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The last public workshop to discuss the future of the College of Saint Rose campus in Albany is scheduled for tonight (October 29) from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the former Massry Center for the Arts building on Madison Avenue. Organized by the Pine Hills Land Authority, the meeting aims to gather community input on potential uses for the property, which could include spaces for education, housing, businesses, and public amenities.
Albany County purchased the former college campus for $35 million during a bankruptcy auction last December and is financially backing the land authority. The county has already moved several departments to the campus, including Aging, Recreation, and the Veterans Bureau, with the Albany County Sheriff's office also having a presence there.
Kevin O’Connor, CEO of the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority, initiated the series of workshops, with the first taking place in August. According to Times Union, a draft report outlining redevelopment options is expected to be submitted to the authority next month. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy is also seeking to purchase five buildings from the land authority for $6 million.
The Pine Hills Land Authority's vision includes creating a district that integrates education, housing, businesses, and public spaces. As reported by Yahoo News, the final strategic plan is expected to be delivered by the end of November.