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.”

Christopher works to preserve historic homes in the City of Albany by working with homeowners and contractors, helping them to choose appropriate materials and stay in compliance with the USDO’s regulations on historic properties. The goal of Christopher’s work is to protect and preserve the unique historic built environment of the City of Albany. “I really love educating and helping people. Our entire lives are spent housed in buildings, but not many of us know a lot about the buildings we spend our time in, and that’s why I like what I do” he says. 

Christopher is a graduate of Florida State University, and prior to joining the City of Albany, he worked for the Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation doing education, outreach, and regulation. Outside of work, Christopher plays the trumpet, and enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and going to farmer’s markets.

Corneil joined the department of Planning and Development in September 2024. He has almost three years of experience as a Community/Land-Use Planner and joined the City of Albany from the private sector where he worked with multiple communities to advance long-term and short-term planning goals for their future.

As a Planner for the City of Albany, Corneil’s role focuses on project application reviews, outdoor café permit administration, project coordination, and additional land use administration duties related to the City’s Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals. 

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning and a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Communities, Corneil is passionate about promoting sustainable and equitable practices within the realm of Public Administration, specifically in regard to land use regulations and community building. Corneil believes that clear communication between a municipality and its residents is the key to a thriving and well-informed community. 

In addition to his professional interests (which include community outreach & public awareness, food security, and circular economies) Corneil also enjoys reading, painting, and hiking.

Monali works on developing land use policies for the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO) and conducts research on potential grant funding sources. She also works on the Vision Zero Plan, a regional plan with the goal of reducing pedestrian deaths. Monali appreciates that Planning bridges the gap between macro-level development and the community. “I like working in an environment that is community-centric, listening to the people, to create a holistic policy framework that reflects the needs and priorities of residents” she says.

Prior to joining the City of Albany, Monali worked in private sector, non-profit, and community-based organizations in New York City, working on Planning projects in different sectors. Monali has a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the BRICK School of Architecture and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the Pratt Institute. Outside of work, Monali enjoys art, painting, interior decorating, cooking, fitness, and travelling.

As a Permit Technician, Amandella assists the public with whatever their needs may be, answering questions and processing permit applications. “I like being close to the community, and knowing I can be there in a helpful way,” Amandella says. Prior to joining the City of Albany, Amandella worked for Capital Roots, working on the Veggie Mobile, helping underserved communities living in food desserts by dropping off a free bag full of groceries and recipes. Working on the Veggie Mobile got Amandella interested in working more with the community on a regular basis. Outside of work, Amandella enjoys going to the movies, checking out local venues, and says that “the farmer’s market is my jam.”