Neighborhood News is a monthly Salem Reporter feature to highlight news or issues of concern to each Salem neighborhood association. Read previous editions here.
Salem is divided into 17 neighborhood associations that meet monthly. They serve as a conduit to city officials for things like park improvements, road projects and planning and building. Learn more and find your association here.
Leaders of each association are invited to submit a brief news item or report highlighting the association’s work, neighborhood concerns, upcoming activities or anything else of interest. Submissions are lightly edited for style and clarity.
CANDO and Faye Wright Neighborhood Association
CANDO and Faye Wright Neighborhood Association are currently seeking to grow their neighborhood association boards. Why does this matter to you? Neighborhood associations play a vital role in building strong, connected communities. By joining your local association, you contribute to efforts that improve safety, foster communication, and enhance the overall quality of life in your area. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect your neighborhood, from organizing events to advocating for local services. Plus, joining is a great way to meet your neighbors and work together for the common good.
If you’re looking for ways to get involved and make a difference in your community, joining CANDO or Faye Wright is a great first step! Do you live, work, or own property within the downtown district? Visit www.cityofsalem.net/cando and enter your address to learn if CANDO already represents you and to learn about upcoming meetings and contact information.
If you live, work or own property in the triangle of south Salem bordered by Southeast Commercial Street, South Liberty Road and Kuebler Boulevard, you’re already part of the Faye Wright association! Learn more here about joining and upcoming meetings.
-Submitted by Irma Coleman, city of Salem neighborhood program coordinator
Grant Neighborhood Association
This is how Zoom AI summarized our final meeting of 2024:
“… discussions on various neighborhood issues, including mental health services, police response, and beautification efforts … updates on local developments, such as the Cannery project … and proposed new initiatives like a Neighborhood Watch program and a beautification award. The conversation ended with a vote on a postcard design and an announcement about the next North Neighborhoods Community Partnership team meeting (Wed. Dec. 11 at Miller’s BBQ.)“
Not bad! There were also discussions about drones, speeding cars on D Street, serious concerns about the impact of a warming center in the neighborhood, alley murals, new neighbor welcome packets, and CERT. SPD Officer Jantz gave is a rundown on safety for the holidays and foiling porch pirates. And we lauded our longtime chair in a “Great Grant Story” about his two page spread interview in Press Play Salem.
Minutes from the December meeting will be posted before the Jan. 2 meeting. Find the location and link to our hybrid meetings on the GNA website and in the GNA newsletter.
For more community news, follow GNA on Instagram and Facebook.
–Submitted by Susan Napack, vice chair
Highland Neighborhood Association
As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share meaningful ways to connect, give back, and come together as a community this December and beyond!
Monthly Meeting – Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us at the North Neighbors Resource Center (945 Columbia St NE, Salem) for our final meeting of the year. We’ll discuss neighborhood updates, ongoing projects, and opportunities to connect with our community.
Gifts & Goodies – Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Center 50+
Support our seniors this holiday season! Bring unwrapped gifts or wrapping supplies and join us in wrapping gifts for seniors in care facilities and those who are homebound. While you’re here, decorate cookies to take home or share with neighbors. Gift ideas include cozy blankets, warm socks, puzzle books, and more. Donations can be dropped off at Center 50+ in advance or brought to the event.
Salem Peace Walk – Thursday, Jan, 25
Save the date for our January Peace Walk! This community gathering aims to bring neighbors together to reflect and inspire hope for the year ahead. Stay tuned for route details, and email us at [email protected] if you’d like to help with planning.
–Submitted by Ryan Erickson-Kulas, secretary
Northgate Neighborhood Association
More to show of the art mural at Northgate Park. After all, there are 35 panels of each 8 feet long, painted with Oregon wildlife in the spring.
The mother cougar above and the male below.
We heard our state representative, Kevin Mannix will be serving us again. We have many tasks for him to conquer. We have a new project with him regarding the homeless problems. We want to help these unfortunate people as well as our community. We go to him as he is a problem solver.
Salem police Chief Trevor Womack is working with the City budget team to not lose the Graffiti Abatement Team. This important crew can be cut off in the near future. This link will take you to the budget committee page and has information on how to provide your testimony. It also gives a list of budget committee meeting dates/times which are coming up. You can attend any of these meetings, or they are streamed online.
Our Community Liaison Chair Jess Cruz is always looking for new members to join at our monthly remote meetings every third Thursday starting January. Our discussions range from homeless people to land use, crime and other topics. Please email him at [email protected] Those who live or work in Northgate are automatically members. But we welcome you all!
-Submitted by Kaethe Mentrum, secretary/park chair
Northeast Neighbors
December meeting canceled
NEN’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Rob Romanek, city of Salem parks planning manager. Please see our website, NortheastNeighbors.org for more information.
Camas & wildflower meadow planting
Native wildflowers will be planted in Englewood Park on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to join us and be part of a new colorful meadow. Stop by to plant a bulb or stay longer to help support the Pollinator Garden. Many thanks to the City of Salem, neighbors, and Jane Goodall Middle School for your support. We love to share information on park habitat and native plants with the public.
Affordable housing development
Phase I of the 120 unit Gussie Belle Commons family affordable housing development in NEN will begin construction this month with a groundbreaking scheduled for Jan. 9 from 1-3 p.m. NEN is grateful for the collaboration with Green Light Development who redesigned the project to protect an 80” diameter giant sequoia tree. Based on our testimony and support from the developer, the city council voted to install a $400,000 flashing light beacon on Northeast D Street for pedestrian safety in the area which includes three routes to school. Green Light at our request also has included more green space by reducing parking. All of the 1 to 4 bedroom apartments will be available at 30% and 60% median income.
Stop signs around Englewood School
Neighbors are delighted that 12 new stops signs have been installed around Englewood Elementary School.
12th St. promenade cleanup
Neighbors worked to clean up the area around the Center Street Safeway and Northeast 12th Street.
–Submitted by Lynn Takata, chair
Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association
SESNA co-hosts community conversation on budget
SESNA doesn’t meet in December, but has joined forces with NESCA to plan a major “community conversation” about the city’s budget crisis Jan. 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Jory Apartments Community Room, 909 Park Ave. N.E. Come share your city service priorities with city leaders — regardless of where you live.
Also, congrats to SESNA’s Most Outstanding Home Improvement winner, Melissa Bliss and her father, Mike. They were honored during SESNA’s annual meeting Nov. 14. After renting the home at 205 22nd St. S.E. for 9 years, Melissa, a part-time caregiver and dad (retired car buff) used their Covid stimulus checks to buy it in 2021, beginning a gradual transformation.
Neighbors reported seeing Mike almost every day creating the charming fence. They call it a labor of love — we call it the Duane and Eileen Budnick Grand Prize winner! (The award is named after a couple who improved several homes owned in SESNA.) Pictured with them is SESNA Board member Seleste Liyanage (beautification committee) with Toby. Awards were also given to Doc and Laurier Sissem, 2245 Mill St. for renovations, and to Offbeat Coffee on Southeast 12th Street for most improved business.
Contact Shannon Priem with questions at [email protected] or [email protected] for info.
-Submitted by Shannon Priem, chair
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