(Updated: Adds comments from current and former public works directors and residents)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Home to a warm, neighborhood-friendly culture, Prineville has a rich history and a unique variety of street names that are rare in Central Oregon. This particular street – Northeast 5 1/2 Street – is relatively unknown, especially to those who don't live in the city.
Anyone who has visited or lives in Prineville knows the feel of this area and the neighborhood that has existed for over 100 years. What many people may not know is that there is a street with such an unusual address in this area.
“This is one of those little transactions that you probably don't even know is there if you're not involved in public works or the fire department or something like that,” said Jerry, a former city public works director who lives in Prineville.・Mr. Brammer said. his whole life.
“We've been here for seven years now. We live in Juniper Canyon, we ride our bikes, and we noticed it. It was just so cute,” said Prineville resident Windy Minton. ” he said.
“I looked up and couldn't believe what I was seeing. I actually grabbed my phone and took a picture, which is rare,” Rich Minton said.
On one side of NE 5 1/2 Street is the Prineville Parks Department. On the other side are his two houses with an address of 5 1/2 Street. Other nearby houses are at intersections.
Streets were first laid out in 1877. Over time, Ochoco Creek has become a hindrance to street planning. He eventually moved south, creating space for this small street.
“If you go back and look at old maps, that's probably where that creek originally came down, and there was more room for blocks on one side of the road or the other,” said Casey Kaiser, current director of public works. I feel like it's too little,” he said. Creek. “
It caught the attention of NewsChannel 21 when a fire broke out near 5 1/2 Street on April 25th. Crook County Fire Rescue issued a news release at an unusual address.
We asked the Department of Public Works for the history, but could not get a clear answer as to why the city has half streets.
“It was just a matter of practicality. That street lines up with some alleys, and if you carry it across the creek, how does it line up with some of the alleys there? We'll see. But once the address is established, I think.” On top of that, it made sense to make it a real street and name it that way. ”
As you might have guessed, 5 1/2 Street is located between 5th and 6th Avenues. We spoke to a neighbor who told us that this address is always causing confusion and trouble with the post office.
