Albany Housing Authority - Albany, NY
Menu

Back to AHA News

Author Archives: albanyhousing

Attend a Public Meeting in June to Give Your Input to Strengthen the Walkability and Bikeability of Albany

By albanyhousing | Published: June 15, 2020

Attend a Public Meeting in June to Give Your Input to Strengthen the Walkability and Bikeability of Albany

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):

Neighborhood Meeting #1

Center Square, Downtown, Hudson Park, Lincoln Park, Mansion, Park South, Pastures, Washington Park, Washington Square

Monday, June 15, 6:30-8 p.m.

Neighborhood Meeting #2

Delaware Ave., Lincoln Park, Mt. Hope, Second Ave., South End

Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-8 p.m.

Neighborhood Meeting #3

Beverwyck, Helderberg, New Albany, New Scotland/Woodlawn, Normanskill, Pine Hills, Whitehall

Monday, June 22, 6:30-8 p.m.

Neighborhood Meeting #4

Buckingham Lake, Campus Area, Eagle Hill, Manning Boulevard, Melrose, Pine Bush, Upper Washington Avenue

Monday, June 29, 6:30-8 p.m.

Neighborhood Meeting #5

Arbor Hill, Sheridan Hollow, Ten Broeck Triangle, West End, West Hill

Wednesday, June 24, 6:30-8 p.m.

Neighborhood Meeting #6

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.

###

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

City of Albany Begins Preparations for Opening of City’s Pools, Spray Pads, and Capital Hills Golf Course

By albanyhousing | Published: June 15, 2020

City of Albany Begins Preparations for Opening of City’s Pools, Spray Pads, and Capital Hills Golf Course

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.

###

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Albany, Troy housing authorities awarded grants

By albanyhousing | Published: June 11, 2020

Half-million dollar grants awarded in Albany, Troy

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.

 

Original Article on TimesUnion.com

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Albany Public Library Prepares to Resume In-Person Services

By albanyhousing | Published: June 11, 2020

Library Preparing to Resume In-Person Services – Albany Public Library

June 10, 2020 | Library News

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

Read about current virtual services and resources

Library Preparing to Resume In-Person Services

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Announces Initial Series of Policing Reforms

By albanyhousing | Published: June 8, 2020

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Announces Initial Series of Policing Reforms

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:

  • Banning the use of choke holds and knee-to-neck holds by the Albany Police Department
  • Establishing a duty to intervene when a fellow officer is seen using excessive force or verbally escalating a situation
  • Reaffirming training requirements for de-escalation and implicit bias for all members of the Albany Police Department
  • Requiring the history of racism in the United States be taught to all members of the Albany Police Department

“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.”

Executive Order No. 1-20 – June 8, 2020

###

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Important Notice About Parking Rules and Regulations

By albanyhousing | Published: June 8, 2020

City of Albany Announces Various Parking Rules and Regulations to be Reinstated in Conjunction with Phase Two Reopening During COVID-19 Outbreak

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.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

City of Albany Announces Updated Availability of Services

By albanyhousing | Published: June 8, 2020

* * 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:

  • The Albany City Treasurer’s office and Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) will be open to the public by appointment only. To schedule an appointment with the City Treasurer’s Office, please call (518) 434-5036. To schedule an appointment with the Parking Violations Bureau (PVB), please call (518) 434-5006.
  • The Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) is open by appointment for individuals to plead to their parking ticket, schedule court dates, participate in the late fee amnesty, and pay their parking tickets in the Treasurer’s office.
  • Residents are encouraged to continue accessing services online and by phone, when possible. PVB can be reached via email at parkingticketappeal@albanyny.gov; by mailing in their payment or plea to City Hall, Room 203, Albany, NY 12207; or by telephone at (518) 434-5006 (messages are returned within one (1) business day if no one is available to answer your call).
  • You may also view and/or pay your parking tickets online here:  https://albany.rmcpay.com/ . Make sure have your citation number, license plate number or your VIN number.
  • You may also submit a Parking Ticket Reduction Office Application online. This document is required to request a parking ticket be reduced to a lesser violation or penalty amount if it is determined the ticket was issued in error or ticket recipient has good cause for dismissal or a valid legal defense.
  • The Treasurer’s Office is open on the First Floor of City Hall, Room 110, to accept cash or check payments for property taxes, waste collection fee bills, water bills and property fines. Residents are encouraged to continue accessing services online and by phone.  The Treasurer’s Office can be reached by e-mail at either taxbilladdresschange@albanyny.gov, or taxbill@albanyny.gov; or by phone at (518) 434-5036.

