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For the second consecutive day, the City of Albany is distributing rock salt to residents due to a regional shortage and ongoing frigid temperatures. The salt is available at four locations: Westland Hills off Colvin Avenue, Ridgefield Park off Partridge Street, the Krank Park parking lot, and the Arbor Hill Softball Field parking lot. These locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday (February 20), and residents must provide proof of residency to receive up to five gallons of salt.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced the initiative in response to the difficulty residents face in obtaining salt from local stores. She emphasized the importance of keeping sidewalks clear and safe, as property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Failure to comply with city code within 24 hours of the last snowfall could result in fines.
The salt distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis, and residents are required to bring their own containers. According to News10, the city is urging residents to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure community safety.
The initiative comes as Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency due to the salt shortage, prompting many municipalities to mix sand with rock salt to stretch supplies. With school resuming next week, city crews will work through the weekend to ensure streets and sidewalks are clear and safe.