A new building with six apartments on East First Avene near Thurston Street, shown on Jan. 3, 2025.
On one of my bike rides around Albany the other day, I happened by chance to go past three construction sites that had one thing in common. They made use of sites to create new housing within established neighborhoods.
By “established,” I meant parts of the old part of Albany, the area that’s been within the city limits for a century or more.
Building housing of this kind does not require new streets or utility systems. Constructing dwellings on such lots adds to the housing stock without taking up acres of land on the outskirts, land that was previously used for farming and might still be useful for growing things.
City planners now often talk about trying to create walkable neighborhoods, where you don’t necessarily have to get in the car all the time.
I don’t know if the projects mentioned here lessen the need to drive in daily life.
But they do make things a little more interesting when you do take a walk and look around. Or when you take the bike.
(hh)
A new duplex, on Madison Street near Water Avenue, was for sale on Jan. 3, 2025.
Calapooia Court, two side-by-side apartment buildings with commercial space on the first floor, are going up at Fourth Avenue and Calapooia Street.
Clearly, this is NOT housing that is affordable to residents earning 60% or below the area median income for the first year, and below 80% for subsequent years (Albany’s Housing Implementation Plan) .
Clearly, the city council should dictate that vouchers or other financial payment will be given so that “free” Albany taxpayer money will be given to prioritize low end renters over the rich folks who would otherwise claim these units.
Or, dictate that these buildings be demolished and downscaled. The Albany PLAN must be followed.
It’s for the common good. Welcome to the People’s Republic of Albany, Oregon.
Did you vote in the last election for City Council? If not, why not?
I need a small dwelling I have two cats that are my MSA. I am disabled on SSI only. I need a safe place for me my cat’s. If. Not I will just keep trying else were. Thank you
Good luck Mr. Smith. I’m sure it’s tough on people in your income level.
……and those awful colors!
There is another one going up off Queen by Liberty Street. I think it is exciting to see more housing options popping up in older neighborhoods and especially so close to downtown. More walkable neighborhoods over this way.
I just got approved for HUD and worried I won’t be able to find a 1 bedroom apartment to fit my needs.Within their price range.Hopefully I’ll find something easy I hope.I need a 1 bedroom downstairs close to my parking place.Im on oxygen.
With the onerous fees this Mayor/City Council is intent on imposing, many low income homeowners simply can’t maintain proper maintenance to protect their home. Things like a new roof are beyond their income. Once the roof starts to leak, major damage is imminent.
Things like a Storm Water Fee taxes an Act of God. Street Maintenance Fee imposed on people without an automobile while a neighbor parks a loaded logging truck on a residential street. His neighbor parks up to 6 cars overnight.
How about a PUNITIVE FEE on Studded Snow Tires, since they cost the most damage. I bet too many self entitled City Employees use them for that to pass.
The duplex on Madison Street is for sale through Re/Max. It says 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, 1394 sq ft. It shows a unit price of $374,500. Re/Max includes a mortgage cost calculator on their web site which I’m quoting. Based on a 6.93% interest rate, 10% down (if a low income buyer can swing a down of $37,500 and still qualify for a loan) , and a 30 year fixed rate mortgage loan, the P&I is $2226. I’m assuming $3600 for property taxes, $1200 for insurance annually, which equates to a monthly mortgage cost of $2600 @. Utilities on top of that of course. AI inquiry says a person should spend no more than 28% of their income on P&I, taxes and insurance . This equates to a monthly income of $9285, or an annual income of $111,400. Good luck with that.
These statements are from articles on effects of the type of projects the city has implemented:
Urban renewal projects often prioritize luxury apartments and upscale housing options, leading to a shortage of affordable homes. This forces lower-income residents to move away, separating them from their social networks and support systems. This rapid influx of people strains existing infrastructure and resources, leading to a shortage of essential services like housing, sanitation, and transportation. This growth creates a vicious cycle, as the lack of proper infrastructure. The forced relocation of existing residents and businesses due to Gentrification can exacerbate local income inequality, making it more difficult for low-income individuals to afford stable housing. Increased living costs coupled with low wages can contribute to housing instability and homelessness. In a gentrifying neighborhood, when homes are vacated by low-income residents, other low-income residents cannot afford to move in because rents and sales prices have increased. This is also called exclusionary displacement. Affordable housing is a critical component of any community.
Negative effects of Urbanization:
Population increase causes housing problems.
Overcrowding.
Unemployment.
Development of Slums.
Water and Sanitation Problems.
Poor Health and Spread of Diseases.
Traffic Congestion.
Urban Crime.