Earlier this year, the College of Saint Rose made the decision to permanently close the doors to their campus, a devastating announcement not only for current students, staff, and former alumni, but for all Pine Hills residents, the county, and all of New York State. 

The goal for many local government leaders immediately became saving the campus and the surrounding area from deteriorating and leaving a gaping, lifeless hole in the community. The creation of the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA) by our leaders in the state legislature, calls for the commission of seven appointed members, two of which will be chosen by Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham.

It is for this reason that Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham is announcing the opening of a new solicitation process for interested applicants. Albany County residents interested in being considered for appointment should submit a written overview detailing their interest in serving on the Authority as well as any related qualifications to the Office of the Chair or email the Albany County Legislature Clerk.

It’s crucial that the appointments made to this board are driven by the best interest of the community and all of its residents. Therefore, the ideal Authority members will be those who have demonstrated a commitment to representing the interests of this neighborhood and a proven track record related to economic development.

“Recognizing the urgent need to solidify a thoughtful, methodical game plan, the Albany County Legislature worked quickly to pass a home rule message that ensured timely passage of this legislation by the state. The loss of the College of St. Rose had the potential to devastate the Pine Hills community, but I’m thankful that our leaders in the state legislature, including Assemblywoman Pat Fahy and Senator Neil Breslin, had the foresight to establish the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority to safeguard the property from blight and underutilization. I take these appointments very seriously and I am determined to find the best candidates—candidates who care deeply about what happens to these properties and can plan for the long-term use of this area,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham. 

 “I was proud to sponsor and pass legislation that will create a public development authority to ensure critical oversight and the repurposing of Saint Rose’s former properties, while providing a blueprint for the future and ensuring the public’s role in the process,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “The closure of Saint Rose leaves a hole in our hearts and in Albany’s beloved Pine Hills neighborhood, which has residents, businesses, and community members rightly anxious about its former properties’ future. As someone who lives less than a mile from the Saint Rose campus, I am committed to bridging this gap and ensuring the continued economic vitality of the Pine Hills area. I encourage all interested community members to apply and ensure our neighbors’ and residents’ voices are heard throughout this process.”