Public Hearing-November 14, 2023 at 6:30pm-N 8th & Arrow Leaf Ave Right of Way Connection Project

Calendar Date:
Friday, September 15, 2023 (All day) to Saturday, September 16, 2023 (All day)

ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023, CITY COUNCIL MOTIONED TO OPEN THE INTERSECTION TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BY CONVERTING THE RESERVE STRIP INTO PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY, AND TO REQUEST THAT LINN COUNTY TRANSFER THE PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF HARRISBURG BY A VOTE OF 4-0.

  • N. 8th & Arrow Leaf Ave Right-of-Way Connection Project
  • Deadline:  November 7, 2023
  • Public Hearing Date:  November 14, 2023

The City of Harrisburg has received repeated requests from the Harrisburg Fire/Rescue District (HFRD), and from Republic Services, to open the right-of-way that connects the northern part of N. 8th St. to Arrow Leaf Avenue.  (See the attached pictures) This ‘connecting’ roadway/right-of-way is only 15’ wide, and therefore, if opened, will only allow for one-way traffic.  Because this ‘connector’ has been closed for over 27 years, the City desires your opinion on proposed traffic changes in this location.

Primary reasons to open the connector:

  1. HFRD would have faster responses to emergencies.
  2. Citizens would have an additional evacuation route if there were ever a field fire north of the City.
  3. Republic Services is not allowed to back up the entire length of 8th St. and is no longer allowed to use driveways to turn around. 
  4. Keeping the bollards in place would require that ALL residents on 8th St. would have to relocate their trash cans to Arrow Leaf Ave.  (Diamond Hill Dr is both a truck route, and a minor arterial, and therefore, cannot have trash cans blocking the sidewalk or bike lanes). 

Because the connector is only 15’ wide, there is only enough room for a roadway.  There will be no parking allowed and no room for sidewalks and/or bike lanes. New traffic signal signs would need to be installed prior to the change.  Traffic will be allowed to travel south on the connector from Arrow Leaf Ave onto N. 8th St.

During the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023, starting at 6:30pm, a public hearing will be held.  You may provide comments in person that evening, or written comments prior to the meeting (whether emailed or mailed).  Comments received by November 7, 2023, will be included in the City Council Agenda.  Those comments received after this date will be shared in the minutes.  If you have handouts to bring to the meeting, please provide us with ten copies.  If you are not able to attend the meeting, but would like to provide oral comments, please contact Lori Ross at lross@ci.harrisburg.or.us, or at 541-995-2239 to be placed on a conference call. 

Posted:  October 23, 2023

Notifications mailed:  October 23, 2023