Salem Wrecker unhappy with city's stance

Mike Ratts, the owner of Salem Wrecker Service, is not happy with indications the city opposes his plan to house trucks for his business at a residential property. About 18 people attended the July 22nd Plan Commission meeting, worried a property restricted to residential use may be used as a business by Ratts. They asked about a permit issued to Ratts for construction of a house and garage. Ratts said he plans to use the property to store some of his wreckers and might use it as an impound lot as well.

However, Attorney Ryan Bower said all of the uses Ratts specified are forbidden under the property’s current zoning.

Ratts believes he should be allowed to store his equipment there since he often responds to wrecks, saying there should be a special variance consideration for those who assist at emergencies. He said he's been treated very dirty by the city.

For much more on this story, see this week's Salem Leader.