Albany Apartment Complex Faces Appeal Over Traffic Route

Proposed 108-unit development on 53rd Avenue sparks debate over access through neighboring bowling alley property

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:20am

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A proposed 108-unit apartment complex in southwest Albany is facing an appeal over plans to route traffic through the middle of the adjacent Lakeshore Lanes bowling alley and mini-golf property. The city planning division approved the site plan with a condition that the apartment complex have a connection to Pacific Boulevard (Highway 99E) through the bowling alley's property, but the bowling alley's owner has objected, citing safety concerns for customers. The Albany Planning Commission is set to further discuss the appeal on March 30 after hearing over two hours of testimony on March 16.

Why it matters

The dispute over the apartment complex's access route highlights the challenges of balancing new residential development with existing commercial interests in Albany's evolving neighborhoods. The outcome could set a precedent for how the city handles similar development proposals that impact neighboring businesses.

The details

The proposed 108-unit apartment complex would be located on an 8-acre site on the south side of 53rd Avenue near the intersection with Pacific Boulevard. As a condition of approving the site plan, city planners required that the apartment complex have a connection to the highway through the middle of the adjacent Lakeshore Lanes bowling alley and mini-golf property. However, the bowling alley's owner, Roger Nyquist, has objected, arguing that allowing apartment residents to cut through his property would endanger children and adults using the facilities.

  • The city planning division approved the site plan for the apartments on February 18, 2026.
  • The Albany Planning Commission held a public hearing on the appeal on March 16, 2026.
  • The Planning Commission voted to keep the record open and meet again on March 30, 2026 to further discuss the appeal.

The players

Lakeshore Lanes

A bowling alley and mini-golf facility located adjacent to the proposed apartment complex site.

Roger Nyquist

The owner of Lakeshore Lanes, who has objected to the plan to route apartment traffic through his property.

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What they’re saying

“Apartment residents cutting through my property would endanger children and adults, and I won't allow it.”

— Roger Nyquist, Owner, Lakeshore Lanes

What’s next

The Albany Planning Commission will meet again on March 30, 2026 to further discuss the appeal and make a decision on the proposed apartment complex access route.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the challenges cities face in balancing the needs of new residential development with the concerns of existing businesses. The outcome could set an important precedent for how Albany handles similar development proposals that impact neighboring commercial properties.