ALBANY, NY – With today’s real estate closing transferring ownership from the College of Saint Rose to the Pine Hills Land Authority, the Albany County Legislature’s Office of the Chair is encouraged by this latest official step forward in revitalizing the campus.

Of the seven Authority members, two were appointed by Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham last year - Sarah Reginelli, former president and CEO of Capitalize Albany Corporation, and Jasmine Higgins, a fifth-generation resident of Pine Hills and COO of GLS, an economic development and public affairs consulting firm.

Beyond the closing, the Legislature approved $6 million in funding to the Authority at its monthly legislative meeting on March 10 to ensure that the campus’ security and infrastructure needs remain met while revitalization plans continue to unfold.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “This is a vital step on the long journey to ensure that a critical swath of Albany County remains vibrant. I am grateful for the enormous amount of work the Pine Hills Land Authority, County Executive Dan McCoy, and Advance Albany County Alliance have done advancing this process while also protecting the investment that taxpayers across Albany County have made at the same time. There are many more steps and decisions ahead, but I can guarantee that the Legislature will continue to proactively engage in revitalizing and rejuvenating the campus.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “I am delighted that the County has cleared another hurdle toward reinvigorating the campus that is a crucial part of the health, pride, and livelihood of the diverse Pine Hills neighborhood. This real estate transaction is a symbol that the County will follow through on its goals to assist this neighborhood in recovering from the loss of the college. In the past, I have experienced redevelopment projects that have stripped historically marginalized populations and communities bare, but today I am encouraged that the county remains engaged in investing in the wellbeing of its property and all of its people.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “As a vital asset in an incredible location, the College of Saint Rose campus holds enormous potential for Albany County. The Democratic Majority remains committed to preserving the integrity of the Pine Hills neighborhood while fostering new opportunities for its growth and development. We look forward to seeing this transformation unfold and the lasting positive impact it will have on our residents Countywide.”