Downtown Albany Digest 2022

DOWNTOWN

ALBANY DIGEST

2022 Volume No. 1 IN THIS ISSUE:

3–6

A Changing Landscape

7-8

New & Noteworthy

9–10

Downtown Works

11-12 Residential on the Rise 13-14 Looking Back at Events

A PUBLICATION BY THE DOWNTOWN ALBANY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

WELCOME!

Dear Stakeholders, I am thrilled to say that in the midst of a global pandemic, investments in Downtown remained strong. This past year, eleven new businesses opened and two expanded both in size and services. Two national sports teams started playing at the MVP Arena – one new and one returning. Downtown saw the opening of a new 25,000 square feet of innovative co-working space geared towards non-profits to foster more collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. And $50 million in residential conversions were completed in 2021, with 3 buildings coming online for a total of 139 new apartments.

The BID came alongside those investments with the completion and illumination of William Street. The activation included modern lighting and furniture, a 150’ mural, and installation of outlets allowing for the connective corridor to be utilized for events well into the future. We assisted Albany Center Gallery with the administration of a state grant, site location, and permit approvals for the creation of a new mural by nationally acclaimed artist Free Humanity. And we hosted several new events that attracted hundreds of folks to Downtown.

As we continue to move forward, the BID Board developed a Strategic Plan for 2021-2024. After surveys from Stakeholders, interviews with elected officials and larger property owners, and a Board planning session, the overwhelming response was to continue prioritizing our core services: marketing and special events; clean, safe and beautification; and economic development. Our committees have begun working on the strategies and tactics outlined in the plan to build back better, and we remain grateful for the property owners and commercial and residential tenants who continue to invest in our District’s bright future.

2021 was the year that downtown Albany began to truly recover from the impacts of COVID-19. While we continue to face the unprecedented impacts of the pandemic, it did not stand in the way of the steadfast partnership between the City and the Downtown BID which endures as the BID continues to come up with innovative ways to attract employees, residents, and visitors to downtown Albany.

By the end of 2021 the Albany Skyway project was close to completion, and we are thrilled to have finally cut the ribbon on the Skyway! Between the completed Skyway and the impending construction of a new Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge, it has never been easier to visualize the connection this will provide from Downtown to the Hudson Riverfront and points east. I am looking forward to planning pop-up events, rotating vendors, and ensuring the Skyway serves as the newest and groundbreaking regional attraction.

My administration’s goal has been and continues to be creating a more vibrant city, neighborhood by neighborhood, and the BID is helping to make that happen by supporting local small businesses with grant funding and initiatives such as the Downtown Albany Gift Card. In addition to providing more than $1 million in grants to small businesses since the pandemic began, the City of Albany has a shared interest in investing in our parks, enhancing neighborhood and waterfront connections, and improving the visual appeal, function, and safety of downtown Albany.

All in all, the outlook for downtown Albany is stronger than ever, and we will continue to do everything we can to drive investment to Albany’s newest neighborhood in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Georgette Steffens Executive Director

Hon. Kathy M. Sheehan Mayor, City of Albany

Learn more about the transformative Albany Learn Skyway project onmore Page about 5.

the transformative Albany Skyway project on Page 5.

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NEW BID BOARD MEMBERS

New BID Board members 2022-2024 Terms BENN MACDONALD

JOSHUA WAINMAN

Property Owner Representative Benn MacDonald is the owner and President of Far Shot Recreation, an entertainment venue that focuses on axe and knife throwing and indoor archery. Far Shot has multiple locations throughout Canada and the Northeastern United States, including one at 69 North Pearl Street in downtown Albany, and has plans to further expand throughout 2022. Benn leads a team of employees at each of Far Shot’s six locations and helps guide them to success. He has served on the Orangeville Ontario Public Library Board and helped create policies to better help and serve the public, as well as make decisions to help the growth of the library and community. He also serves as the Head Judge of the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and has sat on the WATL Council Committee since its creation in 2017. In this role, Benn helps to grow the sport of axe throwing while also communicating with the axe throwing community and helping update and govern all rules for the sport.

