Salem city councilors on Monday, April 13, authorized a $1 million contract to acquire about an acre of land the city plans to set up for future affordable housing developments.  The acquisition was approved unanimously. Salem Mayor Julie Hoy was absent. The land comes in two separate parcel s at 1797-1809 Evergreen Ave. N.E. and are owned by Northwest Human Services, Inc., a local service provider, according to a staff report from Public Works Director Brian Martin.  City seeks council approval to acquire land for affordable housing – Approved unanimously What’s going on  The city hopes to bring in housing developers for affordable housing projects The properties are adjacent to a city-owned lot at 2445 Market St. N.E. which is also intended for affordable housing. Under the agreement, the city is responsible for removing an underground storage tank on the property. Creekside Environmental Consulting has bid $58,300 to complete that work.  Why it matters  With the two properties in hand, the city can more effectively use federal grant money to develop affordable housing.  The transaction occurs as building more affordable housing is a top priority among city leaders and city council candidates.  Lease approved for former Rudy’s Butcher Shop space Councilors authorized a lease for the 260-square-foot space at 337 Chemeketa St. N.E. to Closet Revamp, a high-end women’s clothing store. The butcher shop at 337 Chemeketa St. N.E. has sat vacant since Rudy’s Stakehouse suddenly closed last year after its owner failed to pay the city rent for several months.  The lease is $585 per month in its first year beginning on April 20 through June 30, 2027, according to a staff report from City Engineer Allen Dannen. Closet Revamp has the opportunity to renew its lease each year through June 2030.  Closet Revamp is owned by Katy Ogdahl, a longtime downtown business owner in Salem who previously operated Gatsby. Annexation of nearly 20 acres for housing – approved Councilors voted 7-1 voted to annex nearly 20 acres of land in east Salem for housing developments. Councilor Irvin Brown opposed the annexation. The approximately 19 acres of annexed territory is located at 2170 Walker Road N.E. and 4893 Sunnyview Road N.E. where a mix of multifamily and single family housing is expected to be built. A six-acre portion of the property at 2170 Walker Road N.E. could have between 90 and 186 units, according to Bryce Bishop with the city’s Community Planning and Development Department. A roughly 12-acre section of the same property could see a minimum of 69 units, but Bishop said there are likely to be more. Also before the council Rotary Amphitheater use – Approved unanimously Councilor Paul Tigan wants city staff to look into ways to increase the usability, programming capacity and economic impact of the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park, according to a motion he submitted, which councilors approved unanimously. In his motion Tigan points to successes with the Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend which he said generated an estimated $27 million in economic activity as of 2015.  Tigan said he hopes the city will look into what can be done to improve infrastructure including parking, pedestrian paths, lighting, and other elements.  Councilors appointed to transportation committees Salem Mayor Julie Hoy appointed Tigan to the city’s Safe Streets for All Action Plan advisory committee which will advise city staff as the city works to improve transportation in Salem, a report from Hoy said.  Hoy also appointed Council President Linda Nishioka and Councilor Shane Matthews to the OR-22 Pedestrian Overcrossing Planning Study Advisory Committee tasked with guiding staff as the city looks for options for a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Highway 22.  Ferry Street Pump Station project – approved unanimously Councilors unanimously authorized the city to move forward with a wastewater pump station project on Southeast Ferry Street, a staff report from Public Works Director Brian Martin said.  The existing pump station is over 60 years old and is prone to overflows and is dangerous for city crews to maintain, the report said.  Stormwater agreement with Marion County – approved unanimously Councilors unanimously authorized an agreement with Marion County to take on long-term maintenance responsibilities for developer-built stormwater facilities within the county’s right-of-way along Northeast Hazelgreen Road, a staff report from Community Planning and Development Director Kristin Retherford said.   Under the agreement, Salem will accept any maintenance responsibility, including repairs, modifications, and retrofits.  The report said the city’s obligations won’t have a measurable impact on its budget.  Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected].  SIGN UP: Salem Reporter is dedicated to covering the people, issues, and stories that shape our community. Stay connected to Salem. Subscribe today. The post CITY MEETING: City council approves $1 million land deal for affordable housing  appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less