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Residents urge caution on housing plan, citing sewer capacity and North Albany congestion
Summary
Public commenters told the council the housing implementation plan should be paused or altered because pump stations and other infrastructure in North and East Albany are at capacity; speakers recommended delaying new housing until roads, stormwater and public safety staffing keep pace with growth.
Multiple members of the public addressed the council during the Jan. 8 business-from-the-public period to raise infrastructure and housing concerns tied to Albany’s housing implementation plan and growth in North and East Albany.
Jamie Smith told the council the Oak Creek pump station on 37th Avenue Southwest is “at maximum capacity,” and said building should not proceed on nearby parcels until wastewater, stormwater and roads are upgraded. Smith urged the council to “manage growth” and to expand police, fire and public works in proportion to population increases. She referenced an “East Albany Plan Development Alternative” submitted previously and asked the council to consider infrastructure constraints before approving new housing.
Other residents echoed concerns about congestion and the allocation of city funds. Mike Quinn, a North Albany resident, said congestion and stormwater are top concerns for his neighborhood and encouraged councilors to prioritize those issues. Several speakers opposed using street-fund dollars to match federal grants for EV chargers, saying those funds should be reserved for road repairs.
Council members and visiting Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd acknowledged the shared responsibility across jurisdictions for North Albany infrastructure; Shepherd introduced himself as the county’s liaison and said he will work with Albany on roads, wastewater and congestion for shared residents. Staff did not take immediate action to halt the housing implementation plan; staff and council reiterated that the plan is recommended by the state but not mandatory. Members of the public requested additional analysis of sewer and stormwater capacity before new development proceeds.
