Salem's Wallace Marine, Cascades Gateway parks listed for possible homeless camping

Cascades Gateway Park, Marion Square Park and Wallace Marine Park were among the top contenders for city-sanctioned homeless camping sites, according to a list released by the City of Salem.

City staff, at the behest of City Council, attempted to find city-owned property to carve out exceptions to a ban on homeless camping passed this month and poised to go into effect Dec. 16.

City leaders are expected to talk about the locations during Monday night's council meeting at City Hall. The session is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at 555 Liberty St. SE.

In a report ahead of Monday night's council meeting, city staff warned that Salem is opening itself up to "considerable risk" by allowing sanctioned camping. To shield Salem from liability, city officials must make sure any sanctioned homeless camp is supervised and offers adequate services as a minimum prerequisite, according to the report.

Because Salem owns the property, officials must safeguard the premises from any hazards they become aware of or should know about. Unsupervised camping presents several potential problems, including assaults between camp members, theft, property damage and trespassing on nearby private property, according to the report. 

Failing to supervise the camp or provide services such as personal hygiene facilities, toilets and garbage disposal "will quickly lead to unsafe conditions within the camp that threaten campers and public health and safety," the report stated.

The report also outlined several potential costs to run a supervised camp open around the clock for up to 35 people. It would need at least nine portable toilets and washing facilities at an estimated cost of $2,500 per month.

Garbage services would run approximately $1,500 a month. Tents would run about $400 each. Permanent fencing could cost about $20,000, or $500 a month to rent. Staffing costs were estimated to run as much as $1 million annually, which would include administration and security.

A camp would take 60 to 90 days to set up, the report concluded.

Kevin Chambers, who chairs the West Salem Neighborhood Association, opposed using Wallace Marine Park for a homeless encampment. Chambers said he would file an appeal against the decision if the park was chosen.

Contact reporter Jonathan Bach by email at jbach@statesmanjournal.com or by phone at 503-399-6714. Follow him on Twitter at @jonathanmbach.