Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 1

Neighbors

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Winter2016

CENTER SQUARE l HUDSON/PARK l MANSION l PARK SOUTH l WASHINGTON PARKCAPITAL

A N E W S P A P E R F O R A N D A B O U T A L B A N Y ’ S H I S T O R I C N E I G H B O R H O O D S

Volume 21 Number 4, for Distribution Week of February 1, 2016

continued page 4

2015Real Estate

Update

Living Well Wherever You LiveLocal health care reform is underway.

The number of real estate transactions throughout the Center Square, Hudson/Park, Mansion and Washington Park neighborhoods in 2015 remained relatively consistent with 2014 and 2013 transactions, while values remained stable.

An analysis of the statistics reveals: For the year 2015, there were 35 sales of single family properties within the four downtown Albany neighborhoods, three sales less than 2014 and four sales more than 2013. Twelve of these sales represented condominiums, as compared to 11 in 2014 and nine in 2013. The average sales price of one- to three- bedroom condos was $139,800, up from $100,400 in 2014 and $119,400 in 2013. The lowest price of $44,900 was for a studio at 399 State Street and the highest was $229,900 for a two-bedroom two bath unit, with parking, at 270 Hudson Avenue. The average marketing time for condominiums was 111 days, up from 89 days in 2014, but down from 138 days in 2013.

Of the 23 townhouse sales, nine were strictly one-family homes, 12 included a two-story homeowner’s unit with an apartment and two were carriage houses. The average sales price of single- family homes without an apartment (and including a carriage house) was $208,400, up from $198,600 in 2014 and up from $179,000 in 2013. The average sales price excludes a $61,000 sale of a foreclosure on Wilbur Street. The prices ranged from $127,500 on South Lake Avenue to $282,000 on Chestnut Street.

By Ellen Picotte

One of Historic Albany Foundation’s (HAF) most popular special events, A Moveable Feast, will take place this year on Saturday, April 9th. The opening and closing receptions will be in Adirondack Hall at the New York State Museum, one of the spaces to be redone during the Museum’s upcoming major renovation.

Now a tradition, A Moveable Feast is not your average dinner party. Guests check in at Adirondack Hall for a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres and silent auction, and upon check-in, receive an envelope with the address of a home in Albany. You don’t know where or with whom you’ll be dining until you check in, which adds to the anticipation!

After some mingling, you depart for your dinner location to enjoy a great meal in one of Albany’s beautiful homes. After dinner, return to Adirondack Hall for the close of the auction and dessert.

HAF is currently seeking volunteer hosts for the event. To host, contact Nicki Bertsch at info@historic-albany.org. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.historic-albany.org.

A Moveable Feast is a benefit that supports HAF’s mission of preserving and protecting vacant but potentially habitable buildings in Albany.

Moveable Feast 2016Support this truly moving experience.

Site of First Tree

Nursery in Albany

See page 3 for article on oldest house in Park South.

Below, advertisement

in the 1894 Albany City

Directory for the Albany

Nursery.

Commerative sign at 80 Morris Street.

By TomMcPheeters

LLiving healthier, longer lives depends too much on where you live. That’s what the numbers show, and while it’s not exactly news, a lot more people are wondering what they can do about it now that the second phase of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid reform is kicking in.

Those people include an array of state and local health officials and hospital managers, and also, increasingly, people who live in the low-income, minority neighborhoods of Albany. The health disparities revealed by new state-sponsored studies reinforce what has long been apparent to them — that people in their communities tend to have more diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity (due to poor diet), low birth weights and infant mortality, and on and on. Data show both children and their parents in Albany suffer from extremely high rates of asthma.

New York State’s DSRIP program, which will reward hospitals according to their success in reducing avoidable hospital stays and emergency room visits, is designed to change things. That’s what Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Albany County’s Health Commissioner told a group of South End residents and community leaders on January 21st.

But this is a huge, complex system, and change will not come easily, she warned. It’s time for consumers to take the opportunity to be part of the coming changes.

“This is unique. This is new,” she said. “That two-way conversation is what we really need to have evolve.”

Dr. Whalen spoke at a meeting of AVillage, Inc., the South End community organization that sees health care advocacy as part of its mission. Her audience was receptive to her message, but also had plenty of questions and concerns about the system as it works (or doesn’t work) in their lives.

Enough of that.Dr. Whalen explained that the reorganization is massive and complex, and is only just starting after a year of behind the scenes work. But the state has put all of its hospitals on notice that they will have to make this work within five years. Again, they won’t get paid simply to treat people when they come through their doors.

“We only have one shot — to get it right in five years,” said Dr. Whalen. This will involve some trial and error as programs get rolled out, are evaluated and then either validated, revised or discarded.

Can the hospitals do it by themselves? Dr. Whalen said this reform is as much about “people on the ground” educating themselves and their neighbors, thereby taking greater control of the system that delivers their care. It’s also about ensuring that resources go to the areas of most need. And there are also the studies that show that low- income neighborhoods have fewer options when it comes to health care, along with more barriers such as access to transportation, healthy food and opportunities to exercise.

County Health Departments have important evolving roles in the DSRIP process. Increasingly, PPSs are looking to local health departments to share their expertise on population health management and to help identify and develop evidence-based models within the communities they serve. The Albany County Health Department has several staff members participating on committees for both PPSs in the region and, importantly, Dr. Whalen has been elected co-chair of the Albany Medical Center PPS leadership committee. In particular, the county is working with both PPSs on strategies related to asthma and chronic disease and smoking cessation.

continued page 7

What all those letters mean: The New York State version of Medicaid reform is, not surprisingly, smothered in acronyms. DSRIP stands for Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program. DSRIP represents billions and billions of dollars at stake for medical providers. In that regard, they will be getting paid for keeping people well, rather than for individual treatments. The other acronym being thrown around is PPS, or Performing Provider Systems. This refers generally to the hospitals, but not individual hospitals. For instance, St. Peter’s, which is now St. Peter’s Health Partners covering Albany and Rensselaer Counties, is in a PPS with Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. The Albany Medical Center PPS, which you would think is big enough to stand on its own, covers five counties and is linked with the hospitals in Saratoga and Hudson.

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 2

Neighborhood

Capital Neighbors is published by the Center Square, Hudson/Park, Mansion, Park South and Washington

Park Neighborhood Associations. Circulation: 6,000 copies.

