Fund the Community
Saturday, August 22nd
106 S. Pearl St. (Old McDonald’s Parking Lot)
The City of Albany will be On-Site to help residents complete the Census.
Music, Grab-N-Go Meals, and Raffles!!
Fund the Community
Saturday, August 22nd
106 S. Pearl St. (Old McDonald’s Parking Lot)
The City of Albany will be On-Site to help residents complete the Census.
Music, Grab-N-Go Meals, and Raffles!!
RESIDENT MEETING
The Housing Authority invites residents to a public meeting to discuss proposed upgrades of the 260-270 North Pearl Street buildings and North Albany Homes
AHA would like to give residents and all concerned an opportunity to voice any concerns or submit written comments about the proposed plan. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about AHA’s plans and what it means for you and your family.
Due to restriction on public meetings and need for social distancing resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, the meeting will be held by teleconference. You will be able to join the meeting by telephone, smart phone, tablet or computer.
Your Participation is important!
Date: Friday August 14th 2020 Time: 6:00 PM
There are several ways to join the meeting, listed below.
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Type the link below into a web browser and follow any instructions provided.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/674260437
Join the meeting by dialing-in using your phone
United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679
Hudson Valley Community College and the college’s Foundation are teaming up with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, and the Tri-City ValleyCats to host a drive-up food distribution event!
View the full event details here: https://events.hvcc.edu/event/community-partnership-mass-food-distribution/
City of Albany Hosts COVID-19 CDBG Funding Webinar
ALBANY, NY – Today, the City of Albany hosted a COVID-19 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Webinar designed to inform residents and local organizations about the $350,000 in remaining CDBG funding that was awarded to the City through the CARES Act.
Albany Community Development Agency Director Faye Andrews and Mayor Sheehan’s office provided an overview of the available funding, what the funding can be used for, who is eligible to apply for the funding, and frequently asked questions during the application process.
A recording of the webinar can be viewed on Mayor Sheehan’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=738155400314044) as well as on the Albany Community Development Agency’s website (https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/Departments/ACDA.aspx)
Prospective applicants can continue to reach out to Faye Andrews directly to learn more by emailing fandrews@albanyny.gov or by calling (518) 434-5265.
###
July 01, 2020
ALBANY, NY – Today, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Albany Housing Authority Chair Michael Whalen announced the appointment of Chiquita D’Arbeau as the new Executive Director of the Albany Housing Authority. Chiquita will succeed Steve Longo as Executive Director at the time of his retirement later this summer.
CITY OF ALBANY
Department of Recreation
Summer Program registration is NOW OPEN!! The Department of Recreation will offer outdoor day activities for youth ages 6-13. First come first served. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Socially distanced games and outdoor activities that keep kids active, learning, and engaged will be offered from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. for registered youth ONLY.
Hoffman Park
Swinburne Park
Arbor Hill Park
Westland Hills Park
The health and safety of our families is at the top of everyone’s minds…
but preventing COVID-19 is only one part of staying healthy!
Don’t put off the care you need
Is it safe for me to go to Whitney Young?
Call (518) 465-4771 to schedule an appointment.
Dear Friends of the Baby Institute:
To say so much has happened since we were last in touch is an understatement.
Just before the pandemic turned the world upside down, we lost our dear friend Matthew Bender IV, who brought his support and vision to the Baby Institute and so many other community organizations in Albany and beyond. We will all certainly miss him but know the Baby Institute is stronger and better because of his commitment.
As you probably know, COVID-19 forced the Baby Institute Board of Directors to cancel the 2nd Annual Awards Luncheon on June 7. In late 2020, the Board will assess the environment in hopes of resuming this event in some form in 2021 to celebrate the work of the Baby Institute and to appropriately recognize MVP Health Care for its steadfast support of the Baby Institute and so many other organizations in our community.
But, during the pandemic, the Baby Institute’s work has not stopped – it has just taken on another dimension. While the parent workshops and engagement groups were placed on pause when the Albany schools closed, I have been staying connected to the Baby Institute families. In fact, the Baby Institute received a grant awarded from the COVID-19 Response Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the United Way of the Capital Region; it has allowed us to share gift cards, food, toys, books and other literacy materials with our families. Thus I have been able to maintain a connection and to provide much needed support to our community.
We just received news that the City School District of Albany will be partnering with us for our summer program. So the many children who depend on us to keep their learning alive will have the opportunity to do so again this summer.
