Salem developer appeals homeless shelter expansion

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A prominent local developer is fighting the expansion of Salem’s largest homeless shelter.

The Statesman Journal reports that David Glennie, owner of Glennie Property Investments and a former Salem City Council member, has filed an appeal with the city, arguing that homeless people already regularly trouble north downtown Salem properties.

The appeal could stall the city’s plan to buy the current Union Gospel Mission of Salem shelter and redevelop almost an entire block of downtown in coming years.

The new building would boost the Union Gospel Mission’s current overnight capacity from 150 to about 300 men.

Early 2018 estimates from nonprofit Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency say about 1,200 men are considered homeless in Marion and Polk counties.

___

Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com