ReZone Albany launchpad for exciting projects on Central?

Want to change the city? The ReZone Albany Planning Workshop on Central Ave. / Manning Sq. offered plenty of actionable steps that will do just that.

"There's widespread support for catalytic change and transformational projects in these midblocks of Central Avenue," says Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. "We have pressure and demand to create housing and mixed use development along this busy stretch of Central Avenue, and with the right governmental support and partners, these projects are not only economically feasible, but potentially profitable.

“This week’s workshop underscored our belief that there is tremendous opportunity within the area of study and the Central Avenue corridor as a whole," says Bradley Glass, Principal Planner, City of Albany Department of Planning. "The adoption of a new regulatory framework will go a long way towards stimulating the public and private investments necessary to implement our vision.”

The workshop, which included public and private meetings, tours of the area, and meetings with property owners and stakeholders culminated in a public presentation on Wednesday by Dover, Kohl & Partners, the firm hired to help guide the form based coding initiative. The consultants, working with the city and the Central Avenue BID, identified two large lots that could be redeveloped for housing and mixed use, and a host of other ideas, geared toward making the city more hospitable to business and residents.

When asked how to program this area, and what role it could play in the city's revitalization, workshop attendees said they wanted to see more housing and mixed use development.

"Mixed use development in this part of the city will bring in a completely new market, looking for something that is not currently available here," says Capece. This part of town has a host of assets, including a robust public transportation network, connectivity to I-90, and an impressive array of retail and access to two large parks.

Workshop attendees were also quick to point out ways that these assets could be enlarged upon, and issues that detract from these strengths.

Based on feedback, consultants recommended the following:

• Focus on intersections, creating safe, green spaces that welcome you to the neighborhood
• Provide ample (but consolidated) parking, and encourage a "park-once environment"

• Transform Central Avenue into a “great street” by investing in the design as we have on other streets, including Madison Avenue and Delaware Avenue. Upgrade lighting, plant trees, enhance pedestrian crossings, and install pedestrian furniture. Conside "road diet" to calm traffic and increase safety. 

• Enhance park visibility, upping real estate values in the area by connecting neighborhoods to this park

They also asked that any additions to the area, assist existing housing and small businesses:

• Don't zone out existing businesses
• Fix up storefronts
• Provide housing for the working class 

Capece says market studies for housing would be a good next step, to help prove out some of the concepts brought up during visioning. "We know the market is ready for these types of development uptown, and we're certain that further study could bear that out," says Capece.