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Council approves Transportation Commission changes and splits on parking; Blaney Street proposal sparks heated debate
Summary
Council voted to give first passage to an ordinance restructuring the Transportation Commission to remove a police voting seat and add advisory roles for several agencies and public representatives. A contentious motion to prohibit parking on Blaney Street failed amid accusations of procedural shortcutting and calls for committee review.
The Salem City Council on Nov. 13 advanced a change to the Transportation Commission and debated several traffic and parking ordinances, including a contentious proposal to ban parking on Blaney Street.
Transportation Commission: Councilor Marcello introduced an ordinance to remove a police representative as a voting member of the Transportation Commission, replace that seat with a public member and add advisory roles for police, fire, bicycling, disabilities and schools. Supporters said the change would "tear down the silos" between departments and ensure broader expertise and public engagement. The motion for first passage carried.
Blaney Street parking debate: Councilor Jerzlow proposed prohibiting parking on Blaney Street, citing pedestrian safety concerns and constrained curb space near ferry access. The proposal prompted strong opposition from several councilors who said the item lacked sufficient backup, appeared late in the agenda and risked being perceived as a personal or ward-driven measure. Councilor Jerzlow said he had consulted the harbor master and the Port Authority; opponents called for committee review. The measure failed to carry on first passage after vocal cross-talk and an emotional exchange on the floor.
Other transportation items: Council adopted several housekeeping traffic changes (repealing and adding handicap and limited-time parking zones) and discussed scheduling and process changes for traffic-related ordinances, including a proposed amendment to require recommendations from Traffic or Transportation departments to be included with traffic ordinance proposals.
Next steps: The Transportation Commission ordinance will return for additional readings as required by council rules. Items that failed or generated procedural concerns will be referred to committee for further review before additional council action.
