Draft Albany 2030 Plan Released for Review

The Draft Albany 2030 Plan was officially released on Thursday, July 14th for public review. This document is a direct result of the community's participation over the past year and a half. More than 1,000 of you have actively participated in developing the vision for Albany in 2030 and the guide for how to reach it. The Climate Adaptation portion of the plan has yet to be included, but you can still view and comment on the current Draft using their online form.

To view the Draft Plan, download it from the Albany 2030 website. There will also be limited copies for viewing at the Albany Public Library branches, the Clerk’s office in City Hall, or at the Planning offices at 21 Lodge Street.

Mayor Jennings Announces Members of Community Advisory Committee on Sustainability

Mayor Gerald D. Jennings has announced the selection of the members of the City of Albany’s Community Advisory Committee on Sustainability. "The Committee will help guide Albany on a path towards sustainability by identifying and prioritizing specific strategies that the City and the Community can implement together by engaging the Community more broadly in our effort to reduce energy consumption and costs, improve the environment, spur economic growth, and prepare for projected impacts of climate change," said Mayor Jennings.

View the entire press release (Adobe PDF, 1.0MB).

NYS Assembly & Senate Pass "Complete Streets" Legislation

The State Assembly and Senate have recently passed legislation requiring new transportation projects consider alternative modes of travel during transportation planning processes. Passage of the bill would ensure bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and other safe or sustainable infrastructure would not be left out at a time when New Yorkers are trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

"With this legislation, future state and local transportation projects will be planned in a way that is more mindful of all users of our roadways," said Assembly Transportation Committee Chair David Gantt. "Thanks to this new approach to road design, New Yorkers will be able to realize the convenience, energy savings and health benefits that all forms of mobility have to offer."

View the entire press release.

Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants Available

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has begun accepting applications for the Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant Program. Awards ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 will be given out to community-based organizations for projects that address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks. Projects can include cleaning up local pollution, starting community gardens, increasing educational outreach, amongst other goals. Not-for-profit organizations can find more information on the DEC’s program webpage. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2011.

Mayor Jennings Announces Electric Vehicle Program

Mayor Jennings announced Albany's new Electric Vehicle Program on April 21, 2011. Albany will partner with NYSERDA, NYS DOT and other entities to identify opportunities to install electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city. The program will result in a minimum of 15 electric vehicle charging stations installed throughout the city. Read about it in the Times Union.
"Albany plugs future of electric cars" Times Union