tired of high crime, depreciating property
values and a general sense that the Fairgrounds/Portland Road corridor was suffering from
neglect and blight.
Due to the joint efforts of our neighborhoods and the North Gateway Redevelopment Advisory
Board, the Highland neighborhood has benefited both economically and socially. The
infrastructure and beautification efforts paid for by our urban renewal dollars - including a
special levy imposed on many of our properties - attracted millions of dollars in private
investment: Walgreens, multiple Salem Clinic expansions, and the Hollywood Station
development, anchored by Center 50+, a first-class facility for our older residents, have been
welcomed by our neighborhoods and the entire community. Despite a debilitating recession ,
Fairgrounds Road became more attractive to small and large business as a direct result of
urban renewal improvements.
However, our neighborhood is still constrained economically due to the fact that the entrance to
North Salem - Portland Road through the Highland neighborhood - continues to look and feel
dirty and unsafe. Underutilized buildings, blight and unsafe pedestrian/bicycle conditions are
immediately apparent upon entering the neighborhood in the Portland Road Railroad Underpass
area . It certainly does not help Highland when Portland Road , in its current state, is the first area
visitors see upon entering the city. Additionally, many Latino neighbors have voiced fear when
their families have no alternative to using the unsafe and unsanitary walkways in the Portland
Road Railroad Underpass. Furthermore, a clean , safe entryway into Salem benefits the entire
community: Perception matters. Given the fact that the urban renewal area is already $7 million
short in funding to keep the promise made to Portland Road businesses and residents , we
oppose any efforts to divert funding to other projects.
Highland and Northgate spoke with one voice when we insisted that North Salem matters. We
speak with one voice today when we ask for what all of us have paid for- a transformed
entryway into North Salem , an inviting area for investment and a safe, clean place to raise our
families .
Thank you for your consideration and for your service to Salem ,
Steve Emerson , Co-Chair Highland Neighborhood Association
Meri Patterson , Co-Chair Highland Neighborhood Association
RESOLUTION
Northgate Neighborhood Association, Salem, OR
This matter came before the Northgate Neighborhood Association at its meeting on April 8, 2014:
Whereas, the Northgate Neighborhood Association (NNA) was instrumental in the creation and
direction ofthe North Gateway Urban Renewal Area (NGURA);
Whereas, Portland Road is a heavily-used arterial entering Oregon's capital city and the primary
street serving the Northgate neighborhood;
Whereas, revitalizing Portland Road was the primary reason the NGURA was created;
Whereas, Portland Road south ofthe railroad underpass has been transformed by sidewalk
replacement, street medians, undergrounded utilities, Center 50+ and resulting private
development;
Whereas, Portland Road north of the freeway has seen very few improvements since the
creation of the NGURA, remaining visually unattractive and in need of aesthetic investment;
Whereas, Portland Road has higher business vacancy rates than other areas of Salem;
Whereas, pedestrian connectivity on Portland Road is severely lacking, creating a particular
danger for children, the elderly and the disabled in an area with the highest density of
transportation-disadvantaged residents in the city;
Whereas, community members and the urban renewal district invested heavily to attract the
Kroc Center, and expect the surrounding area to be welcoming and safe to walk, bike and drive;
Whereas, Portland Road area improvements have been planned for two decades, and businesses
and residents have made investments based on the Portland Road improvement plan;
Whereas, improving quality of life is the most effective way to achieve lasting economic vitality
on Portland Road and raise property values in and around the NGURA;
Whereas, helping protect the safety of residents and businesses will attract more investment;
Whereas, some of the funding can be used to acquire the Epping property on Portland Road as
the site of the next police facility with complementary private development similar to the
development of Hollywood Station.
Whereas, the urban renewal district has approximately $22 million in funding available for the
purposes agreed upon by the Salem City Council, community residents, and affected taxing
districts;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northgate Neighborhood Association supports
investing the funds available for the NGURA on improving quality of life, economic opportunity
and aesthetics along unimproved areas of Portland Road within area boundaries.
Page 1 of2
Annie Gorski - North Gateway URA Strategic Plan
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
CC:
Rick <rick.stucky@}gmail.com>
John Wales <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>
5/30/2014 3:57PM
North Gateway URA Strategic Plan
Anna Peterson <[email protected]>, Linda Norris <lnorris@cityof...
