The Sternberg House looked like this just before 6 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2026. The sign advertised Wednesday’s public hearing.
The Albany City Council Wednesday unanimously denied a conditional use permit that would have allowed an outpatient substance-abuse treatment center to operate out of the historic Sternberg House at 506 Ferry St. SW.
The 5-0 council vote overturned a decision by the city’s planning commission, which had unanimously approved the permit on June 15.
Bill Origer, a resident of the neighborhood, appealed the planning commission approval, opposing the conversion of the historic residence to a commercial use. The appeal prompted Wednesday’s public hearing by the city council.
The house is named for one of Albany’s immigrant business pioneers, who built it in 1868. It lies in the Monteith Historic District.
The treatment center permit was requested by Angela Kelly and Sarah Soric, owners of Recovery First LLC, who bought the house in May 2024 for $551,000.
Starting in early 2025, their request has now been approved, appealed, and rejected several times.
The city’s development code allows community services including nonprofit treatment centers in the Hackleman-Monteith Historic District zone, which includes the Ferry Street address, as conditional uses if they are run by the government, charities or nonprofits.
After the latest council rejection in October last year, the applicants registered as a nonprofit organization, according to the city planning staff. On Wednesday council members questioned the details of that registration.
The applicants’ representative told the council Wednesday that the request met all requirements in the city’s comprehensive plan and development code, so much so that approving it should be a “slam dunk.”
The council, though, did not agree. (hh)
The question that needs asking: Why is the “Monteith District” a sacred cow for Albany?
Albany is known for its older homes and historic Monteith district. The Monteiths and Hacklemans are considered to be the founders of Albany.
I’m sure that new church on Powers Ave. will have extra room for a treatment center
Way to go! Love your comment.
We need a like button!
Your comment would get lots of “thumbs up”
Why are the Shakespeare theaters sacred cows in Ashland? Why is the rodeo a sacred horse in Pendelton? And that silly strawberry shortcake in Lebanon….these questions demand answers!
…Because they are a symbol of our past and show respect for those who came before us. Why do we have museums? Why do we have monuments? You and your parents were not born in Oregon, I would guess….but, of course, I could be wrong.
Thank you for the good decision on our behalf, City Council members.
Brace for it! Here comes the lawsuit! Nobody’s going to tell me what I can or can’t do with my property!
Then do not buy a home with an HOA, or a home on the national registry because they absolutely can tell you what is allowed with your property
Okay, I work very near to the address, and therefore have been interested in the process. First, I’ll say it’s a lovely old home! Old homes and history are faves for me, so I’m definitely on board with making sure we keep our historic buildings properly designated & cared for. That being said, what are the specific concerns cited for the denial? With two neighboring homes – also historic – currently being used as residential treatment & recovery houses, how would outpatient use be more of a risk? Thanks for the article Hasso!