Week of 11/15/21 - Neighborhoods
The Neighborhood Update is produced on a weekly(ish) basis by the City of Corvallis to help neighborhoods stay connected. Contributions are always welcomed and considered - please send by Friday of the preceding week.
New This Week
On the Calendar: City Council Meeting | Housing [Interim] Update | Budget Commission - ARPA | Planning Commission | Council Work Session
Central Park Neighborhood Association Raises Funds for a Microshelter - A CPNA announced last week that its grassroots effort to raise funds for the construction and placement of a microshelter had met its goal. The CPNA collected over $18,000 in contributions and exceeded its original goal of $16,000. The extra money will be used to fund two $1,000 incentive grants for other Corvallis neighborhood associations interested in sponsoring a similar microshelter project. CPNA thanks all those who contributed and Unity Shelter for organizing, placing, and managing microshelters in our community. If your association interested in an incentive grant for a similar project, contact Courtney Cloyd.
Northwest Neighbors Love Woodland Park - Woodland Park is a gathering place for sunrise seekers, dog lovers, and bird watchers. A group of NW neighbors, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, have been gathering for volunteer work days over the past several years to attend to the needs of this unique park. Last weekend, the neighbors flexed their muscles and spread gravel along the pathways in the park. Thank you to those who participated and to Doug Severs who continues to organize this mighty group. Check out the picture above!
Street Talk 2021 addresses Intersections for People - November 16 @ 7p @ Online - This year’s annual “Street Talk” presentation features Nick Falbo, Senior Transportation Planner, Portland Bureau of Transportation. Nick Falbo specializes in the design of urban transportation networks, spaces for people, and multimodal complete streets. His presentation will be a great opportunity to hear about the redesign of intersections to make them safer for everyone and, at the same time, improve community livability. Register to attend.
Housing [Interim] Update - November 16 @ 6p @ Online - According to Oregon Housing & Community Services, Corvallis is ranked as the most rent burdened city in the state with 36.9% of Corvallis households spending 50% or more of their monthly income towards the costs of renting a home. During this one-hour webinar, Community Development staff will summarize the causes, barriers, and consequences of rent burden that were previously identified by our local community members and will offer an interim update on local resources and recent state legislation that are aimed at addressing this important issue. Register to attend.
Budget Commission to Discuss American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds - November 17 @ 6p @ Online - The Budget Commission will receive a presentation this week regarding funds allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Budget Commission will consider the information and provide direction on whether it re-affirms its previous motion to use City ARPA funds for City facility needs. If the Budget Commission re-affirms their recommendation to use City ARPA funds for City facility needs, staff will develop a specific plan for use of those funds on City facilities and work with the City Council on implementing a path forward. Read the memo
City Facilities Needs Assessment is Underway - A comprehensive look at the City's space needs is underway. The first step in the process is a facility needs assessment (FNA) to evaluate the current state of each facility and gain a comprehensive understanding of citywide needs (i.e. upgrades and replacing aging infrastructure). The City Council has received two briefings on the topic that focused on the process used to collect information and the preliminary findings and recommendations for needed work. The Council will discuss the recommended phasing of the work and will begin a discussion on how to engage the public in decision-making during this week's Council meeting. Learn more.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
West Hills Neighborhood Association Election Results - The WHNA conducted an election on November 4 and has welcomed a new president. Daniel Wood will step into the role of president and will work with Lester Oehler (VP), Jessica Wheeler (Secretary) and Claire Pate (Treasurer) in their continuing roles. A special thank you to Blair Girard for her leadership over the past several years.
South Corvallis Art Walk 2021 - December 5 @ 10a @ South Corvallis - The South Corvallis Art Walk is returning in 2021 and will feature more than 25 artisans. The first annual South Town art walk took place in 2011 when a small group of artists printed a map and invited family, friends and the community to visit their studios for holiday shopping. The art walk has become a signature event in South Corvallis over the years. Details about the event and COVID-19 restrictions are available online. Learn more.
Porter Park Playground Improvements Meeting #2 - December 8 @ 5:30p @ Online - The Parks & Recreation Department has received a small grant to help update the playground at Porter Park! As we embark on the planning process, we need your feedback! Share your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations with City staff by attending the virtual meetings, visiting the website, and participating in the upcoming survey. Watch Virtual Meeting #1 | Register to attend Virtual Meeting #2
Turkey Trot is Coming Soon - November 25 - The Corvallis Turkey Trot is the Parks and Recreation Department's largest fundraiser for The Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund. The Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund gives low income families and individuals access to programs such as swimming lessons, therapy classes and more. Whether you plan to run or donate, we are looking forward to keeping the momentum of the Turkey Trot going in 2021! Register.
