NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: What’s happening across Salem in February
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.
Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization
CANDO neighbors! Your neighborhood association has a new home. Please join us at the Neighbor 2 Neighbor office at 347 Union St N.E. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. Going forward, CANDO will meet at this location at 6 p.m. every third Tuesday of every month.
CANDO is currently seeking to grow their neighborhood association board. 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 live, work, or own property in the downtown area, you are already a member and CANDO is representing you. See the agenda here for more details.
-Submitted by Irma Coleman, city of Salem neighborhood program coordinator
Faye Wright Neighborhood Association
I’m writing to share concerns as a legally blind resident walking our Faye Wright neighborhood.
While I rely on sidewalks to move safely, I frequently encounter obstacles that make this activity
hazardous.
One major issue is landscapers and work crews parking their vehicles improperly. During the
day and on weekends, they often park with one side in the bike lane and the other blocking the
sidewalk, forcing me into the street. Despite explaining the issue, they often claim they’re
magically “done” with the job, moving out of my way, only to see them return to the same spot
shortly after. These vehicles lack permits to block sidewalks, yet the problem persists, putting
pedestrians like me at risk.
Another challenge is overgrown tree branches, bushes, and shrubs growing into the sidewalk
space. While my cane helps detect ground-level hazards, I can’t always anticipate overhead or
protruding obstacles until I physically run into them. This is not only frustrating but also
dangerous.
Lastly, garbage cans, especially those sitting on the sidewalk for several days after their planned
pickup, are also frustrating to discover with my cane. I plan my route based on the day of the
week to avoid colliding with the bins.
Please help to keep our sidewalks clear, not just for me, but for other disabled people in our
community. Trim vegetation back, roll garbage cans back in a timely manner, and avoid parking
vehicles or equipment in ways that block pedestrian pathways. Small changes can make a big
difference in ensuring our neighborhood is safe and accessible for everyone.
-Submitted by John Bacho, member, Faye Wright Neighborhood Association
Highland Neighborhood Association
The Highland Neighborhood Association is delighted to share the success of our very first Highland Peace Walk, held on Saturday, Jan. 25. Despite the cold weather, dozens of Highland residents and neighbors from across Salem came together in a powerful demonstration of unity and compassion. With every step, participants highlighted our collective commitment to reducing violence, strengthening community bonds, and fostering a sense of safety for all.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our wonderful partners: Highland Elementary, Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School and the Salem Alliance Church, whose dedication and collaboration made this event possible. We look forward to continuing these efforts at our next Peace Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, at 4:30 p.m. We will begin at the Fred Meyer Garden Center parking lot (2855 Broadway St. N.E.). We welcome everyone—residents, friends, and supporters—to walk with us once again in solidarity and hope.
In addition, we’d like to remind you of our monthly meeting, taking place on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Join us at 945 Columbia St N.E. or tune in via Zoom if you prefer. This month’s meeting will focus on reviewing proposed changes to the Highland Neighborhood Association’s bylaws. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to participate in shaping our neighborhood’s future.
Come be a part of the conversation as we continue to strengthen our neighborhood and build a more vibrant community — together!
–Submitted by Ryan Erickson-Kulas, secretary
Northgate Neighborhood Association
We are an active association. Recently, we received news from one of our board members who lives on Brook Ave next to Center 50+ that a company which deals with “biological waste” which includes blood and blood products and other body fluids that cannot be directly discarded into a municipal sewer system, could be operating here in Salem.
The Bio Clean facility is proposed for 1450 McDonald Street N.E. A hearing will take place Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Civic Center at 5:30 p.m. and the city Hearings Officer will make the final decision.
This station would have a medical waste converter which converts to solid waste. This station is just barely in an industrialized zone but established very close to a residential area. So long as this converter does not emit anything into the air, it is not so much the machine itself we are opposed to. We are concerned of any fume from any unpredictable, accidental spillage which could happen along the way from the hospitals to this station or when loading the converter, or cracks or leaks from the tanks, all of which could promote people’s health to be seriously affected. Due to volume, it stands to reason that numerous trucks are involved.
In addition, our concern is with frequent truckloads of this toxic waste being loaded into the converter situated too close to a residential neighborhood. The city staff report says the trucks will back up to the converter, load up and leave, then the door will close. Well, the door should close as soon as the truck enters into the building before unloading. There is a report that indicates off street loading. This should never happen as it is not closed. There could be spillage, leakage or fumes from cracks causing the population at the single-family homes, apartments and the senior center people to inhale the air with the gusts of north or east wind blowing south or west.
We got about 40 people who opposed the project once they found out about this. Highland Association also joined us in opposing.
We duly request all those in charge to look elsewhere away from people. The Brooks incinerator should reconsider opening again with improved methods. Trucks from Multnomah hospitals will take a busy I-5 to Salem versus a less congested road to Brooks. Look on the map, the distance is not that different.
If anyone can help to testify against the project at the hearing, we welcome you.
–Submitted by Kaethe Mentrum, secretary and park chair
Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association
Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association was founded on March 1, 1976 (it’s almost birthday time!). If you live, work, or own property in SESNA, you’re already a member. SESNA is located in a beautiful, historic area of Salem and was designated as Salem’s second Heritage Neighborhood by the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission in 2015. The neighbors work together and volunteer to enhance the quality of life, beauty, and safety of the neighborhood. You can help make a difference where you live. Sign up for their neighborhood mailings and get involved by visiting www.cityofsalem.net/sesna or email [email protected]. Their next meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at Capital Park Church, 410 19th St S.E.
SESNA is roughly bordered by State Street to the north, Interstate 5 to the East; from I-5 it goes West along Mission Street, south on 25th Street, see the neighborhood map for more details. In addition to its parks and schools, this neighborhood contains State offices, Salem-Keizer School District offices, the Willamette Heritage Center, the Salem Train Station and Freight Depot, about 500 businesses, four churches, historic buildings, and more than 2,000 houses dating from the late 1800s.
-Submitted by Irma Coleman, city of Salem neighborhood program coordinator
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