What SHOULD be done with North Campus of State Hospital

What should be done with the North Campus Property? Rather than hand it over to developers, how about the state give it to ODVA and Salem in a joint partnership charged with turning the existing campus into a year-round "Housing First" site to house homeless veterans, of which Oregon has an abundance.

Instead of leveling serviceable buildings, make them homes.  Build training and supports, provide wraparound services on site in conjunction with the nearby Community Action Agency. Since the property is well located on transit lines, there's no need to waste space paving acres for parking -- we can keep the precious green space, house homeless vets and their families, and provide career training and services right in town.

http://salemnen.org/news/2015/05/26/town-hall-meeting-planned-for-update-on-north-campus-of-the-former-oregon-state-hospital/

Town Hall Meeting Planned for Update on North Campus of the Former Oregon State Hospital

by NICHOLAS on May 26, 2015 • 12:13 pm

The North East Salem Community Association, which represents the community bordering Northeast Neighbors to the East, has announced a Town Hall Meeting with Representative Brian Clem to discuss the latest news regarding redevelopment of the North Campus of the Former Oregon State Hospital, located between Center and D Streets in Northeast Salem.

As many of you may know, after successfully halting what many felt was an ill-timed and executed sale effort, Rep. Clem requested funds to prepare the property for sale, including the demolition of the majority of the buildings on the site. After considerable discussion, the membership of NESCA voted to support the Representative's initiative, which is still pending in the Legislature. The NEN board is also considering a motion to formally support Rep. Clem's initiative, but has not completed deliberations.

Rep. Clem is holding a Town Hall Meeting where he will discuss the project generally and his specific efforts and the future of the project on June 2nd at 6 p.m. at the Hoover School cafeteria, located at 1104 Savage Road NE, Salem, OR 97301.

Residents of NEN are welcome to attend to learn more about this important development that will impact the quality of life for our neighborhood and broader community.

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."