Editorial: Tom Clark, Andrew Harvey, Tom McPheeters, Leslie Moran,

Stephanie Richardson, Colleen Ryan Production: Stephanie Richardson

Advertising: Eva Petkanas Distribution: Mac Mowbray

If you are interested in working on future issues of Capital Neighbors, or would like to make

comments or suggestions, contact Capital Neighbors at capitalneighbor@yahoo.com

NEWS NOTES&

Thanks!

Thanks!

Capital Neighbors2016 Assoc.SponsorsCenter Square Neighborhood

Historic Albany Foundation

Hudson/Park Neighborhood

Mansion Neighborhood

Park South Neighborhood

Washington Park Neighborhood

Support your neighborhoodassociations!

Center Square Association66 Chestnut Street, Albany, NY 12210; 426-0668 e-mail: centersquarealbany@gmail.com Web site: www.centersquarealbany.comFacebook: Facebook.com/CenterSquareAssocTwitter: @CenterSquareCSAInstagram: @centersquarealbanynySubscribe to list serve: center-square-subscribe@yahoogroups.comPresident, Jackaline RingVice President, Ben ChiCorresponding Secretary, Michelle BruckRecording Secretary, Maureen KrugerTreasurer, John QuinnDirector of Beautification, Demi McGuireDirector of Community Outreach, Chris BurkeMembership Chair, Jenny QuinnCodes and Zoning Chair, Clare YatesAny of the officers can be contacted through Center Square’s email address: centersquarealbany@gmail.com. CSA conducts business meetings at 7 pm the 3rd Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November at the Westminster Presbyterian Church Wells Room, 85 Chestnut Street. A membership social event is held during the third week of the alternate months.

Hudson/Park Neighborhood AssociationP.O. Box 2313 - ESP, Albany, NY 12220; 894-7641 e-mail: info@hudsonpark.orgWeb site: www.hudsonpark.orgPresident, Brad Glass, bradley.glass@gmail.comVice President, Richard Brash, rbrash7@verizon.netSecretary, Carrie Ward, carriezward@gmail.comTreasurer, Laura Castelli, lcastelli5@gmail.comH/PNA meets at 7 pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month (except July and August), Israel AME Church, 381 Hamilton Street.

Mansion Neighborhood Association1½ Elm Street, Albany, NY 12202; 432-5981 e-mail: hakatz@me.comHolly Katz, Chair, Board of Directors, hakatz@me.com

Park South Neighborhood Association271 Myrtle Avenue, Albany NY 12208; 505-6439e-mail: aach2004@aol.comWeb site: www.psnaalbany.comPresident, Andrew Harvey, aach2004@aol.comVice President, Michael McGovern, michael@michaelmcgovern.comTreasurer, Peter RinneCorresponding Secretary, Julie Maynes, jfmaynes@gmail.comRecording Secretary, Shirley Kelly-Parson, skellyparson@nycap.rr.comPSNA meets at 7 pm every 4th Wednesday of the month (except July, August, November and December) in The Community Room, 139 Knox Street).

Washington Park Neighborhood Association369½ State Street, Albany NY 12210; 426-0079e-mail: wpna@standardweb.comWeb site: www.wpneighbors.orgPresident, Bill Pettit, bpettit@standardweb.comVice President, Mary Stoll, mgs@nycap.rr.comVice President (Zoning), Michael LaceySecretary, Jessica Fisher Neidl, jfneidle@gmail.comTreasurer, Mark Brogna, brognamark@gmail.comWPNA meets at 7:30 pm every 2nd Tuesday of the month, First Pres-byterian Church (Rose Room), State and Willett Streets.

Center SquareThe Center Square

Association (CSA) and Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association (HPNA) joint holiday party was a well-attended, successful affair and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Maureen Kruger who organized the CSA silent auction items, which brought in $2,600. Most importantly, neighbors came together to raise $800 for the victims of a multi-building fire on Park Avenue, and CSA donated an additional $500.

It may be cold and gray outside now, but come June our neighborhoods will be filled with beautiful colors once again. Hidden City House & Garden Tour co-chairs Bonnie Mariano and Maureen Kruger are looking for houses and/or gardens for the June 23, 2016 tour. The tour is a joint effort of CSA, the Hudson Park Neighborhood Association (H/PNA) and Historic Albany Foundation (HAF) so we hope to get a variety of houses and gardens across neighborhoods. Contact Bonnie or Maureen at centersquarealbany@gmail.com if you’re interested in showcasing your house and/or garden this June.

The next CSA social is February 16th at the brand new Tapasia at 227 Lark Street, recently opened by CSA resident Natalie Warner. It’s a great opportunity to get out of

the house during these (sometimes) dreary winter nights and mingle with friends and neighbors! The social (free for paid members) features complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. You can also pay your membership dues on the spot, or join online anytime at www.centersquarealbany.com/join-csa.

Is there something you think the neighborhood should be discussing? CSA’s next business meeting is Thursday, March 17th. Get involved! Contact Jackie Ring at the CSA email for meeting topic ideas and get involved. Remember to keep updated with all that is going on, follow CSA on Facebook, Twitter, the Yahoo Group and our website and SEE the neighborhood on Instagram.

Hudson/ParkThe Hudson/Park

Neighborhood Association (H/PNA) has a lot planned for 2016 and we’ve already started. Our first event of the year, the Hudson/Park Winter Brunch, took place on January 23rd with an impressive turnout. Neighborhood residents and local business owners met at the Westminster Presbyterian Church and enjoyed a wide assortment of food and drink. Our next major event is the Spring Cleanup, which is co-hosted by the Center Square Association.

Other 2016 plans include initiating a Block Captain program, Block Beautification Program (first block selected is Madison Avenue between Dove and Swan Streets), and participating in the Historic House & Garden

Tour in June. Anyone interested in volunteering for our 2016 projects can email volunteer@hudsonpark.org for more information.

MansionThe Mansion

Neighborhood Association (MNA) sponsored a pot-luck dinner on December 2nd at the Capital South Campus Center (CSCC). Many thanks to our “chefs” who brought food to share!

MNA is back on track for monthly meetings the 4th Wednesday of the month, 6:00 pm, at CSCC. The center is located at 20 Warren Street.

