Unveils Plans for a New Fire Training Facility, Discusses Homeless Services, and Steps Taken to Address Affordability

Outlines Vision for Saint Rose Campus, Highlights Efforts to Combat Urban Decay, Proposes Consolidation of Shared Services between the City of Albany and Albany County

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today delivered his 14th State of the County Address at the former College of Saint Rose Campus. During his presentation, the County Executive announced a number of major policy initiatives that will ensure public safety, protect public health, increase affordability, and promote economic development.

As a former firefighter and EMT, one of County Executive McCoy’s top priorities is always supporting our first responders. That is why County Executive McCoy fought for $900,000 in funding for the renovation of the fire training towers in Guilderland, Colonie, and East Berne. 

“We have also identified a location in the City of Albany for a state-of-the-art fire training facility that will feature two training towers, as well as a classroom for additional learning. This facility will not only serve the Albany Fire Department, but also all first responders, including EMS throughout the river municipalities of Watervliet, Green Island and Cohoes,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

Other public safety initiatives include: 

• Addressing homelessness by making shelter services more accessible during the colder months with a contract with Peter Young Housing Industries and Treatment to operate a 25-bed Code Blue Warming Center. 
• Partnering with the City of Albany and CARES of NY, Inc. to launch the Albany Navigates Street Homeless Outreach Pilot Program. The County and the City have committed a combined $1.8 million over 3 years for this initiative which will increase access to case navigation services by engaging directly with individuals on the street and connecting them with supportive housing, mental health services and addiction treatment.

Access to parks and recreational opportunities is essential for the health and wellbeing of our communities. In partnership with the Albany County Legislature, County Executive McCoy launched the Albany County Municipal Park and Playground Improvement Initiative. This grant funding was provided for the development and enhancement of parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.

“I have made access to health and recreation a cornerstone of my administration. Together with our partners in the Albany County Legislature we continue to make historic investments so families can enjoy the outdoors, children have safe places to play, and seniors have more opportunities to stay active. In the end we provided $550,000 to 33 projects that benefitted nearly every municipality of Albany County,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

Affordability initiatives:

• Affordable child care to attract and retain employees. Albany County opened Little Sprouts at Shaker Place. This on-site, low- to no-cost daycare is a benefit for full-time Shaker Place and County employees. This state-of-the-art facility features 7,800 square feet and five classrooms and is operated by dedicated Colonie Youth Center.
• Increasing employment opportunities with Shaker Place becoming the first nursing home to offer a newly developed, New York state-approved nurse aide training program. Enrollees will become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) once they have passed the state-mandated exam.

“Affordability is a pressing issue for many families, and with rising costs we must continue to look for ways to help residents save their hard-earned money and increase access to job opportunities. We are leading by example, as these programs will help us recruit and retain qualified, committed CNAs who have received hands on training by members of Shaker Place’s nursing staff,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

The County Executive outlined his vision for the former College of Saint Rose Campus, which will soon be transformed into a new hub of economic activity in the City of Albany. This mixed-use area will also act as a one-stop shop for County services with several County departments already working on plans to move to the campus. He also announced the development of a brand-new Senior Center to be built as part of this redevelopment to replace the one that closed in the City in 2011.

“This is our moment. We cannot sit back and wait for success to come to us. We must take action to create opportunity and take Albany County to new heights,” said County Executive McCoy.

This is part of Albany County’s wider efforts to take a proactive approach to combat urban decay caused by vacant properties. The area surrounding State Street has been a large focus of these efforts, with Albany County securing the Amo La Bella property and several adjacent properties. With these sites around MVP Arena consolidated under one parcel, it will make it easier to redevelop this area. There will soon be a Request for Economic Interest seeking developers for this initiative.

The Central Warehouse is one of the largest examples of blight in the City, and the Advance Albany County Alliance recently closed on the purchase of the Central Warehouse property. This is a significant milestone in Albany County’s plans to demolish the existing structure in order to transform the area into a community resource.

“In the coming months, we will see the start of asbestos removal, with demolition shortly thereafter. Thank you, Governor Hochul for your help support in this effort. Once the warehouse comes down, we will be left with a blank slate that will allow us to reimagine this area, where it’s potential is no longer wasted,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

The County continues to provide a wide range of essential services to the city, often at a scale that is more cost-effective than current city operations. During the speech, County Executive McCoy proposed reevaluating shared services between the City of Albany and Albany County, to eliminate administrative costs, reduce bureaucratic overlap, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more effectively.

State of the County Address »