Salem city officials are pushing back against a recent complaint from three Marion County commissioners who allege that a microshelter operated by Church at the Park is responsible for an increase in discarded syringes near the site. The commissioners – Colm Willis, Kevin Cameron and Danielle Bethell – mailed a letter to City Manager Krishna Namburi and Community Services Director Gretchen Bennett on September 15, demanding that the city address the alleged litter problem or face possible state involvement.
Letter details and city response
The letter, which arrived at the city offices on September 28, stated that the microshelter’s presence has led to a noticeable amount of syringe litter in the surrounding area. It urged city officials to take immediate action, warning that the county might intervene if the issue is not resolved.
In a written response, Bennett emphasized that the city has not received any documented evidence linking the microshelter to the reported litter. She noted that the city’s code‑enforcement and public‑health departments have not been presented with concrete complaints or photographs that would substantiate the claim.
City officials stress due process
Both Namburi and Bennett highlighted the importance of following established procedures before taking any enforcement action. They explained that the city typically relies on verified reports from residents, law‑enforcement observations, or health‑department inspections before issuing citations or ordering clean‑up measures.
“We are committed to keeping all neighborhoods safe and clean,” Bennett said. “However, we cannot act on allegations that lack clear, verifiable evidence. If residents have specific concerns, we encourage them to report directly to the city so we can investigate promptly.”
Community context
The microshelter, part of a broader effort by local faith‑based organizations to provide temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, has been operating near the Church at the Park for several months. While the shelter offers a vital service to a vulnerable population, some community members have expressed worries about public‑health impacts, including the presence of discarded syringes.
City officials acknowledge those concerns and reaffirm their commitment to public‑health safety. They pointed to existing city programs that address illegal dumping and drug‑related waste, noting that these programs are applied uniformly across Salem, regardless of the property involved.
Next steps
The city has indicated that it will continue monitoring the area and will respond to any substantiated reports of syringe litter. Commissioners Willis, Cameron and Bethell have not indicated whether they will pursue further action at the state level, but they have signaled that they expect a timely resolution.
Residents who observe discarded syringes or other hazardous waste are urged to contact the Salem Police Department’s non‑emergency line or the city’s Code Enforcement Division. By working together, officials say the community can address public‑health concerns without resorting to unfounded accusations.
Broader implications
This exchange underscores the delicate balance local governments must strike between supporting compassionate services for the homeless and maintaining public‑health standards. While the city stands ready to enforce existing ordinances, it also stresses the need for factual, documented evidence before taking corrective measures.
As the dialogue continues, both county commissioners and city leaders appear committed to a collaborative approach that respects the rights of all Salem residents while safeguarding the community’s health and safety.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
