The Housing Committee has been active in the last two months – listening to invited speakers and pursuing our interest in the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).
Our first guest was Brigetta Olsen, Corvallis’ Housing and Neighborhood Services Manager. Conversation focused on current and new developments proposed for Corvallis. Olsen was excited to share with us the jump in affordable housing that will soon be available in Corvallis. We all acknowledge that much more is to be done but this is a great start. For updated information, check the Community Development website here. Current in the pipeline or in progress:
- 53rd Flats – County Club and 53rd
- River Green Apartments 84 units
- 3rd Street Commons – permanent supportive housing
- Union at Pacific Highway 174 units
Our conversation with league member and guru of land development, Peggy Lynch covered a broad range of topics including the number of mandates relating to housing and land development coming from the state. We also spent time discussing background information on Corvallis’ UGB – particularly- the Urban Fringe. The Committee’s concern is as the City and County negotiate an agreement on the future of the UBG, what is our role in ensuring that this agreement is clear on how we envision future growth in this area. This can include such things as identifying natural features, ensuring we have a walkable community, what kinds of housing and much more.
Finally, our committee has been working closely with the NAACP Housing Committee to pool resources given that we are both small committees and the world of housing is large. Currently, we are sharing information on proposed affordable housing developments in the cities of Corvallis and Albany and the counties of Benton and Linn.
As always, our committee is looking for new members and would welcome your giving us a try by attending a zoom meeting. We meet – virtually – on the 2nd and 4th Thursday 2:00-3:30.