North Gatway Board members, Salem City Council, City Staff:
As a former NGRAB member, area resident, Portland Road business employee and city councilor
representing the North Gateway UR Area (URA)I have a strong interest in the continued development
and improvement of the Portland Road area
For a historical perspective, the North Gateway URA has been doing what it was meant to do, revitaling
an area of urban blight. The southern portion of the URA, south ofthe railroad undercrossing was in
much the same state as the northern section. I remember organizing monthly litter pickups resulting in
mounds of sacked garbage and evidence of drug and sex trafficking. Much has changed for the positive
in the southern section by a combination of businesses' and residences' efforts, investment of urban
renewal funds, followed by private investments.
A decision was made prior to that transformation, due to limited funds, to concentrate the urban renewal
funds to revitalizing the southern section first, then the northern section once the tax increment funds
had built back up. As can be seen, the southern section has seen a vast improvement with the addition of
the street scape, medians, new housing, business complex, expansion of the medical facility, Rite Aide
and the new senior center.
The businesses and residents along the northern section, from the undercrossing to Hyacinth, to their
credit went along with that plan and have patiently waited for their tax increment dollars to be invested
in this section.
The north section has seen improvements, Bill Frey Drive, the Kroc Center, Catholic Community
Services' building to name a few. However, it's obvious the north section of Portland Road still has
needs and should be re-looked at in terms of what is needed to encourage private development. The new
strategic plan is a good idea, as long as it keeps the promise to the businesses and residents of this area
and doesn't divert funds away from providing the incentives needed for improving this section of
Portland Rd. Giving up and sending those scarce dollars to other areas that are seeing private investment
already is wrong, and breaks the promise that was made years ago to the businesses and residences of
Northgate.
The goal of urban renewal is to provide an incentive for economic development in blighted areas by
leading with public dollar investment. There are other sections of the URA that have been under utilized
but are now seeing economic development that is market driven, i.e. the new and current developments
along the Salem Parkway. Urban renewal public dollars should not be spent where market forces are
creating the economic improvements. Those public dollars should be spent in areas where incentives are
needed to bring in private dollars. To do otherwise is a tragic misuse of those scare public funds .
file: ///C:/Users/agorski/AppData/Locai/Temp/XPgrpwise/5388AA 72GWC1 S-CIVIC 11 00 ...
5/30/2 014
Page 2 of2
As you put together a new strategic plan for the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area, continue to
prioritize the section of the URA between Hyacinth and the railroad undercrossing. By doing so you will
see the same type of return on your investment of public funds that you've seen in the southern section
and in the North Broadway area. Those are true successes in Salem ' s urban renewal program's history of
using public funds as incentives for private investment to eliminate urban blight. Public urban renewal
dollars should lead, not follow private dollars.
Sincerely,
Rick Stucky
PO Box 1711
Silverton, OR 97381
(please include this as part of the public comments for the URB and City Council on this issue.)
file: /1/C:/Users/agorski/ AppData/Local/Temp/XPgrpwise/5388AA 72GWC IS-CIVIC 11 00. ..
5/30/2014
lBR
lAT i na
ausiness l:llUance
The Latino Business Alliance voted at its April 29 , 20 14 meeting to support investing remaining
funds in the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area (NGURA) on Portland Road .
Unimproved areas of Portland Road within the NGURA continue to underperform economically.
As a whole , they continue to be cluttered and unattractive. The NGURA was specifically created
to alleviate these problems . Phase I of the Portland Road Improvement Project (PRIP) delivered
a substantial economic and social boost not only to Portland Road, but to the entire Highland
neighborhood.
Portland Road bus inesses and residents would especially benefit from consistent sidewalks ,
pedestrian med ians and area beautification . A safe, clean environment to walk, bike and drive is
a proven catalyst for economic development, and residential areas along the Portland Road
corridor have the highest percentage of transportation-disadvantaged people in the city.
In addition , area businesses have been unable to capitalize on the Kroc Center's traffic due to
inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and negative perceptions about safety and cleanliness .
Economic opportunity awaits us. Home sales are increasing in the Northgate neighborhood.
