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Council approves $35,000 donation to Preston Place Preservation Foundation after public plea to protect historic homes
Summary
Following public comment urging preservation, Council approved Resolution 1523 to donate $35,000 to the Preston Place Preservation Foundation to support initial operating costs; staff said the Foundation proposed an initial budget of about $70,000.
City of Salem Council voted unanimously on March 23 to donate $35,000 to the Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc. to support initial basic expenditures for the newly transferred historic property.
During public comment, resident Donna Crotts summarized a 1998 Salem Historical Society newsletter, urged proactive preservation of Salem’s historic homes and structures, offered to circulate the original newsletter, and specifically referenced Preston Place and local preservation efforts. Crotts noted the newsletter includes Vice‑Mayor Anne Marie Green’s residence among historically recognized structures and thanked the Preston Place Preservation Foundation and Council for listening.
City Manager Chris Dorsey told Council that the Salem Historical Society had transferred ownership of Preston Place to the Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc. and that the Foundation submitted a proposed initial operating budget of approximately $70,000 to support startup expenses including utilities, maintenance, and part‑time staffing. Council adopted Resolution 1523 to provide $35,000 in seed funding to help the Foundation begin operations; the vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: the donation is intended to help preserve a local historic property and support the Foundation’s initial operation. Council and public commenters framed the action as part of ongoing local preservation efforts.
