Marion County commissioners approve vacating end of Phipps Lane after residents describe drug use, vandalism

Marion County commissioners on March 27 approved an order vacating the dead-end portion of Phipps Lane NE in Salem after multiple residents described repeated drug activity, vandalism and trespassing along the undeveloped lane.

Kent Inman of Public Works told the board that Phipps Lane — created by the Glendale Park subdivision plat in 1953 — is undeveloped and currently serves only as a walking path. Public Works recommended vacating the north end of the lane and vesting the right-of-way to the adjoining owners “as required by statute,” Inman said.

John Miller, owner of Courthouse Club Fitness, told the board the lane “is used to loiter, cause problems, create graffiti and get intoxicated,” and said the 38 calls reported to the Sheriff’s Office were a fraction of incidents he has witnessed. Neighbor Jim Larkins described groups gathering, rock-throwing at homes, repeated fence cutting that provided access from the fitness center parking area, and discarded drug needles and other debris.

Other residents described cars sleeping near their houses, late-night revving, frequent vandalism and concerns that children use a fence path to walk to school. Cary Paldanius said she had found drug needles behind her home and that interior lights are turned off because passersby can see inside.

In board discussion, commissioners and staff said the county is working to add deputy patrols in East Salem and improve street lighting in several neighborhoods. Commissioner Sam Brentano moved to close the public hearing and approve the vacation; Commissioner Colm Willis seconded and the motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

The order directs that the right-of-way be vested to adjoining property owners in accordance with applicable statute. Commissioners urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement. The board adjourned at about 10:30 a.m.