A recent letter writer to the Gazette Times summed up the state of a
proposed housing development in Corvallis this way: the wrong housing in the
wrong place at the wrong time. The
proliferation of apartment complexes, especially for Oregon State University’s
growing student population, has sparked opposition. Objections often cited include noise,
parking, losses of natural areas, increases in traffic and changing
neighborhoods.
proposed housing development in Corvallis this way: the wrong housing in the
wrong place at the wrong time. The
proliferation of apartment complexes, especially for Oregon State University’s
growing student population, has sparked opposition. Objections often cited include noise,
parking, losses of natural areas, increases in traffic and changing
neighborhoods.
However, college students are not the
only market for new housing in the city. Retirees, low- to middle-income working
families and people living in poverty challenge the ability of Corvallis to
provide housing that meets current needs. Projections of future population
growth for the Willamette Valley suggest there may be no relief in sight.
only market for new housing in the city. Retirees, low- to middle-income working
families and people living in poverty challenge the ability of Corvallis to
provide housing that meets current needs. Projections of future population
growth for the Willamette Valley suggest there may be no relief in sight.
As we grapple with one proposed
development after another, what is our long-term vision for housing? What do
alternatives mean for the environment and for current residents? What do they
mean for those who can afford to live here and those who cannot? What did the
City’s recent survey of “affordable” housing show? What did it leave out? How
do our land-use regulations shape current and future housing options? How much
buildable land is left?
development after another, what is our long-term vision for housing? What do
alternatives mean for the environment and for current residents? What do they
mean for those who can afford to live here and those who cannot? What did the
City’s recent survey of “affordable” housing show? What did it leave out? How
do our land-use regulations shape current and future housing options? How much
buildable land is left?
At the April 13 City Club meeting, three
speakers will address these and other questions in the first of a series of
discussions about this difficult topic: Brigetta Olson, Mike Beilstein and Brian
Stroup.
speakers will address these and other questions in the first of a series of
discussions about this difficult topic: Brigetta Olson, Mike Beilstein and Brian
Stroup.
Brigetta Olson is the deputy director of
Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services. She develops and manages programs
designed to help low-income individuals and families build personal and
financial assets; lead healthy, productive lives; and develop their potential
as involved citizens.
Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services. She develops and manages programs
designed to help low-income individuals and families build personal and
financial assets; lead healthy, productive lives; and develop their potential
as involved citizens.
Mike Beilstein represents Ward 5 on the
Corvallis City Council, on which he served from 1999-2000 and from 2007 to the
present. He also served on the steering committee for
the recent City Council-initiated Housing Study.
Corvallis City Council, on which he served from 1999-2000 and from 2007 to the
present. He also served on the steering committee for
the recent City Council-initiated Housing Study.
Brian Stroup is the associate director
for University Housing and Dining Services at Oregon State University.
for University Housing and Dining Services at Oregon State University.
The meeting is open to the public. City Club
meets in the Gerding Builders Gym at the Boys & Girls Club, 1112 NW Circle.
The meeting will begin at 12 noon, and doors will open at 11:30. As always,
attendance is free. Lunch by Pastini Pasteria is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
Registration is necessary only if you are having lunch. Send e-mail to
info@cityclubofcorvallis.org, with “City Club April 13” in the
subject line, by April 10.
meets in the Gerding Builders Gym at the Boys & Girls Club, 1112 NW Circle.
The meeting will begin at 12 noon, and doors will open at 11:30. As always,
attendance is free. Lunch by Pastini Pasteria is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
Registration is necessary only if you are having lunch. Send e-mail to
info@cityclubofcorvallis.org, with “City Club April 13” in the
subject line, by April 10.