Resident urges action after repeated speeding on Superior near Waterworth Memorial Park

A Salem resident, Jody Russa, told the Salem City Council during public comment that drivers are regularly speeding on Superior Avenue into Waterworth Memorial Park and urged the city to install traffic calming measures before a serious injury occurs.

Russa, who identified her address as 836 Superior, said, "I have grandkids. My neighbors have grandkids. And the other day, I had to call PD because this guy, about 60 mile an hour down the road into the park" and described heavy foot traffic at all hours. She asked the council to consider temporary measures "through the summer" because of frequent youth sports and people walking to the dog park.

The concern centers on the dead-end stretch of Superior that leads into Waterworth Memorial Park and on a crossing near Eighth Street where drivers reportedly fail to stop. Russa said the problem occurs late at night as well as during daytime activities and recounted that police responded to one recent report and issued a warning after she provided a license plate number.

Madam President (presiding officer at the meeting) and staff agreed to follow up. Council members and staff discussed possible short-term options such as portable speed cushions the city can deploy for seasonal use and the feasibility of increased police patrols in the area. A staff member referenced as Mister Capozzello was identified as the person to contact for follow-up; the presiding officer asked Russa to provide her phone number so Capozzello could reach out.

Utilities Director Donnelly was asked whether the utilities department has portable radar or speed-monitoring devices; the transcript records the exchange but does not specify a purchase decision. A second speaker who identified themselves as a resident said, "I walk my dogs there too, and I've seen it," and confirmed the council has deployable speed cushions at other park entrances.

Nut graf: The comments put a routine neighborhood traffic-safety concern on the council's agenda: a nearby resident provided details about observed high speeds and near-miss incidents near a child-populated park and asked city staff to consider temporary and enforcement measures.

Council and staff did not adopt a formal motion or vote on the matter during the meeting. The record shows these next steps: staff (Mister Capozzello) will contact Russa; available portable speed cushions were discussed for seasonal placement; and the police department was suggested for additional patrols or enforcement in the short term.

Ending: The record does not show a timetable for deployment or a formal decision on purchasing enforcement equipment. No ordinance, permit, or formal traffic-calming plan was adopted at this meeting. Evidence in the transcript indicates the matter will proceed through staff follow-up rather than a council vote.