Salem council OKs dealing with state about park Two councilors have doubts about Minto-Brown plan March 18, 2008 Plans for a new park on Minto-Brown Island, and a footbridge that would become a key link in a network of park trails, advanced another step at Monday's Salem City Council meeting. Councilors approved a plan for the city to enter into a "memorandum of understanding" with the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation. The state intends to buy 310 acres of Minto-Brown Island property from Boise Cascade and lease the land to Salem for a park. A footbridge has been proposed that would connect the island's trails with the city's other riverfront parks. Together with the Union Street railroad bridge, which is undergoing renovations to become a bike and pedestrian pathway, the city would have 16 miles of trails stretching from Minto-Brown Island to West Salem. The city and state likely would share responsibility for managing and maintaining the proposed park. But the council vote was not unanimous: Councilors T.J. Sullivan and Brent DeHart voted no. "I haven't been sold on it from the start," said Sullivan, who noted that the activity generated by the bridge might harm wildlife on the island. Constituent concerns about unanticipated costs for Salem taxpayers and a proposal that was "not specific enough" were reasons DeHart gave for his no vote. Salem resident Marjorie Jordan told the council that she opposed the proposed footbridge for several reasons. "It might invite people who do not have a place to live," Jordan said. A remote area linked by a footbridge might lead to security problems on the island. In addition, park visitors might drive away the island's wildlife, she said. The state parks department has been authorized to spend $825,375 in state lottery proceeds to buy the island, said Chris Havel, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation. Although a purchase agreement has not been completed, the state and Boise have agreed on the sales price, Havel said. The next step, he said, is for Boise and the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation to draft a plan for ongoing environmental monitoring of the property. Years ago, Boise Cascade piped wastes from a downtown pulp mill into island lagoons; the mill closed in 1984. Lingering chemicals and metals in soil and sediment do not pose a risk for potential park users, Havel said. Officials are insisting on an environmental monitoring program to alert them "should the levels change or pose some sort of harm," he said. Salem's agreement with the state specifies that the island property would be dedicated for trails and natural areas, with a few amenities for park visitors, such as benches and restrooms. The 50-million gallon pond on the property would be off-limits for recreational uses, such as fishing, swimming, and boating, according to the agreement. Tests done in 2007 found traces of dioxin in the pond's sediments, but none in the pond's water. Salem would seek grants to pay for the park improvements, according to the agreement. Turning the Minto-Brown Island land into a park follows recommendations made by the Urban Land Institute, which in 2006 issued a report on options for redeveloping Boise Cascade property. Minto Island is prone to flooding and isn't suitable for development. Last year, the 13-acre Boise plant site was bought by developers Dan Berrey and Larry Tokarski, who intend to turn it into a mixed-use development. mrose@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6657 |