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HASSO HERING

A perspective from Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley

‘Franklin Reserve:’ Billboard shows the plan

Written February 11th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

An errand last month took me along Airport Road in Albany, where I was surprised to see a billboard that said the site of a long-planned housing development was for sale.


Replacing Waverly bridge: This is the year

Written February 10th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

This is the year the Waverly Drive bridge on Cox Creek will finally be replaced with a new one.


How come drivers still getting caught?

Written February 9th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

Every time I have driven past the traffic cameras on North Albany Road in the last few months, and I do this twice a day, it has been impossible to get a ticket. Yet more than 300 drivers get speeding tickets there every month. How come?


Albany livability: Survey notes a decline

Written February 7th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

If the results of a city survey reflect reality, people think the quality of living in Albany is still pretty good but may have gone downhill on several fronts over the last few years.


No questions: Big annexation sails through

Written February 6th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

A proposal to add around a thousand housing units on Albany’s east side is sailing through the city’s approval process without anybody asking questions related to growth.


On new plaza street, a little damage

Written February 5th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

Albany’s new “plaza street” on the Willamette riverfront has sustained some damage well before it has seen its first intended use for events like the farmers’ market.


Demolition at NETL: What’s the plan?

Written February 4th, 2026 by Hasso Hering

Prompted by the demolition of a building at the campus of the National Energy Technology Lab, rumors are flying about what the U.S. Department of Energy has in mind for the Albany site.


 
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