Park SouthThe next meetings of the

Park South Neighborhood Association (PSNA) will take place on February 24th and March 23rd. Continued redevelopment possibilities in the Park South neighborhood are on the front burner. The Albany Medical Center (AMC) project is ahead of schedule due to the weather-friendly fourth quarter of 2015. Also, please take note that the 268 new residential units will be available for rental by the third quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, Maddalone Associates is exploring the potential construction of a new apartment building at 81-91 Dana Avenue; accordingly, a representative of that firm will speak at the February 24th meeting. In addition, the city is now receiving redevelopment proposals for the former Senior Services site on Delaware Avenue.

The looming expiration of the Park South Urban Renewal Plan (PSURP) in the Spring raises the question of whether the

Below (l to r) Colleen Ryan, Mac Mowbray, Rich Brash, and Chris Burke enjoy the festivities at the joint CSA and H/PNA Holiday Party.

city will seek its extension, as much work is yet to be accomplished.

Overall, 2016 looks to be an eventful year in Park South.

Left. Ellen Picotte serves refreshment to Jackie Ring at the H/PNA Brunch. Below, (l to r back) Nancy Wawrla, Mac Mowbray (l to r front) Andy Burkett, Jeff Crompton, Therese Daly and Rich O’Connor enjoy socializing at the brunch.

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 3

Lark Street BID Update

T

Did

yo

u e

ver wonder . . .???By Tony Opalka, Albany City Historian

. . . where the oldest building in the Park South Neighborhood is?

continued page 6

The Park South Neighborhood is the area bounded on the north by the Washington Park Neighborhood, on the east by Delaware Avenue/Lark Street, on the south by Myrtle Avenue and on the west by Robin Street. It was the southwestern corner of the grid of 1765 that started at Duke Street (now Eagle Street) and went westward to Schoharie Street (later Duck and then Robin streets). The neighborhood was south of Wolfe Street (later Wolf, then Lydius streets, now Madison Avenue) and included Moncton and Pitt streets, probably today’s Morris Street and Myrtle Avenue (once called West Ferry Street). By the time a revised city map was published in 1813, a new street (Yates Street, the first blocks of which were renamed Dana Avenue) was included, and the grid extended all the way to the south city line, then located about where Delaware Avenue crosses Holland Avenue. Also, by this time, all the earlier street names of 1765 had been changed; thus, the streets running north-south were Lark, Knox (once known as Swallow Street in the bird-mammal grid), Snipe (New Scotland Avenue) and Robin.

With the exception of Washington Square (the parade ground at the eastern end of Washington Park) and a cemetery in the northernmost part of the park, this part of the city was laid out into building lots and streets to the south city line and westward for several miles. In the early years of the 19th century, several conveyances of land took place in this area as speculators bought and sold in anticipation of future development.

However, urbanization proceeded slowly in the area because of its distance from the center of town, and even when it began, there was never development south of Myrtle Avenue. In the 1820s the Alms House was constructed along the New Scotland Plank Road south of Myrtle Avenue and in the 1840s the Albany County Penitentiary at Delaware Avenue south of Myrtle Avenue. Those two developments eliminated all building lots that had been mapped earlier. In fact, the area bounded by Snipe Street extended, Myrtle, Perry (later South Lake) and the south city line was designated as Alms House Square by mid- century. As a result, it is no surprise that hospitals and other institutions are located along New Scotland Avenue today as this type of land use dated back to that early period. The penitentiary was eventu-ally moved to the Albany Airport area in the 1920s, by which time William S. Hackett Junior High School (now Middle School) was constructed along Delaware Avenue in front of the old penitentiary site. (Part of the area was remapped to include Holland Avenue, but that’s another story in itself.) The Alms House area is occupied today by Albany Medical Center and other institutions.

During the 1870s, Beaver Creek meandered through-out the Park South neighborhood, leaving current-day Washington Park at New Scotland and Madison Avenues, having been dammed during that period to form the park lake, running southward to about Myrtle, where it turned easterly and made its way to the river by way of Lincoln Park (earlier known as Beaver Park). A tributary of the creek is shown on the 1857 map making its way

Continuing the series of identifying the oldest building in each of the historic neighborhoods where Capital Neighbors is distributed, in alphabetical order, this issue’s entry is the Park South Neighborhood.

along Morris Street, almost to today’s South Lake Avenue. Of course the creek in this area has been completely routed into culverts and probably shows itself only dur-ing heavy rainstorms.

In 1837, James Wilson purchased a plot of land bound-ed by Morris Street, Myrtle Avenue, Knox Street and New Scotland Avenue for $1,500 and established a garden of fruit trees, shrubs, and ornamental trees. He also oper-ated a nursery there and continued to expand his land holdings for the next 30 years. He constructed his house and barns in the area at that time near the corner of Mor-ris and Knox. His unusual brick house at the southwest corner of Morris and Knox Streets is the oldest house in the neighborhood.

Wilson was the creator of the Wilson strawberry, which changed commercial strawberry cultivation in the United States. He achieved this unique fruit by cross-pollinating a European strawberry with North Ameri-can varieties and, subsequently, was able to capture the American market, which he dominated for 40 years. He partnered with Jesse Buel, a leading agriculturist of the time and publisher of The Cultivator, and together the two men established the first fruit tree nursery in Albany County. Wilson died in 1855 and his son John contin-ued the business until 1871 when Thomas Davidson purchased the business and operated it as the Albany

Nursery.Only later did the area begin to be urbanized, as a

horsecar and later electric trolley made its way up Madi-son Avenue beginning in the 1870s. Thereafter the land of the nursery was slowly sold off for housing construction. The early home of James Wilson, which actually faces southward away from Morris Street, was surrounded by one- and two-family houses that characterize Albany’s “streetcar suburbs” as well as slightly earlier, the brick rowhouses of Knox Street, dating from the last twenty years of the 19th century.

Today, this building is being rehabilitated and will eventually provide housing to someone who hopefully will become aware of its historical significance both as an architectural landmark and as the home of an important figure in American agriculture.

I must express my gratitude for the information pro-vided in this article to Historic Albany Foundation (HAF) board member and historic preservation consultant Kim Konrad Alvarez, who researched and prepared the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Knox Street Historic District that includes the James Wilson House, which I had the pleasure of processing in my job at the State Historic Preservation Office, and to HAF board member Jay Jakovic who has undertaken the rehabilitation of this neighborhood landmark.