Our many thanks to Superintendent Kaweeda Adams who felt, as we did, about the importance of making sure that our children are safe and learning over the next few months. We will be back at the Tony Clement Center for Education on Elk Street, Albany, where we have been housed for the past two summers. It is a large bright space, with an adequate numbers of rooms, a gym and play area outside. We will, of course, make certain the environment is a safe one. While the dates are still to be determined, we are enthused and appreciative.
We received a very generous donation of children’s clothing and toys from Good 360, a national non-profit organization that partners with Toys for Tots; it decided to provide for children now rather than wait for the holidays.
So our work continues to serve the most vulnerable families and children in Albany’s Arbor Hill, West Hill and South End. In this time, when education is changing to deal with the new normal, literacy is no less important than it was four months ago. Our children must be ready to learn; they must learn to read; and their parents must be there – as their first teachers and advocates. This is the work of the Baby Institute. Our very being is so connected to the generosity of this community – of all of you who have helped make the Baby Institute possible. Please consider a gift at this time (The Baby Institute, PO Box 774, Albany, NY 12201).
Again, the Baby Institute, our Board of Directors and I thank you. We look forward to re-connecting with you soon. Please stay well and safe.
Sincerely,
Noelene Smith, MSW
Founder & Executive Director
The Baby Institute
Albany, NY – The City of Albany, in partnership with the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC), is launching a project to strengthen and promote everyday walking and cycling in the City. The goal is to complete a “Master Bike/Ped Plan” by the end of 2020 that will make it safer and more enjoyable to get around the City as well as provide cleaner and healthier alternatives to cars.
To create a successful Bike/Ped Plan, a series of virtual public meetings have been organized in June and July to gather your ideas and input. The dates, locations, and times for the June meetings are as follows (this event listing is also available at the Bike/Ped Plan Website):
Center Square, Downtown, Hudson Park, Lincoln Park, Mansion, Park South, Pastures, Washington Park, Washington Square
Monday, June 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
Delaware Ave., Lincoln Park, Mt. Hope, Second Ave., South End
Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-8 p.m.
Beverwyck, Helderberg, New Albany, New Scotland/Woodlawn, Normanskill, Pine Hills, Whitehall
Monday, June 22, 6:30-8 p.m.
Buckingham Lake, Campus Area, Eagle Hill, Manning Boulevard, Melrose, Pine Bush, Upper Washington Avenue
Monday, June 29, 6:30-8 p.m.
Arbor Hill, Sheridan Hollow, Ten Broeck Triangle, West End, West Hill
Wednesday, June 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
Bishop’s Gate, North Albany
Thursday, June 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
We have provided a number of ways for people who live in, work in, or visit Albany to share ideas, experiences, and suggestions in ways that are suited to social distancing:
The City of Albany’s Department of Planning and Development is working on this project with its partner, the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) and consultants Nelson\Nygaard, Creighton Manning, and Behan Planning. This update of the City’s Bike/Ped Master Plan is funded by CDTC’s 2019-2020 Community and Transportation Linkage Planning Program.
###
ALBANY, NY – Today, Mayor Kathy Sheehan directed the City’s Department of Recreation to begin preparations to open the Lincoln Park, Arbor Hill, and Mater Christi Pools and the City’s Spray Pads by Friday, July 3. Mayor Sheehan also directed the City’s Department of General Services to begin preparations to open the Capital Hills Golf Course on Tuesday, June 16.
On Thursday, June 11, the New York State Department of Health issued updated guidance regarding the operation and maintenance of pools and spray pads during the COVID-19 outbreak. This guidance provides the necessary requirements for residents to enjoy the City’s pools and spray pads while maintaining social distancing.
Capital Hills Golf Course will open on Tuesday, June 16. Carts are currently unavailable. Further details will be forthcoming on Monday, June 15, regarding hours of operation and available services.
In order to be budget neutral, greens fees will increase $10 across the board to increase revenue, and the City will dispatch a reduced number of maintenance staff to control costs and allow other vital services to continue. Golfers are urged to understand the typical level of maintenance they have become accustomed to may be impacted by this reduction in maintenance.
Additional precautions consistent with guidance established by Empire State Development and operational guidance established by industry leaders will be followed to ensure proper social distancing and cleanliness protocols due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
###
The public housing authorities in Albany and Troy are among the recipients of grants through the state Preservation Opportunities Program, created by Enterprise Community Partners and the Office of the Attorney General.
Each housing authority will receive up $500,000 in reimbursements through the grant. In Albany, the money will go toward “pre-development costs,” at Steamboat Square, Ida Yarbrough phase 4 and North Albany Homes, said Steve Longo, Executive Director of the Albany Housing Authority.