While Northgate still has a high crime rate, prevention efforts have made a huge difference.
Leaving th is vision incomplete would undermine decades of investment and hard work by the
city, residents and business owners .
The Portland Road promise was sold to the community, businesses and affected taxing
jurisdictions as an effective way to revitalize Salem 's north gateway. Breaking this promise
would undermine the city's credibility and send the message that low-income, majority-m inority
neighborhoods are not a priority for Salem's leaders.
We urge the Salem Urban Renewal Agency to keep its commitment to Portland Road by
spending the rema ining funds on improving economic opportunity, quality of life and aesthetics
on unimproved areas of Portland Road .
Thank you .
c
)~c~~\~
Jose Gonzalez
Board President
Latino Business Alliance
Direct: 503-851 -6582
Office: 503-741 9132
1605 Fairg ro unds Rd NE Salem OR 97301
www.latinobiza lliance .com
2921 Saddle Club St SE #1009
I Solem, OR 97317 • 503.315.2290 I 503.315.2424 FAX I www.monoomonofc.org
Extending a helping hand to the community since 1988
29 September 2014
Dear Mayor Peterson and Salem City Council:
RE: North Gateway Urban Renewal Area
I am writing to express Manoa Mana's support in continuing to invest in the North Gateway Urban Renewal
Area. Mana a Mano operates three resource centers in neighborhoods throughout Salem, and our main one is
located right in this neighborhood. This is our home, and we can't help but feel sad about Northgate/Portland
Road being areas that appear to be neglected.
While northeast Salem has the highest percentage of people without easy access to a vehicle in the city, the
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along Portland Road is insufficient and at times dangerous. To reach our
facility in the Northgate Center, families coming from the north must either walk in the dirt or dangerously
close to traffic due to the gaps in sidewalk coverage. This should not be an issue in an urban area on a major
corridor like Portland Road - especially when the city of Salem has funds readily available, yet to date has not
chosen to fix the problem.
The level of blight up and down Portland Road is deeply troubling. Over the last two decades, previous
administrations have failed to support community initiatives to bring much needed resources to this area . A
child born in 1990 - the year the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area was established - is now a 24-year-old
who perhaps has a family of his or her own. We are concerned that this promise, after all these years, may be
broken.
We at Manoa Mana support spending the remaining dollars in the North Gateway Urban Renewal Area on its
intended purpose: Revitalizing Portland Road through the Northgate neighborhood, lifting all boats by
creating a more inviting environment for business and a safer place to live, work and raise families for the
people who live here.
Thanks to the urban renewal levy, the funds are there to complete the Portland Road Phase II plan, which
aimed to make Portland Road cleaner, safer and pleasant. Please commit to seeing this project through.
Please commit to completing the project in the spirit of the Portland Road Phase II plan, which aimed to make
Portland Road cleaner, safer and pleasant. Thank you for your time.
If any additional information is required, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Levi Herrera-Lopez, Executive Director
[email protected]
Mayor Anna Peterson
Salem City Council
555 Liberty Street SE
Salem OR 97301
RE: North Portland Road Improvement
Dear Mayor Peterson and Salem City Council members:
The Salem/Keizer Coalition for Equality has invested in the communities ofNortheast Salem for 15
years advocating for an equal education for Latino children from immigrant Spanish speaking
families , and helping parents become involved in the educational success of their children . In thi s
process, Latino parents gain greater confidence and knowledge to take control of their family's
future.
In casual conversation for many years, our community has always recognized the reality of living on
the "Northside," literally on the other side of the railroad tracks. They understand that money is
power and that the majority of the Northeast Salem community is low income. But they also know
that it isn't right that city funds aren't dedicated to our area when they should be. This appeal is a
chance for you to prove to them you have the best interest of the Northeast Salem neighborhoods in
your collective hearts.
Not long ago, Portland Road was the "red light zone." Our neighborhood was unkempt, our
Northgate Park undeveloped, and many people still call it "the hood." So much has changed for the
better, and we have the Northgate Neighborhood Association and many volunteers, churches, donors
and nonprofit organizations to thank for all their work. We also must thank both the city of Salem
and the Police Department for their critically important contributions. But it's a shame that the North
Gateway Urban Renewal Plan that was started 25 years ago has not been completed . The parts that
were completed will soon need updating and repairs and the rest of the plan isn't even finished .