Property Owner Representative Josh Wainman is a life-long resident of the Capital Region. He holds dual degrees in both Finance and Construction Management and is the President of Wainschaf Associates, a Commercial/Industrial Construction company started by his father in 1980. Wainschaf is a company comprised of roughly 50 employees, with annual sales of $35-45 million. Beyond work, Josh serves on the Board of Directors for the Capital District YMCA, is a former member of the City of Rensselaer Zoning Board, and a current member of the Town of East Greenbush Zoning Committee. He is a property owner in the City of Albany, with rental properties in Downtown as well as mid-town, and is eager to participate in the continued revitalization of downtown Albany.

2022-2023 Executive Committee FRANK O’CONNOR, III President Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea

ELIZABETH YOUNG JOJO Vice President Redburn Development Partners

KEN COUNTERMINE Treasurer Community Bank

LISA REDDY FARRELL Secretary Omni Development Company, Inc.

Honoring

Redburn Development Partners 2022 James M. DiNapoli Award Recipient Redburn Development Partners made a splash in the downtown Albany market when, in 2018, the firm purchased eight buildings. Since the initial acquisition, their Downtown portfolio has grown to include 11 buildings and they’ve reinvigorated approximately 625,000 square feet within the BID’s boundaries. Their initial investment of $80 million created 300 residential units, including their signature building — The Kenmore.

Their intentional curation of their commercial spaces brought a diverse array of retail, food and entertainment offerings that are creating foot traffic every night of the week. While the buildings marked their entrance into our District, a long-held belief in Downtowns as vehicles for economic development is a pillar atop which Redburn Development Partners stands. Seizing the strength of the Downtown market, Redburn has another $20 million in development bringing 40 apartments online and 175 new employees to downtown Albany.

Created in 2013 in honor of founding member and inaugural Chairman of the Downtown Albany BID, the James M. DiNapoli Award is presented annually to an individual, organization, or business that exemplifies Mr. DiNapoli’s spirit of partnership and community-building in shaping the direction of downtown Albany.

From left: Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID Board President Frank O’Connor, III, Redburn Development Partners Principal Jeff Buell, DiNapoli family members Christine DiNapoli and Tim McGuire, and Redburn Development Partners Executive Vice President Elizabeth Young Jojo.

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A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Activating a connective corridor Downtown is now home to a new place to sit and relax while you enjoy a meal, a great book, or a conversation with friends. Officially opened in June, the William Street pedestrian walkway represents the culmination of significant investments to transform the alley to a colorful destination in our District.

Located one block west of S Pearl Street between Beaver and Howard Streets, and adjacent to the MVP Arena, updates include new overhead lighting, colorful street furniture, and an expansive 150-foot-long sidewalk mural titled “Meet Me in the Middle” by local artist Eugene O’Neill.

The project was funded through a grant from National Grid’s Urban Center/Commercial District Revitalization Program. This program is designed to assist metro centers in National Grid’s Upstate New York service territory achieve revitalization goals, increase property tax bases, and promote “smart growth” and sustainable investment in Central Business Districts and commercial corridors.

The goal of the Downtown Albany BID’s Urban Center/Commercial District Revitalization Program award was to create a vibrant pedestrian corridor between the MVP Arena and the Albany Capital Center that invokes a welcoming atmosphere, provides visual interest, and attracts visitors. The project connects the area’s two largest entertainment venues in a way that makes visitors feel safe and comfortable to explore, while activating underutilized alleyways for residents, small businesses, and conventioneers.

Through a partnership with Albany County and the Albany Convention Center Authority, the BID leveraged the investments in lighting and streetscape occurring at both facilities – the MVP Arena’s LED screens, exterior lighting, additional light poles and new sidewalks, and the Albany Capital Center’s digital sign, landscaping, exterior lighting, and new light poles – resulting in a $250,000 grant. A special thank you to Ed Swyer and OGS for allowing the BID to attach string lights to their parking structures for this transformative project.

O’Neill’s artwork is intended to provide a narrative journey to connect heart and spirit. These colorful portals are a notion to dig deeper beyond the surface, stepping beyond the shadowed doubt of impossible thoughts and welcoming a metamorphosis of changes designed to clear a path to a breakthrough moment. With the addition of street furniture, the space also acts as an extended patio for nearby restaurants, as patrons can enjoy a wide variety of take-out options in a comfortable seat on William Street.

The William Street mural joins an increasing number of permanent public art pieces added to the Downtown District in recent years. Combined with the completion of the Albany Skyway, the forthcoming Clinton Market Collective, and increased pop-up programming at Downtown spaces such as SUNY Plaza, Tricentennial Park, and Beaver Alley, William Street makes the neighborhood an even stronger destination in the Capital Region.

