Corvallis e-News | September 2022
In this issue: New curb extensions, Corvallis Alert updates, and bus service reductions on the way.)
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Corvallis Alert Moving to a New Platform
Corvallis Alert, the emergency notification system used by Corvallis public safety officials to reach community members, is moving to a new platform. Starting in September, Corvallis Alert will be powered by Everbridge, an industry-leading notification platform that is used by agencies throughout Oregon. Everbridge is also used by the existing Linn-Benton Alert system that has been in place for many years.
The move to Everbridge will require existing Corvallis Alert subscribers to create a new account on the Everbridge platform. The sign-up process is free, and users can customize their alert preferences. Everbridge can send alerts via text message, email, text to speech, telephone call, voicemail, as well as several other options.
“Corvallis Alert is an essential tool for us to inform the community of things happening within the City limits.” explained Corvallis Emergency Planning Manager Dave Busby. “By moving to this new platform, we can give Corvallis community members a more consistent experience that will improve communications citywide.”
The move to Everbridge was made possible through a subsidy from the State of Oregon. When they sign up for Corvallis Alert, local subscribers also will be automatically signed up for Linn-Benton Alert, which is operated at the county level.
Corvallis Alert is used by public safety officials to send urgent messages about police and fire activity, road closures, natural hazards, and other communications. For more information, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/corvallisalert.
CTS Service Reductions Beginning September 19
The contract operator of the Corvallis Transit System (CTS) has informed the City of Corvallis that CTS will be forced to significantly reduce service next month due to the contractor's driver shortage. Transit services in Corvallis are provided by MTR Western Inc., a Seattle based transportation company, through a contract with the City.
Beginning with our routine fall service change on September 19, CTS will be suspending Saturday and Sunday service until driver numbers can support weekend service. In addition, some underperforming routes are also being eliminated in order to reallocate limited resources and sustain service to higher ridership routes.
Philomath Connection (PC) will also experience a reduction in Saturday service but will also see an increase in Monday-Friday service due to scheduling circumstances unique to this service.
Corvallis Transit System, Philomath Connection, and complementary paratransit changes are summarized below and will go into effect beginning Monday, September 19:
Corvallis Transit System Services to be Suspended Until Driver Shortage Addressed
- All Saturday CTS service
- All Sunday CTS service
Corvallis Transit System Services to be Eliminated Until Demand Rebounds
- Route 50
- Night Owl Routes
- Route 5 Peak Service
- Route 6 Peak Service
Changes to the Philomath Connection Service are as follows:
Philomath Connection Services to be Suspended Until Driver Shortage Addressed
- All Saturday PC service
- Philomath Connection Service Increase
- Additional weekday runs at 9am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm
Complementary Paratransit Service Impacts
- CTS Saturday and Sunday suspended, until Saturday and Sunday service restored
- PC Saturday suspended, until Saturday service restored
- All Night Owl service hours eliminated, until Night Owl restored if demand rebounds
- Route 50 service area beyond ¾ mile north of Walnut Boulevard eliminated, until Route 50 restored if demand rebounds
Questions may be directed to CTS@corvallisoregon.gov or 541-766-6916.
Jason Harvey Selected as Corvallis Police Chief
Jason Harvey has been appointed as the next Chief of Police for the Corvallis Police Department. He will succeed outgoing Chief Nick Hurley upon his retirement on December 30, 2022. During the interim period, Harvey will work closely with Hurley, the Police Department, and the Corvallis community to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Harvey is a 25-year veteran of the Corvallis Police Department and has worked in virtually every role at the department, from patrol officer to detective to K-9 handler. He currently holds the rank of Captain at CPD, where he oversees a division responsible for uniformed patrol, detective investigations, crime analysis, and traffic enforcement.
Harvey holds a degree in criminology and criminal justice from Portland State University. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2017. He is also a graduate of the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute and holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
Outside of work, Harvey enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and endurance sports such as cycling and long-distance running.
“I am honored and excited to be appointed the next Chief of Police for the City of Corvallis,” Harvey said. “Serving this community is a true privilege, and I am committed to working with Chief Hurley over the next few months as we coordinate the handover of responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition for the department and the community.”
Harvey will assume his duties as Police Chief on December 30. A public reception with the community is planned for early 2023.
Progress Today @ MLK
The Friends of Corvallis Parks & Recreation have started a fundraising campaign to raise money to finish off the planned improvements for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in northwestern Corvallis.
Enhancements at the park have been designed with community members representing a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, interests, and abilities. As the design continues to take shape, the project team is dedicated to creating a space for community connections between people and the natural environment, centered on the Black experience to inspire activism, acceptance, and social change in alignment with Dr. King’s mission, right here in Corvallis.
When completed, the park will feature:
- an overlook point
- improved hiking trails
- inspirational public art
- environmental restoration
- improved parking
- sports and fitness court
- off-leash dog park
- nature playground
- interactive fountain
- community gathering places
Read more on the fundraising website.
New Curb Extensions at Grant & 11th Avenue
Have you noticed these interesting curb extensions at Grant & 11th Avenue? Maybe you thought, "What's with all these white posts? I wish there was a large sign explaining what they're all about!" If so, you're in luck — the large signs have arrived!
This is a good opportunity to help educate the community about curb extensions, which are one of several tools in our toolbox for building out the neighborhood bikeway system.
Curb extensions help pedestrians be more visible to drivers, and they also shorten the crossing distance at intersections. They promote slower, safer vehicle turning movement.
We’re excited to look for more opportunities to install curb extensions and build out the neighborhood bikeway system in Corvallis.
What's New at the Library this Month?
There's a lot going on at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Check out any of the events below to learn more!
- Saturday Stories, 10:30am Sept 3, Main Meeting Room Saturday Stories, a Family Storytime for all ages is back on the first Saturday of the Month this fall. Drop-in in the Main Meeting Room.
- Storytime: 10:30am, Main Meeting Room, drop-in. Tuesdays: Infants, Wednesdays: Toddlers, Thursdays: Preschool. See all dates here
- Tech Help Lab: Sept 7, 3-4pm, 2nd floor Classroom. Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
- Concert with David Helfand and Tanya Bunson: Sept 10, 2-3pm, Main Meeting Room. Free concert with Harpist and multi-instrumentalist, David Helfand and virtuoso fiddler Tanya Bunson
- Random Review (Virtual): Sept 14 , noon. John Larison reviews 1984 by George Orwell
- Get a Library Card: Sign up for an All-Access e-card to get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials, downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
- Home Delivery Service: Get your holds delivered to you! Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
- Books & More from Home: Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
- Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!
