(Published Saturday, June 16, 2007)

Deliberations on Seventh Street Station set for Monday

The Corvallis City Council will deliberate on the appeal of an administrative zone change for Seventh Street Station at its noon meeting Monday at the downtown fire station, 400 N.W. Harrison Blvd.

At its evening meeting on Monday, the council will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. to consider land development code text amendments, including open space setbacks. The evening meeting starts at 7 p.m. with public input.

The property for Seventh Street Station was rezoned from industrial to residential in 2003, based on a planned development overlay that set conditions for construction.

But due to a state order, the city of Corvallis has removed the overlay. The new zone remains, however.

Residents are worried that could result in a massive apartment or condominium complex next to a historic neighborhood, as well as parking and traffic problems.

During a previous hearing, council members expressed frustration at the situation, as well.

City to smoke-test sewer in northeast Corvallis

The city of Corvallis will begin smoke testing of sanitary sewers on Monday in northeast Corvallis, east of Highway 99W and north of Walnut Boulevard.

Residents will be notified at least 24 hours before testing begins in their neighborhood. Work will be conducted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The city's flow-monitoring program identified this area as having a significant amount of storm water entering the sewer system during a rain event.

The water can enter through cracks in pipes and manholes. Unwanted storm or surface water in a sanitary sewer system can overload the capabilities of the wastewater treatment plant. Eliminating leaks helps save the cost of treating the excess material.

Possible leaks are identified by introducing smoke into the pipe system and observing where it escapes.

It is unlikely smoke will enter homes or businesses. However, smoke may enter if plumbing is not properly installed or maintained.

The smoke used for testing will not damage clothing, drapes or furniture. It is not toxic and will not harm people, pets or food. It may be irritating to those with respiratory problems, however.

While tests are conducted, residents may see smoke at the ground surface indicating cracks in the sewer lines or smoke coming from roof vents and downspouts which are improperly installed. If smoke appears in a back yard during testing, the city will need to investigate the source. Residents who have been notified of smoke testing are asked to leave gates unlocked for access to their yards, and asked to keep pets from running loose. Workers will not enter homes and residents need not be present.

For more information, contact John Olson or Ron Rampenthal at the city of Corvallis Public Works Department, 766-6916.

Northeast neighboorhood meeting set for Wednesday

The Gazette-Times is hosting a community meeting Wednesday for residents of northeast Corvallis and others interested in the district. The meeting will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 9 of the Waldorf School, 3855 N.E. Highway 20.

Ward 9 City Councilor Hal Brauner will be present, along with representatives of the Gazette-Times.

The newspaper is gathering material for a series of stories about the northeast part of town, and we want to hear about issues that are important to the people who live there. The area extends along Circle Boulevard between Highway 99W and Highway 20 and north to the Jackson-Frazier Wetlands.

What's the best thing about living or working in northeast Corvallis? What are some of the problems in the neighborhood? What are the issues facing the area in the future? We look forward to hearing your thoughts on one of our "younger" neighborhoods.

Local guardsmen featured in new documentary film

PORTLAND - Local Oregon National Guardsmen from the Second Battalion, 162nd Brigade (2/162) are among those featured in a new documentary titled "This is War: Memories of Iraq," which premieres Monday night in Portland.

The documentary was filmed during the 2/162's deployment in Iraq in spring 2004. A majority of the footage and photographs used in the film were taken by the soldiers. The two local soldiers featured in the film are Sgt. 1st Class Vince Jacques and Staff Sgt. Ryan Howell, both of Albany.

The 2/162 lost eight soldiers and suffered numerous casualties during its one-year deployment, and gained a high reputation for valor. Many of the soldiers came from Benton and Linn counties.

The documentary was produced by Lucky Forward Films in conjunction with the National Combat History Archive. It was directed by Gary Mortensen, who is president of the history archive.

The premiere takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 18, at the Hollywood Theater, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Tickets are $10, and the proceeds go to the Soldiers Emergency Relief Fund and the National Combat History Archive. Tickets are available by calling 800-494-TIXS or going to https://robot.boxofficetickets.com

For more information on the film, call 503-597-7030.

Gazette-Times