Albany Housing Authority is proud to announce that our 1st Annual Black History Month Cultural Film Festival has been a huge success!! We look forward to next year’s Film Festival, as we look back on the gatherings, discussions and family style meals of the last 10 Weeks!! Thank you to all of our friends and neighbors that helped us make it such a great time.
More than 50 volunteers improve a gateway to Albany’s South End as part of a joint effort
Albany, NY — Supporting Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vision and blueprint for livable communities, and furthering its commitment to improving the environment and serving the community, SUNY’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) partnered with Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region (Trinity) and the Albany Housing Authority (AHA) to revitalize a gateway to Albany’s South End as part of an Earth Day beautification project on Monday, April 22.
CNSE, Trinity Alliance,
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With a strong turnout involving more than 50 volunteers consisting of NanoCollege faculty, staff, and students, children from Trinity, and members of AHA, the group refreshed a larger area than had originally been planned.
With help from an AHA landscaper, the volunteers planted shrubs and flowers before mulching in order to enhance the area surrounding the corner of Morton Avenue and Clinton Street. Additionally, a number of vacant sites within walking distance were cleaned of debris.
About CNSE. The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE represents the world’s most advanced university-driven research enterprise, offering students a one-of-a-kind academic experience and providing over 300 corporate partners with access to an unmatched ecosystem for leading-edge R&D and commercialization of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology innovations. CNSE’s footprint spans upstate New York, including its Albany NanoTech Complex, an 800,000-square-foot megaplex with the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 85,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 3,100 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Lam Research. An expansion now underway, part of which will house the world’s first Global 450mm Consortium, will add nearly 500,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure, an additional 50,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms, and more than 1,000 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations. In addition, CNSE’s Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon provides a prototyping and demonstration line for next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, supporting its leadership of the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC). CNSE’s Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) in Rochester offers state-of-the-art capabilities for MEMS fabrication and packaging. CNSE alsoco-founded and manages operations at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT in Utica and is a co-founder of the Nanotechnology Innovation andCommercialization Excelerator in Syracuse. For information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu.
Day 1
Thursday, April 25th
Unveiling the Truth, Dispelling the Myths
4:30 – 6:00 pm – Reception
6:00 – 8:00 pm – Program
Schenectady County Community College
78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305
There are many distortions and misrepresentations of the facts concerning Black males in America today. On Thursday afternoon, we will offer a presentation of the movie “Hoodwinked”, followed by a discussion lead by the author and creator, Janks Morton.
Day 2
Friday, April 26th
Perspectives on Policy
This session by invitation only
University at Albany
Uptown Campus
1400 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12222
Dr. Sydney Hankerson, from Columbia University will present a keynote address on Black Males and Mental Health. This will be followed by a presentation on the work done recently by Fathers Inc., and the Urban Institute to revisit the 1965 Moynihan Report that provides an update on current perspectives on the Black family. We will then host a dialogue about promising strategies with local strategy and policy makers, from the public and private sectors, education, faith community and political arenas.
A Celebration of Local Advocates of Black Male Empowerment
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Macedonia Baptist Church
26 Wilson Ave., Colonie, NY 12205
On Friday evening, the Capital Region will lift up the work of supporting and encouraging black males, with a spirit filled program of music and word, and recognition of our local advocates who with their time and talents, encourage black males to seek excellence.
Day 3
Saturday, April 27th
What Must be Done? Promising Approaches to Support Black Males
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
Key note speaker and workshops will address the health and well-being of Black Males and strategies to support and encourage empowerment of Black males, families, neighborhoods and re-build communities. Leonard Dunston, former president of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. will provide the key note presentation.
Workshops will focus on Faith, Education, Health, the Black Family, and Youth.
If you lived, worked, hung out or went to school in the South End – join us for the reunion.
July 13 from noon til dusk
Bring your own food and beverage. Pack up a lawn chair. We’ll enjoy Old Skool music, fish on the river, board games, cards, and sharing photos (bring yours) and memories of the good old days!
Colonie Town Park – Pavillion II
$6 per car for parking Entrance to pool is additional
Info: 462-8260, or join the Facebook page “Albany South End”
Capital Region Economic Development Council and the City of Albany Announce Academy Lofts Affordable Housing & Business Incubator Project Breaks Ground in Arbor Hill
CREDC officials today joined with Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, representatives from New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR), Empire State Development (ESD), and the Albany Housing Authority for an official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the start of construction of Academy Lofts.
“Academy Lofts is a terrific example of the kind of creative and pragmatic initiatives emerging from the regional economic development efforts created by Governor Cuomo,” said CREDC Co-Chairs James Barba, Albany Medical Center President and CEO, and President Robert Jones, University at Albany. “The state’s commitment to supporting local Investments like this will create jobs and enhance communities in the Capital Region and throughout our state.”