Pre-development includes architectural fees, engineering surveys, legal title reports, environmental impact assessments and engaging the community. More than 670 of the 2,500 apartments managed by the Albany Housing Authority are supported by multiple funding sources based on tax credits – outside federal housing subsidies.
Tom Hulihan, director of planning and program development at the Troy Housing Authority, said he will also use the money to host meetings between tenants and design professionals to hear what tenants want to see built.
Much of Troy’s public housing stock was built between 1950 and 1980, Hulihan said, and was built to maximize the number of apartments in the space. Not enough care was given at the time, Hulihan said, to play spaces for children. As part of ongoing redevelopment at the Martin Luther King apartments, the housing authority reduced the number of apartments from 124 to 87 to free up room for a community center, playground and basketball court.
Longo said he welcomed the grant, secured by a consultant works with, Edgemere Development, because applications for historic and affordable housing tax credits require a lot of work before an application can even be filed, making it “high-risk spending” when Longo can’t be certain the housing authority will succeed in getting the money.
In addition to the Troy and Albany housing authorities, Rochester, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, Buffalo, the village of Potsdam, Niagara Falls, Syracuse and Wayne County received grants through the Preservation Opportunities Program.
Albany Public Library is beginning to prepare for the resumption of in-person services with the return of staff to the buildings.
“We are excited to see staff return to work in our library buildings after several long months of working from home creating virtual programs, providing information through a virtual reference desk, and crafting plans to resume in-person services for our patrons,” said APL Executive Director Scott C. Jarzombek.
“Getting staff into the buildings is an important first step. It allows us to implement safety protocols, adjust furniture and work stations for social distancing, and prepare the libraries for safe patron interactions,” he said.
When the Capital Region was cleared to enter New York State reopening Phase 2 last week, the library officially entered Phase 1A of its Continuation of Service Plan. Facilities staff began regular schedules in the buildings on June 8, and the rest of the staff will report to work in the buildings on June 15. The library is following state guidelines regarding staff placement and scheduling.
“After staff are in place, we will begin gearing up to open our book drops and start curbside pickup for requested items. These services are expected to start in the next few weeks,” Jarzombek said. Both services are in APL Phase 1B.
When the book drops open sometime next week, patrons can return all of the library books, DVDs, and other items they have at home. APL is a fine-free library, so there will be no late fines for any returned items. To ensure the safety of materials, returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours before they are checked in and put back into the collection for others to borrow.
Curbside pickup for requested items is the next service in line and will begin at select library branches a few weeks after the book drops open. Staff are finalizing a plan where patrons can use several methods to contact the library and request items from the APL collection that will be brought to a specific branch for contactless pickup.
After curbside pickup is up and running, patrons will be welcome to visit select library branches for appointment-only services. Details for this in-person service, which falls into APL Phase 2A, are also being finalized.
“The safety of our staff and patrons is paramount in our phased approach to resuming in-person services. We designed the plan so we could make adjustments along the way to account for changes in public health and safety recommendations and staff capacity,” Jarzombek said.
Moving into each subsequent phase of the APL plan is contingent on the library’s capability to expand services and current public health recommendations.
Read the full Continuation of Service Plan
ALBANY, NY – Mayor Kathy Sheehan has signed an Executive Order (attached) mandating an initial series of policing reforms. These reforms were announced after the first round of “Creating Change Together” conversations were held with community members, Mayor Sheehan, and Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins.
The Executive Order signed by Mayor Sheehan institute the following policing reforms in the City of Albany:
“Today, I signed an executive order that represents a small first step in a series of police reforms we will be pursuing in the City of Albany,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Input from our residents into these efforts is critical to building trust and accountability of policing in our city. I encourage all residents to share their thoughts and ideas about reforms you would like to see with my office or with a member of the Albany Common Council.
Additionally, I want to lend my voice in support of legislation being proposed at the State level, including the repeal of 50-A, and urge the Governor and State Legislature to take action on these important reforms as soon as possible.”
###
ALBANY, NY – As of Wednesday, June 3, the Capital Region entered Phase Two of the reopening process. As a result, City of Albany office buildings, car dealerships, hair salons and barbershops, and retail, rental, repair, and cleaning services have been approved to reopen. With Phase Two of reopening process underway, the City of Albany is also preparing for an increase in workers and visitors driving into the City and seeking parking, leading to the reinstatement of various parking regulations and metered parking to better facilitate the parking needs of those that live and operate businesses in Albany. Please see details below on where and when specific changes and regulations will be implemented.
