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South Albany Area Plan

Study Area

The plan will set the direction for future growth and development in this area. We'll be looking at zoning and land use, streets and highways, railroads, natural areas and wildlife along Oak Creek, neighborhood services, and development standards. Additionally, the South Albany Area Plan (SAAP) will identify how much development can be approved before the realignment of Ellingson Road is required.

The study area is generally all lands between Interstate 5 on the east and Highway 99 on the west, and vacant lands surrounding Oak Creek on the north, then south to the Urban Growth Boundary.

Timeline

In March 2010, the City Council authorized the application for a Transportation and Growth Management Grant (TGMG) from the State of Oregon to assist in funding a South Albany Area Plan (Resolution No. 5900). The resolution further committed the City of Albany to a local match of 11%, and authorized the Mayor to write a letter of support.

In June 2011, ODOT notified the City that we had received the grant in the amount of $178,000, which will be paid directly by ODOT to the consulting team jointly selected by the City and ODOT. The City's match will come from in-kind services (staff time and supplies), and from the Community Development Department's proposed 2011-12 budget. No additional funding is required. The consulting team assisting in the project include transportation experts, economists, natural resource specialists and outside planners.

Community Development staff, working with ODOT and the consultant completed the scope of work with several issues emerging:

• The impact of Oak Creek on extending streets and utilities;
• Preservation of significant natural resources;
• Options for land use and zoning, including neighborhood commercial;
• Design standards for streets and storm water facilities;
• Coordination with ODOT on major transportation corridors, both highways and rail;
• The high probability of significant archeological resources.

The process kicked off in July 2011, and is expected to last 12 – 18 months.

Stakeholders

Stakeholder interviews were held in order to obtain initial information regarding issues, problems, opportunities, and aspirations related to the initiation of the conceptual master planning process for South Albany Area Plan. The interviews were part of a larger information gathering process that includes field work, review of related plans, studies and policies, and discussions with the City of Albany staff and representatives of other agencies.

The interviewees included representatives from the following interests:

• Property owners
• Property developers
• Business owners/operators
• Albany City Tree Commission
• Bike/Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• City Council
• Oregon Department of Transportation
• Native American tribes

Each of the stakeholders had experience and/or familiarity with planning, development, business, and transportation issues associated with South Albany.

There will be a public participation process, as well as technical and project advisory committees (TAC & PAC) with representatives from city departments and outside agencies who will have an interest in the outcome, or who can contribute expertise.

We also expect participation by GAPS, Linn County and City of Tangent. Staff or elected officials of these jurisdictions have told us they will be active participants in the plan.

A successful planning project will result in amendments to the Albany Comprehensive Plan, some changes in zoning designations, a more refined street system plan, and a clearer inventory of significant natural and cultural resources that require protection. Toward the end of the process, the Planning Commission will be asked to make recommendations to the City Council on all these issues.

Last updated on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 10:59 AM