"The City says it is doing this to improve connectivity and traffic flow," local property owner Ken Karp said. "It would provide a straight shot from McGilchrist Street to Mission. The increased traffic through this neighborhood is a big concern. Children will be endangered and the character of the neighborhood will change."

Councilor Laura Tesler who represents this neighborhood said the situation was bittersweet.

"It's a nice little neighborhood but it is zoned industrial with a residential overlay that allows housing," Tesler said. "Eventually the whole area will be industrialized."

Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association chair Bill Smaldone agrees.

"We could try to get the area rezoned but people didn't want to fight that battle," Smaldone said.

Instead SESNA held two well-attended meetings in May where residents expressed their displeasure with the proposed extension.

Smaldone said the residents had two options.

"People who live in that area could resist the extension altogether or accept it with conditions that would mitigate the impact of traffic."

Councilor Tesler persuaded the group that it would be better to attach conditions than getting nothing at all.

"There was a general consensus and a list that included sidewalks, stop signs, and speed bumps was drawn up," Tesler said. "Some of these conditions might be fulfilled."

Despite the general agreement at this meeting, Smaldone said he received phone calls shortly after the list was drawn up and submitted.

"Some people who were at the meeting and originally agreed to the conditions were now saying it wasn't right. They were circulating a letter to the City clearly stating their opposition."
Smaldone views the list of conditions as a fallback position.

"If the City Council ignores the will of residents and decides to build this, then hopefully they will accept these conditions."

On June 18 the Council voted to approve the extension of 23rd Street and Mayor Janet Taylor said most of the neighborhood's conditions would be met.