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Public Notices

Public Hearings on Housing Policies and Removing Code Barriers to Needed Housing

Over the last six months, the City has pursued several priority strategies and policies to incentivize needed housing and sought public feedback on these strategies through focus groups, a survey, individual meetings, and a housing forum.  As a result of these efforts and the input received to date, three housing policies and amendments to the Albany Development Code to reduce barriers to needed housing are being considered for adoption.

Housing Policies

The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of policies to support needed housing, especially affordable housing on December 11, 2024, at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

  • Construction Excise Tax (CET) is a one-time tax on construction projects that can be used to fund needed housing projects and programs. The proposed policy would establish a Residential CET of 1% of the permit value for residential improvements and a rate of 1.5% of permit value for the Commercial CET. The first $50,000 of permit value will be exempted from the tax for all projects. Revenue generated by this CET would support affordable housing and other needed housing in Albany.
  • Low Income Rental Housing Tax Exemption is a 20-year property tax exemption for new rental housing that meets specific affordability criteria. 
  • City Owned Surplus Land Policy stipulates that the City will consider whether City owned surplus land is suitable for housing. If the surplus land is suitable for housing and no other greater priorities have been previously identified for the property, solicit and evaluate proposals from affordable housing developers first. 

Development Code Amendments

The City’s proposed changes to the Albany Development Code (ADC) remove barriers to needed housing. There are two upcoming opportunities to provide comment or testimony on the proposed changes to the ADC. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on December 16, 2024, at 5:15pm and the Albany City Council will hold a public hearing on January 22, 2025 at 6:00pm. The proposed changes include:

  • Removing of barriers for small houses
  • Encouraging cottage cluster housing and smaller cottages
  • Increasing flexibility for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
  • Reserving higher density zones for higher density development
  • Requiring open space or pocket parks in residential subdivisions
  • Encouraging rear loaded development to preserve on street parking options.

More information on the policies and code amendments, including the complete proposals, can be found online at albanyoregon.gov/hip. Additionally, information on how to provide comments or testimony can be found on the same page under the participation tab. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions and comments.

Details

Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request a Release of Funds for Linn Benton Housing Authority Valor Place Apartment Project

June 26, 2024

City of Albany; P.O. Box 490; Albany, OR 97321-0144
Phone: 541-917-7550 

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Linn Benton Housing Authority in the City of Albany.  

Request for Release of Funds

On or about July 12, 2024, the City of Albany will authorize Linn Benton Housing Authority to submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers under section 8(o)(19) of the US Housing Act of 1937, as modified by the requirements in The 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, to undertake a project known as Valor Place Apartments for the purpose of providing housing for low-income veteran residents at 2080 Queen Ave SE in Albany, OR. The project is estimated to be $11 million to complete all phases. 

Finding of No Significant Impact

The City of Albany has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment.  Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required.  Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) online at albanyoregon.gov/cdbg and on file at Albany Community Development Department, 333 Broadalbin Street SW Albany, Oregon and may be examined or copied weekdays between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. and at the main Public Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE and may be examined or copied between 12:00 and 6:00 P.M. Tuesday to Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Saturday.

Public Comments

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Albany Community Development Department by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail to Anne Catlin, City of Albany, PO Box 490, Albany, Or 97321-0144. All comments received by July 11, 2024, will be considered by the City of Albany prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. 

Environmental Certification

The City of Albany certifies to HUD that Mayor Alexander D. Johnson II in his capacity as Mayor consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.  HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Linn Benton Housing Authority to use Program funds for the Valor Place Apartments project.

Objections to Release of Funds

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Albany’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Albany; (b) the City of Albany has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality.  Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be emailed to addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to the HUD Portland Office at 1220 SW 3rd Ave., Suite 400; Portland, OR 97204.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Alexander D. Johnson II, Mayor, City of Albany

Environmental Review Record:

Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request assistance accessing these materials.

Details
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