A lot of leverage against crime and for increased economic health has been lost during the interim. A
lot of leveraged goodwill and momentum is also lost when people don't see movement. Now is the
time to close the loop. I see blight creeping in again, graffiti on the rise, etc. and I think it is because
we haven't improved the whole region consistently. It is hard to keep a 10 block radius clean within a
larger circle of blight. Let's connect the dots and finish the projects and encourage our residents to
continue advocating for and volunteering for new projects.
Let's get Phase II done now.
Sincerely,
~"P~-A~
Lev/ ffer-r-er-a-Lopez
Annalivia Palazzo-Angulo, Executive Director
Levi Herrera, Interim Chair
Salem/Keizer Coalition for Equality
Location: 3850 Portland Road NE, Salem Oregon 97301
Mail : P.O. Box 4296, Salem Oregon 97302
Office : 503-363-8130 Cell: 503-949-8062
September 29, 2014
Mayor Anna Peterson
Salem City Council
555 Liberty Street SE
Salem OR 97301
RE: North Portland Road Improvement
Dear Mayor Peterson,
I am writing you today to urge you to put your attention and the money we deserve back into
Northgate area again. Our neighborhood has many beautiful spots and people all around me are
trying to keep things looking nice. Hallman Elementary School is very pretty in the middle of our
neighborhood in a woodsy setting, and is surrounded by very nice homes. But as soon as we all drive
8 blocks west, everything changes and it affects us daily.
Portland Road is in the 97301 zip code. According to http ://www.citv-data . com /zip~/97302 . html , this
zip code is the most densely populated area of the city with 53,000 people (one-third of Salem!) over
11.6 square miles-that's 4564 people per square mile, and is the 5 1h most populated zip code in
Oregon. In contrast, 97302 covers 23.6 square miles and has a population of about 38,000-about
1600 people per square mile. 97301 is heavily populated with low-income families and children.
Crime is high here in comparison to other parts of the city. When a tragedy struck my neighborhood
in 2009, many many people organized the entire city to fight to take back our park and
neighborhoods. Our mantra was "no ghettos in Salem."
It feels like we are waiting for another tragedy to strike to get serious about North Salem
improvement in the Portland Road area. As others have testified, there are many reasons why this is a
paramount issue and one that is absolutely favorable to everything you have promoted for our city.
The neighbors ofNorthgate Park have tremendous reasons and I know there is a story for every
single neighborhood that feeds into the North Portland Road area that would speak to the positive
changes in the quality of their lives if Portland Road was improved the way it was planned years ago.
My story starts 10 years ago on September 23, 2005, when Juan Carlos "Happy" Gabriel, a student at
Willamette Academy, was stabbed to death just two blocks from our family's new home. I still see
his elderly father selling his roses on the side of Portland Road each week. Then 5 years ago on May
26th, 2009, the terrible murder of Montez Bailey and injuring of Cameron and Skylar happened 100
yards behind my house in my beautiful park. The Northgate Neighborhood Association and many
volunteers and non profits, along with the city of Salem, have worked for years on changing the face
of this area after it was ravaged in the 90's by gangs and drugs.
We have made so many strides. When the long planned Kroc Center opened soon after Montez was
killed, many of the youth who hung out at the park got scholarship memberships at the Kroc and
began riding their bikes there instead. We have Marion Polk Food Share and the amazing community
gardens in the area. After the tragedy, people all over Salem committed to helping improve resources
available in this area to meet the needs of the underserved community and children . We saw the
beautiful new Bill Frey Drive go in, and the improvements south of Pine street go in, and we all
thought "we are next" those of us who live and work on Portland Road North. Instead, NOTHING
has changed since then.
The Mayor and City Council needs to take our community seriously. A lot of promises made have
never materialized. By not providing what is rightfully ours, you invalidate all the work we neighbors
and organizations have done to fight against crime and blight and bring resources into the area for the
children and youth.
