Info about the Exit 23 (Albany County, NY) Casino proposal and process

(Stolen from Albany Common Council member Leah Golby's e-mail):

Haven't heard that there's a casino proposal? Here's the All Over Albany report of the Common Council briefing held last month.

At the April 7 Common Council Meeting, some members of the public expressed concern about casinos in general, and a casino being sited in Albany specifically, while others expressed support for the proposed casino.

Here's the process in terms of Council consideration and information about public meetings:
•The developer must submit their application by June 30. Here is the RFA.
•One component of the casino application is support from the host community. A resolution was introduced April 7 so that the Council can begin consideration of support for the proposal. The Common Council constituted a "Committee of the Whole" (a committee on which every Council Member sits) so that the resolution would be sent to that committee for consideration.
•The Council has set a goal of May 5 for voting on the Resolution.
•At this point the following meetings are scheduled or under consideration:
1.April 16 - 6:30 p.m. public forum with the developer at Giffen Elementary School - 274 South Pearl Street

Anyone with Internet Access Can See Interesting Views of Albany

COLLECTION OF HISTORIC ALBANY PHOTOS NOW ONLINE

Albany Public Library has a rich and varied collection of historic Albany photos that is now available to view online through New York Heritage Digital Collections -- a free online portal designed for researchers and history buffs. The site -- nyheritage.org -- is now showcasing two small APL collections: "Views of Albany" and "Urban Renewal in Albany."

Views of Albany showcases a selection of black and white photographs that are mostly from the early 20th century. This collection shows the homes, churches, businesses, weather events, transportation, streets, and people of Albany's past.

Urban Renewal in Albany is an album of photographs and captions that was handmade in 1976 by Florence L. Powell, a historical research assistant for the city of Albany. Powell's album is composed of before-and-after pictures of the Clinton Square area during the urban renewal era. The scrapbook documents the demolition of buildings, the reshaping of streets, and the construction of Interstate 787 and the Leo W. O'Brien Office Building.

The library will continue to add photos to the New York Heritage online collection. These images are just a sample of APL's full Pruyn Collection of Albany History, which is housed in the Albany History Room at the Main Library and includes documents about urban renewal, the South Mall construction, city and state government, and African American history. The Pruyn Collection is comprised of thousands of books, photographs, city directories, newspapers, documents, census records, city council minutes, maps, and more. For more information, please call 427-4303.

Madison Avenue Traffic Calming Report, Albany, NY: Feb 2013

The City of Albany commenced a study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a “Road Diet”along Madison Avenue from Lark Street to South Allen Street and along Western Avenue from South Allen Street to Manning Boulevard. A “Road Diet” is when a road is reduced in the number of travel lanes and/or the effective width. The reallocation of space can result in improved safety for cyclists by providing dedicated space on the roadway; for pedestrians by reducing the potential vehicle conflicts; and for vehicles by providing clear delineation and fewer decision points. The goals of the study are to provide an assessment of the feasibility, benefits, and impacts of a road diet in the corridor by evaluating alternatives that consider bicycles, pedestrians, transit,parking, safety, and passenger vehicle operations. In addition, the alternatives should strive to maintain the existing curb lines, allow sufficient opportunities for turning vehicles, and maintain parking on both sides of Madison Avenue

The report.

Advisory: Snow Emergency in Effect for the City of Albany

Please be advised that the City of Albany has issued a SNOW EMERGENCY that will begin at 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at which time all normal parking rules and regulations are temporarily suspended.

During the first 24 hours of the snow emergency all vehicles must be parked on the even numbered side of the street.

Beginning at 8:00 P.M. Friday, December 28, 2012 all vehicles must be parked on the odd numbered side of the street for the next 24-hour period.

If you are parked on the wrong side of the street during the snow emergency your car will be ticketed and may result in it being towed.

After the second 24-hour period please stay tuned for further announcements. For SNOW EMERGENCY information, call 476-SNOW or log into the city of Albany’s website at www.ALBANYNY.GOV.


