Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will Salem hit pause on massive new AI data centers?

Make time for Saturday Open Garden @ Gaiety Hollow on the Salem Patch calendar

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
Thursday September 17th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Salem! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Salem hit pause on massive new AI data centers?
  • How could Salem's new data center rules affect your neighborhood?
  • What Salem's plan to end Wallace Marine Park camping means for residents

Also on today's calendar: Saturday Open Garden @ Gaiety Hollow and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sunny, with a high of 82 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and not as warm, temps: high: 74, low: 47.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 78 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. What to expect if you attend Salem's data center town hall meetings (statesmanjournal.com) — Salem residents still have two chances in October to weigh in on how the city should regulate a proposed $5.1 billion data center and future projects. After strong pushback at the first town hall, a city task force is gathering public input before recommending rules, while the city council considers a temporary moratorium on new AI data centers within Salem.
   

2. Salem's Future, Oregon's Tight Governor's Race & Sydney Sweeney Enters the Chat (kykn.com) — Salem residents are being asked to weigh in on how large data centers should use local water, power, and land, with a city task force set to recommend policies by year's end. Mayor Julie Hoy also discussed her priorities for the rest of her term, while a tight Oregon governor's race and a debate over celebrity advertising rounded out the wide-ranging conversation.
   

3. Wallace Marine Park residents ask Salem city councilors, manager to stop camp removals (salemreporter.com) — Unhoused residents of Wallace Marine Park are asking Salem city leaders to halt upcoming camp removals that could end camping there by late October and push people into city streets. With limited shelter beds that fit campers' disabilities, pets, and family situations, advocates argue Salem should pause clearings until realistic alternatives are available, while the city says closures are coordinated with service providers.
   

4. Agility's Digit 5 Humanoid Robot Leaves the Cage, and the Ostrich Knees (techeblog.com) — A Salem-based company, Agility Robotics, is ramping up production of its new Digit 5 humanoid robot at the RoboFab plant in town, aiming to build up to 10,000 units a year. The upgraded robot is designed for safer, faster warehouse work, with stronger legs, longer battery life, and advanced safety systems, backed by hundreds of millions of dollars in customer commitments.
   

5. Public notice: State summons (salemreporter.com) — A Marion County Juvenile Court summons orders a parent to personally appear at the Salem courthouse on Oct. 12, 2026, for a hearing on terminating parental rights. The notice explains that failing to appear could let the court act without you, and details how to request a state-paid attorney or find legal help through local and state resources in Salem.
   

📸 Around Salem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Week 33 — A Year in Flowers
    As we head into fall, I have a question for my neighbors. Are you a dark and moody bouquet person — or do you prefer soft and romantic? This week I… (Nextdoor Brooks)
  • This sweet kitty seems lost?
    Hanging around Lee Street Apartments at 2585 Lee Street SE. (Nextdoor Southeast Park)
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Busser in Salem. Apply here.
  • Quest Diagnostics posted a job opening for Medical Courier in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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