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A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

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A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Reach for the Skyway An incredible new way to access Downtown from the riverfront is now open. The Albany Skyway, which transformed an underutilized 787 ramp into an elevated park, connects Broadway at Clinton Avenue to the Corning Preserve. At approximately 1/3 mile in length, the Skyway is fully accessible and complete with expansive lighting, landscaped promenade, and event spaces.

Complementing the Skyway will be the Clinton Market Collective, a multi-use park that will be located across the street from the elevated park, that is slated to open in 2023. Once completed, according to Capitalize Albany Corporation more than 100,000 people are projected to visit the two new attractions annually.

No poop fairy here Residential continues to be on the rise in Downtown, and with more neighbors and pet-friendly apartments comes – of course – more dogs. As a result, the BID designed lawn signs to remind people that responsible pet parents pick up after their pups, and we are grateful for all they do to help keep our streets and parks clean. More information on our neighborhood on Pages 11-12.

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Keeping Downtown clean The Downtown Albany Clean Team is hard at work year-round, and their more than 25 years of combined experience in keeping our District clean really shows. Not only do Scott Reed and Bill Thompson sweep and shovel, they also act as walking information kiosks for those they encounter on a daily basis. We are very grateful for their dedication and all they do to make Downtown an inviting place to live, work, and recreate.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Website, newsletters get refresh We are excited to share that our website, downtownalbany.org, and newsletter templates have been updated to offer a more streamlined, aesthetically appealing experience. Working with Downtown-based firm Upside Collective, newly-implemented features include a better mobile experience, and filtering functions for residential and commercial property information, offering users a more efficient way to engage with content. Pulling on the look and feel of the new website, the updated e-newsletter templates offer a functional and modern design that focuses more on visual elements and skimmable information that can be quickly digested and easily shared.

Take new mural to heart The latest Capital Walls mural was completed in October as artist Free Humanity brought his talent to 69 N Pearl Street. “All hearts are connected” encompasses 1,250-square-feet and is comprised of more than 2,000 colorful, interconnected hearts, with the artist seeking to “plant seeds of positivity through art and consciousness” with the work. A complete directory of public art in our District can be found at downtownalbany.org/publicart.

The investment comes as the Downtown Albany BID works to grow visitors to both the website and the world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations found in Albany’s Central Social District.

Photo: Albany Center Gallery

Rooted in cityscape design This April, eight street trees were added to the Downtown landscape. The effort, a continuation of the successful 2018 tree pilot program, also contributes to the City of Albany’s goal of planting 2,025 new trees by the year 2025. Street trees are a vital component of urban infrastructure that improve air quality, absorb traffic noise, and help reduce stormwater runoff, all while building neighborhood and civic pride.

At locations identified by the BID operations manager and with assistance from the City forester and local nursery, in 2022, three Linden trees and five Elm trees were planted along N Pearl Street and Sheridan Avenue. Since 2018, the BID has planted 29 trees throughout the District, a welcomed addition to the gateway to the Capital City.

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NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Score big with these meals

Store’s contribution recognized

Where can you find lobster grilled cheese and 16 beers on tap? At MVP Arena’s newest eatery, Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar. The full-service restaurant is home to lunch, dinner, and event menus to satiate every craving, from hot dogs and burgers to salmon and salads, all with multiple TVs on both levels so you don’t miss a moment of the game.

A Downtown retailer that’s been in business for more than 150 years has been honored for its longevity and contributions thanks to Assemblymember John McDonald. B. Lodge & Co. is now on the Historic Business Preservation Registry, which highlights businesses in operation for at least 50 years that have contributed to their communities’ history.

51 S Pearl Street | albanystadium.com

75 N Pearl Street | blodgeandcompany.com

Edu-great addition to Downtown World-class amenities are kind of our thing, and now we can count a school among the features of our neighborhood. Castle Island Bilingual Montessori moved into Downtown in early 2022, and students aged 3-12 are immersed in English and Spanish lessons with a focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and establishing self-confidence.

602 Broadway | castleislandmontessori.org

A ‘Unieke’ shopping experience Through the clothing line and store, new Downtown retailer Be Unieke encourages you to think outside the box and shop for outfits that reflect who you are. Using the African spelling of “unique,” their mission is to provide clients with innovative and quality-driven products.