City Clerk:

  • To schedule an appointment for City Clerk services, email clerkinfo@albanyny.gov or call (518) 434-5085
  • Phone support will be provided 9:00am-11:00am and 3:00pm-4:00pm. If calling outside those hours, please leave a detailed message and you will receive a follow-up phone call.
  • The Office of the City Clerk will provide all services either online, by mail, or by appointment, as follows:
  • Marriage Licenses (by appointment only)
  • Residential parking permits (online or by appointment only)
  • Dog Licenses (electronic application or by appointment only)
  • Certified copies of marriage records (mail, online, or by appointment)
  • Passports (by appointment only – no longer providing photos)
  • Cabaret (online or by mail)
  • SLA (by mail only)
  • Handbills (by appointment only)
  • FOILs (electronic submission via online, mail in request, or by appointment)
  • Food Vendor Permits (digital submissions, mail, or by appointment)
  • Special Events (online only)
  • Secondhand/Junk Dealer (by appointment only)
  • Street Renaming (by mail or electronically)
  • Hen Licenses (by mail or electronically)
  • Bell Jar/Bingo/Game of Chance Licenses (by appointment only)
  • Domestic Partnerships (by appointment only between 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily)

Vital Statistics:

  • To schedule an appointment, please call (518) 435-5045 or email Vital@albanyny.gov
  • Appointments are available 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm.
  • Phone service will be available 9:00am-11:00am and 3:00pm-4:00pm. If calling outside those hours, please leave a voicemail and your message will be returned as soon as possible.
  • The Office of the Vital Statistics will provide all services as follows:
  • Birth Certificate requests (by phone, mail, or appointment)
  • Death Certificate requests (by phone, mail, or appointment)
  • Genealogical requests (by phone or mail)
  • Funeral director support (by appointment)
  • All other inquiries for support (certificate corrections, help with completing vital forms, etc.) will be reviewed and appointments will be made if necessary.
  • Vital Statistics forms are available online here. Customers may fill out the form online and contact the office for directions to complete the request by email, phone, or to schedule an appointment

Department of Assessment:

  • To schedule appointment please call (518) 434-5155 and leave a message with name, reason for call and property address and a member of the Department will return call within the hour to either assist or schedule a time for assistance.
  • All assessment services will continue to be available remotely. If a property owner needs assistance and that assistance cannot be completed via email or telephone, a member of the Department of Assessment will be available for appointments between 10:00am and 2:00pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Property owners needing assistance completing their assessment protest (deadline June 22) may do so by scheduling an appointment.
  • Any questions regarding exemptions or assessments can be answered via telephone or by emailing TKingston@albanyny.gov.
  • All historical assessment information can be requested through email by emailing cmirando@albanyny.gov.
  • 2020 Grievance forms may be submitted to assessmentprotest@albanyny.gov, mailed to 24 Eagle Street, City Hall Room 302, Albany, NY 12207 or hand delivered between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Corporation Counsel:

  • To schedule an appointment please contact hmorris@albanyny.gov or call (518) 434-5050
  • The Corporation Counsel’s Office is open for services and to accept bid submissions. Appointments are recommended.
  • The following services can be found online here:

Human Resources:

Other City Departments:

Albany Police Department:

  • APD will continue responding to all emergency calls for service 24/7.
  • Minor calls for service, such as minor property complaints, may be handled via phone or through a postponed report.
  • Access to administrative reports, including police incident reports and FOIL responses, will be handled via email and/or phone. No in-person document requests will be facilitated at Police Headquarters (165 Henry Johnson Boulevard).
  • Police Headquarters (165 Henry Johnson Boulevard) will remain closed to the public until further notice.
  • Please visit the APD webpage or call (518) 438-4000 for more information on non-emergency Police Department information. In an emergency, please dial 911.

Albany Fire Department:

  • AFD will continue responding to all emergency calls for service 24/7.
  • Access to administrative reports, including fire incident reports, will be handled via email and/or phone. No in-person document requests will be facilitated at Fire Headquarters (26 Broad Street).
  • All fire department facilities remain closed to the public until further notice.
  • Please visit the AFD webpage or call (518) 447-7879 for more information on non-emergency Fire Department information. In an emergency, please dial 911. 