The Kroc Center was supposed to bring new businesses. Everyone was SURE that a Starbucks would
go in! I can't get a good cup of coffee anywhere nearby without a ten minute detour-ten minutes I
don't have. I can't even get fast food when I really need it. I have to go a mile North, or a mile East
into heavy traffic to get these.
My daughter and husband love to ride bikes downtown, but the only way down Portland Road goes
through the underpass, which is filthy, wet and smells of pee. This splashes up on your bike tires.
Walking through there is scary. SKCE has families that walk clear from Pine Street with their
children, under the railroad underpass, to access our community center resources. Many neighbors
have voiced their fears for their families because they have no alternative transportation to walking or
riding the unsafe and unsanitary walkways in the Portland Road Railroad Underpass. The only other
way is to take a detour to Silverton Road, but that adds many blocks to the trip if walking. It is too
narrow to have a safe bike lane, and the sidewalks are small and old and not safe for bike riders and
pedestrians to share. Silverton Road is full of fast traffic all the time, with no middle lane. Many
accidents occur on that road so I don't want my daughter riding her bike that way.
Every single day for 10 years I have driven down Portland Road with disappointment, looking at the
environment. We have worked with many partners over the years since we moved here to make
Northgate Neighborhood a safe and beautiful place. It works against us to drive from our small but
nice-looking neighborhoods into a suddenly very ugly environment just a few blocks away. Roth's
IGA faithfully has kept its store in the far North of this neighborhood, even though it produces less
than its other locations. But it is all alone up there, and a huge expanse of wasteland must be
navigated before reaching the friendly corner of Portland Road and Hayesville.
Phase I of the Portland Road Improvement Project delivered substantial economic and social
improvements to the Southern part of Portland Road, from Pine Street on. But the second phase
never materialized. We want to know where the money went. This is causing a serious breach of
trust. Why haven't the promises given to us materialized?
And unfortunately, all of these stories have been fulfilling the predictions and proving the beliefs of
people of color that racism and injustice still exist within our city government, because, obviously,
people on the Northside have less political power and less money to "vote" with. Mayor Peterson, I
know you want to be remembered by Salemites as the inclusive mayor who strove to make sure that
the needs of all parts ofthe city were addressed.
Thank you!
Annalivia Palazzo-Angulo
Northgate Neighborhood resident and volunteer
To all interested individuals,
11/06/14
My name is James Firestone. My family and I own and have operated a small business on Portland Rd in
N.E. Salem for almost 40 years. We have seen many things change over the years. We have watched
friends and business associates come and go. We have also seen the constant battles within our
community over various issues such as livability, crime rate, prosperity, and the overall negative
perception of our N.E. Salem area. After nearly 40 years of working in and around this area, I believe
this is a good place to work and live. However the area has gotten a bad reputation, or at least the
perception that our area is unsafe and undesirable. I hope that we can move to change this perception .
I believe that community involvement and activities are the key to solving problems affecting any given
area . Activities such as community events which bring people together to get to know one another,
community policing where everyone is watching out for one another, and community retail events to
get outside residents to visit and buy goods and services from the neighborhood shops and restaurants,
which ultimately gets people more connected and familiar with any given area and its residents.
One of the things I think helps promote an area is to have a destination or attraction that draws people
from outside the community into the neighborhood. That could include a group of retail shops,
restaurants, brewery's, park, community area, or a local market. All of these things would help drive
further development and financial investment into an area ultimately improving the economy and
livability of the community as a whole.
I have had a thought for the past few years that I believe would bring the neighborhood together and
also alleviate an area that at times can be problematic, while also incorporating a beautiful space for
families and people in the community to utilize. My idea is to look into the plausibility of developing the
green space on Claggett Creek near Portland Road. This creek area and green space is currently
overgrown and unmaintained, and has been for as long as I've been alive. I think that it is a beautiful
area with a lot of potential, and would love to see what could be done to possibly develop this
underutilized space. The possibility of some low environmental impact running/walking trails
throughout this area with some benches and small picnic spots would greatly improve the
neighborhood. I believe that the people that live and work in the area would greatly benefit from this as
well as create a nice attraction for visitors from outside the area to use.
I know that there could be numerous obstacles and hurdles for this idea to become a reality. I am just
thankful that I am able to bring my idea to the table. Hopefully, people in and around the Salem area
can have an open discussion on the viability and interest in the development of a wonderful addition to
our community.
