Meet the Planning Team

Brad coordinates the development review process in the City of Albany and acts as the principal staff for the City of Albany’s Planning Board. Brad was the project manager for ReZone Albany, which modernized the City’s zoning code, making it easier to invest in sustainable, appropriate development in the City of Albany. Brad earned a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Albany. In his free time, he likes to travel and take photographs of buildings and urban landscapes.

Erin Glennon works with homeowners and contractors who are looking to carry out alterations or new construction in Albany’s historic districts. Erin guides people through the process to obtain a certificate of appropriateness  –  which grants approval for alterations, modifications and construction to a landmark or a structure in a historic district. Erin also reviews permits for compliance with the city’s design standards using the new Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance. 

Previously, Erin worked in the Historic Preservation Division of the City of Houston Planning Department, at the Historic Albany Foundation, and as a consultant with the Preservation League of NY State. She has her undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Science in Architectural Conservation from the University of Edinburgh. In her free time, Erin likes to hike, kayak, travel, visit museums and play with her dog Sadie.

In her job, Poulomi reviews café permits, small cell wireless applications, and leads long-range plan development such as Hudson River Shoreline Stabilization Study, Update to the City's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Redevelopment of Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program and Development of the City's Cafe Manual. She also oversees Capital Improvement Projects such as the Hudson Waterfront Gateway Improvement, Downtown Revitalization Initiatives funded Streetscape Improvements along Clinton Ave., South End Connector Phase II and Tivoli Preserve Improvements. 

“I enjoy seeing projects through from beginning to end. You learn so much that way, and I’m learning all the time.”

Avi Epstein serves as the Principal Planner for the City of Albany and is primarily responsible for the management of the city’s land use policies under the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO), Albany’s zoning code. This includes reviewing proposed development for compliance with the USDO standards, while working with applicants and stakeholders along the way. He also staffs the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Technical Review Committee, and represents the Planning Department on the city’s Cannabis Advisory Committee.

Additionally, Avi manages the collection and analysis of relevant data to help shape planning studies and strategic initiatives in the areas of housing, transportation and land use. He also coordinates with the Albany County Land Bank and other regional organizations to ensure quality development is undertaken. Avi earned his master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University at Albany and his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Geography from Binghamton University. 

In his spare time, Avi enjoys spending quality time with his daughter and super-stubborn husky. As an avid hiker and landscape photographer, Avi can often be found out on a trail.

Anna received her Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has since worked as a Planner in both the private and public sphere. Anna’s first planning job was in Madison at a private planning firm, and she had many municipal clients in Wisconsin and Illinois. Wanting to return to Upstate New York after living in NYC, CA and WI, she took a job working for the Town of East Greenbush, where she rose to the position of Director of Planning. It was a small office, and she took on a variety of planning duties, including updating the zoning code, reviewing site plans, and managing development fees. She also staffed the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Conservation Advisory Council, and the Town Board. Anna joined Albany’s Planning and Development Department because she “wanted to work with more planners and address issues relevant to a city with a larger population,” she says. What does she do out of work? “Well, I have a green thumb,” she says, “and a dog.”

Jasleen staffs the City Planning Board, coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance. She works on additional city-wide and neighborhood planning initiatives, reviews lot modifications, and has been working on the West Hill Alleyway Improvement Project. She also serves as the Co-Section Director for the Capital District Planning Association (CDPA), part of the APA NY Upstate Chapter. In her free time, Jasleen enjoys exploring different regions and cuisines, as well as spending time with her family and friends, especially the four-legged ones.

Amanda Diaz staffs the Board of Zoning Appeals, works on Zoning Compliance Certificates, and implements the goals of the South End Strategic Plan. She also processes café permits and assists with project management for Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm. Amanda is passionate about environmental justice, equity, and community resiliency. She earned her master’s degree in Regional Planning and her bachelor’s in Geography from the University at Albany. In her free time, Amanda loves to travel, attend music festivals – and dance.

Erika reviews building permit applications and answers applicant questions about what they can and can’t do with their properties, particularly regulations related to historic districts. Erika enjoys working in local government because it allows her to be able to see in real time the product of her efforts. Before joining the City of Albany, Erika worked in the private sector doing hazard mitigation planning, preparing states, counties, and towns for natural disaster events such as hurricanes, flooding, and severe winter weather. Erika is an avid film buff, and enjoys spending time with her cats, going to the gym, and cooking.