Department of General Services:

  • All curbside waste collection and recycling pickup will continue as scheduled.
  • In-person transactions will be available by appointment.
  • Please visit the DGS webpage, call (518) 434-CITY (2489) or email generalservices@albanyny.gov for more information.

 Department of Water & Water Supply:

Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance:

  • All permit applications, payments, and other transactions will continue to take place via phone, email, or online.
  • ROP inspections have resumed with appropriate precautions, including the use of social distancing and masks.
  • Construction inspections, emergency inspections, and vacant building inspections will continue to occur.
  • Please visit the Buildings and Regulatory Compliance webpage, call (518) 434-5995, or email codes@albanyny.gov for more information.

Department of Planning & Development:

  • All permit applications, payments, and other transactions will take place via phone, email, or online.
  • Meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals will continue to be held via teleconference. More information will be included as part of each meeting’s public notice.
  • Please visit the Department of Planning and Development webpage, call (518) 465-6066, or email dpd@albanyny.gov for more information.

Albany Community Development Agency (ACDA):

  • In-person meetings will be available by appointment. You must call (518) 434-5265 to set up an in-person appointment at 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard.
  • Please visit the ACDA webpage, call (518) 434-5265, or email communitydevelopment@albanyny.gov for more information.

Department of Recreation:

Department of Youth & Workforce Services:

  • Transactions that must be facilitated in-person may only occur by appointment. You must call (518) 242-8239 to set up an in-person appointment at 175 Central Avenue.
  • Please visit the Department of Youth and Workforce Service web page, call (518) 242-8239, or email workforce@capreg.org for more information.

###

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

YOU CAN STOP THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

By albanyhousing | Published: June 3, 2020

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

WalkUpTesting20200604

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Teen Challenge Week 2 – Teacher Appreciation Week

By albanyhousing | Published: May 27, 2020

Teen Challenge Week 2

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.

Posted in Featured News | Tagged | Comments closed

Albany PAL: Here when you need us most!

By albanyhousing | Published: May 15, 2020

PALS Rainbow

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

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York to Hold Virtual Town Hall: Safe at Home

By albanyhousing | Published: May 8, 2020

LASNNY

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.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Lincoln Square Homes Proposed Disposition Residents Meeting Powerpoint from April 21st 2020

By albanyhousing | Published: May 7, 2020

Lincoln Square Homes Proposed Disposition Residents Meeting
April 21st, 2020

Resident Mtg Powerpoint

Resident Mtg Powerpoint - Spanish

SITE OVERVIEW CURRENT CONDITIONS AND FUTURE PLANS

Current Conditions

•Built in 1967; substantially rehabilitated in the mid-1980s.
•Systems are breaking down and require extraordinary cost for repair and upgrades: elevators, fire safety system, HVAC, electrical and plumbing system are all affected.
•A vacant high-rise was demolished in 2004 due to similar issues.
•AHA has difficulty filling vacant units.
•2019 analysis by consultant indicates site qualifies for demolition because of physical conditions.
•AHA built 156 new low-rise, modern units (52 PH) to improve neighborhood and in anticipation of removal of Lincoln Square.

Plans

•City’s vision for the neighborhood (including Lincoln Homes) is outlined in the “Capital South Plans: SEGwayto the Future” prepared in 2007.
•City recently announced funding to update the plan.
•Future uses of the site are not final. Community engagement planned as part of newly announced update.

Immediate Plan: AHA Administrative Transfers

•AHA has authority to make “administrative transfers”
•Policy is outlined in the Admissions and Continuing Occupancy Policy (ACOP)
•Due to ongoing critical problems, AHA will soon begin transferring residents from Lincoln on an administrative basis.

Transfer Priorities:

•Residents who have requested transfers (current transfer list)
•Elderly or disabled residents
•#3 Lincoln (building in worst condition)

Aims:

•Take stress off buildings
•Avoid critical system failure while people are residing in a building
•Possibly vacate #3 Lincoln
•Use parts from #3 Lincoln for repair of #1 and #2 Lincoln if possible

Schedule1

•*Resident Relocation Priority:
•Priority #1 -#3 Lincoln
•Priority #2 -#1 Lincoln
•Priority #3 -#2 Lincoln
•With HUD approval, residents get permanent relocation (no right to return)
•There is a possibility that #2 Lincoln will be rehabilitated in the future

General Approach

•Resident protection, notification and support features, based HUD/NYS relocation guidelines.
•No required move without 90-day notice.
•On-going communication and resident support.
•Advisory and support services including moving.
•Financial assistance to off-set out of pocket expenses.

