West Salem’s city councilor wants the council to reconsider allowing a managed homeless camp on Wallace Road after residents objected to the plan.
At a Monday meeting, the council will hear a motion from Councilor Jim Lewis to reconsider the council’s previous approval of a managed camp along Wallace Road following overwhelming opposition to the project voiced during a Tuesday meeting at Salemtowne.
In council documents, Lewis explained that he wanted the council to withdraw its approval until city staff analyzed the site to determine if it’s feasible and met with west Salem neighbors to discuss alternate locations in that ward.
The council will also consider a resolution that would extend the declaration of emergency which allowed the safe parking program, emergency homeless shelters and warming shelters, and outdoor managed camps.
The current declaration is set to expire on Oct. 26. The resolution would further extend the declaration until June 28.
The city has drafted code amendments to regulate the siting and operation of shelters, warming and cooling centers, and outdoor managed sites. Those amendments are tentatively scheduled to go before council on Nov. 8.
Councilors will also consider approving a $7,500 hiring bonus for police officers hired in difficult-to-fill positions and lateral transfers from Oct. 25 to Feb. 28.
They will consider authorizing the city manager to lease a retail space in the Liberty Parkade located at 197 Liberty Street S.E. to Pentacle Theater to house its ticket office, general offices, and small rehearsal space.
To participate: The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Monday and is streamed live on YouTube. Submit comments on agenda items by 5 p.m. the day of the meeting at [email protected]. Public comment and testimony may also be provided during the meeting via Zoom. Please pre-register between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting at the following link: https://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/Public-Comment-at-Salem-City-CouncilMeeting.aspx
-Saphara Harrell
