Salem approves grant for downtown security fence to address homeless camping
The city has approved up to $168,000 in grant funding for fencing around two properties in north downtown Salem.
Homeless service provider ARCHES Project and business Coldwell Banker both neighbor Marion Square Park and are frequent spots for camping and gathering of people who are unsheltered.
ARCHES officials said many of those gathering outside are not seeking services at their day center and can interfere with those who are seeking meals, housing services, showers and shelter. A survey of those camping around the building found less than 10% accessed ARCHES services.
Vandalism, harassment reported at downtown Salem buildings
According to a city staff report, employees and customers at the Coldwell Banker Building reported daily safety concerns due to people gathered at their property entrance.
"Over the last few years, windows have been broken, exterior building lights have been broken or removed, and the air conditioner was vandalized to the point of being inoperable," staff said in the report. "The property continues to be concerned that the vandalism will continue and has been paying for security services during business hours. The cost of repairs due to vandalism and costs for security service have created a financial hardship to the owner (Coldwell Banker)."
Staff reported a history of vandalism and crime at both buildings due to people congregating on the surrounding sidewalks and Marion Square Park.
"On a regular basis, ARCHES experiences excessive trash, camping and illegal activity because the property is not secure and allows access 24/7," staff said. "Over the years, ARCHES has hired security and taken other measures to reduce the crime and safety issues for their employees and clients who obtain meals and access services at this location."
Homelessness agency wants to keep clients safe
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Deputy Executive Director Ashley Hamilton said the agency wants to keep its thousands of clients and unsheltered neighbors safe.
"The open parking lot has unfortunately become a place where individuals prey on our clients, particularly outside of our business hours, as we are not a 24/7 facility," Hamilton said.
From July 2023 to June 2024, the day center reported 32,338 visits, marking the highest annual use rate since tracking began in 2018, Hamilton said.
Staff provided 136,656 service transactions, including checking mail, taking showers, accessing laundry and on-site case management. Meals were the most used service, with 96,629 provided, thanks to local partners who deliver daily dinner services in the parking lot, she added.
During Salem's July 22 Urban Renewal Agency Board meeting, Mid-Willamette Valley Action Agency Housing Director Breezy Poynor told city officials that fencing would increase security for the staff and clients.
"It will provide better access control for the parking lot, keeping individuals out who are not accessing services but are causing harm to the vulnerable population we serve," Poynor said. "This crucial measure ensures people can receive vital services without being propositioned or harassed in our parking lot."
The parking lot is near several busy streets and is not safe for camping, she added.
Poynor said fencing will encourage people to access safer options, such as emergency shelters or Safe Parking Shelter sites, which are staffed 24/7 and better suited to address basic needs and connect people to housing.
"This measure will improve safety and ensure the day center remains a cornerstone of compassion and support in Salem," she said.
Funds would pay for iron fence, security gate at ARCHES, Coldwell Banker
Iron fencing and a security gate for Coldwell Banker were estimated to cost $78,000. An adjoining iron fence and gate at ARCHES were estimated to cost $90,000.
City staff said the project is unable to move forward unless both property owners install a security fence and gate, since both properties are accessed from the same location off Union Street. The fence would be made of high-grade iron, making it more difficult to cut or damage.
The funding would come from the city's Strategic Project Grant Program, a program approved by the board in 2019 to address homelessness within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area by providing funds for building and property improvements that help with crime prevention, security and safety.
The program was created to fund 100% of the improvement costs up to $30,000. Any amount over $30,000 requires the Urban Renewal Agency Board to approve an exception.
In a report to the board, city staff said approval of the grant exceptions would address the historical and current impacts that have occurred for both ARCHES and the Coldwell Banker Building and will result in a more secure and safe environment for the property owners, employees, visitors and clients of both buildings.
Hamilton said a timeline for fence installation was not set, but their schedule depends largely on working with the city for support and funding. The agency also is working with the State Historic Preservation Office due to the historical significance of the area.
During the meeting, Councilor Virginia Stapleton, who represents the area where the two buildings are located, said she's heard from businesses and agencies impacted by security and safety issues.
Stapleton thanked staff for working on finding a solution and said she hopes the fence strikes the balance between maintaining a beautiful, welcoming space and keeping people secure.
The board, which is composed of the mayor and city councilors, voted unanimously to approve the exceptions on July 22.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at [email protected], call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem OKs security fence to address downtown homeless camping