Metered Parking:
Beginning Monday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. metered parking will be reinstated in metered parking zones across the City of Albany. For a map of all metered parking areas in the City, please visit https://parkalbany.com/meters
To ensure continued compliance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, the Albany Parking Authority strongly encourages the use of the ParkAlbany App to access and pay for metered parking. The ParkAlbany App is available for both iPhone and Android phones and can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. To learn more please visit: https://app.parkalbany.com/
Additionally, the Albany Parking Authority will continue to wave the $0.05 service fee for all meter payments made through the ParkAlbany app until July 1, 2020.
Time-Limited Parking Regulations:
Beginning Monday June 8, all time-limited parking regulations throughout the City of Albany will be reinstated as posted and will be enforced except for the timed regulations posted in Washington Park and Lincoln Park. Time-limit parking regulations will continue to be suspended for both Washington Park and Lincoln Park until the Capital Region is ready to move to Phase Three at which time these exceptions will be reevaluated.
Parking Garage Rates:
Beginning Monday June 15, the Albany Parking Authority’s Downtown garages will reinstate the standard $13.00 max daily parking rate at all three locations (Green-Hudson, Riverfront and Quackenbush). Parking Garage information and locations can be found by visiting https://parkalbany.com/garages
The Albany Parking Authority offers Monthly Garage Parking Passes for Downtown residents, commuters, and businesses in need of off-street parking. To learn more please visit: https://www.parkalbany.com/programs-and-promotions
Restaurant Pick-Up/Take-Out Parking Zones:
Short-term curbside pickup parking areas will remain in effect through July 15. Curbside pickup parking areas located in front of local eateries that continue to serve take-out were established in March to help protect both employees and customers and ensure the continued compliance of social distancing protocols for businesses in both metered and non-metered parking areas. There will continue to be no fees associated with this service during that time.
Any local eatery offering take-out that would like to be included in the program should contact mayor@albanyny.gov or (518) 434-5105 to request the appropriate signage.
Central Avenue Business – Parking Lot Permits:
Beginning Monday June 8, the Central Avenue BID, in conjunction the Albany Parking Authority, will introduce a special parking lot permit program for Central Avenue businesses to help ease the burdens of running their businesses and ensure that customers have parking for their patrons. These passes will be valid for use at the Albany Parking Authority’s Central Avenue Parking Lots 2 through 8 and will be active through July 5, 2020. If you represent a Central Avenue business and are seeking more information, please contact the Central Avenue Business Improvement District by calling (518) 462-4300 or emailing ronda@centralbid.com.
Amnesty for Parking Ticket Late Fees:
Extended through June 30: The Parking Ticket Amnesty program introduced in April by Albany City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar has been extended through June 30, 2020.
To remove late fees, individuals must first request the fee removal. Tickets may be searched and viewed online at https://albany.rmcpay.com/ using license plate, ticket or vehicle identification numbers, or by calling (518) 434-5006.
The best way to request your fee removal is by e-mail at parkingticketappeal@albanyny.gov, or completing the online form. You can also request via mail at City Hall, Rm. 203, Albany, NY 12207. When contacting the Parking Ticket Bureau, be sure to provide your license plate number and/or your name, phone number, e-mail, or ticket number(s). Additional information may be found on the Parking Violations Bureau web page.
Additional City Parking Regulations:
Additional parking regulations, including but not limited to alternate-side parking, residential permit parking, handicap accessible parking, parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or at a crosswalk and timed-parking (with the exception of designated restaurant take-out zones and Washington and Lincoln Park) will continue to be enforced as posted. The City of Albany is asking residents to continue to comply with these regulations to help facilitate a safe and smooth reopening of our city.
For full details, view this message on the web.
* * NEWS RELEASE * *
City of Albany Announces Updated Availability of Services
In-person services will resume at City Hall by appointment only.
Masks will be required to enter City buildings.
ALBANY, NY – Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced that Albany City Hall will begin to reopen to the public by appointment only as part of the Capital Region Phase Two reopening.
To protect the health and safety of our residents and employees, residents are encouraged to continue accessing services online and by phone, when possible.
In-person services at certain departments will be available by appointment only during the transitional reopening stage. Masks will be required to enter City buildings. Some buildings and departments will remain closed to the public due to staffing limitations during Phase Two.
Please see below for a department-by-department list of City Service updates.
