Hasso Hering Describes Riding Through Albany's Northeastern Corner

In a recent column for his personal site, Hasso Hering offers a look at the northeastern section of Albany, Oregon, as seen from the seat of a bicycle.

Hering describes the area as a departure from the city’s newer or more ornate developments, noting that the neighborhood’s lack of heavy traffic is a primary reason he chooses to ride there.

The neighborhood is characterized by its historical housing stock. According to Hering, property records from the Linn County assessor’s office indicate that many of the homes in this section of town were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s, with additional development occurring in the 1950s.

The area is defined by its open space and the presence of Periwinkle Creek, which flows through the neighborhood. Hering notes that while he crossed the creek on Water Avenue, the waterway itself is obscured from the road by dense vegetation.

The ride also highlights a discrepancy in city mapping. Hering points out that the City of Albany’s “InfoHub” map currently misplaces Eades Park. The park was relocated to accommodate the expansion of the local wastewater treatment plant, yet the digital map still displays the facility at its former location.

Slow ride in NE neighborhood

For residents and visitors, the appeal of the area lies in its quiet pace. Hering writes, "Usually there is very little, to the point that sometimes I’m surprised when a car comes along." This observation shows the neighborhood's character, which differs from more heavily trafficked urban corridors.

The ride concludes at the intersection of Burkhart Street and Front Avenue, where Hering parks his bicycle. By documenting these routes, the column provides a perspective on the city’s older residential infrastructure and the specific challenges of maintaining accurate public data, such as the location of municipal parks, in an evolving urban landscape.