Sculptures Exempt from Albany Bulb Eviction & Clean-up, City Says

The distinctive Albany Bulb sculptures made largely from driftwood and debris are not subject to the city's planned clean-up of the property, Clty ClerK Nicole Almaguer said today, Friday.

The large sculptures – made chiefly by attorney/artist Osha Neumann and his son-in-law Jason De Antonis – have been an often-photographed fixture on the Bulb for many years. Some have been destroyed by the elements or human hands, and some remain. They are concentrated on the Bulb's northernmost edge.

A recent blog post by Bulb resident Amber Whitson, "Albany Gives Notice: Iconic Art May Have 72 Hours Before Removal!," warned that the sculptures "may be gone forever."

Her post was in response to notices posted by the city on Tuesday warning that temporary shelters, personal property and refuse could be removed "at any time" following 72 hours after the date of the notices, which was Oct. 22. The notices also said the city will undertake its "clean-up" of the Bulb at any time after 72 hours had elapsed.

In response to a question from Patch about whether the sculptures are covered by the 72-hour notices and planned clean-up, Almaguer via email, "No, at this time we are focusing on abandoned encampments, not what may be considered 'art'."

The 72-hour notices posted by the city on Tuesday were on abandoned shelters, Almaguer said. Whitson said the occupants of the two shelters were temporarily away.

In decisions over the past several months, the City Council established a plan to remove the estimated 50-60 or so people living illegally in makeshift shelters and tents on the Bulb and to proceed with the city's longterm goal of turning the bayfill property over to McLaughlin Eastshore State Park.

On Monday night this week, the Council approved a $570,000 plan to place a 30-bed temporary housing shelter next to the Bulb and hire a firm to clean up campsite remains, trash and waste. 

Background on the Albany Bulb issues

The city's plans to remove the longstanding encampments on the Bulb and turn it over to the Eastshore Park have generated considerable controversy. More information can be found in the many recent news articles and community blog and board posts about the Albany Bulb. Click here for a list of titles and links.