The photo at left is actually the original front of the house (but now presents to the backyard). At right is 80 Morris Street as it shows to the street.

Photo courtesy of Jay Jakovic

Dear Neighbors,

I was wondering if you have a subscription by mail option available? We picked up the Oct 26 issue at Ben and Jerry’s a while back and it turned out to be a very valuable issue for us! We discovered the NYS Parks Historic property tax credit program was going to save us thousands and also an article on historic homes linked us to Tony Opalka who gave us a date on our old home, which we had no clue about.

So thank you for this wonderful neighborhood paper! Troy has a Washington Park newsletter on their website and in hard copy distribution if you ever want to check that out. www.wpa-troy.org

— Yours truly, Liz Maloney, Wurtsboro

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Editor’s Note: We now offer Capital Neighbors on line through the Hudson/Park Neighborhood website at www.hudsonpark.org. Editions going back to Winter 2007 are available and we are in the process of archiving all editions beginning with the first edition in the Spring of 1995.

The heart of Albany, Lark Street, continues to beat strong into 2016, as the efforts made by the Lark Street BID in the past 18 months look to continue investment in the Lark Street corridor. As part of this effort, the BID has streamlined operations and trimmed certain budget expenses. As a result, we are starting the year with more than $100,000.00 to spend on cleaning and beautifying the BID corridor. Additional efforts will include marketing our businesses and the surrounding neighborhood, increasing parking, and increasing involvement with First Friday, the Dana Park

By Shauna Collins, BID Executive Director

concert series and partnering with various adjacent neighborhood businesses.

Accordingly, the BID, along with several prospective investors in the commercial corridor, are excited to announce the following developments as part of the first quarter of 2016 (based upon good-faith understanding and/or executed agreements).• New owner-operators

for the former DeJohn’s/Legends space and Justin’s restaurant are anticipated.

• New construction at the corner of Madison Avenue and Lark Street (former Tandoor Palace location) is set to be completed.

• A new coffee shop will open next to the Downtube bicycle shop on Madison Avenue.

• The now-former Little Moon building has been purchased by the owners of El Loco’s Mexican Café and will be converted for use by a commercial tenant in the near future.

• The former Totem sushi bar will be turned into a new dining concept by the owners of El Mariachi’s Mexican Restaurant.

• The former Spa Virgo space has been vacant for 30 days but now will be filled by a new spa.The latter half of 2015

and beginning of 2016 saw the opening of Kanter’s

Deli, Lark and Lilly, The Brakes Coffee House and Provisions, Healthy on Lark and Tapasia. All five businesses are woman-owned and operated.

The BID’s relationships with the surrounding neighborhood associations have also improved significantly as the BID seeks their input on a number of BID events, including two private fundraisers taking place in February: on February 10th the BID will partner with SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for a fundraiser at her home at 432 State Street; and on February 19th the BID will partner with the University Club for its annual Mardi Gras

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 4

CAssociation Presidents Cite Challenges and Solutions for 2016

Capital Neighbors recently posited four questions to each of the participating neighborhood association presidents regarding the overall status of their respective neighborhoods. The questions were: (1) What is the biggest challenge facing your neighborhood in 2016? (2) What is the plan to address that challenge? (3) Why is volunteering important to you? and, if so, (4) How can people get involved?

Center Square Association, Inc. (CSA)Jackaline Ring, President

(1) CSA doesn’t have one overriding issue in 2016, but rather several persistent issues that we plan to continue addressing. The residential parking permit system is ineffective on the lower blocks of Washington Avenue, Chestnut, Lancaster and Jay streets. Code violations are chronic. Our efforts to involve tenants in the association/neighborhood have not been productive. The refurbishment of Hudson Jay Park was a major accomplishment of 2015, but we can’t seem to get irresponsible dog owners to recognize that work and pick up after their animals.

(2) We have been working with the Albany Parking Authority, Albany Police Department and the City Clerk’s office to help resolve the parking problems. The new Director of Codes has been very receptive to our code violations reports and has taken prompt action; we anticipate continued cooperation. The co-chairs of CSA’s membership committee, Bonnie Mariano and Chuck Houghton, have mounted a recruitment campaign to involve all who live here. As for the park, we’re stymied — educational efforts aren’t working.

(3) Volunteering is everything because that’s ALL we are — volunteers working to keep Center Square great. Volunteers clean up, maintain and improve Hudson/Jay Park; open their homes (and are docents) for the annual House & Garden tour, which is planned and executed by the volunteer committee. Volunteers enable us to have two summer barbeques with the Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association and contribute to the Holiday Party silent auction, which helps to sustain CSA’s finances.

(4) It’s easy to get involved at whatever level suits you. Send an email to: centersquarealbany@gmail.com or call Jackie: 518-426-0668.

About Jackie: Jackie’s professional career in communications has included newspaper and magazine journalism, radio broadcasting and being the owner of an advertising, public relations and marketing agency in the Hudson Valley. She’s lived in Hudson Park and Center Square since coming to Albany in 1995 to accept a job in state government. Jackie served on the board of Historic Albany Foundation for nine years and is now a member of its advisory board.

Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association (H/PNA)John Debois, President

(1) The biggest challenge we face is building a sense of community and getting more residents to be engaged in neighborhood activities.

(2) H/PNA has recently approved the following initiatives, which are specifically aimed towards addressing several of our biggest challenges: implementing a Block Captain program; increasing resident and business membership; and developing a Block Beautification program. Our goal is to ensure that each block within our neighborhood is represented by at least one captain. This will provide immediate exposure and interaction within the overall association. Block captains will be trained on the SeeClickFix app and will be informed as to how to report suspicious activity to the Albany Policy Department. We expect to meet many members of the community in the process.

We are making an aggressive push to increase our membership/participation numbers this year, with a specific emphasis on the south side of Madison Avenue. We’ll be adding PayPal options for signup and taking a number of other steps that will facilitate the adding of new members.

We will be developing a Block Beautification program in which Madison Avenue (between Dove and Swan) will be used as the pilot. Our plan is to take a previously overlooked (and one of the most historic and beautiful) blocks in our neighborhood and transform it, with the help of our community, into the hansosme block it once was. Madison Avenue was specifically chosen due to its central location in the neighborhood. Residents from throughout Hudson/Park will be working together to support a common goal.

