URBAN DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY EASY PAY PARKING

URBAN DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
Volume 11, Issue 3, 2015
EASY PAY PARKING
New Parking Technology Coming to Capitol Mall
The City of Salem has invested in new parking technology to replace existing coin-operated
meters around the Capitol Mall. Work crews will soon be installing parking stations that will
allow Capitol Mall visitors to pay for parking with credit and debit cards, as well as coins.
The new stations will also allow more flexible time options, such as pre-paying for parking
in advance of the 8 a.m. enforcement time (beginning at 6 a.m.).
Installation
Equipment installation timelines will be determined once the contractor finalizes their
schedule. Site preparation work began late August 2015. Following the site preparation,
the new parking pay stations will be installed and operation will be phased over several
weeks. All new pay stations are expected to be installed and operational by November
2015.
Cash Keys (Pre-purchased device that feeds meters in 20 minute increments)
City of Salem-issued Cash Keys will not be compatible with the new parking stations, but
can continue to be used prior to installation of the parking stations and at areas outside of
the Capitol Mall where coin-based meters will continue to be located.
Additional Information
Additional information is available at www.cityofsalem.net/CapitolMallParking. Information
available includes a map of the implementation area and Frequently Asked Questions. The
project website will be updated as information becomes available. For specific questions
regarding the new parking technology implementation, please contact Sara Long at
[email protected] or 503.589.2065.
ADA PARKING CHANGE
The City of Salem strives to balance the needs of its diverse community. Effective July 22,
individuals with standard ADA placards are no longer exempt from paying parking meter
fees and are required to park within the posted time limits.
The majority of metered spaces in the City are located around the Capitol Mall.
Individuals with Wheelchair placards will continue to be exempt in accordance with
Oregon State law.
A Wheelchair placard is light blue and can be distinguished from a standard Disabled
Person placard by the large white “W” in the upper right-hand corner by the wheelchair
insignia and the words “Wheelchair User” towards the bottom of the permit.
It is anticipated the proposed changes will increase the number of on-street parking
spaces available around the Capitol Mall for visitors.
For more information on the Disabled Parking Program and the policy change, please
refer to www.cityofsalem.net/Parking-ADA.
For specific questions regarding the policy change, please contact Sheri Wahrgren at
[email protected] or 503.540.2495.
Inside This Issue
HOUSING STABILITY PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY | HOUSING TO HOME OWNERSHIP | CITY FACEBOOK PAGE
Page 2
UD Quarterly
GREEN CORNER:
Recycle and Reuse
The City of Salem’s recycling practices help save energy, reduce waste, and much more. In addition to promoting the
Marion County EarthWISE program to reduce waste, the City unveiled its new Surplus Property Guidelines in July to
encourage reuse and recycling property no longer useable or in service by a City department. The definition of surplus
property according to the guidelines would be; 1) City-owned vehicles; 2) machinery/equipment; and 3) office furniture/
fixtures that are no longer useable or in service by a City department.
FEDERAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2014-2015
Annually, the City solicits applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership
(HOME) program funding through the Federal Programs Division of the Urban Development Department. Performance
measurements are designed to monitor those awarded funding and to determine the impacts of the City’s housing and
community development programs and activities.
The City has established a vigorous performance measurement system to review the outcomes of all programs funded
with CDBG and HOME funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) documents accomplishments of CDBG and HOME program investments
in the City. The CAPER presents information to assist citizens in the evaluation of the City’s performance in meeting goals of
the Consolidated Plan and subsequently the Annual Action Plan.
The FY 2014-2015 CAPER, which includes the CDBG and HOME programs, was available for comment until September 7,
2015 at 5 p.m. A public hearing will take place at City of Salem Council Chambers (555 Liberty St SE) on September 28,
2015.
The CAPER is available at www.cityofsalem.net/FederalPrograms > Plan Information.
For more information, call 503.588.6178 (voice) or 503.588.6370 (TDD). Interpretive services will be arranged upon
request with 48 hours notice. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503.588.6178.
HOUSING STABILITY PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES
Since 2012, the Oregon Housing Opportunities in Partnership (OHOP), a housing program administered by the Oregon
Health Authority, has been awarded HOME funding for tenant based rental assistance (TBRA) from the City of Salem. The
funding received has made a significant difference for OHOP clients residing within Salem and Keizer.
“Jay” has experienced multiple challenges in his life impacting his ability to maintain stable housing. Upon referral to the
OHOP program, Jay moved into an apartment, began receiving TBRA, and worked with the OHOP program to develop a
supportive housing stability plan. After just a few months on the program, Jay achieved several goals outlined in his stability
plan and considered going back to work.
The OHOP program referred Jay to an employment specialist through a partner agency. The employment specialist assessed
Jay’s previous work history and worked with him to identify a path to stable employment. Through encouragement and
determination, Jay began to pursue a career as a medical assistant, which required him to pass a national exam to become
certified.
After passing the exam on the first try, Jay focused his time on searching for a job. After months of searching, Jay received
a position through a temp agency as a medical assistant. As a result of his performance, he was later hired as a full time
permanent staff member.
Because Jay was eligible for Earned Income Disallowance (EID) due to
his disability, he was able to accept work without having his portion of
rent increase right away. Jay has been able to pay off all his credit cards,
student loans, and save money.
Due to rental assistance available through the HOME-funded OHOP
housing program, Jay has become self-sufficient, no longer receiving
Social Security or food stamps. He’s in a supportive and loving
relationship, is planning to attend nursing school, and will voluntarily end
his participation in the OHOP program by the end of the year.