Relocation Plan and Staffing

•AHA will have staff dedicated to assist resident plan and implement relocation
•AHA staff will periodically be available for evening & weekend consultation.
•Staff will make home visits as needed and requested.
•Staff will assist with support and resources for special needs and elderly.
•Process will include grievance & claims procedure.

Relocation Orientation

•We will conduct an interview with each household to determine relocation needs and preferences.
•At the interview, we will provide you with both written and verbal explanations of available housing options.
•We will also review with each household, both in writing and verbally, all laws pertaining to discrimination and fair housing.

Anticipated Housing Options

•Vacant Housing Authority – managed Units at Other Sites
•Section 8 Tenant – based Vouchers

Tenant Paid Rents

•Tenant rents for PH units are typically 30% of gross income with allowance for adjustments
•If you move to another PH unit your rent will not be affected by your relocation out of Lincoln Square
•If you move into a §8 project-based unit your rent should remain the same
•If you move using §8 tenant-based voucher your rent should remain the same unless you choose a unit that rents at above AHA’s payment standard, then you may pay up to but no more than 40% of your adjusted income
•Rent you pay with a voucher will also depend on the bedroom size of the unit and its utility allowance. Size of the unit must be appropriate for the family size.

Resident Counseling

•During the initial interview, and afterwards, we will assist each household, at their option, with the preparation of a budget for living expenses (such as rent, utilities and maintenance). If necessary and desired by the resident, we will, refer residents to counseling and other services for rent and debt delinquency problems.
•We will also be available to you for referrals to community resources for other specialized and personal needs.

Housing Locator Services

To help you locate suitable replacement housing, we will provide these services to your household:

•Maintenance and updates of lists of qualified housing providers/landlords.
•Help in contacting landlords and housing providers.
•Arrangement for transportation to inspect available housing.
•Information regarding schools, public transportation, shopping, etc. in areas you wish to live.
•Assistance with completing rental applications.
•Assistance in obtaining necessary certifications.
•Assistance in negotiations with prospective landlords.

Other Relocation Support Services

•Provide moving assistance through a qualified moving company at no cost to you.
•Coordination of the actual move -date, time, etc.
•Help with resolution of relocation/moving issues and complaints.
•Assistance with utility providers (gas, electric, water, rubbish removal, phone, etc.) –housing authority can put resident in touch with resources that help with unpaid utility balances. AHA will attempt to locate appropriate housing with project-paid utilities when utility connection is a problem.
•Assistance with housing authority contacts.
•Coordination of all qualified and HUD-approved relocation reimbursements.
•Provide any specialized services for elderly or disabled residents.

COVID-19 POSSIBLE IMPACT

•AHA has instituted practices compliant with social distancing guidelines and contactless processing.
•AHA will follow guidelines in effect regarding masks, gloves and attire for staff and require vendors to abide by applicable requirements.
•Personnel involved in services entering a home may need to ask about health condition of residents in order to adequately serve and protect occupants of the home.
•Financial hold harmless policy is already in place and will apply: residents that suffer loss of job or income will have rents adjusted and same rent will apply when they move to another public housing unit.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Albany Public Library Updates about Trustee Election & Reopening Approach

By albanyhousing | Published: May 7, 2020

Trustee Election Update for Potential Candidates & Voters

Albany Public Library is hosting an information session for anyone interested in running for a seat on the library board TONIGHT — Thursday, May 7 — at 5:00 pm. The session will be livestreamed on YouTube, and recorded for later viewing.

Current trustees will share their experiences as board members and answer questions. There are two trustee seats up for election this year. Both positions carry full five-year terms.

The trustee election will take place on Tuesday, June 9, via absentee ballot.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the city of Albany for at least 30 days immediately before the election, and a qualified voter. Candidates must also must submit a nominating petition.

Nominating petitions are due to the Clerk of the City School District of Albany by 5:00 pm, on Monday, May 11. Any person who has self-nominated and meets the other requirements will be placed on the ballot, in alphabetical order. The library will be able to announce the trustee candidate names after May 11.

We will host a livestream meet-the-candidate session, and publish biographical information about the candidates on its website. We’ll share details about these as they are finalized.

