As a Board Member of the South Gateway Neighborhood Association, I am in support of the Hazel’s Hill annexation. As an owner of property located across the street from the proposed development, I believe that the development will positively impact this community.

First, significant transportation improvements, currently estimated at $1,300,000, will be required to be constructed at the developer’s expense. At a minimum, this means a much needed widening of Kuebler Blvd. And 27th Avenue, and a traffic signal at the intersection of Kuebler Blvd. And 27th. These improvements are long overdue and will significantly enhance the safety of the citizens of this city as they travel through this intersection.

Second, the City has determined that the project would create a $109,383 annual surplus to the City’s General Fund.

Furthermore, public services will not be impacted as a result of this proposal. The Fire Department expects a 1-2 minute response time; the Police Department noted that typically commercially developed property has minimal impact on police services and adequate police service is available to serve the property at this time; and the School District indicates existing facilities would support the anticipated addition of students from the residential development on the property with no additional costs to the District for new facilities or staff. As a result, this project will provide considerable benefits to the City of Salem with minimal impact to its resources.

Hazel’s Hill, once developed, will provide much needed goods and services in an area where there currently isn’t any. With that will come traffic improvements that will make this intersection at Kuebler Blvd and 27th Street much safer; traffic improvements that at this time the City can not afford, but a developer can. As a result of the benefits that will result from this annexation and development, I am in support of the Hazel’s Hill annexation.

(This information provided by Randy Barna)