Page 3
UD Quarterly
HOUSING TO HOME OWNERSHIP
Since 1994, 400 graduates have received more than
$900,000 in Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) escrow savings
through the Salem Housing Authority (SHA). This voluntary
five-year program is offered to SHA public housing and
Section 8 participants. Program participants work with an
FSS Coordinator to determine goals and create a plan to
accomplish the goals within five years. As the participant’s
income increases, their rent increases as well, but SHA
places a portion of that increase into an escrow savings
account. When a program participant has successfully
completed their goals, they receive the balance of their
escrow savings account.
Eric and Kari joined the SHA’s FSS in February of 2011. Eric
was working part-time and seeking full-time employment
and they struggled, living pay check-to-pay check, trying to
make ends meet.
Eric picked up a second part-time job to meet his family’s
needs and pay bills. They used their income tax returns
wisely, paying off revolving debt and eventually paying
off both of their vehicles. They worked as a team to set
themselves up for homeownership.
In 2013, Eric and Kari came in for their budget appointment
and were ready to start building their exit strategy out of
assisted housing. They opened a Homeownership Valley
Individual Development Account (VIDA) and began saving for
the next 25 months. In that time, they more than doubled
their credit scores, had a third child, and Eric obtained a
Eric and Kari’s new home.
full-time position. Kari also started working part-time. They
obtained employer insurance, had no further need for food
stamps, and were able to purchase a home outside of
assisted housing.
Eric and Kari graduated from the FSS program with an
escrow of $740, which they paired with their VIDA of
$12,000, to reduce the monthly mortgage insurance they
had to pay! This saved them even more money on their
home purchase.
Eric and Kari were wise when it came to their finances,
quickly learning how to utilize community resources. In turn,
they now live in a beautiful home in their desired location.
For more information about the FSS program, go to
http://www.cityofsalem.net/Residents/HousingAuthority/
Pages/FSS.aspx.
PETER COURTNEY MINTO ISLAND BRIDGE
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
The temporary bridge now spans across the Willamette Slough, allowing construction vehicles to access Minto Island
from the staging area in and adjacent to Riverfront Park. Enhancements to the construction bridge and other activity
in the Willamette Slough will be complete by October 15, as required of the City’s federal and state permits. The bridge
rib arches are expected to be installed in mid-November. A press event and more information will be planned as the
installation date approaches. Construction on the permanent bridge structure will continue into the winter of 2015-2016.
The activities below will occur in the month of September:
• Contractor will continue constructing the temporary work bridge
• Temporary work bridge construction will involve pile driving in the Willamette Slough; park users or those in the
vicinity of Riverfront and Minto-Brown Island Park may hear the pile driving (Work will occur Monday-Friday)
• Pile driving will also occur for the construction of temporary arch support towers to aid in the raising of the rib
arches of the permanent structure
• Contractor will finish work on drilled shafts for bridge foundation construction at Minto-Brown Island
• Contractor will continue form work at two foundation locations at Riverfront Park
Construction activity occurs between 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Thurs.
(unless otherwise noted). Due to ongoing construction activity,
there may be periodic closures of paths at Minto-Brown. Please be
mindful of signs that depict closures and use alternate routes.
For questions related to construction, please contact Aaron
Kimsey at [email protected] or call 503.588.6211. For
questions related to Park impacts, please call 503.588.6336.
The temporary bridge, Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge construction site.
To see live images of the construction site, please refer to
www.cityofsalem.net/MintoBridge.
Page 4
UD Quarterly
FACEBOOK: CITY NEWS
Did you know the City of Salem has a Facebook page? As part of the City of Salem’s effort to improve and increase
resident engagement and broaden community awareness of City events, programs, and services, the City of Salem
launched a Facebook account, www.facebook.com/CityOfSalemOR.
The City provides a central location for Salem resident information on the new Facebook page. Page content includes
events, projects, services, programs, and happenings throughout the City. Be sure to “Like” City of Salem and get all
the latest news from Urban Development and the City of Salem!
OUR VISION
The Urban Development Department will serve as a
steward of community goals and values in the
development of Salem’s assets while enhancing and
protecting Salem’s quality of life and economic vitality.
OUR MISSION
To provide for the sustainable expansion of the
community’s prosperity, measured in terms of jobs and
income growth, human development, education, health,
and environmental sustainability.
The Urban Development Department administers and oversees a variety of programs and services aimed at strengthening Salem’s
economy including Salem’s seven urban renewal areas. In addition, the Department provides loans and grants to finance activities
that create emergency, transitional and permanent affordable rental housing for low and moderate income families in Salem and
Keizer; allocates funds to non-profits to provide emergency services to homeless and families at-risk of being homeless; facilitates
economic opportunities and reinvestment; invests in economic empowerment for individual prosperity and small business growth;
issues commercial loan and grant programs; performs real property management, acquisition, sales and leasing services for the City;
manages downtown parking services and revitalization; manages Salem’s Municipal Airport; and functions as the liaison to community
organizations, businesses, and City Council and Agency Board appointed advisory groups.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY is published by the Urban Development
Department. If you wish to receive this newsletter, or if you have questions,
comments, or suggestions, call 503.588.6178, or e-mail [email protected]
You can also use a smart phone to subscribe: scan the QRC icon:
Information about Urban Development’s programs, projects, and resources are
just a click away! Simply go to: www.cityofsalem.net/UD. Si necesita ayuda para
comprender esta información, por favor llame 503.588.6178.