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The Albert is a 72-unit, mixed-use apartment complex going up on North Williams Avenue. The area is growing quickly – and as more businesses are establishing themselves on the busy bike corridor, neighbors are wondering how the developments will change the local scene.

Crews have started framing the third of The Albert’s four stories, which has people talking at Maui’s, the bar next door. Maui’s opened in 2009 and its back patio/smoking area abuts the new development with only a foot or two to spare.

Here are some thoughts on the development from one of the bartenders.

I’m kind of worried about whoever moves into the apartments facing this place because it’s going to be noisy over here. I don’t know what their rents are going to be, but I definitely wouldn’t want to pay any sort of high rent to face the lovely Maui’s on Williams. I live in the neighborhood and it’s nice to see that the area is developing, but there’s a vibe of gentrification going on. It’s cool for me, as a 30-year-old white kid, but the hipster crew may start treading on ground over here that’s not necessarily theirs to tread on. I’d hate to see this street become the new Mississippi. I’d rather see a grocery store with fresh produce on this street.” – Jason Rippeteau, bartender at Maui’s

For more on The Albert, check out the story we ran in September: The Albert on North Williams rises above neighbors’ concerns