Salem Council approves amendments for abandoned properties and foreclosures

The Salem City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including amendments to local property regulations and the status of foreclosed properties in the city.

During the meeting, Councilor Morisola raised a question regarding the number of bank-owned and abandoned properties in Salem. It was noted that there are approximately ten such properties, which are included in a combined list of foreclosures and abandoned buildings. This information highlights ongoing concerns about property management and urban development in the area.

Councilor Cohen proposed a motion to move forward with a positive recommendation for an ordinance amendment, which included a minor change to remove the phrase "up to" from Section 12.72 concerning fines for failure to maintain properties. The motion was seconded by Councilor Morozoa and passed unanimously, indicating strong support for the amendment.

Public comment was invited, and Justin Whittier, a resident, provided insights on the challenges faced by unused church properties in the city. He referenced the Municipal Religious Reuse Special Permit, which was established to address zoning issues that left such properties vacant. Whittier suggested that the ordinance should consider exempt uses like churches, as they do not fit neatly into residential or commercial categories.

The discussions reflect the committee's commitment to addressing property management issues and adapting local regulations to better serve the community's needs. The next steps will involve further review and potential implementation of the proposed amendments, as well as continued dialogue on the status of foreclosed properties and their impact on the neighborhood.