To summarize my idea, it would create a running-walking trail or series of trails, with some benches, and
small picnic areas along Claggett Creek. Potentially running from Hawthorne Ave. to Portland RD, and
hopefully all the way to Claggett Creek reservoir by the Kroc Center on Bill Frey Dr.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to express my idea. Hopefully it is of interest to the Salem
community and can bring some renewed life and a bright spot in our community that can be around for
many generations to enjoy.
Sincerely,
James Firestone
September 29, 2014
Mayor Anna Peterson
Salem City Council
555 Liberty Street SE
Salem OR 9730 I
RE: North Portland Road Improvement
Dear Mayor Peterson,
I am writing you today to urge you to put your attention and the money we deserve back into
Northgate area again. Our neighborhood has many beautiful spots and people all around me are
trying to keep things looking nice. Hallman Elementary School is very pretty in the middle of our
neighborhood in a woodsy setting, and is surrounded by very nice homes. But as soon as we all drive
8 blocks west, everything changes and it affects us daily.
Portland Road is in the 97301 zip code. According to http://www.citv-data .com/zips/97302.html, this
zip code is the most densely populated area ofthe city with 53 ,000 people (one-third of Salem!) over
11.6 square miles-that's 4564 people per square mile, and is the 5th most populated zip code in
Oregon. In contrast, 97302 covers 23.6 square miles and has a population of about 38,000-about
1600 people per square mile. 97301 is heavily populated with low-income families and children.
Crime is high here in comparison to other parts of the city. When a tragedy struck my neighborhood
in 2009, many many people organized the entire city to fight to take back our park and
neighborhoods. Our mantra was "no ghettos in Salem."
It feels like we are waiting for another tragedy to strike to get serious about North Salem
improvement in the Portland Road area. As others have testified, there are many reasons why this is a
paramount issue and one that is absolutely favorable to everything you have promoted for our city.
The neighbors ofNorthgate Park have tremendous reasons and I know there is a story for every
single neighborhood that feeds into the North Portland Road area that would speak to the positive
changes in the quality of their lives if Portland Road was improved the way it was planned years ago.
My story starts 10 years ago on September 23 , 2005, when Juan Carlos "Happy" Gabriel, a student at
Willamette Academy, was stabbed to death just two blocks from our family's new home. I still see
his elderly father selling his roses on the side of Portland Road each week. Then 5 years ago on May
26th, 2009, the terrible murder of Montez Bailey and injuring of Cameron and Skylar happened I 00
yards behind my house in my beautiful park. The Northgate Neighborhood Association and many
volunteers and non profits, along with the city of Salem, have worked for years on changing the face
of this area after it was ravaged in the 90's by gangs and drugs .
We have made so many strides. When the long planned Kroc Center opened soon after Montez was
killed, many of the youth who hung out at the park got scholarship memberships at the Kroc and
began riding their bikes there instead. We have Marion Polk Food Share and the amazing community
gardens in the area. After the tragedy, people all over Salem committed to helping improve resources
available in this area to meet the needs of the underserved community and children . We saw the
beautiful new Bill Frey Drive go in, and the improvements south of Pine street go in, and we all
thought "we are next" those of us who live and work on Portland Road North. Instead, NOTHING
has changed since then.
The Mayor and City Council needs to take our community seriously. A lot of promises made have
never materialized. By not providing what is rightfully ours, you invalidate all the work we neighbors
and organizations have done to fight against crime and blight and bring resources into the area for the
children and youth.
The Kroc Center was supposed to bring new businesses. Everyone was SURE that a Starbucks would
go in! I can't get a good cup of coffee anywhere nearby without a ten minute detour-ten minutes I
don't have. I can't even get fast food when I really need it. I have to go a mile North, or a mile East
into heavy traffic to get these.
My daughter and husband love to ride bikes downtown, but the only way down Portland Road goes
through the underpass, which is filthy, wet and smells of pee. This splashes up on your bike tires.
