SALEM, Ohio - A large piece of empty land off of U.S. Highway 62 in Salem has been rezoned from commercial to multi-family residential use so that a new retirement community can move in. 

Shepherd of the Valley is finalizing plans to put its fifth senior living location on North Ellsworth Avenue. 

“There is a huge need for that senior housing right now,” Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, the Mayor of Salem said.

The new community would be able to house 120 seniors and would be a mix of assisted and independent living. The complex will also have a community center with a pool, and spaces for outdoor activities. 

Mayor Dickey said they have a lot of seniors living in residential houses that are too big for them. This community would give them a chance to downsize but still stay in the city. 

“This way they can go into a more comfortable functional home with the availability of care down the line if they need it,” Mayor Dickey said. 

If construction starts, Shepherd of the Valley plans to use local contractors for the project which helps grow the trades industry and the local economy. 

“All the skill trades work on these projects, the carpenters, the plumbers, the pipefitters, the electricians, painters, all them,” Tony DiTommaso Jr., Secretary and Treasurer of Western Reserve Building Trades said. “When you have a local person working on a project like that they’re going to spend that dollar seven times over in the community."

Shepherd of the Valley has not officially acquired the land yet, but Mayor Dickey said they are confident this will be built. 

“It's going to be a great addition for our seniors and it's going to be a great addition for new job opportunities for our residents,” Mayor Dickey said.