Parks are so congested that ball teams are forced to play out of town. Floods are exacerbated by storm water from parking lots, roofs and streets. Water lines leak, valves crumble if turned, and water shortages are not uncommon. Sewage overflows into the streams and backs up into basements. Schools and jails are overcrowded.
Gangs fight for respect and over turf, sometimes blowing away innocent kids.
Meanwhile, the Salem Economic Development Corporation pushes for more industries to locate here, including low and medium wage ones, drawing two new people to the city for every three jobs created. Against this backdrop, nurtured by a desire for a sustainable society, a liveable Salem, and citizen involvement to define and achieve these goals, Citizens for Responsible Growth came into being. Richard Reid, President of Salem Fair Share, and a member of the TSDC task force, formed a coalition of concerned citizens in November, 1996. Our coalition grew as we invited individuals and organizations to help shape the effort.