Week of 04/12/21 - Neighborhoods
The Neighborhood Update is produced on a weekly(ish) basis by the City of Corvallis to help neighborhoods stay connected.
New This Week
Benton County Risk Level: HIGH RISK - The COVID-19 risk level determines which activities are permitted in the county. View the Risk Activity Guide. Vaccinations: All individuals who are included in Phase 1b Group 7 and all previous groups are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Beginning April 19, any Oregonian over the age of 16 can sign-up for the vaccine. Determine Eligibility | Sign-up for Email Updates | Schedule an Appointment
HOPE Community Feedback Forum - April 13 @ 4p - 6p @online - The Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Equity (HOPE) Board will host a public forum to discuss the board's draft policies to address homelessness and housing in Corvallis and broader Benton County. Attendees will have an opportunity to share feedback and ask questions during this event. The public can also comment on the draft policies through a survey. The survey is due on April 15.
- Read the draft policies
- Comment on the draft policies by April 15
- Attend the Community Feedback Session on April 13
Building Community for Wildfire Resilience - April 14 @ 1p - 2p @ online - Are you ready for the next wildfire season? Last summer’s wildfire events impacted most Oregonians and we learned that EVERYONE living in Oregon should be prepared for a wildfire emergency. Every community is different though, and it can be difficult to navigate all of the resources. Join this upcoming webinar session to discuss how to promote wildfire safety while building community and sharing a common goal. Register.
WHNA Board Members to Meet with Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Engineer - April 14 - WHNA will be discussing Philomath Blvd. between Western and 53rd. Topics will include bike and pedestrian safety along this corridor, traffic signal software timing improvements to increase traffic flow and reduce bottle-necking at the 53rd and Hwy 20 intersection at the Bi Mart shopping center, and the connections to Hwy 20 from West Hills Rd will be discussed to determine options for the community.
Corvallis Outdoor Farmers Market Opens this Saturday - April 17 @ 9a - 1p - The Corvallis Farmers’ market is at 1st and Jackson. On Saturdays, it runs a ½ block north of Jackson and to Monroe, where it turns west to 2nd Street. A new section on Jackson just west of 1st was added to the permit area in exchange for spaces that will be used for enclosed street cafes for various brick-and-mortar restaurants/bars. Safety precautions are in place. Learn more.
Planet Palooza & Procession of Species Reverse Parade - April 17 - Join the Parks & Recreation Department in an early celebration of Earth Day! This is a FREE all ages, physically-distanced or virtual extravaganza that takes place in a variety of natural places around Corvallis or online. Events will include a Procession of Species Reverse Parade, storywalks, a Chip Ross hike, and presentations on pollinators, birds, and watersheds. All in-person activities follow OHA guidelines for COVID. Please plan to wear a mask and stay physically-distanced from other households.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Tunison Community Path moves Closer to Funding - The Tunison Community Path is an active transportation corridor proposed to link neighborhoods and provide travel alternatives for bicyclists and pedestrians in south Corvallis. Active transportation advocates and neighborhood leaders have worked proactively to engage the community and help build support for this project over many years. The City of Corvallis Public Works Department has received notice that a $500,000 grant request for preliminary planning and project refinement work on the Tunison Community Path will be recommended to the Oregon Transportation Commission in May. This is exciting news for all those working to make south Corvallis more bike and pedestrian-friendly. Read more.
Unmanaged and Illegal Camping Policies Updated - Several neighborhoods have expressed an interest in the City’s policies on illegal camping and enforcement. The City Council recently revisited these policies and passed several motions, including but not limited to the following motions - begin enforcement of unmanaged camping within 50 feet of sidewalks, multi-use paths and trails in parks and natural areas, begin enforcing illegal camping ordinances on May 15, and encourage ODOT and Union Pacific Railroad to clean up illegal campsites within their properties and right of ways. Additional discussions are expected at future meetings. Watch the meeting.
New Active Transportation Website & eNews - The Public Works Department has launched a new webpage devoted to active transportation resources. The site includes maps, resources, and a link to sign-up for Active Transportation News. Check it out.