132 Madison Avenue | be-unieke.com Photo: Be Unieke

Downtown updates, delivered Want the latest on Downtown delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter by scanning the code or visiting downtownalbany.org/newsletter

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NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Menu you have to ‘C’

New name, same great venue

He’s been serving up delicious food in Albany for years, and now Chef C has opened his own eponymously named eatery right here in Downtown.

Located inside the Albany Coliseum, drop in to try his more than 12 chicken wing flavors, breakfast sandwiches, lunch and dinner options, and daily specials.

Downtown’s 17,500-seat venue has a new name thanks to MVP Health Care winning the naming rights in late 2021. More than just the name, MVP Arena, plans for the company include contributing funds for community events in the atrium, year-round community youth sports programs, and shuttle service for seniors and individuals with disabilities attending events.

153 S Pearl Street | 518.496.2113

51 S Pearl Street | mvparena.com

Still deli-cious, now with more space

Breakfast leveled up

A popular deli known for its roast beef sandwiches has moved to a larger location and expanded its services. Maurice’s Deli is now located across from the MVP Arena, just two blocks from the previous space, with the extra 1,500 square feet resulting in more seating and expanded offerings including soup and salad bars, fried dough, and larger coffee selection.

Restaurateur Jaime Ortiz expanded his Downtown offerings with the opening of Primrose Café in the building that’s home to 677 Prime. Level up your day with two dozen drink options, breakfast items ranging from muffins to sandwiches including smoked salmon, egg, and gribiche cream cheese on croissant, and for lunch enjoy freshly prepared salads and sandwiches.

50 S Pearl Street | mauricesdeli.com

677 Broadway | theprimrosecafe.com

Gallery supporting more makers

Retailer on a mission

Albany Center Gallery has expanded their support of local artists and makers through a partnership with the Lark Street Mercantile. The Mercantile at ACG is aimed at strengthening the creative economy through collaboration and supporting local artists with additional opportunities. Located inside the gallery, stop in and shop for cards, jewelry, pottery, and more.

Downtown is now home to a mission-based retailer as The Vandy Thrift Shoppe opened its doors at 412 Broadway. Here, you’ll find high-end clothing, home decor, and accessories sold at low prices. Owned and operated by Vanderheyden, proceeds from the store support the nonprofit agency’s work to empower youth, adults, and families in the region.

488 Broadway | albanycentergallery.org/mercantile

412 Broadway | 518.650.6770

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DOWNTOWN WORKS

I knew I wanted to open in downtown Albany to be part of the transformation happening, and the support has been a shining moment since we opened.

I am grateful to be part of the Downtown community. ~Leyla Kiosse, The Yard Hatchet House & Bar and Boozy Moo! Owner

The choice to open in Downtown was an easy one. The building is awesome and really speaks to our magical, wizarding ways. The neighborhood has so much going for it with so many great already established restaurants and entertainment. It’s super walkable and just a great energy, and we are excited to be a part of it. ~Alex Berta, Wizard Burger Co-owner

It was the combination of a strong office employee base and residential community that attracted us. Downtown Albany is an incredible mix of people from all different places and walks of life, and we are grateful to those who have started their Vietnamese cuisine journey with us. ~Mike Nguyen, Banh Mi 47 Co-owner

I believe strongly in Downtown and am thrilled to have another business that serves residents and workers alike. Feedback has been wonderful from our customers, and Primrose Café offers us the opportunity to expand the thing we love to do – to invest in and feed the community. ~Jaime Ortiz, Primrose Café Owner

We fell in love with the Capital Region long ago and are overjoyed at the great response we’ve had since opening. Every day, you all show us how right we were in joining Downtown, and we look forward to many more years of serving you meaningful meals. ~Benjy Adler, The Skinny Pancake CEO and Co-founder

See why #DowntownWorks In partnership with Capitalize Albany Corporation, the Downtown Albany BID is highlighting companies based in the Central Business District across industries to hear why Downtown Works for their leadership and employees. Scan the QR code or visit downtownalbany.org/downtownworks to read why companies are choosing Downtown, why you should too, and to start the conversation about finding the best space for your business.

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DOWNTOWN WORKS

ST8 Realty & Development grows Downtown portfolio ST8 Realty & Development has grown their Downtown portfolio with the purchase of 52 James Street. The property along Tricentennial Park is the second the company has acquired, having purchased and renovated the mixed-use 37 Maiden Lane in 2020. President Dillon Nash cited interest in the building due to its proximity to the park, the long-term existing office tenants, and ease of employee and visitor parking thanks to the nearby Riverfront Garage.