(3) Volunteering is important to me on a personal level because I care about my neighbors and the surrounding neighborhoods. In the short amount of time that I have lived on my block, I have already met many new friends. My hope is that every resident in our neighborhoods has the same experience. By volunteering and strengthening our sense of community, we will provide opportunities for people to meet with one another and potentially establish new friendships and working relationships. Just the other day at a neighborhood function, two neighbors — one from Elm Street, the other from Hamilton Street — met who hadn’t realized that they were from the same hometown an hour from Albany. They exchanged stories from their childhood and realized they knew a lot of the same people. Without volunteerism and community events, these friends might never have met each other.

(4) Our primary method of communication is our listserv at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hudson-park. H/PNA maintains a neighborhood bulletin board/email service that sends out notices of events, zoning issues, city government actions, neighborhood challenges, social activities and other things related to the Hudson/Park neighborhood. Anyone with an interest in our neighborhood can participate by submitting topics for community discussion.

About John: John DeBois enjoys volunteering and is passionate about giving back to the community. He has lived in the Hudson/Park and Center Square neighborhoods for the past several years. After getting his degree in Computer Science from Clemson University, John started his career in the Aerospace industry, working as a software engineer. Upon moving to Albany, he began working for a local technology startup, Rational Enterprise. Still there, John leads a team responsible for developing legal software applications. Originally from Long Island, John relocated to Albany in 2008.

Mansion Neighborhood Association (MNA)Holly Katz, President

(1) Mansion has a surprising number of vacant buildings that continue to deteriorate. The demise of these buildings would jeopardize adjacent homes and affect property values.

(2) A committee is working on finding ways to return these buildings to loving owners who will save them and create new homes, new neighbors and new memories.

(3) Getting to know your neighbors makes this a neighborhood, not a faceless suburb. I’m always amazed by the creative and concerned people I’ve met who care about making everyone feel welcome.

(4) Subscribe to Mansion News and Notes to learn about what’s going on in the neighborhood — send a message to: mansion2000-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

About Holly: Holly was born in Lockport, NY, educated in Texas, West Virginia, Ohio and Illinois, before moving back New York state. She lived in several Albany neighborhoods before Mansion. She still walks to work, art, theatre, symphony, wine and food. Holly is a member of the Historic Albany Foundation.

Park South Neighborhood Associaton (PSNA)Andrew Harvey, President

(1) The biggest challenge for the Park South community is the successful implementation of the Park South Urban Renewal Plan (PSURP). The PSURP is soon set to expire. The PSNA is recommending that the PSURP be renewed by the City of Albany for an additional five years in order to see its successful implementation. Transformation is now rapidly emerging within Park South on the properties that have been owned by Albany Medical Center, but much work is yet to be achieved in the portion of Park South east of New Scotland Avenue.

(2) The plan for Park South is the PSURP and the goal is to bring it to successful actualization to the greatest extent possible. The plan, in its entirety, can be found at http://www.albanyny.org/_files/Park%20South.pdf.

(3) My life’s mission is imbued by the philosophy of Walter Rauschenbusch, theologian from Rochester, NY. Living in Park South for the past 30 years has provided me with an environment that allows that philosophy to be put into action. I work with all community stakeholders: from newly settled refugees from around the world to Jim Barba, CEO of Albany Medical Center (AMC) with the purpose of creating a community where all can thrive. The transformation of Knox Street from a drug-infested area to an award-winning private/public partnership is a particularly satisfying example of the actualization of my mission.

(4) Involvement in creating a thriving Park South neighborhood comes from simply accepting an invitation to come to a PSNA meeting. Announcements for our meetings are handed out door to door, with a special invitation to new residents. Our meetings are lively, informative and well attended.

About Andrew: Andrew holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the State University at Albany and was employed as a Principal Economist with the Public Service Commission for more than 30 years, where he grappled with a gauntlet of energy issues, including generation siting, transmission siting and nuclear power issues. Currently, he is an energy consultant and associate with Viridian Energy, which provides wind & solar energy options for residential and commercial customers. He is very happy and proud that he made Park South his home those 30+ years ago.

Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA)Bill Pettit, President

(1) The biggest challenge facing the Washington Park neighborhood is the planned new Albany County parking garage on Spring Street. The garage has been included in the county’s Capital Plan and a ground study was completed. The study found that the area would support a parking garage. At this time, the county is continuing with a cost feasibility study.

(2) The Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA) will continue to dialogue with the county regarding the lot design. WPNA’s most important concern is that the final structure blend into the neighborhood hardscape.

(3) All volunteering is really about interacting and being friends with your neighbors.

(4) People can get involved by coming to the meetings. Even if one isn’t interested in the particular topic of the day, it is a great way to meet fellow residents and get to know your neighbors. Also, interested parties can sign up on the association’s facebook page (Washington Park Neighborhood Association).

About Bill: Bill has been a resident of the Washington Park neighborhood since 1988, raising a family on State Street. He has been an active member of a variety of neighborhood organizations and initiatives during that time.

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 5

PartsWarehouse

The Parts Warehouse is located at:89 Lexington Avenue, 465-2987

Hours: Wednesday and Friday 11 am-5 pm; Thursday noon-6 pm; Saturday 9 am-5 pm

By Mac Mowbray

Spring is almost upon us, so it’s time

to finish those indoor jobs.

L

PLEASE VISIT US!Wednesday & Friday, 11am-5 pm;

Thursday, noon-6pmSaturday, 9 am-5 pm

I

Lots of new stuff at the Historic Albany Parts Warehouse this issue. The months go by so quickly, it seems like I just finished writing this article yesterday! Well, it has been months, so there is, in fact, plenty of new old stuff. We do our best to stay away from new stuff, but every now and then we allow something to take up space. It usually sells to a contractor or landlord who is fixing up some space where historic is not so important. Right now we have a green (of all colors) ceiling fan and some new bath fixtures including a “bidet” There is also a match-ing set, toilet and sink, in olive green. That is a color I have never seen in bath-room fixtures before. There is also a really nice Crane bath sink from the 1950s. It’s the “Drexel” model which was one of the best. There is also a sparkling mint green toilet and sink in the same area. Most of this stuff is in great shape; it was just brought to us because the colors did not go with the owner’s decor.

