East Lancaster Neighborhood Association

Message from the ELNA president

 

By Susann Kaltwasser

In February 1987 neighbors formed the East Lancaster Neighborhood Association. In February of this year Mayor Janet Taylor recognized the association with a proclamation celebrating our 30th anniversary.

A lot of changes have taken place in ELNA over the past three decades with new many businesses on Lancaster Drive, and numerous subdivisions and apartment complexes being built. We have gone from an area that was about half vacant land at our founding to almost completely being built out today. During the journey we have seen improvements to 45th Avenue and the building of major churches like the Church of Latter Day Saints and the Salem Christian Center on 45th, and Blanchet School on Market Street. Swegle School has been expanded and a new park added on Weathers Street. On the horizon are major improvements to the streets with the realignment of Market Street with Swegle Road that will finally bring sidewalks to the area and a new traffic light at the intersection of 45th and Swegle Road.

One thing that has not changed over all these years, however, has been the commitment of a small group of neighbors who made up the ELNA board. Over the years they have continued to work with the City of Salem staff and the Salem Police department to help make our area safe and prosperous.  We owe a great deal of thanks to these fine people and I hope that you will join me on May 7 at our annual meeting where we will celebrate the past 30 years and look forward to the future.