Absentee ballots will be mailed to Albany voters about 14 days before the June 9 election. Completed ballots must be returned and received by the school district by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9, in order to be counted.

APL Director Discusses COVID-19 Reopening Approach

The library’s executive director, Scott C. Jarzombek, has been speaking about APL’s approach to reopening our locations once NY-PAUSE is lifted in the Capital Region.

“Reopening is not flipping a switch. It will be slowly adjusting a dial…The better we are at following this course, the closer we are to getting ourselves back to promoting a free and informed society,” he wrote in an article for the New York Library Association. You can read Jarzombek’s full article here.

Jarzombek talked more about APL’s approach to reopening on a recent WAMC News podcast. “We are that community space. We want to get back to it. But we know the only way we’re going to get back to it is to follow the protocols set forth by experts, and do it slowly. It will be slow. It will be deliberate. It will be with protocols in mind. It will be done in a way that if we have to roll things back, we can,” he said.

The full WAMC podcast episode is available here. Jarzombek’s discussion about the library starts at the 12-minute mark.

APL has a dynamic continuation of service plan, consisting of several phases, that is regularly refined based on new data and guidelines from the federal, state, and county governments. The plan is reviewed by the library’s Board of Trustees at every board meeting. The next board meeting is set for Tuesday, May 12, at 6 pm, and it will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Albany Public Library Website

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Notice of Public Review and Hearing 5 Year and Annual Plan

By albanyhousing | Published: May 7, 2020

Notice of Public Review and Hearing 5 Year and Annual Plan

NEW DATE – 5 year Annual Plan

Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 4p.m.

Please join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/940162821

You can also dial in using your phone.

(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679

– One-touch: tel:+18668994679,,940162821#

United States: +1 (571) 317-3117

– One-touch: tel:+15713173117,,940162821#

Access Code: 940-162-821

Posted in AHA Board of Commissioners, Featured News, Office of the Deputy Director, Office of the Executive Director | Comments closed

Mother’s Day Game Night!

By albanyhousing | Published: May 7, 2020

Mother's Day Flyer

Mother’s Day Game Night

Who knows their mom the best?

Join hosts Mark Bobb-Semple & Too Deep Entertainment for a Newlywed style game where you and your mom compete by answering questions about mom!

Round One – Saturday, May 9th 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Championship – Sunday, May 10th 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Register today with the following ZOOM information

ZOOM ID: 867-6350-9657

Password: 201802

**meeting link will be provided upon registration**

for questions call 518-380-6701

bgccapitalarea.org

Prizes include iPad, gift baskets, gift cards, jewelry, flowers and much more!

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Become a New York State Trooper

By albanyhousing | Published: May 5, 2020

The Honor of Tradition –
The Privilege to Serve

Become a New York State Trooper
Apply: joinstatepolice.ny.gov or
Text JoinNYSP to (518) 240-3959

Starting salary: $57,297 After 1 year: $81,056
The New York State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NYS Recruitment poster 3

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Albany Mayor Urges Residents & Workers Avoid Area Around New York State Capitol on Friday (5/1)

By albanyhousing | Published: April 29, 2020

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan Urges Residents & Workers Avoid Area Around New York State Capitol on Friday, May 1 in Anticipation of Unpermitted Rally

ALBANY, NY – Today, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan urged residents and workers to avoid the area around the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza on Friday, May 1 in anticipation of an unpermitted rally set to take place in the immediate vicinity.

To view the video, please visit the City’s Facebook page.

To download the video, please visit https://drive.google.com/open?id=1r7lHYpTAG0oP-3W26KRfdPYiFj6IiaTv

Residents and workers should avoid Washington Avenue, State Street, and Madison Avenue between Swan Street and Eagle Street and adjacent areas, including Academy Park.  The Albany Police Department has been working with CDTA to adjust bus routes on Friday, May 1 to ensure the safety of their riders and transit workers.

In a video message, Mayor Sheehan made a plea to those planning on attending the rally that they not compromise their own safety, or the safety of first responders, health professionals, and City residents.

“Most of our residents and local workers are already working from home, but to those still coming Downtown, I encourage you to avoid the area around the Capitol,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “All of us want to see businesses re-open and get back to normal, but I urge those who are coming to Albany to remember we are a City that has three hospitals treating COVID-19 patients, we have healthcare workers, police officers, fire fighters, and sanitation workers on the front lines each day, and we have residents who want to be safe. Please stay in your car and be respectful and mindful of those who live in this community, because while we understand your frustration, we hope you understand that our residents deserve to be safe as well.”