Walking through there is scary. SKCE has families that walk clear from Pine Street with their
children, under the railroad underpass, to access our community center resources. Many neighbors
have voiced their fears for their families because they have no alternative transportation to walking or
riding the unsafe and unsanitary walkways in the Portland Road Railroad Underpass. The only other
way is to take a detour to Silverton Road, but that adds many blocks to the trip if walking. It is too
narrow to have a safe bike lane, and the sidewalks are small and old and not safe for bike riders and
pedestrians to share. Silverton Road is full of fast traffic all the time, with no middle lane. Many
accidents occur on that road so I don't want my daughter riding her bike that way.
Every single day for 10 years I have driven down Portland Road with disappointment, looking at the
environment. We have worked with many partners over the years since we moved here to make
Northgate Neighborhood a safe and beautiful place. It works against us to drive from our small but
nice-looking neighborhoods into a suddenly very ugly environment just a few blocks away. Roth's
IGA faithfully has kept its store in the far North of this neighborhood, even though it produces less
than its other locations. But it is all alone up there, and a huge expanse of wasteland must be
navigated before reaching the friendly corner of Portland Road and Hayesville.
Phase I of the Portland Road Improvement Project delivered substantial economic and social
improvements to the Southern part of Portland Road, from Pine Street on. But the second phase
never materialized. We want to know where the money went. This is causing a serious breach of
trust. Why haven't the promises given to us materialized?
And unfortunately, all of these stories have been fulfilling the predictions and proving the beliefs of
people of color that racism and injustice still exist within our city government, because, obviously,
people on the Northside have less political power and less money to "vote" with. Mayor Peterson, l
know you want to be remembered by Salemites as the inclusive mayor who strove to make sure that
the needs of all parts ofthe city were addressed.
Thank you!
Annalivia Palazzo-Angulo
Northgate Neighborhood resident and volunteer
,.,
To all interested individuals,
11/06/14
My name is James Firestone. My family and I own and have operated a small business on Portland Rd in
N.E. Salem for almost 40 years. We have seen many things change over the years. We have watched
friends and business associates come and go. We have also seen the constant battles within our
community over various issues such as livability, crime rate, prosperity, and the overall negative
perception of our N.E. Salem area. After nearly 40 years of working in and around this area, I believe
this is a good place to work and live. However the area has gotten a bad reputation, or at least the
perception that our area is unsafe and undesirable. I hope that we can move to change this perception.
I believe that community involvement and activities are the key to solving problems affecting any given
area . Activities such as community events which bring people together to get to know one another,
community policing where everyone is watching out for one another, and community retail events to
get outside residents to visit and buy goods and services from the neighborhood shops and restaurants,
which ultimately gets people more connected and familiar with any given area and its residents.
One of the things I think helps promote an area is to have a destination or attraction that draws people
from outside the community into the neighborhood. That could include a group of retail shops,
restaurants, brewery's, park, community area, or a local market. All of these things would help drive
further development and financial investment into an area ultimately improving the economy and
livability of the community as a whole.
I have had a thought for the past few years that I believe would bring the neighborhood together and
also alleviate an area that at times can be problematic, while also incorporating a beautiful space for
families and people in the community to utilize. My idea is to look into the plausibility of developing the
green space on Claggett Creek near Portland Road . This creek area and green space is currently
overgrown and unmaintained, and has been for as long as I've been alive. I think that it is a beautiful
area with a lot of potential, and would love to see what could be done to possibly develop this
underutilized space. The possibility of some low environmental impact running/walking trails
throughout this area with some benches and small picnic spots would greatly improve the
neighborhood. I believe that the people that live and work in the area would greatly benefit from this as
well as create a nice attraction for visitors from outside the area to use.
I know that there could be numerous obstacles and hurdles for this idea to become a reality. I am just
thankful that I am able to bring my idea to the table. Hopefully, people in and around the Salem area
can have an open discussion on the viability and interest in the development of a wonderful addition to
our community.
To summarize my idea, it would create a running-walking trail or series of trails, with some benches, and
small picnic areas along Claggett Creek. Potentially running from Hawthorne Ave . to Portland RD, and
hopefully all the way to Claggett Creek reservoir by the Kroc Center on Bill Frey Dr.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to express my idea. Hopefully it is of interest to the Salem
community and can bring some renewed life and a bright spot in our community that can be around for
many generations to enjoy.
Sincerely,
James Firestone