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Housing updates, redevelopment reviews and storm response highlighted at Salem council caucus
Summary
Sean Brown, director of housing, reported updates on the Housing Manual, Choice Neighborhood Grant and Land Bank progress; council also heard that public-works staffing and vehicles were limited during a recent snowstorm and the city hired an outside contractor for two days to assist with plowing.
At the Feb. 9 Salem City Common Council caucus, Director of Housing and Economic Development Sean Brown updated the council on housing initiatives while public-works officials described operational challenges after a recent snowstorm.
Sean Brown reported that the Housing Manual is being updated and the Choice Neighborhood Grant plan is nearly complete and ready for review. He said the Land Bank continues to move forward but that the In-Rem foreclosure process has slowed property acquisition; a meeting on Feb. 11 was scheduled to clarify when the city will take possession of open properties. Brown also said four solar companies submitted proposals in response to landfill RFPs and that a redevelopment agreement with the Glass Factory is under review.
On public works, Councilmember Jared said most resident complaints concerned side roads not being plowed after the storm. The Public Works Supervisor reported two employees were unable to assist, three trucks were inoperable, and the city had two trucks and five employees available; the city contracted outside help for two days. Council members discussed plans to hold proactive planning meetings before predicted storms and to notify residents via social media and e-blasts to keep vehicles off streets.
Mayor Veler also noted community-safety concerns at Red Bridge Park where children were spotted near frozen bodies of water and suggested signage and school outreach.
The minutes record these operational and planning updates but do not include additional budget amounts or contractor names for the outside plowing assistance.