###

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Community COVID-19 Testing

By albanyhousing | Published: April 17, 2020

Community COVID-19 Testing

By appointment only, no walk-ins.

Please call 518-465-4771, ext 3506 to schedule an appointment.

Testing is provided through Whitney Young Health’s mobile health unit, Whitney on Wheels (WOW).

Community COVID-19 testing (002)

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

VOLUNTEER NEEDS AND ROLES

By albanyhousing | Published: April 15, 2020

VOLUNTEER NEEDS AND ROLES

AVillage…, Inc.

From Tom McPheeters, COO

tommcp@me.com

(518) 433-0679

AVillage with community partners has created a new website, 518Mutual-Aid.com, which has been up and running for about a week. The website has three sections:

  • A portal for people who have needs or are dealing with crises and a detailed questionnaire so helpers can learn specific needs or actions and track them.
  • A portal for volunteers to sign up
  • A Resource section that leads to pages from AVillage and others with specific information and resources.

The 518Mutual-Aid.com is a neighborhood-grown product designed to focus on residents of the South End of Albany, but because it is on the web it is attracting requests from all over the region — some 80 as of April 15.

Most of the requests are for food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, but there are some that require more complex actions.

As the demand grows, we need more volunteers to follow up on requests for help. The volunteers (or volunteer teams) would:

  • Have access to the AirTable document (similar to a Google doc where multiple people can make entries and edit) that has all the requests and notations of what has been done in each case.
  • Select, or be assigned specific requests, then follow up by phone.
  • If the request can be fulfilled by the volunteer or team, do it.
  • If the request cannot be fulfilled by the volunteer or team, contact the site moderator and pass on the information.
  • Record on the follow up section what was done and what still needs action.
Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Do It For Yourself — and For Others: A DYI Mask Maker’s Guide

By albanyhousing | Published: April 15, 2020

Do It For Yourself — and For Others: A DYI Mask Maker’s Guide

Below are YouTube guides for making cloth masks that are within most people’s competence — whether or not you are an accomplished sewer.

Now that masks are advised for everybody, there are not enough to go around, and people who are likely to need them most may be last in line. Read below how you can help.

But remember, these masks are just part of being smart about this virus. A handy reminder is attached below.

  1. From the CDC, a T-shirt and rubber band mask DIY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4 –
  1. This one from an engineer — not only has clear directions on making a t-shirt masks, but also why you should: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVEVve-3QeM&feature=youtu.be
  1. Here is another simple template to make a home-made mask for those of us who are craft or sewing challenged. https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie?fbclid=IwAR2bycP-lIRrN_jw40f-1CkvH8z-2eF4wzCk8q3wXnSQcIvFoiS37QTDCV0
  1. This one is for people who can sew. They can be very colorful. They take about 20 minutes each once you get the hang of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tBg0Os5FWQ&feature=youtu.be

Be warned, however, that elastic bands are in very short supply in the Albany area. Consider making cloth ties rather than risking shopping in too many stores.

Help Our Neighbors: One thing we know for sure is that many people in the South End have the “pre-existing conditions” that are causing so many deaths from COVID-19. The reasons are not hard to see — poverty, poor housing conditions, lack of access to healthy food, medical services that often start and end with the emergency room. Add on top of that the South End’s heavy air pollution, which has been well documented by the DEC, and you have a toxic brew.

As Chris Churchill noted in a recent column, perhaps it takes a crisis like this to get people to realize the obvious. He quotes state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi of the Bronx: “This has put a spotlight on every area that we fail in… The foundation was already cracked, and this is crumbling it.”

As it happens, we know many of the people in the South End who do have medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the virus should they contract it. This is because of several health surveys conducted by The Radix Center in partnership with AVillage at Ezra Prentice and Creighton Storey Homes, and because of Trinity Alliance’s WALC program, which works with individuals and families at risk and assists them in dealing with their health problems and related issues.

By all means, make masks for yourself and your family. And please consider making more masks for people who need them. Contributions can be sent to AVillage’s office at 3 Lincoln Square. The office is staffed Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and other times by appointment. Please call our office at (518) 451-9849, or email avillageworks@gmail.com.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed