Midtown Colleges and University Study

One of the many strengths of the City of Albany is the number of fine institutions of higher education. The colleges and university in the City are major centers of activity and stability in Albany's neighborhoods. Recognizing the important role institutions of higher education can play in the revitalization of the community, the City is collaborating with Citizens Bank and targeted institutions in the central or "Midtown" portion of Albany to leverage their investment activities and programming needs to enhance their surrounding neighborhoods. Financing has been set aside to be used to build new college libraries, student dormitories and other facilities.

The City of Albany began seeking proposals for the preparation of a revitalization and investment strategy for the Midtown Colleges and University study area in February of 2004. In March of 2004 URS Corporation, a strategic planning firm, and Institutional Project Management, a facilities development and operations firm, were hired to do a plan and market analysis for the study area. On May 31, 2005 a Draft Plan was presented to the community stakeholders. One of the many strengths of the City of Albany is the number of fine institutions of higher education. It is recognized that the colleges and university located in the City are major centers of activity and stability in City neighborhoods. It is further recognized that there is significant benefit to the City and the institutions if there is coordination in and among the institutions forming Community– University partnerships. The NYS Quality Communities Program has provided the City of Albany with funding to undertake a planning process that will result in a strategic plan to leverage the investment opportunities and programming needs of the institutions of higher education. The targeted institutions are those located in the central portion of the City of Albany including: SUNY - downtown campus, the College of St. Rose, the University Heights partners which include the Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany College of Law, Albany Medical College, Albany Medical Center, and The Sage Colleges.

The proposed area of focus is generally bounded by Central Avenue to the north, Lark Street to the east, West Lawrence Street to the west, and the UHA campus to the south.