A Measure Proposing Annexation of 10.62 Acres of Property

Question: Shall the property located south of Wiltsey Road SE and north of Madras Street SE be annexed?

Summary: Approval of this measure would annex approximately 10.62 acres of property located south of Wiltsey Road SE and north of Madras Street SE to the City of Salem. The property is within the Urban Growth Boundary. Upon annexation, the property would be zoned City of Salem RM2 (Multiple Family Residential).

Explanatory Statement:

If approved, this measure would result in annexation of 10.62 acres of property to the City of Salem. The City Council found the proposed annexation meets all applicable land use laws of the State of Oregon and the City of Salem. The City Charter requires submitting this annexation to the voters.

The property proposed for annexation is located south of Wiltsey Road, north of Madras Street SE. The property is within the Urban Growth Boundary, and is designated in the Salem Area Comprehensive Plan as "Multi-Family Residential." Zoning of the property, if annexed, would be RM2 (Residential Multiple Family 2). RM2 zoning would permit multiple family residences with a maximum density of twenty-eight dwelling units per acre.

This annexation of 10.27 acres was requested by petition of the property owner(s). The annexation also includes a 0.35 acre adjacent area surrounded by the city should the 10.27 acres be annexed. Salem ordinances require the inclusion of this adjacent area in the annexation. If annexed, the property would be subject to city tax rates and be withdrawn from the Salem Suburban Rural Fire Protection District.

Development of property is not required at the time of annexation. When development occurs, it must conform to the zoning which is in effect at the time of development. The zoning of property may be changed from time to time following notice and public hearing as required by law.

The fiscal impact of this annexation on the city’s general fund depends upon the nature and appraised value of the eventual development. Since development is not known at the time of annexation, only average estimates of costs and revenues can be made. Assuming average land and improvement values, residential densities, persons per household, and other indicators common to the zone, and assuming the existing levels of city services are maintained, an average RM2 zone development on this property could result in a $25,056 annual loss to the city’s general fund (year 2000 dollars). If the city’s levels of service are enhanced in the future, this loss could correspondingly increase.

School funding for operations and maintenance is largely obtained through the state allocation of income tax. The state’s current allocation is $4926 per student. Currently, the Salem-Keizer School District estimates the annual cost per student to be $6500. The difference between the state allocation and anticipated costs is made up through unexpended prior year budget savings and interest earnings. The annexation area is located within the district, and the district is obligated to provide educational services whether or not the site is annexed to the city.

Additional information and findings regarding the proposed annexation are contained in the staff reports dated August 6, 2001, August 13, 2001 and August 20, 2001. Copies of the staff reports are available for public review on the city’s web site; at the Salem Public Library; and at the Salem City Hall, Department of Community Development, 555 Liberty Street SE, Salem, Oregon.

No arguments opposed to this measure were filed.

Argument in Favor:

CityWatch, a local volunteer group which works for livability improvements and for good local government, recommends a “yes” vote on this annexation proposal.

The owners of 10.27 acres of this 10.62-acre parcel have petitioned for annexation, and the owners of a small, included .35 acre parcel are opposed.

Although we are reluctant to support the idea of annexation being imposed upon a reluctant property owner, it is inevitable that this entire parcel will be developed and annexed in any case. The entire parcel, including the .35 acres enclaved within the petitioned area, is itself an enclave, being entirely surrounded by city land.

Proposed use of the land is multi-family housing, which is consistent with the existing developments on both adjacent and nearby properties, on both sides of Commercial St S.E. Easy access to major transportation routes, especially along Commercial Street S.E. makes multi-family housing a better fit for this parcel than it might be in other areas of the city which are less well-served for meeting various types of transportation needs.

Although the exact fiscal impact of this annexation is not known, city staff estimates a net loss to the city’s general fund. CityWatch’s recommendation for approval is based primarily upon the fact that this parcel is already totally surrounded by the city.

More information may be obtained from CityWatch. Call 503-362-0619, or write P. O. Box 142, Salem, 97308. Or visit www.salemcitywatch.com between October 24 and November 6.

(This information provided by Jack Holloway,
President, CityWatch)

For measure 24-74

This property, located on Wiltsey Road, off South Commercial Street, is surrounded by land already annexed into the City of Salem.

The Salem City Council found that this annexation complies with Salem’s comprehensive plan and applicable criteria for annexation and forwarded it for your vote. The South Gateway Neighborhood Association that reviewed the proposal had no objections to it.

The land within the city, which surrounds this property, is zoned for
multifamily use. This property, when annexed, will also be zone for multifamily uses. Even prior to this annexation proposal, the City of Salem had designated this land as part of the city’s inventory of future multifamily land. This inventory is required to meet statewide and city planning goals.

The property is co-owned by one of the largest developers of senior housing in North America. This property may be developed as senior housing. A senior housing use would have no impact on schools (except to pay property taxes for school funding), and little impact on neighborhoods and traffic.

The annexation proposal, land completely surrounded by land already annexed into the city, meets every provision of Oregon law and Salem Ordinance and has been approved by every reviewing body with no objections to the annexation.

It will immediately provide additional revenue to the Salem general fund for improved police and fire services, street maintenance and other city needs.

For a better Salem, VOTE YES on Measure 24-74