Firm moves to Downtown as partners purchase building Financial firm Sgroi Wealth Management is relocating their office to Downtown after the owners and two additional partners purchased the Meginniss Flats building located at 370 Broadway. Noting to the Albany Business Review that it was both Albany’s valuation and the fully occupied upper-floor apartments that attracted them to the building, new co-owner Josh Wainman said that as people are moving into Downtown “it’s a great time for us to get into that building. It’s a good synergy.”

“We believe in the City of Albany and in the future of Downtown’s growth.

There are so many wonderful, exciting events and new businesses popping up throughout the Central Business District. The possibilities are endless, which makes for an exciting future!” ~Dillon Nash, President, ST8 Realty & Development

Redburn purchases historic property Redburn Development Partners expanded their Downtown portfolio with the purchase of Kiernan Plaza this year, with plans to invest in upgrades prior to law firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna moving their offices, and 175 employees, to the 575 Broadway building. The property was historically home to Albany’s Union Station, and at approximately 112,000 total square feet, Kiernan Plaza includes just over 88,000 square feet of office space and a data center on-site.

Employee Appreciation Week In May, the BID hosted an Employee Appreciation Week to show Downtown employees that they are an important part of our neighborhood. As we welcome more employees back to Downtown, these daily events that included live music, fitness classes, and more were designed to encourage our daytime population to explore beyond their immediate surroundings and experience the parks, businesses, and talent that make this such an exciting place to work, live, and recreate.

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RESIDENTIAL ON THE RISE

We asked Downtown resident Cheyenne C. about her experience living in Albany’s newest neighborhood, what she loves about living here, and why you would, too. Are you a Downtown resident who’d like to share your experience living here? Email us at hello@downtownalbany.org and you could be featured in our next Downtown Digest.

What first attracted you to live in Downtown?

I’m originally from the Bronx, NYC and I grew up around endless opportunities for food, drinks and entertainment. Eventually, I found myself in Albany for higher education. Throughout college, I’ve lived in various student apartments in “college town,” which is mostly a suburban area with not much to do. I was drawn to downtown Albany because it’s like the mini-NYC of the Albany area. There are large scale residential developments that allow for easy neighbor interaction. There are many restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues within walking distance! I feel closest to home when I’m in downtown Albany.

What are the top 3 things about living here?

1. The setup of downtown Albany makes it very easy to meet and connect with your neighbors or even downtown Albany tourists and visitors.

As we were going through a global pandemic, it was significantly more difficult to be social and make friends, but living in downtown Albany has saved my social life!

2. The easy accessibility to some of the most talked about entertainment experiences is a great perk. One of the most diverse and unique experiences in downtown Albany includes a visit to The Yard: Hatchet House & Bar and their Boozy Moo alcohol infused ice cream! When you visit, you can throw axes, play lawn games, enjoy specialty cocktails, explore themed greenhouses, and/or eat a multitude of fun flavors of alcoholic ice cream.

3. The hard work of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District team continues to make the area more attractive, more fun, and more like home. Knowing that there is a great team of individuals dedicated to the improvement of my experience as a downtown Albany resident makes me proud to be here and excited to see what great things they will do!

What makes Downtown feel most like a neighborhood to you?

My residential community makes me feel like I’m truly part of a neighborhood. I think what’s

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most important about the concept of a neighborhood is a sense of real community. In my apartment building, we have a group chat that we utilize quite often. We let each other know about the arrival of packages and food delivery, we report lost items to each other, we borrow shovels, hammers and other household items, and sometimes we just joke around. It’s super cool and makes me feel connected to those I share walls with.

What are your favorite places to dine, shop, etc., in Downtown?

After a long week of work and school, my favorite thing to do is brunch! One of the best places to have Sunday brunch is The Bishop, where I enjoy bottomless mimosas, great food and great staff.

They even have various flavors of mimosas that you can choose from.

When friends/family come to visit, where do you take them for dining and entertainment?

The first place that comes to mind is The Cloud Food Hall! During the week, I’d take my friends there during the day to enjoy some of the tastiest food that you can find Downtown. But if it’s the weekend, I’d take my friends there at night to enjoy music, drinks, hookah and a great vibe.

