TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, Interim City Manager
FROM: Brian D. Martin, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
title
Acquisition of Easements for the State Street Southside Sidewalk Improvements Project
Ward(s): Ward 6
Councilor(s): Vacant
Neighborhood(s): East Lancaster Neighborhood Association (ELNA)
Result Area(s): Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure
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SUMMARY:
summary
The State Street South Side Sidewalk Improvements Project includes construction of sidewalk along the south side of State Street between Oakmont Court SE and 49th Avenue SE along with new curb ramps at the 49th Avenue SE intersection (Attachment 1, Project Location Map). Easement acquisition is necessary prior to construction of the project in 2026.
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ISSUE:
Shall City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-8 (Attachment 2) declaring a public need to acquire and the City of Salem’s intent to negotiate for the acquisition of sidewalk easements for the State Street Southside Sidewalk Improvements Project?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-8, declaring a public need to acquire and the City of Salem’s intent to negotiate for the acquisition of easements for the State Street Southside Sidewalk Improvements Project.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
This project will improve pedestrian safety and connectivity along State Street (a major City arterial) and 49th Avenue SE (a local County street). Improvements provide new ADA compliant curb ramps at 49th Avenue SE and enhance sidewalk connectivity on the south side of State Street between Oakmont Court NE and 49th Avenue SE. The project better connects newly developed neighborhoods to the north and Mary Eyre Elementary school to the south.
The project is being designed in the public interest and there is a public need to acquire temporary construction and permanent sidewalk easements from two properties in Marion County to construct the required improvements. The City and Marion County have previously entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement defining responsibility for easement acquisition and construction within Marion County jurisdiction (Salem City Council Item 24-5). The locations of the easement acquisitions are shown on Attachment 3A.
The City will negotiate with property owners to acquire the required sidewalk easements and will pay just compensation for all acquisitions. The property owners of record are identified on Attachment 3B.
This project is funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). Additional match funding is from City transportation funds.
A single resolution for the entire project declaring the need to acquire is all that is required at this time. A separate resolution authorizing eminent domain will be requested later if easement negotiations between the City and any property owner fail.
Construction of the project is scheduled for 2026.
BACKGROUND:
The State Street Southside Sidewalk Improvements project was identified as a prime candidate for the 2022 ODOT SRTS Competitive Program construction grant cycle. The SRTS program is intended to fund projects that address barriers and hazards to students walking or rolling to school. This project will enhance sidewalk connectivity on State Street and improve safety on 49th Avenue SE. within Marion County Jurisdiction. The proposed improvements align with the City of Salem Transportation Plan.
Allen Dannen, PE,
City Engineer
Attachments:
1. Project Location Map
2. Resolution No. 2025-8
3A. Identified Properties
3B. Property Ownership Summary