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Salem City Council adopts rezoning for McDonald’s site, authorizes lot sale to Habitat and approves $275,000 for museum repairs
Summary
At its Feb. 23 meeting, the Salem City Council unanimously approved a rezoning for a McDonald’s rebuild, authorized sale of a 0.134-acre city lot to Habitat for Humanity, appropriated $275,000 to the Salem Historical Society for roof repairs at the Salem Museum, adopted a condemnation resolution for a sewer easement, and approved a $11,025 health department adjustment.
Salem City Council on Feb. 23 unanimously approved several measures to advance local development, historic preservation and utility work.
At the regular meeting, Council adopted on second reading an amendment to the zoning ordinance to remove a prior condition on the HBD Highway Business District for the McDonald’s property at 101 Electric Road (Tax Map #80–4–1), clearing the way for the restaurant to be razed and rebuilt under current site-plan requirements. Anne Marie Green moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading; Hunter Holliday seconded, and the full Council voted aye.
Council also authorized the City Manager to prepare documentation to convey an approximately 0.134-acre parcel at 216 Chapman Street (Tax Map #122-8-6) to Habitat for Humanity. Rob Light told Council the parcel was acquired by the City to facilitate redevelopment and that Habitat has indicated long-standing interest in building on the site; the sale would support replacement of a derelict structure with new housing. Stella Reinhard, a nearby resident, spoke in support and suggested the City display maps of properties during future public hearings to help citizens visualize sites.
On historic preservation, Council approved an appropriation of $275,000 from the Unrestricted Fund Balance to the Salem Historical Society to pay for roof repairs at the Salem Museum, with any remaining funds to be used for HVAC work. The payment is conditioned on the conveyance of Preston Place to a newly formed nonprofit, the Preston Place Preservation Foundation, Inc.; City staff said the funding protects prior City investments and helps the Historical Society complete necessary capital repairs.
Addressing infrastructure, the Council adopted Resolution 1520 authorizing the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings to secure a sewer easement needed for the Pomeroy sewer project after negotiations with the owners of Ramey’s Trailer Park failed to produce an agreement. City Attorney Jim Guynn told Council that most impacted property owners had cooperated, but the City must proceed to ensure completion of essential sewer work.
Finally, Finance Director Rosie Jordan said a fiscal-year reconciliation produced a net credit of $11,025 owed to the City by the Salem Health Department. Council approved the net adjustment and authorized the City Manager to execute the annual Local Government Agreement, which requires Council approval for carryover or adjustments. Vice‑Mayor Anne Marie Green asked that the Health Director be invited to present to Council so members can better understand the local services provided in exchange for the allocation.
During the consent agenda public comment period, resident Ronald Thompson raised concerns about tree removal on a neighboring property that he said worsened erosion and created safety hazards; he accused the City of failing to enforce applicable ordinances. Mayor Renée Ferris Turk encouraged Thompson to consult an attorney about his options.
All recorded motions tied to ordinances, conveyance and appropriations passed with votes recorded Aye: John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Byron Randolph Foley, Anne Marie Green and Renée Ferris Turk; Nays: none; Abstentions: none. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