Sitting near the Crane bath sink is an early 1920s corner kitchen sink, cast iron, wall mount, the back splash is actually curved to fit into a corner. “Staring it in the face” is a 1940s Maytag wringer washer. You can’t be young and actually know what that is. Why not come into the warehouse and find out how they actually work. And work was the right word!

Just came in, a great mantle piece from the late 19th or early 20th century with original ceramic tile surround and the embossed anodized front cover. Unfortu-nately, it is covered with layers of scaling white paint. From the back, it looks as if it was either oak or maybe chestnut.

As usual there is lots of modern (priced to go) hardware for doors. For the basement, a double cement set of laundry tubs and plenty of old plumbing parts to go with it. Mixed in with these goodies, I noticed a pink GE electric built-in oven, a portable dishwasher, and some church pews. Also identified, several sets of rusty steel shelving which could help you unclutter your full basement without looking out of place.

Going further into our 10,000 square foot warehouse, one encounters a bunch of radiator covers — some just shelves to sit on top of the radiator and some that cover the whole thing. If you are in the market for such an item, be sure to mea-sure your radiator, as most of them are not adjustable. (The ones that sit on top of the radiator usually are adjustable.)

Just in: a bunch of 19th century cupboard doors and a bunch of 19th century six-panel doors, also in good condition. Tucked in the indoor parking area of the warehouse along with the doorknobs and hardware, are some 1940s/50s toy kitchen appliances. Just the thing for the kid who does not like computers and electronic devices! (I have never met one, have you?) Some adult is going to want those things because they are reminders of childhood for “those of a certain age.” In that area are also three very old windows in the original frames. These are unusual because the upper sashes have eight panes and the lower sashes have 12 panes and appear to have been built without a mechanism to hold up the sashes — no sash weights, no cords, latches or spring balances. They may have been from a barn or other out building where the windows were rarely if ever opened.

Back to the modern era for the landlord or contractor: there is a 40 gallon 12-year-old gas hot water heater, a small Franklin type stove and a six lid coal/wood kitchen range circa 1920 sits near a large collection of electric lights and many electrical parts and globes. Last, but of course not least, we have a Victorian wash basin set, complete with pitcher for water.

That’s all for this issue. If you come in next month, you will meet our new warehouse manager as Dan Pardee has moved on to other things. We will miss him. He was with us for four years.

Any questions, just give us a call or visit us at 89 Lexington Ave. Albany, just off Central Avenue (Route 5).

Albany“One-Stop Shop”

OpensImproved customer relations for rehabbers, restorers and builders.

In a move that is designed to make building in Albany more customer-friendly for homeowners, businesses and developers, the City of Albany has brought three key departments — the departments of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance and Planning and Development as well as the Albany Community Development Agency (ACDA) — under one roof at 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard.

“Bringing these departments into the same space was one of my top priorities for unleashing the potential of Albany,” said Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “This move dramatically improves the quality and efficiency of service to homeowners, businesses and developers who want to invest responsibly in our city.”

Previously, the Office of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance was located in City Hall, the Planning Department on Lodge Street, and ACDA at 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard. The proximity of the new “one-stop shop” to I-90 as well as a large parking lot behind the building makes it much easier for people to access these three major departments rather than navigating travel and parking in downtown Albany.

“This consolidation will save people time and improve services,

especially for small businesses and residential property owners, by bringing all these departments under one roof,” said Albany Council Member and President Pro Tempore, Richard Conti.

The walls of the former individual offices have been removed. In so doing, the renovation not only provides more natural light to the core space, but it breaks down any physical or symbolic barriers within and among the departments, thereby creating greater transparency. The consolidation also shaves days off the initial review process for projects since interoffice mail between different physical locations has been eliminated.

The Department of Planning and Development is a dynamic and interdisciplinary office of professionals that apply progressive urban planning practices to preserve and protect neighborhoods, manage and promote adaptive land use and guide sustainable growth in our community. That impact can only improve as these three essential groups are able to interact with one another and the public in a speedier and more coordinated fashion. “For the public, it means that if they need to meet with more than one department on a project, they won’t have to drive across the

city, they can simply walk down the hall,” said Planning Director Chris Spencer.

The Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance oversees the safe and lawful use of property and buildings in the City of Albany by ensuring compliance with local, state and federal building codes. It also safeguards public health by providing standards for construction, development and building design. Buildings and Regulatory Compliance is also going digital with many of its records, making them more accessible to staff and the public. “By working together closely — literally and figuratively — we’ll reduce the amount of time that it takes to get a permit and to address blight or other problems as soon as they appear,” said Robert Magee, director of the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance. “By bringing Planning and Codes together, we’re increasing the efficiency of both our departments’ work, which will make Albany an even better place to live and invest in.”

The ACDA revitalizes neighborhoods by increasing homeownership, providing resources for home and community improvements, and connecting partners to facilitate quality of life

Staff from the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance assist a resident at the customer service counter.

continued page 8

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 6

AAHOSupports

Capital Neighbors!

Albany Area Housing Opportunities246 Hudson AvenueAlbany, NY 12210

434-8584

169 Jefferson St.Albany, NY 12210

(518) 432-7781

BID from page 3

CapitalSites This is just a small sampling

of arts and cultural organizations in and around our neighborhoods.

Albany County Historical AssociationTen Broeck Mansion, 9 Ten Broeck Place436-9826; www.tenbroeckmansion.org

Albany Institute of History & Art125 Washington Avenue

463-4478; www.albanyinstitute.org

Albany Public Library 161 Washington Avenue

427-4300, www.albanypubliclibrary.org

Albany Roundtable Civic Luncheon Serieswww.albanyroundtable.com

Capital Rep 111 North Pearl Street

445-SHOW; www.capitalrep.org

eba Center for Dance & Fitness351 Hudson Avenue

459-9916; www.eba-arts.org

The Egg473-1845; www.theegg.org

The University Club Foundation463-1151; www.uclubevents.blogspot.com

WAMC Performing Arts Studio339 Central Avenue

1-800-323-9262; www.wamcarts.org

party to be held at the University Club. These two fundraisers represent the BID’s

kickoff to our year long celebration of our 20th anniversary. Although the Lark Street BID is one of the smallest BIDs — if not the smallest — in New York, its basic needs are no different from those of any other downtown neighborhood. Thus, grants, donations, reinvestment and thoughtful zoning are, of course, critical to its survival. That being said, and even given a number of closures on the street in 2015, commercial properties on Lark Street presently enjoy a nearly 94% occupancy rate.

