The Salem City Council Monday night approved surplusing the former Save-a-Lot building on West Main Street and will put it up for sale July 1st.
Mayor Nic Farley says the move is nothing against Mission Salem and Sleep in Heavenly Peace which is currently utilizing the building. He emphasized they have done a fantastic job that has made a difference in people’s lives. Instead, it has to do with trying to recoup a $285,000 investment after a determination the building is not adequate for a new police station. Farley notes he voted ‘no’ at the time of the purchase because the city didn’t have a ‘great plan’.
“What we’ve heard with our Chief and Finance Director, going to conferences, learning about how to build police stations that it is of their opinion that they don’t believe it to be adequate to serve our needs now and into the future. So what we are trying to do is be fiscally sound to say we can sell that building, recoup some of that money, and look at a better plan for the police department.”
Interim City Manager Annette Sola also commended the work of Mission Salem and Sleep in Heavenly Peace and offered her assistance.
“I’m happy to sit down and talk to you about it. If there is anything the city can do or resources that we have to help outreach we certainly will. There are a few ideas that I have and I’m more than happy to help.”
Salem Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl is including money in his budget next fiscal year for an architect to study renovation of the current police station compared to building a new station.
“This is a long-term plan. This is not something we can even accomplish in the next five years. As chief, I probably won’t see it, but I do see the need for it.”
Ambuehl added having good city facilities will help attract new residents and businesses.
The only no vote came from councilwoman Tracy Crouch who felt more study might be needed before the sale due to the impact on the two service organizations.
Mission Salem is currently asking for the community’s help in finding a new location, while Sleep in Heavenly Peace is in the process of finalizing an agreement for a new location.
