At first glance you might think, “Better not go here.”
A new sign caught my eye on a recent bike ride through my favorite part of Albany, the old Willamette Neighborhood between the river and the Union Pacific and Portland & Western tracks.
“Private drive,” it said. “No trespassing.” All in capital letters.
It was odd to see it there, at the southwest corner of First Avenue and Burkhart Street. Odd, because Burkhart is a public city street. This is the way to go if you want to cross the railroad tracks on foot or on two wheels to reach Salem Avenue and points south.
It clearly wasn’t the city that posted the sign. I’m assuming it was somebody else, maybe a property owner on the corner or nearby.
Maybe it was meant as a gag. I don’t know what else it could be. In any case, it hasn’t kept me or the bike off that block of Burkhart Street.
And it has given me something to go on about here when I’ve been out of town and don’t have anything else. (hh)
On Oct. 11, 2025, I got off the bike to snap a couple of shots of the sign on the corner.
I would let the city know, Hasso. Seems confusing and probably shouldn’t be there.
as sign is on private property removing it would be theft
as this is my neighbor i asked him about sign and he told me the sign was put up at the seggestion of APD so “city” knows it there
It does seem as if a “Dead End” sign would have been more appropriate, to discourage drivers trying to go through but who then have to turn around, perhaps annoying the people living there.
What is that metal barrier I see in your photos at the end of the street? Is it a dead-end street?
yes it blocks cars crossing the tracks
As a local to that area I presume it was someone from the neighborhood trying to persuade homeless from parking/camping at the dead end. I pass that corner daily and have seen many messes left by “car street campers” and a small encampment set up just behind the fenced lot owned by Carson Oil..
yes i too am a local and can see sign from my front yard & yes its to dircurage campers
IT’LL COST 22 MILLION TO FIX THE ISSUE..NOT WORTH IT…OH MY
With the issue you turned out into the world, to destroy the hearts and lives of many, no surprise you have a cant fix it attitude.
First it will cost $10 million to do a study to see how much it would cost to remove it!
They probably got tired of tweakers camping there and are doing what they can.
bingo
I seem to recall a story in Brownsville of someone who painted a city curb to discourage certain behavior. This sign appears to be illegally installed as well and should be removed.
its on private property so what would be ur reason for removing it? also just on the other side of that bush is a driveway, that for sure is private
and yes camping is the issue in that spot and sige has helped with that issue
It does raise an interesting issue of free speech. Free speech does not allow you to yell fire etc. Does it allow you to “fool” drivers?
It doesn’t appear the property it is installed on has a driveway, so the sign is patently a lie. OTOH, Who does it affect. Not a lot of through traffic on that street, so nobody but residents/guests should be there anyway.
Ironically, having more bikers and walkers use routes is the best way to discourage camping and drug users. More people walking and riding bikes on paths and going to parks shames away bad behavior.