The BID is also actively involved with the City of Albany, along with its neighborhood association partners, in its rezone initiative. Once implemented, the new zoning standards should invigorate the street’s development.

As a result of these developments, we look forward to acquiring additional retail for the corridor, e.g., an additional clothing store, a gourmet food shop, a gym, a yoga studio and more options for artists to showcase their work and, of course, more dining options.

For more information visit www.larkstreet.org.

Mardi Gras at the U ClubFriday February 19, 2016

In 1996, the Krewe of Beverwyck hosted its inaugural Mardi Gras Party in Albany. In 2015, the Krewe moved its celebration to the University Club. Accordingly, on Friday, February 19th, the Krewe of Beverwyck will partner with the Lark Street BID to present A Mardi Gras Celebration of Arts & Culture at the University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street.

The Mardi Gras Celebration of Arts & Culture will feature a cocktail reception from 6 – 7 pm with traditional New Orleans party food — red beans and rice, shrimp remoulade, muffalettas — and cash bar. Drink specials, music and decorations will transport guests to the French Quarter, and costumes and masks are strongly encouraged.

At 7 pm, guests will be invited to the dining room for a special concert by the Dylan Perillo Orchestra, a colorful ensemble celebrating the beginnings of jazz with arrangements from the early 20th century. An eight-piece band with lots of horns, woodwinds, bass, guitar and drums, their influences include everything from Billie Holiday to Louis Armstrong, Al Bowlly to Annette Hanshaw, Coleman Hawkins to Lester Young, and the contemporary artists that continue this tradition.

During the concert, the King Cake will be served and the Krewe of Beverwyck’s King and Queen for 2016 will be revealed!

The cost for the concert and reception is $40 per ticket or two for $70. Reservations are required by Wednesday, February 17th and may be made by calling the Club at 518-463-1151; by sending an email to ellen@universityclubalbany.com; or online at www.uclubevents.blogspot.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the University Club of Albany Foundation, Inc. and the Lark Street BID, both of which are 501c3 corporations. Attendees need not be members of the University Club or the Lark Street BID to participate.

The University Club of Albany Foundation was formed to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the National Register-listed University Club building, its neighborhood and the City of Albany, where it has been located since its inception in 1901.

The Lark Street BID works to build, sustain and enhance a unique and prosperous living and business community for the residents, visitors and merchants of the Lark Street Neighborhood. This is accomplished through its core neighborhood services of safety, street maintenance, marketing, and special events and promotions.

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 7

2012 BEST NEIGHBORHOOD WINE STORE — METROLAND

Health from page 1

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your

Historic Albany Home for SaleAlbany — According to industry

experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifi es the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identifi ed and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector fl ags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away

altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

To order a FREE Special Report, visitwww.HistoricAlbHomeTraps.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-377-9817 and enter 3003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home.

This report is courtesy of EXIT Realty Capitals Choice 11 Herbert Dr. Latham, NY. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2016ADVERTORIAL

Sales of properties that included a homeowner’s unit with an income apartment averaged $259,200, down from $263,800 in 2014, but up from $199,200 in 2013. The lowest sale was $185,000 on Lancaster Street and the highest was $470,000 on State Street.

The average marketing time for single-family homes was 61 days, down from 75 days in 2014 and 163 days in 2013. It should be noted, however, that some of the properties sold had been listed more than once, extending the actual days on market if combined.

Ten two-family properties sold in 2015, with an average sales price of $145,700. In 2014 there were 13 sales averaging $147,500 and in 2013 there were eleven sales with an average of $88,400. The lowest sale was $30,000 on Irving Street and the highest was $324,000 on Chestnut Street. Average days on market for two-family properties in 2015 was 129 as compared with 39 days in 2014 and 91 days in 2013.

There were 23 multi-family sales in 2015, higher than the 17 sales of 2014 and the 21 sales in 2013. Ten of those sales were three- family properties with an average sales price of $189,800, compared to 12 sales with an average sale price of $187,800 in 2014. The lowest price was $42,000 for a property on lower Myrtle Avenue while the highest was $329,900 on Dove Street. The average sales price of four four-family properties that sold in 2015 was $205,000, down from $266,500 for four sales in 2014. Eight multi-family sales included buildings featuring five or more units. Overall, the average marketing time for multi-family properties was 83 days, down from 88 days in 2014.

Inventory as of mid-January remains relatively low, with only 11 single-family townhouses on the market; all but three are priced over $300,000. As of mid- January, two such properties were under contract. A lack of inventory for more affordable properties results in a backlog of buyers, so as properties priced under $275,000 become available, we should see a shorter marketing period in 2016. Recently, larger multi-family properties have become very popular, also with a lack of inventory. Because interest rates remain low, combined with additional developments downtown, investors are showing a renewed interest in downtown Albany.

Editor’s Note: In 2015, there were only three sales in the Park South neighborhood averaging $144,600. All transactions were for two-family properties. Still, once the Albany Medical Center expansion is completed, it seems likely that market opportunities will increase in the neighborhood.

Ellen Picotte is a Hudson/Park resident and an Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake Realty.

Sales from page 1

Dr. Whalen’s audience had many questions and concerns about their own health care, and especially about how Medicaid and other insurance plans, limit their access to prescription drugs and to specialized care. These and many other topics will be addressed as AVillage schedules monthly health care seminars on the third Thursday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Capital South Campus Center. Speakers will be announced on the website (www.avillageworks.org) and all are welcome.

Digging into DSRIP

The Healthy Capital District Initiative (www.hcdiny.org) serves as a clearinghouse for information about health and health care reform in the Capital Region. The website contains a wealth of studies and statistics about health conditions, plus information on the New York State health care reform effort.

The Albany County Health Department’s website (http://albanycounty.com/Government/Departments/DepartmentofHealth.aspx) outlines the many free services offered to residents.

