Commentary

What’s that big concrete shell at West?

Written January 25th, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 2 responses.

If you’re wondering, as I was on a bike ride Saturday, what that huge concrete box at West Albany High School will contain or house, the answer is the school district’s new auditorium.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany Auditorium, Albany school construction, school construction bond, West Albany theater

Just sayin’: Looks fine without the chimneys

Written January 24th, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 3 responses.

In November 2019, the Albany Landmarks Commission approved contractor Joel Dahl’s restoration of the historic Goltra House at Montgomery Street and Fourth Avenue, but members were interested in preserving a future possibility of recreating the appearance of two elaborate brick chimneys sticking out above the roof.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Albany history, Goltra House, Hackleman District, Joel Dahl, Landmarks Commission

Lights in the rain: Watching the show

Written January 23rd, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 5 responses.

Being perhaps too easily impressed, I was interested in the light show on Albany’s Second Avenue on Thursday night. So I turned the camera on.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Albany weather, downtown Albany, Oregon rain

Council: Keep police & fire tax rate the same

Written January 23rd, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 18 responses.

The Albany City Council is playing it safe –if that’s possible in elections — when it comes to the renewal of a longstanding extra property tax to support the police and fire departments.

Posted in: Commentary, News

When a tree gets too big and destructive

Written January 23rd, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 3 responses.

Everybody loves the big old shade trees on Albany streets in the summer. Their downside is that their roots sometimes crack the pavement below, and then somebody decides they have to go.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Hackleman Historic District, Jackson Street

Council seeks grant for station restroom

Written January 22nd, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: one response.

It’s not a done deal yet, but the city council Wednesday agreed to take a step toward construction of a public restroom outside of Albany Station, where people often wait for trains and buses when the depot itself is closed.

Posted in: Commentary, News

How this dumb law works: Check it out

Written January 21st, 2020 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 42 responses.

Just how stupid is Oregon’s new law on checkout bags? You get the idea when you want to take home a little meal from a sandwich shop, the North Albany Subway in this case.

Posted in: Commentary