Contact: David Galin
Mayor Sheehan Proposes Building New Lincoln Park Pool and Replacing City Hall Roof
City of Albany Utilizing $14 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for Transformative Investments
Budget Plans Transformative Investments in Every Neighborhood to Ensure New York’s Capital City Remains an Albany for All – Powered by Pride & Potential
ALBANY, NY – Mayor Kathy Sheehan presented her 2023 Proposed City Budget – a budget for city residents that makes historic investments in streets and sidewalks, parks, infrastructure, public safety, walkability, sustainability, and the city’s workforce.
Mayor Sheehan’s 2023 Proposed City Budget:
Improving Residents’ Quality of Life, Neighborhood by Neighborhood:
- Create a new Department of Neighborhood & Community Services
- 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard will now be known as The Neighborhood Center where the public will have seamless access to City services and information while maintaining the highest levels of customer service
- A true “one stop shop,” the Department will partner with residents, community groups, and local businesses to help enhance Albany’s vibrant neighborhoods and reflect the City’s diverse population through a neighborhood-focused approach to planning, community development, and code enforcement
Investing in Our Parks:
- $2 million to secure a site and finalize the design for a new West Hill Community Center
- $2 million to transform the Hoffman Park Recreation Center into a state-of-the-art teen center and recreation facility
- $500,000 to create a new nature trail as well as revitalize baseball and softball fields at Westland Hills Park
- $280,000 to revitalize Colby, McKown, and Lincoln Park Playgrounds
- $250,000 to rehabilitate the Washington Park Amphitheater
- $50,000 to plant new trees and install new green infrastructure in Pine Hills
Historic Infrastructure Investments:
- $22 million+ in streets & sidewalks – tripling 2022’s investment
- $17 million to build a new Lincoln Park Pool
- $15 million to replace the City Hall roof
- Creation of a new Director of Infrastructure Management and several new Project Managers in DGS’ Engineering Division
Critical Investments in Public Safety:
- $2.8 million for Sidewalk and Pedestrian Safety Improvements
- $1 million expansion of Speed Hump pilot program
- $300,000 to complete City-wide traffic study
- $2 million in transformative investments in IT infrastructure throughout the Albany Police Department that will help provide data and increase transparency about arrests, police stops, and other information
Investing in the City’s Workforce:
- Completed third-party compensation study
- Creates a pay scale for non-union employees to ensure pay equity and improve employee recruitment and retention
- Budget provides for the next step in a rightsizing of salaries for all non-union employees to retain current workforce and recruit competitively in the current labor market for talented public servants
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “Since I became Mayor, I have focused on making transformative investments in every neighborhood. My 2023 Proposed Budget is yet another example of that commitment in action.
“Whether it’s a global pandemic, multimillion-dollar revenue shortfalls, or 8% inflation, the City of Albany has innovated and adapted in the face of unprecedented uncertainty for the third consecutive year.
“Without fail, DGS kept our streets and parks clean while picking up trash and recycling. APD and AFD responded to more than 100,000 emergency calls for service. Our Department of Recreation ensured our pools and spray pads were open, and our award-winning Summer Youth Employment Program served more than 400 young residents. We continued to provide safe drinking water and cite building code violators, all while our administrative staff worked tirelessly to ensure our frontline employees had the resources they needed to fulfill their mission.
“Despite the continued challenges that linger as a result of COVID-19, we have maintained our unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in sustainability, and creating vibrant, attractive amenities for every resident. APD is constructing the largest Crime Analysis Center in New York State. DGS is rebuilding our urban forest and expanding at-home composting. The Albany Water Department is completing a $50 million investment to clean the Hudson River and transform Upper Lincoln Park into an outdoor classroom. Additionally, our Recreation Department continues to renovate every park and playground in the City.
“I look forward to working with the residents of the City of Albany and members of the Common Council to approve this budget and continue to invest in New York’s Capital City to ensure it remains an Albany for All – Powered By Pride & Potential – for this generation and generations to come.”
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