City Hall Updates:
City Treasurer & Parking Violations Bureau:
City Clerk:
Vital Statistics:
Department of Assessment:
Corporation Counsel:
Human Resources:
Other City Departments:
Albany Police Department:
Albany Fire Department:
Department of General Services:
Department of Water & Water Supply:
Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance:
Department of Planning & Development:
Albany Community Development Agency (ACDA):
Department of Recreation:
Department of Youth & Workforce Services:
###
Did you participate in a local protests or a mass gathering the last few days?
Do you feel like you could have been exposed to COVID-19?
If so, Albany County Department of Health along with Whitney Young have partnered to perform WALK UP testing for individuals.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
1:30pm – 4:00pm
20 Warren Street, Albany
South Campus Center Parking Lot
Please bring a form of identification and your insurance card if you have medical insurance. Testing will be available for those that do not have insurance.
Testing is important even for those that have no symptoms. Early diagnosis can save lives. Please protect your health and the health of your community.
Testing is recommended once this week and once next week for those that attended protests. Wearing masks does not offer complete protection. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle or body aches, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea, please get tested immediately.
Daniel P. McCoy Albany County Executive
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, Albany PAL (Police Athletic League) and AT&T want to know how you show your appreciation for your teachers as you distance learn! Did you make a video already to say thank you or send a virtual card? Let your friends know that you completed the challenge and challenge YOUR friends to join!
TO BE ENTERED TO WIN A $25 GIFT CARD, post a video or picture to Instagram and use #AlbanyCountyStaySafe by Saturday, May 30 at 11:59PM!
*Winners will be direct messaged a link to complete the Winner’s form*
Participants must be 13 to 18 years of age and must be a resident of Albany County in order to receive a gift card.
During these unprecedented times, Albany PAL is responding to the critical need for childcare services for essential workers.
We have extended care to cover “essential” workers. Essential workers include retail convenience store workers, grocery store clerks, child care service workers, auto-repair workers, food service workers, and many other “essential” worker positions.
Hours of operation: 8:00am-6:00pm, Mon.-Fri. starting May 18th.
Essential Employee paperwork required.
Includes: 2 cloth face masks per child (parents responsible for cleaning face masks),
3 camp t-shirts, water bottle, breakfast, lunch and a snack everyday.
DSS accepted/Scholarship opportunities available
Please deliver to the PAL Center: 844 Madison Ave. between 9am-5pm M-F
For more information, please call the office (518-435-0392)
To Sign-Up visit our website: Albany PAL
For Immediate Release
Contact: Deanne Grimaldi , Director of Development & Communications, 518-860-6629
May 8, 2020
MEDIA ADVISORY
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York to Hold Virtual
Town Hall: Safe at Home
Topics Include the Coronavirus and Domestic Violence
(Albany, N.Y.) – Today, Friday, May 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m . the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York ’s (LASNNY) will hold another Virtual Town Hall to discuss the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it’s affecting domestic violence cases in New York State. Media is invited to listen in. As communities shut down to flatten the COVID-19 curve, stakes for domestic violence survivors multiplied because victims are required to stay at home with their abusers. According to Governor Cuomo, reports of domestic violence in the state rose 15% in March, and 30% in April. Unemployment, social distancing, and the closure of churches, schools, and community centers effectively shut survivors in with their abusers and closed traditional
opportunities for escape, safety, and support. This isolation is compounded in rural communities where inadequate public transportation and lack of internet access is common. Access to the court system is a crucial part of a survivor’s safety plan and protection from abuse. Though this access is limited to “essential matters,” as a result of COVID-19, many survivors are unaware that the Courts remain open and available to
assist them.
WHO: Victoria Esposito, Esq, Moderator
Susan Gagnon, Esq. Managing Attorney, based in LASNNY’s Plattsburgh Office
Angela Smith, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties
WHAT: As part of an ongoing series, LASNNY is hosting a Virtual Town Hall: Safe At Home
WHERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1370164518112260619
Registration is free, Participants may email questions to townhall@lasnny.org
WHEN: Friday, May 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
Media will not be able to ask questions during the town hall, but Susan Gagnon, Esq. Managing Attorney, is also available for additional interviews outside the town hall for additional insights, and background on the kinds of DV cases the Society is seeing right now. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email, and a call in number, containing information about joining the webinar. More information can be found at the Facebook
event page and website .
To learn more about the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, please log onto the website at www.lasnny.org or find them on Facebook .
–30–
About The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York . The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York provides effective, free civil legal services and education to and advocacy for people with low income or other barriers to accessing the legal system.
We secure basic needs, protect and preserve legal rights, provide equal access to justice, and seek fairness and dignity for our clients. We have 150 staff in five offices, serving 16 counties from the Catskills to the Canadian border.