Planning for Arbor Hill The Arbor Hill Neighborhood Advisory Committee was formed to represent a variety of community stakeholders, including homeowners, tenants, lenders, neighborhood associations, faith-based groups and service organizations. Under the guidance of City staff and private consultants, the Advisory Committee set out to create an effective Neighborhood Plan. The year-long process to draft this plan allowed for broad public involvement through an initial public meeting, a hands-on design workshop, and a public comment period. After a final review, the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan was completed in July 2003, representing a consensus on goals and prioritized strategies.
Focus Areas of Arbor Hill
The Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan identified four focus areas and assigned guiding principles and actions for to each one. These areas include: Homeownership and Rental Housing Opportunities; Arts, Culture and Heritage; Business and Job Development; and Improved Quality of Life. The Mayor appointed an Arbor Hill Implementation Team (AHIT) to oversee the development of each of the four focus areas. AHIT members meet quarterly to report on progress in their respective areas and coordinate implementation efforts. Subcommittees form as needed, to help implement specific projects called for in the Plan.
Homeownership and Rental Housing Guiding Principles
- Support new, lower density housing
- Rehabilitate existing housing and build compatible infill housing
- Provide a variety of housing types for all ages, family sizes and incomes
- Use high quality designs and materials
- Support existing homeowners
Arts, Culture & Heritage Guiding Principles
- Preserve the historic integrity of the neighborhood by maximizing the reuse of historic buildings
- Support cultural institutions' applications for grant funding within or about Arbor Hill
- Promote Arbor Hill as a place for arts, culture and heritage, recognizing the neighborhood's rich history,
including the African American experience
- Expand public participation in the arts
Business and Job Development Guiding Principles
- Support Henry Johnson Boulevard and Clinton Avenue as the neighborhood's primary commercial corridors
- Promote the growth of quality small businesses, which serve and employ neighborhood residents
- Support the development of marketable retail sites
- Build upon the emerging cluster of ethnic restaurants and grocers
- Make streetscape and other enhancements to improve the image of Arbor Hill's commercial corridors
Quality of Life Guiding Principles
- Foster understanding, cooperation and trust between the community and the police department to
imrove public safety
- Make physical improvements to enhance public safety
- Support efforts to clean and beautify Arbor Hill
- Improve existing and develop new neighborhood green spaces
- Calm traffic and make other improvements to make Arbor Hill more pedestrian-friendly
- Give priority for on-street parking to residents, particularly where off street parking options do not exist
- Encourage stronger physical connections to the downtown
2003 Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan
Since its completion in 2003, the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan has made great progress toward implementing the outlined recommendations. In 2010, the City of Albany received a Planning Excellence Award for Implementation of the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan by the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan
Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan Appendices A - D
Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan Appendices E - G
Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan Progress Report 2003
Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan Progress Report 2005
N Swan Street Multi-Modal Study 2008
Arbor Hill Neighborhood Map
Arbor Hill Planning Contact
Katie Bronson AHIT Project Manager
The Department of Development & Planning
21 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 434-2532 x33
Fax: (518) 434-9846
bronsonk@ci.albany.ny.us
For information about home ownership in Arbor Hill, visit the Albany Housing Authority .
For information about the Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee, contact the Ten Broeck Mansion at (518) 436-9826.
Appointed AHIT Members
Hon. Ronald Bailey (Common Council, 3rd Ward)
Hon. Barbara Smith (Common Council, 4th Ward)
Commissioner Mike Yevoli (Albany Development & Planning)
Ms. Marcie Bergan (Downtown BID)
Mr. Tony Brankman (Ten Broeck Mansion)
Mr. Juan George (Business Associate)
Ms. Susan Holland (Historic Albany Foundation)
Mr. Jeff Mirel (Albany Barn)
Mr. Harris Oberlander (Trinity Institute)
Mr. Robert Radliff (Capital District Community Loan Fund)
Mr. Darren Scott (Albany Housing Authority)
Mr. Paul Stewart (Underground RR Project / Capital District Community Loan Fund)
Mr. Anders Tomson (Citizens Bank)
Ms. Arlene Way (AH Development Corporation / AH Neighborhood Association)