Nearly 1,000 Homes Proposed for West Salem
One of the largest undeveloped plots of land left in Salem could soon become a major new subdivision. The proposed Cherry Hill development would sit on 127 acres in West Salem, bordered to the north by Orchard Heights Road near the northwestern edge of the city, with plans currently ranging between 730 and 930 housing units depending on how the project ultimately takes shape.
Details are still evolving, but early indications point toward a higher end development rather than an entry level or affordable housing project. Much about the final scope, including the exact unit count and mix of housing types, remains subject to change as the proposal moves through the approval process.
For many West Salem residents, the number one issue is not the housing itself but how everyone will get around once it is built. West Salem is connected to the rest of the city by a limited number of bridges across the Willamette River, and a development of this size could add thousands of new residents and significantly more daily trips across those crossings. A third bridge across the river was discussed roughly a decade ago but was never built, and that gap has become a recurring theme in community conversations about growth on this side of the city. Questions have also come up about whether traffic studies for the project will account for the full 930-unit scenario or a smaller version, since that distinction affects whether nearby intersections can handle the added trips.
Beyond traffic, residents have also raised questions about whether current transit service, schools, and emergency services in West Salem can support a development of this scale, or whether additional investment would need to follow.
A project like this, if it moves forward, would be one of the largest additions to West Salem’s housing stock in years, and it is worth watching whether you already live in the area or are considering a move there. Development of this scale tends to influence everything from commute patterns to future property values well before the first home is built.
Whether you live in West Salem and want to understand how this could affect your neighborhood, or you are considering the area and want the full picture before deciding, reach out anytime. I am always happy to talk through your options!