“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership the Regional Economic Development Councils have created a bottom-up paradigm for success, with community development projects that grow the economy and are strategic priorities for the region,” said Darryl C. Towns, Commissioner & CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal. “Academy Lofts is designed to become a focal point, attracting development and growing the neighborhood and the economy. The project brings millions of dollars to Arbor Hill, contributing to the long term vision of greater revitalization. I congratulate the City of Albany, the Albany Housing Authority and Albany Barn Inc. for steering this innovative project to success.”
The adaptive re-use of St. Joseph’s Academy will revitalize a long vacant structure, helping to improve the quality of life in the Arbor Hill neighborhood. Located at North Swan and Second Streets, Academy Lofts will provide 22 affordable apartments to the artist community, with on-site studio space that will be multi-purposed as a business incubator for the arts and an arts-oriented community center open to local residents. High-design/high-concept features of the project will include space for work studios, rehearsal suites, performance space, a digital media center and retail space and offices for the professional artist community. Academy Lofts is projected to generate nearly $10 million in economic activity for the region and is leveraging resources from the City of Albany and the Albany Housing Authority.
Mayor Jennings said, “Building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods is a priority in Albany. Our neighborhoods are rich in diversity, character, history and architecture, and as such, we are committed to preserving Albany’s past while creating a vibrant future for our community by developing programs and projects that encourage reinvestment in the community and in the people of the Capital City.”
In the first round of the Regional Council initiative, the City of Albany Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was awarded $5.4 million in low-cost financing to assist with major components of the restoration project.
In addition, Empire State Development has provided $4.5 million in Restore NY grant funding and HCR has awarded $2.4 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as local support through the Federal Home Loan Bank, $350,000, and Historic Tax Credits.
“ESD is pleased to have provided assistance through its Restore NY program, which was created to revitalize neighborhoods as a means to attract residents and businesses and spur private investment,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “This project demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaboration on the state and local level and we look forward to Academy Lofts’ completion.”
Steven T. Longo, Executive Director of the Albany Housing Authority explained that the project satisfies four main criteria in the city’s plan to revitalize the Arbor Hill neighborhood. “It improves existing housing, provides economic development, fulfills historic preservation, and will address quality of life matters,” said Longo. “This project is a real game-changer.”
Mike Yevoli, Commissioner of the City of Albany’s Department of Development and Planning, said, “We have worked hard to bring the right partners and resources together to implement the Arbor Hill Plan and revitalize this historic neighborhood. This project is an excellent example of the City’s commitment to finding creative solutions for challenging vacant urban properties. Once rehabilitated, Academy Lofts will maximize the full potential of this historic building and allow it to once again serve as an anchor for the community.”
Jeff Mirel, President of Albany Barn, Inc., the project’s creative enterprise partner, said, “It’s truly a ‘rising tide’ type of project. Local and regional artists will come to create and collaborate affordably in the renewed St. Joseph’s Academy. This activity will attract other types of commerce, especially basic services that are absent today, and rekindle a lively village center in the heart of Arbor Hill. By establishing meaningful connections with artists, educators and entrepreneurs living and working in Academy Lofts/The Barn, we can lift the creative and professional aspirations of neighborhood youth.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) consists of all the State’s major housing and community renewal agencies, including the Affordable Housing Corporation, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the Housing Finance Agency, State of New York Mortgage Agency, Housing Trust Fund Corporation and others.
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC) is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. After two rounds of competitive awards, nearly 1,500 projects are receiving support to put people back to work, get the economy back on track, and restore New York State as the Empire State.
To learn more about each regional council and their economic development plans, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
AGENDA
ALBANY HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.
200 South Pearl Street
1. Roll Call.
2. Community Forum
3. Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting held March 11, 2013
4. Action Calendar
04-13-12 Approval to operate the Summer Food Program for 2013.
04-13-13 Approval to send Debbie Zlotnick to attend Casterline Associates Accounting & Budgeting Seminar in St. Louis, MO from May 7, 2013 to May 9, 2013 for an approximate total amount of $1,531.50 which includes Conference, Hotel and Air Fare.
04-13-14 Approval to submit the 2013 Annual Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
04-13-15 Approval to send up to two employees to the Novegradic Affordable Housing Tax Credit Conference and Workshop to be held May 15-17, 2013 in New Orleans estimated cost $2,250 per person.
04-13-16 Approval to enter into a contract with Urban Arts Experience, Inc. for $21,500 to operate a 6 week summer camp at the Kids Improvement District Field house for residents of Robert Whalen, and Capital Woods, Ida Yarbrough and neighborhood children. This will include Computer Literacy, Performing Arts and Sports for a blend of academic and recreational activities. Last year AHA made a contribution of $19,500 for a 5 week program.
Reports of Committees
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business:
7. Bills and Communications
8. Report of the Executive Secretary
A. Monthly Management Report
B. Monthly Financial Report (Deputy Director)
C. Items for Advisement and Discussion
9. Adjournment –
NEXT MEETING:
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.
200 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12202
Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10a.m. – 2p.m.
Visit WWW.DEA.GOV for more details!
200 South Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12202-1834