The Cloud Food Hall is the perfect place to take visitors to have a great time, day or night!

What would you say to someone to convince them to move to Downtown?

If you’re looking for a community that offers affordable housing, great food and entertainment, a healthy mix between quiet and lively, and a team of people who are constantly making improvements and additions, downtown Albany is the place for you!

RESIDENTIAL ON THE RISE

New apartments on the way Two of Downtown’s most heavily trafficked streets will soon be home to more apartments, as buildings on State Street and N Pearl Street are up next for residential conversions.

The top 11 floors of 90 State Street are being transformed into 162 residential units. Known as The Abraxas, units will range from studio to two-bedroom, two-bath. Within just a few blocks of the large-scale transformation, Redburn Development Partners has purchased both 61 N Pearl Street and 66 State Street, which will result in a total of 42 new or renovated market-rate apartments. Since 2012, more than 880 apartments have been constructed or renovated in Downtown, with hundreds more under construction and in the pipeline in, or directly adjacent to, our District.

New website features filters As mentioned on Page 6, the BID has launched an updated website, and with the new look comes better functionality for those looking to live Downtown. Now, you can filter out apartments by price, number of bedrooms, pet-friendly, and more. Experience it for yourself by scanning the code below or visiting downtownalbany.org/live - and we look forward to welcoming you as our new neighbors!

Liberty Lofts for the win Congratulations to the residents of the Liberty Lofts building for their Residential Trivia Night win! This event hosted by the Downtown Albany BID was held this spring at Parish Public House, and this team came in with some lofty goals and left with the trophy.

Downtown residents: did you know we have an e-newsletter dedicated to informing you about your neighborhood including resident only events? Available as a benefit to those who live in our District, email us at hello@downtownalbany.org to get signed up.

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LOOKING BACK AT EVENTS

Photo: Sana Siddiqui

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LOOKING BACK AT EVENTS

Join us in 2022 at: 1st Fridays through October: Bites Camera Action Saturdays, July 9-August 27: State Street Yoga Tuesdays, July 12-August 30: Tunesday Live Music Series September 17: YogaPalooza & PearlPalooza October 22: Hounds of Halloween November 26: Small Business Saturday December 10: Hot Chocolate Stroll

Scan for full Downtown event calendar

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21 Lodge Street | 1st Floor | Albany, NY 12207 T: 518.465.2143 | F: 518.465.0139 downtownalbany.org

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Our community suffered an indescribable loss in October 2021 with the passing MISSION STATEMENT

of Norman Rice. His dedication to the art and culture of our Capital City was

To restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image for those who live in, work in and visit the Capital City.

nothing short of spectacular. While Norman spent his career hunting for rare

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee

art and artifacts, it’s hard to ignore that he represented something just as rare — a person who gave wholeheartedly of his knowledge and experience to benefit the many lives he touched. We are beyond grateful for his partnership, and will work to help ensure his legacy lives on through our Norman S. Rice

Frank O’Connor, III, President

Arts, Culture, and Education Award, which since 2009 has been given to

Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O’Shea

individuals who work tirelessly to bring the arts to a larger audience.

Elizabeth Young Jojo, Vice President Redburn Development Partners Ken Countermine, Treasurer Community Bank Lisa Reddy Farrell, Secretary Omni Development Company, Inc. Board Members Riley Ackley, Downtown Resident Leola Edelin, Renaissance Albany Hotel Lena Hart, Precision Fitness Mohamed Hemmid, Hampton Inn & Suites Albany – Downtown Leyla Kiosse, The Yard and Boozy Moo! Angelo Maddox, Fresh & Fly Clothing Hon. Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Executive Benn MacDonald, Far Shot Albany Neil McGreevy, McGreevy ProLab & ProPress Tracy Metzger, TL Metzger & Associates Lucas Rogers, Albany County Executive Policy Analyst Hon. Darius Shahinfar, City of Albany Treasurer Hon. Kathy M. Sheehan, City of Albany Mayor Josh Wainman, Wainschaf Associates, Inc. Frank Zeoli, Department of General Services

STAFF Georgette Steffens, Executive Director Jason Bonafide, Special Events Manager Jevan Dollard, Marketing & Special Events Coordinator Rebecca Hughes, Marketing & Communications Manager Kate Medhus, Program Coordinator Don Wilson, Operations Manager