Albany Council Approves Annexation for East Albany Town Center

Controversial 37-acre development east of Interstate 5 to include over 900 housing units

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:05am

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The Albany City Council voted 4-3 to approve the annexation of 37 acres of land between Spicer Drive and the Walmart supercenter, paving the way for a large-scale mixed-use development called the 'East Albany Town Center.' The project, proposed by a consortium of developers, lawyers, and architects, calls for over 900 housing units, including some seven-story apartment buildings, as well as commercial spaces. The decision was controversial, with three council members opposing the annexation as unnecessary growth, while the mayor and three others voted in favor.

Why it matters

The East Albany Town Center development represents a significant expansion of Albany's housing and commercial footprint east of Interstate 5, an area that has seen limited growth in recent years. The project's scale and density have raised concerns among some community members about the pace and impact of development in the city.

The details

The East Albany Town Center project is being proposed by a limited liability corporation whose agent is Damon Olson of North Albany. The concept calls for over 900 housing units in various configurations, including some seven-story apartment buildings, as well as commercial spaces. The Albany City Council voted 4-3 to approve the annexation of the 37-acre site, with council members Carolyn McLeod, Michael Thomson, and Steph Newton opposing the move and Mayor Alex Johnson II breaking the tie to vote in favor, along with council members Marilyn Smith, Chris Van Drimmelen, and Ramycia McGhee.

  • The Albany City Council approved the annexation on March 11, 2026.
  • The council first discussed the staff request to be the applicant for the annexation in 2025.

The players

East Albany Town Center

A proposed mixed-use development east of Interstate 5 in Albany, Oregon, featuring over 900 housing units and commercial spaces.

Damon Olson

The agent for the limited liability corporation behind the East Albany Town Center development proposal.

Carolyn McLeod

An Albany City Council member who opposed the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

Michael Thomson

An Albany City Council member who opposed the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

Steph Newton

An Albany City Council member who opposed the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

Marilyn Smith

An Albany City Council member who voted in favor of the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

Chris Van Drimmelen

An Albany City Council member who voted in favor of the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

Ramycia McGhee

An Albany City Council member who voted in favor of the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

Alex Johnson II

The Mayor of Albany who broke the tie vote to approve the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The next steps for the East Albany Town Center project will be for the developers to submit detailed site plans for the various components of the development, which will then need to be approved by the Albany City Council.

The takeaway

The approval of the annexation for the East Albany Town Center project highlights the ongoing debate in Albany over the pace and scale of development, particularly in areas east of Interstate 5. While proponents argue the project will provide much-needed housing, opponents are concerned about the impact on the character of the city. The project's future will likely continue to be a point of contention in the community.