TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
title
Acquisition of Property for the Pedestrian Safety Crossings Project
Ward(s): Wards 1, 2, 5, 6.
Councilor(s): Stapleton, Nishioka, Gonzalez, Hoy
Neighborhood(s): East Lancaster Neighborhood Association, Highland Neighborhood Association, Northeast Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Northeast Salem Community Association, Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association
Result Area(s): Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure
end
SUMMARY:
summary
The Pedestrian Safety Crossings Project will construct enhanced pedestrian crossings at three locations which include River Road N near River Road City Park, State Street at 21st Street SE, and Lancaster Drive NE near Weathers Street NE. Design has progressed to the point where it is now necessary to begin the right-of-way acquisition process.
end
ISSUE:
Shall City Council adopt Resolution Nos. 2024-18, 2024-19, 2024-20, 2024-21, 2024-22, and 2024-23 declaring a public need to acquire; the City of Salem’s intent to negotiate; and if necessary, authorizing the City Attorney to commence eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of right-of-way and easements for the Pedestrian Safety Crossings Project?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution Nos. 2024-18, 2024-19, 2024-20, 2024-21, 2024-22, and 2024-23 declaring a public need to acquire; the City of Salem’s intent to negotiate; and if necessary, authorizing the City Attorney to commence eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of right-of-way and easements for the Pedestrian Safety Crossings Project.
body
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The Pedestrian Safety Crossings Project is shown on the Project Location Map, Attachment 1. The project is being designed in the public interest, and there is a public need to acquire right-of-way and easements from six properties to construct the required improvements. The locations of the right-of-way and easements are shown on Attachment 2 and the property owners of record are identified in Attachment 3.
The City will negotiate with property owners to acquire the required right-of-way and easements and will pay just compensation for all acquisitions. Because this is a federal aid project that will be completed under the Local Agency Certification process, the Oregon Department of Transportation has required the City to approve a single resolution for each right-of-way acquisition and easement that authorizes eminent domain proceedings if the City and property owners cannot reach an agreement through the standard right-of-way negotiation process. At this time, eminent domain is not expected to be necessary to complete the property acquisitions.
BACKGROUND:
Each of the proposed crossings in this project are in areas with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic, leading to many opportunities for conflicts. The intent of this project is to improve pedestrian safety on these major arterial streets by constructing median islands and/or rectangular rapid flashing beacons.
Allen Dannen, PE
City Engineer
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 - Project Location Map
2. Attachment 2 - Identified Properties
3. Attachment 3 - Property Ownership Summary
4. Resolution Numbers 2024-18, 2024-19, 2024-20, 2024-21, 2024-22, and 2024-23 and Resolution Exhibits