Accordingly, AVillage Inc. is adding content to its website (www.avillageworks.org) about health disparities in the South End and local efforts to address them.

Winter 2016, CAPITAL Neighbors — 8

Albany By The NumbersEmergency Numbers/Hotlines911 (landline and cell) .......................................................................... 911Child Abuse Hotline ......................................................... 1-800-342-3720Domestic Violence Hotline ........................................................ 765-4444Fire ............................................................................................. 447-7879Mental Health (mobile crisis) ......................................................447-9650Police (non-emergency) ............................................................ 438-4000Poison Control .................................................................1-800-336-6997Rape Crisis Hotline ..................................................................... 447-7716Water Department ..................................................................... 462-4004

Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Main Number ............................................................................. 482-8822STAR Reservations and Information ..........................................482-2022Parking Violations ...................................................................... 434-5006

National GridMain Number ...................................................................1-800-642-4272Power Outages ................................................................ 1-800-867-5222Gas Emergency ...............................................................1-800-892-2345

Snow EmergencySnow Emergency Notification ................................................. 476-SNOWIf your car has been towed … .................................................... 458-5676

City of AlbanyAssessment ................................................................................434-5155Auditor ....................................................................................... 434-5023Buildings & Regulatory Compliance .......................... 434-5165/434-5995Capital Hills Golf Course ........................................................... 438-2209Capitalize Albany Corporation (CAC) ........................................ 434-2532Citizen’s Police Review Board ................................................... 445-2329City Court .................................................................................. 453-4640City Historian ............................................................................. 459-3994Clerk’s Office ............................................................................. 434-5090Community Development Agency (ACDA) ................................ 434-5265Corporation Counsel (Law) ....................................................... 434-5050Development & Planning ........................................................... 465-6066

Help us correct errors in the numbers listed or suggest additions by emailing capitalneighbor@yahoo.com.

Energy & Sustainability .............................................................. 434-5250Fire & Emergency Services ........................................................ 447-7879Forester ...................................................................................... 427-7489General Services (DGS) ............................................................ 434-2489Hall of Records .......................................................................... 436-3663Housing Authority ....................................................................... 641-7500Landfill / Recycling ..................................................................... 869-3651Mayor’s Office .............................................................................434-5100Parking Authority ....................................................................... 434-8886Parking Violations Bureau ......................................................... 434-5008Police Court ............................................................................... 453-5520Police Department ..................................................................... 438-4000Port District Commission ........................................................... 463-8763Public Library ..............................................................................427-4300Recreation ................................................................................. 434-5699Special Events ........................................................................... 434-2032Traffic Court ............................................................................... 453-4630Treasurer’s Office ...................................................................... 434-5036Visitors Center ............................................................................ 434-1217Water & Water Supply ............................................................... 434-5300Workforce Services ....................................................................462-7600Youth & Workforce Services .......................................................447-5977

County of AlbanyAging .......................................................................................... 447-7177Board of Elections ......................................................................487-5060Children, Youth & Families ......................................................... 447-7324Clerk ...........................................................................................487-5100Comptroller ................................................................................. 447-7130Consumer Affairs ........................................................................ 447-7581Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center .....................................447-5500District Attorney ...........................................................................4875460Executive .................................................................................... 447-7040Health .........................................................................................447-4580Legislature ...................................................................................447-7117Mental Health .............................................................................447-4537Social Services ...........................................................................447-7300Veterans Affairs .......................................................................... 447-7324

What will you do with your extra day in 2016? On Monday, February 29th, from 5:30 – 8:00 pm, the University Club will host LEAP IN: Entrepreneurship and the Power of Peer Support at the University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street. Event sponsors include the Capital Region Women@Work; the Women’s Business Council of the Capital Region Chamber, and the Women’s Business Center of New York State. The event is presented by the University Club of Albany Foundation and is open to members and nonmembers alike.

The evening begins with a festive sampling of wines with names appropriate to the occasion — such as Stump Jump, Frog’s Leap, and Rabbit Ridge — and a savory hot and cold hors d’oeuvres buffet. Wines are provided by Capital Wine and Spirits on Lark Street.

At 6:30 pm, the club will host a panel discussion featuring successful business owners who have made the leap outside their comfort zones to start and grow their own businesses. Each panelist will share stories about her business journey, her successes and failures, and the support she’s received from — and given to — other business owners. The panel will be moderated by the Times Union’s Tracy Ormsbee, a senior editor overseeing features, sports and two lifestyle magazines, Women@Work and 518Life.

Panelists will include: Silvia Meder Lilly, who became the proprietor of Lark + Lily Wine Bar and Kitchen in Albany after a career as a school librarian; Dr. Tobi Saulnier, founder of 1st Playable Productions in Troy, who was inspired by the potential of video games to educate and make a positive impact; and Katie O’Malley, owner of Katie O’ Weddings & Events, whose job takes equal parts patience, compassion, mentoring and positive attitude.

Tickets are $29 each, participation is limited and reservations are required by Thursday, February 25th. Call the University Club at 518-463-1151 or visit www.universityclubalbany.com to reserve your seat.

LEAP INEntrepreneurship

and the Power of Peer Supportprojects and workforce opportunities for residents with low- to moderate- incomes. “Frequently, when someone wants to build, they’re often looking for more than a permit,” said ACDA Director Faye Andrews. “They’re often looking for help in financing the work they want to do. If that’s what is needed, and they qualify, they can come upstairs to speak with us about that issue. A big part of our job is to make homeownership and home renovation more affordable.”

Capital Neighbors recently took a tour of the new facility with Robert Magee. He explained that the majority of residents and developers will visit the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance as the “gateway” department for applications. Said applications will be subject to a preliminary review. That will then trigger action to and from the other departments. For larger projects, the Planning Department will

One Stop from page 5

coordinate a technical review committee that meets every two weeks. Applicants come before the committee to discuss their projects and receive feedback as to appropriateness. This preliminary review will give the applicants more predictability about what the process is and what the next steps are.

For more information about “One-Stop,” visit http://www.albanyny.org/Home.aspx.Center Square and Hudson/Park neighbors

Pertinent forms and instructions are available at the customer service counter. This information is also available on the city’s web site at www.albanyny.org. According to Robert Magee, forms and informational documents are in the process of being updated and, in the not to distant future, applicants will be able to complete applications online.