If your vehicle has been towed, call Albany Police Department at 438-4000 for information on how to retrieve your vehicle. Snow emergency brochures, which outline all of the Snow Emergency procedures, can be picked up at any City firehouse, police station or branches of the Albany Public Library. Thank you for your cooperation.

Snow Emergency Additional Parking

Due to the snow emergency declared for the City of Albany to start at 8:00 p.m. December 27, 2012, the City of Albany has made available additional parking located at various lots in the city the locations are as follows:

ARBOR HILL/SHERIDAN HOLLOW
1. PARKING AREA ADJOINING ARBOR HILL SOFTBALL FIELD
(NORTH LARK ST.)
2. 230 COLONIE ST. (PLAYGROUND LOT)
3. 178 COLONIE ST. (PLAYGROUND LOT)
4. TEN BROECK MANSION (PARKING LOT & SIDEWALK WEST END)
5. 124 SECOND STREET (PLAYGROUND LOT)

PINE HILLS
1. RIDGEFIELD PARK (ENTER ON PARTRIDGE ST.)
2. WOODLAWN PARK LITTLE LEAGUE
3. WATERSON PARK (WESTLAND HILLS) ENTER ON COLVIN AVE.
4. WASHINGTON PARK (ALL ROADWAYS AND PARKING AREAS)
SOUTH END
1. KRANK PARK AREA
2. FRANKLIN ST. (BETWEEN SCHUYLER & BASSETT STS. – EAST SIDE)
3. LINCOLN PARK (ALL INTERIOR ROADWAYS & PARKING AREA)
4. FRISBEE AVENUE PARKING LOT BETWEEN SECOND AVE. AND MCCARTY AVE.
CENTER SQUARE/MANSION
1. 77 PHILIP ST. (PLAYGROUND)
2. 88 PHILIP ST. (PLAYGROUND)
3. 179 MYRTLE AVE. (LOT IN FRONT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS)
4. WASHINGTON PARK (ALL ROADWAYS AND PARKING AREAS)

NORTH ALBANY
1. PARKING AREA ACROSS FROM NORTH ALBANY AMERICAN LEGION POST

WEST END
1. BLEECKER STADIUM (PARKING AREA & ROADWAYS)
2. NORTH SIDE OF LIVINGSTON AVE. (OPPOSITE JUDSON ST.) Parking Lot

Public Meetings Tonight and September 12 re Albany Reapportionment

Tonight, Aug. 28 at 5:30pm at the Albany Public Library main branch on Washington Avenue, the City of Albany Reapportionment Commission (chaired by Vicente Alfonso) will be holding its first public forum to receive input on reapportionment related issues.

Here is a link to the Commission's webpage, which also includes the Commission's workplan timetable and other data elements.

There will be an additional public forum on September 12 for the commission to receive input.

Here is a link to the article in today's Times Union about the redistricting commission.

Below is some information from the redistricting website that describes the work and purpose of the Commission. The Commission consists of eight volunteer Albany residents who were appointed by the Albany Common Council. Unlike the last reapportionment commission, there are no Common Council Members who serve on the current commission.

City Wards & Redistricting

OVERVIEW

In accordance with the City Charter, the City of Albany is divided into 15 legislative districts, or Wards. Each Ward is represented by a City Common Council Member who is elected by their constituency to serve a four year term. Each Common Council Member functions to regulate and protect the interests of residents within their Ward.

Collectively the members comprise the Common Council which serves as the legislative branch of Albany’s government. The Common Council is authorized to adopt, amend or repeal local laws, ordinances, resolutions and regulations pertaining to property and government affairs within the City.

Ward boundaries are established by the Common Council to best represent the demographics within the City and are based primarily on Census information.

REDISTRICTING

Redistricting refers to the process by which census data is used to redraw the boundaries of electoral districts, or in the case of the City of Albany, Ward boundaries. Redistricting impacts the weight of your vote and involves making difficult decisions constricted by complicated local, State and Federal laws. In the City of Albany, this process is conducted every 10 years, and is based on the latest Federal Decennial Census information. The City's Ward boundaries were last finalized in 2003 based on Census 2000 data, and are currently undergoing review per the 2010 Census. Redistricting represents one of the most important undertakings of our democracy.

REAPPORTIONMENT COMMISSION

The Reapportionment Commission is appointed by the Common Council to review Ward boundaries within the City of Albany. In order to accommodate population changes and demographic shifts reported in current Census surveys, the Commission strives to maximize the legal principle of "one person, one vote," consistent with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and subsequent case laws.

The Commission also has a responsibility to maximize public participation in the process of redistricting in the City of Albany, and to ensure the Ward maps best represent protected groups and community of interests within the City. The Commission obtains public input on representation and boundary adjustments through public meetings, hearings and other community outreach. A finalized plan will be presented to the Common Council for their review and approval.

Citizens’ Police Review Board vacancy

City of Albany Common Council

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Citizens’ Police Review Board

The Albany Common Council is seeking nominations of qualified residents of the City of Albany for the following position:

Title of Position:
Member, Citizens’ Police Review Board (CPRB)

Term of Appointment:
To fill a vacancy expiring 10/26/13

Appointees are eligible for reappointment at the end of their term to an additional term of three years.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:

The CPRB is an independent body established by the City of Albany in 2000 to improve communications between the Police Department and the Community, to increase police accountability and credibility with the public, and to create a complaint review process that is free from bias and informed of actual police practice. In addition to review and determination on completed investigations of complaints made by citizens against officers of the City of Albany Police Department for alleged misconduct, the nine member Board may make recommendations to the Common Council and the Mayor regarding police policies and practices relevant to the goals of community policing and the exercise of discretionary authority by police officers. Board members are appointed by the Mayor (4) and the Common Council (5). The Board is required to, among other things, undergo significant training, and engage in public outreach and education.

Members of the CPRB shall reside in the City of Albany and possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility and have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service. The Common Council and the Mayor shall endeavor to reflect community diversity in their appointments, including income level, race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation and experience and shall, in their appointments, solicit recommendations from the community. Officers, current employees of the City of Albany and the immediate relatives of officers and employees shall not be eligible for appointment.

Members shall be appointed for three-year terms. No members of the CPRB shall serve for a period which exceeds two consecutive terms. Completion of an orientation program concerning the goals, powers and procedures of the CPRB is required before a member may participate as a voting member. In addition, graduation from the Albany Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy within six months of the start of the member’s term is required. Members are also required to undergo continuing education on issues related to the interaction between civilians and police officers from the perspectives of both the citizen and the police officer.

The CPRB meets once per month and Board members are required to take responsibility in preparing cases for presentation. Board members also participate in community outreach efforts.

Additional information on the CPRB is available on http://www.albanylaw.edu/sub.php?navigation_id=1130 their web site maintained by the Albany Law School’s Government Law Center.
Statutory Authority:

The CPRB is established in accordance with Article XLIV of Part 33 of Chapter 42 of the Code of the City of Albany (sections 42-332 through 42-352). A copy is available on the CPRB web site (see above) or by contacting the Common Council’s office (see below).

Application Requirement:

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent describing qualifications and include a current resume to:

Cashawna Parker
Senior Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 206
City Hall
Albany, NY 12207

Tel: 434-5087
Fax: 434-5081
e-mail: parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us


Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications: August 13, 2012

Commission on Human Rights

City of Albany, Common Council
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Commission on Human Rights

The Albany Common Council is seeking applications from qualified residents of the City of Albany for the following position:

Title of Position: Member, Commission on Human Rights.
Term of Appointment: Three years for a term ending 8/21/14.
Appointees are eligible for reappointment at the end of their term to an additional term of three years. No member shall serve for a period which exceeds two consecutive terms or six years.
Qualifications of Members: Members shall reside in the City of Albany and possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility and have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service. The Mayor and the Common Council shall reflect community diversity in their appointments, including, but not limited to, income level, race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender and sexual orientation. Officers and employees of the City of Albany are not eligible for appointment.

Position Responsibilities/Duties: The Commission on Human Rights is a nine member body jointly appointed by the Mayor (5 members) and the Common Council (4 members). It meets no less than six times per year and has the following func-tions, powers and duties:
-- To foster mutual respect and understanding among all persons and racial, religious and nationality groups in the community;
-- To make such studies in any field of human relationship in the community as in the judgment of the Commission will aid in effectuating its general purposes;
-- To inquire into incidents of tension and conflict among or between various racial, religious and na-tionality groups, and to take such action as may be designed to alleviate such tensions and conflict;
-- To conduct and recommend such educational programs as, in the judgment of the Commission, will increase goodwill among inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all phases of community life for all inhabitants;
-- To report complaints to the New York State Division of Human Rights alleging unlawful discrimi-natory practices under article 15 of the NYS Executive Law;
-- To receive, accept and expend public grants for the purposes of effectuating the purposes of the Commission;
-- To make recommendations as necessary and appropriate to the Mayor and the Common Council to effectuate the goals and purposes of the Commission.
The Commission also has the following general obligations:
-- To receive and resolve complaints of alleged discrimination filed in accordance with Albany’s Omnibus Human Rights Law, the Commission may seek the active assistance of the State Division of Human Rights in the resolution of such complaints, but shall not abdicate its responsibility for reso-lution of complaints filed with the Commission;
-- To hold conferences, and other public meetings in the interest of the constructive resolution of ra-cial, religious and nationality group tensions and the prejudice and discrimination occasioned thereby;
-- To issue such publications and reports of investigations as in its judgment will tend to effectuate the purposes of the Commission;
-- To enlist the cooperation and participation of the various racial, religious and nationality groups, community organizations, industry and labor organizations, media or mass communication, frater-nal and benevolent associations and other groups in an educational campaign devoted to fostering among the diverse groups of the community mutual esteem, justice and equity and opening new opportunities into all phases of community life for all individuals; and
-- To encourage and stimulate City of Albany agencies and departments to take such action as will fulfill the purposes of the Commission.
Statutory Authority:
The Commission on Human Rights is established in accordance with Part 36 of Chapter 42 of the Code of the City of Albany (sections 42-361 through 42-367), as added by Local Law A of 2005.

Application Requirement:
Applicants are requested to submit a letter of interest describing qualifications and a current resume to:
Cashawna Parker, Senior Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 202, City Hall, Albany, NY 12207
Tel: 434-5087 / Fax: 434-5081 / e-mail: parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us

Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications: Close of Business, Tuesday, July 5, 2011.

Policy Statement
The Common Council is committed to assuring that its appointments to city boards, authorities or commissions is represen-tative of the diversity of Albany’s population. Consistent with the City of Albany Human Rights Law, it is the policy of the Common Council to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, marital or domestic partner status in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs, practices and operations.

Pest Management Board

City of Albany, Common Council
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Pest Management Board

The Albany Common Council is seeking applications from qualified community members for the following positions:
Title of Position: Member, Pest Management Board.
Term of Appointment: Members serve at the pleasure of the Common Council.
Qualifications of Members: The Pest Management Board is composed of seven members as follows: the Commissioner of the Department of General Services or his or her designee; the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation or his or her designee; the Director of the Office of Sustainability or his or her designee; and four community members appointed by the Common Council.
Members appointed by the Common Council shall have qualifications as specified below:
- One member shall be a health care practitioner.
- One member shall be actively involved in a local environmental organization.
- One member shall have a background in organic pest management.
- One member shall have a background in landscaping or property management.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:

The Pest Management Board meets at least 4 times per year and whenever a special meeting is called by the Mayor to address an emergency.
The Pest Management Board reviews and makes recommendations to the City departments regarding pest management, monitors efforts of the City to reduce pesticide use, has the authority to research and report on programs used successfully by other municipalities or private industry, and is authorized to grant temporary waivers under the law to allow the use of pesticides on city-owned property.

The Pest Management Board, in consultation with organizations with expertise in pesticides and alternatives to pesticides, shall assist City departments in reducing and, where feasible, eliminating pesticide use And submit reports thereon to the Common Council.

Statutory Authority:

The Pest Management Board is established in accordance with Chapter 259 of the Code of the City of Albany (as amended on June 6, 2011 by Ordinance 34.51.11).

Application Requirement:
Applicants are requested to submit a letter of interest describing qualifications and a current resume to:
Cashawna Parker, Senior Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 202, City Hall, Albany, NY 12207
Tel: 434-5087 / Fax: 434-5081 / e-mail: parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us

Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications: Close of Business, Tuesday, July 5, 2011.

Policy Statement
The Common Council is committed to assuring that its appointments to city boards, authorities or commissions is representative of the diversity of Albany’s population. Consistent with the City of Albay Human Rights Law, it is the policy of the Common Council to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender,
age, disability, marital or domestic partner status in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs, practices and operations.

The Washington Park Spirit

The Washington Park Spirit, Albany's Alternative Newspaper of the 1970s
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011
Time: 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Location: 7th floor Librarian's Room, NYSL, Cultural Education Center
Presenters: Peter Slocum and Kathy Schofield Zdeb

Long before the internet, the blogs and the social media, Albany had an alternative source for news and arts information, in the early 1970's. The Washington Park Spirit combined a progressive political bent, investigative reporting, coverage of the emerging cultural scene and a little bit of community organizing to win a loyal following among city dwellers and state workers. Two veterans of that experience will recall those days of exciting journalism on the streets of Albany. Sponsored by the Friends of the New York State Library. Registration for this popular program is strongly encouraged.
All programs are free and open to the public. TO REGISTER online go HERE or e-mail NYSLTRN@mail.nysed.gov or call 518-474-2274. Please let them know if any reasonable accommodation is required (Americans with Disabilities Act) at least three business days prior to the program date. The New York State Library/Reference Services, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230 (518-474-5355)

Hen Amendment

Information a librarian has provided from the Albany Chicken Coalition to challenge the city ordinance on the ban of chickens within the city proper. The amendment proposes strict guidlines for the legal keeping of hens (not roosters) through a permit process requiring pen sanitation inspections, a fee, a limit of 5 birds per lot and alerting neighbors.

See the amendements HERE.

From the ACC:

The benefits of chickens:
Chickens are clean, quiet and adapt well to small spaces. They are easy and fun to care for. They eat food scraps, produce nitrogen-rich fertilizer for your garden, and give you delicious, healthy protein in the form of eggs. As anyone who has a garden knows, being a part of your food cycle is not only a deeply rewarding experience, it’s a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Urban agriculture contributes to food safety and food security as well as a vibrant community’s social life. It is detrimental to the health and vitalization of our cities to continue to believe in the misconception that cities should solely be consumers and not producers.

Upper Madison Clean Up, Saturday, April 16

Friends Of The Madison- Upper Madison Clean-Up

Merchants, community groups, neighbors, and college students are invited to collect trash, cigarette butts, and leaves from the blocks of Madison between S. Allen and S. Main, and the W. Lawrence and Yates Street area in Albany from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Bags will be provided, and some rakes. However, if you can, please bring your own brooms, rakes, picker-uppers, etc. Together, in no time, we'll have an avenue to be proud of. Contact Virginia Hammer (VHammer@gmail.com) if you have questions.

Restaurant Week! April 10-16

The Capital Region's best Restaurant Week returns to Downtown Albany! 3 course meals for 1 low price: $20.11 (a $35 value) with 17 restaurants participating! Review the menus and make your reservations TODAY!

Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board (PEGAOB)

The Albany Common Council is seeking applications from qualified residents of the City of Albany for the following position:

Title of Position:

Member: Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board (PEGAOB); 4 Common Council openings.

Members appointed by the Common Council shall be residents of the City of Albany and possess knowledge and interest in promoting public access cable television in the City of Albany. In making such appointments the Common Council shall endeavor to reflect the diversity of the City of Albany.

Additional members of the Board include two appointees of the Mayor and one representative of each of the following: Albany School District; College of St. Rose; New School of Radio and Television; Capitalize Albany Corporation; and Albany Public Library.

Term of Appointment:

Members are appointed for a three (3) year term except that of members initially appointed by the Common Council: two shall be for a term of one (1) year; one shall be for a term of two (2) years; and one shall be for a term of three (3) years. Of members initially appointed by the Mayor: one shall be for a term of two (2) years; and one shall be for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter all members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:

The City of Albany recently entered into a Franchise Agreement with Time Warner Cable to provide access channels designated for non-commercial public, educational and governmental use (otherwise known as “PEG” access) and funding for equipment for PEG access programming. In addition, the City has also entered into “Memorandums of Agreement” with various stakeholders for purposes of implementing PEG access. The PEGAOB was established by the Common Council to oversee implementation of PEG access, the cable television public access facility/studio in the City of Albany and to promote public awareness of public access in the City.

Specifically, the Board:

 Assists in the development of public, education and government access television in the City including by promoting the use of the public studio to citizens and groups throughout the City;

 Oversees the cable television public access facility/studio and assists the Public Access Coordinator, whom shall be responsible for the day to day operation of the public access facility/studio;

 Reviews memorandums of agreement between the city and relevant entities to assure implementation of PEG access

 Makes recommendations on the success of the programs in Phase I of PEG funding and based upon said findings makes recommendations for expenditures of Phase II funding.

Members of the Board serve without compensation. The Board is expected to meet no less than quar-terly for the purpose of conducting any business necessary to its operation, and may meet at such addi-tional times and places as deemed necessary by its members, or on the call of the Chairperson (during Phase I implementation of PEG access it is anticipated that the Board shall meet on an at least monthly basis). All meetings of the Board are considered public meetings under the “Open Meetings Law” and shall provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment in accordance with rules and guidelines adopted by the Board. The Board is also required to prepare an informational pamphlet on, and regu-larly publicize, its mission and purpose and annually report to the Common Council regarding its ac-tivities and performance, including recommendations, if any, to the Mayor and the Common Council.

Statutory Authority:

Code of the City of Albany, Chapter 42, Article XLIX, sections 42-373 to 42-380.

Application Requirement:

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent describing qualifications and include a current re-sume to:

Cashawna Parker
Senior Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 206
City Hall
Albany, NY 12207

Tel: 434-5087
Fax: 434-5081
e-mail: parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us

Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications: Close of business, Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Policy Statement

The Common Council is committed to assuring that its appointments to city boards, authorities, com-missions or committees is representative of the diversity of Albany’s population. Consistent with the City of Albany Human Rights Law, it is the policy of the Common Council to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, marital or domestic partner status in all aspects of its personnel policies, programs, practices and operations.

Albany Business Forum

Presented by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber in conjunction with Capitalize Albany Corporation, Central Business Improvement District, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District and Lark Street Business Improvement District.
April 14, 2010
Offices at 126 State Street
7:45 - 9 AM

The Albany Business Forum presents a unique opportunity for businesses in the city to hear from the mayor and city officials on economic development projects and the state of the public schools as well as invaluable time to interact with others who are invested in Albany's future.

Sign up Online
There is no charge to attend.
Street parking is available as well as
complimentary parking at Crowne Plaza garage.


The Latest on City Initiatives
Stay abreast of the latest progress in the city. Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings and his staff will present a briefing on infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives.

Update on Albany Schools
Interim Superintendent Ray Colucciello, Ed.D. will provide an update on the city's schools and what's being done to improve student outcomes and prepare the future workforce.

Make Business Connections
Geared toward professionals who have a vested interest in Albany's success, this event is ideal to meet and connect with the city's business and community leaders.

Community Connections II

Celebrate Albany's historic downtown neighborhoods at Community Connections II on Thursday, March 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the University Club, 141 Washington Ave., at Dove Street.

There is no cost to participate in the mixer, which will feature information on many of Albany's not-for-profit institutions, including: the Albany Institute of History & Art; Washington Park Conservancy; Girls, Inc.; The Albany Roundtable Civic Luncheon Series; Equinox, Inc.; Grand Street Community Arts; and the quarterly publication Capital Neighbors. Representatives will be on hand to let participants know how they can join or support these important organizations.

The Center Square, Hudson/Park, Washington Park, Park South and Mansion Neighborhood Associations will also have information available for those who would like to become members.

The cost of delicious appetizers will be underwritten by neighborhood business and individual sponsors, and beer, wine and soft drinks will be available.

The University Club of Albany Foundation, Inc. is hosting this event, dress is casual and one need not be a member to attend.

Albany 2030: Your Future

Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future is a process to create the City's first Comprehensive Plan. The Albany Comprehensive Plan will include the City's collective vision for the future, as well as maps, policies, and guidelines that describe how to achieve that vision...The City has many completed and ongoing planning initiatives, including neighborhood revitalization plans, redevelopment programs, economic development plans, housing initiatives and studies, and recreation and greenway plans. Many City residents have been extensively involved in these planning efforts. Part of the Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future process is to build on this momentum and create a cohesive vision for a sustainable future for the entire City.

Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future Kickoff Community Forum
Albany High School, 700 Washington Avenue Thu, 01/28/2010 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm
North Albany YMCA, 616 North Pearl Street Fri, 01/29/2010 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Hackett Middle School, 45 Delaware Avenue Sat, 01/30/2010 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Inaugural Albany Chefs' Wine & Food Festival

Mayor Jerry Jennings & the City of Albany are thrilled to kick off this brand new event featuring more than 20 chefs renowned in the Capital Region & beyond. Three days of events - January 7 thru 9 - will celebrate Albany's All-America City award. Proceeds benefit Capital Repertory Theatre.

Welcome to Albany 2030

Information about the City of Albany's first comprehensive planning project.
This site will be your source of information for the Albany Comprehensive Plan Update process. We are calling this update process “Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future” because the City of Albany is asking for your vision for your city in 2030, and for your ideas of how to achieve that vision. The Comprehensive Plan will be based upon citizen ideas and input and will connect the City’s existing plans and actions in various neighborhoods and districts into a plan for the City as a whole. This site is one way to get information and to participate in the Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future process. Explore the site to Learn, Share, and Participate!

The Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future Kickoff Community Forum will be held on January 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2010. These three identical events will run for approximately three hours each day (specific times tbd) and will provide participants the chance to discuss Albany's future with their fellow Albany residents and begin to come together around a vision for the City's future. This Forum will use state-of-the-art technology to help synthesize the results of conversations, and allow each person's voice to be equally heard.
Although you can also provide thoughts and ideas online prior to the Forum, please plan on attending one of the Forum sessions and providing your input!

Symphony of Lights

The Downtown Albany BID's Symphony of Lights display will dress up the city streets for the holidays! This annual light display features more than 50 brightly lit musical instruments along Pearl Street's entertainment corridor - from Madison Avenue to Clinton Avenue and will be lit from November 23 through early January.ci

Bike Master Plan Meeting - 10/27

The City of Albany, in partnership with the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) is finishing a Bicycle Master Plan to identify a network of bicycle routes to help make cycling a more viable way of getting around the City. On Tuesday, October 27th, 2009, the final meeting will present the draft plan, concept goals and priorities, maps, and detail graphics to clearly and logically incorporate bicycling into the City and region's overall transportation network. The presentation of the final plan is from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Albany Public Library Main Branch.

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 27th, 2009; Presentation from 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Albany Public Library - Main Library, 161 Washington Avenue
Room: Large Auditorium (First Floor)

For more information on the Bicycle Master Plan: City of Albany, Department of Development & Planning, 21 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207 Phone: (518) 434-2532 x33
Email: AlbanyBikePlan@cdtcmpo.org

WEBSITE