School for Blind Could Become Parking Lot

July 22, 2010 -- Salem Hospital is thinking of purchasing the site of the former Oregon School for the Blind to use for a new parking lot. Less likely is a nursing school as had previously been floated.

 

Last month, the property – owned by the state adjacent to Salem Hospital – went on the market for $7.5 million. Willamette University and a private development company had previously expressed interest. The broker on the deal with Norris & Stevens could not be reached for comment.

 

In an internal communication widely distributed and obtained by The Lund Report, Salem Hospital spokeswoman Julie Howard lays out the hospital’s reasoning for considering the site for parking.

 

“Given the limited availability of land surrounding Salem Hospital, it's appropriate to analyze the possibilities for acquiring adjacent property. Since the long-range needs of the community are hard to predict, such a purchase could provide more flexibility in responding to the needs of future generations,” Howard wrote.

 

“Surface parking is the main use we are exploring in this phase,” the statement continues. “Other ideas were shared previously, but we have not developed any additional concepts at this point. Should we become the successful bidder, we will continue to study potential short-term and long-term use.”

 

 Income generated from the sale will be equally split between blind students enrolled in Oregon’s public schools and the Oregon School for the Deaf based on legislation passed during the February special session (House Bill 3687).

 

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