Albany Common Council Caucus & Work Session – July 21, 2025

The Albany Common Council held a caucus and work session on Monday, July 21, 2025, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. Twelve members were present (Adams, Anane, Ballarin, Clark, Conti, Farrell, Frederick, Hoey, Johnson, Keegan, Kimbrough, Robinson) and three were absent. The meeting included a public hearing on an ADU ordinance, public comments, and consideration of numerous resolutions supporting grant applications for city and regional projects. The council also discussed the schedule for executive session, amendments to accessory entertainment legislation, and a speed camera revenue projection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on Ordinance 68-121-24 (ADU Zoning Amendment): One speaker, Jim Reed (30 Fairlon, Albany), expressed concerns that the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) proposal lacked sufficient analysis, justification, and public information. He requested a full report before proceeding, citing recent “chaos” from quick decisions. Council members responded that extensive discussions had occurred in prior planning committee meetings, and that the legislation was based on models from larger municipalities to expand affordable housing and single-floor living options. Councilmember Hoey noted he voted against the proposal in committee due to unresolved issues with city departments (fire, water, assessor) and contrasted it with a more restrictive Colonic law.
• Public Comment (General): Three residents spoke:
  • Maureen Macaulay (Danker Avenue) argued that data from other states shows ADUs have “disappointing” and “lackluster” results for affordable housing. She raised concerns about infrastructure capacity (aging sewers), automatic property tax increases under real property law, and the lack of oversight with “by-right” permission. She stated that ADUs are already permitted but require due process, which the proposed legislation would remove.
  • Carl Yurich (80 Lennox Avenue) presented analysis from his website AlbanyDataStories.com on the city’s school speed camera program. He reported that after a three-month FOIL request, their modeling projects only $2–2.6 million in net collected revenue for FY2025, far short of the $6 million budgeted, creating a potential $3.4–4 million shortfall (1.5% of the overall city budget). He urged the council to seek accountability and improve public data transparency, noting that the city’s open data portal has not been meaningfully updated since 2020 and FOIL responses are often untimely.
  • Karen Kaniff (Croswell Street) asked the council to postpone any vote on the ADU ordinance and the related SEQR lead agency resolution until the public is properly informed and educated. She called for a referendum and suggested Buffalo’s proactive resident education model as a better approach.

Discussion Items

• CFA Consolidated Funding Application Presentation: Kayleigh Hogan Schnitker (Senior Economic Developer, Capitalize Albany Corporation) presented the 2025 REDC CFA funding applications requiring municipal support. She listed 14 applications received, with eight requiring council resolutions. Projects included: New York Main Street (Community Loan Fund – South End Main Street); Albany County Comprehensive Plan; Capital Streets Campus-to-Campus Trail; City of Albany projects for Lincoln Park Northwoods design, Swinburn Park Ice Rink roof and park plan, HVAC feasibility study, Natural Resource Inventory, and the Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan update. Councilmembers asked about the Natural Resource Inventory (potential solar sites) and timeline for the Swinburn Park ice rink roof (estimated $1 million, eligible for up to $675,000 from OPRHP, roof replacement will proceed regardless).
• Accessory Entertainment Ordinance (3-41-25): Councilmember Conti moved to amend the ordinance (previously passed out of planning committee with a favorable recommendation and amendments). Members agreed to print the amendments for review; the amended ordinance will be held for further action.
• Outside Counsel and Lawsuits: Councilmember Johnson inquired about the Stephen Rehfuss law firm’s retainer and whether delays in lawsuits are costing the city more. Corporation Counsel Robert McGee offered to provide a process overview at a future caucus. Councilmember Farrell supported a broader explanation of outside counsel usage.
• General Services Committee: Councilmember Adams requested a rescheduled meeting to receive updates on fluoridation legislation and budget changes, noting constituent questions.
• CPRB Vacancy: Councilmember Hoey announced a vacancy on the Community Police Review Board (stipend of $3,000/year) and encouraged referrals.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from July 7, 2025, were approved by voice vote.
• Ordinance Introductions: Two ordinances were introduced and referred to the Planning Committee:
  • Ordinance 117-25 (aerial easement to CIDC Albany Center LLC on Howard and Wendell Streets)
  • Ordinance 127-25 (easement to Center Square LLC over right-of-way adjacent to 1233 Broadway / 33 Center Street for a handicap ramp)
• Resolutions Passed (all by roll call, 11–0 or 12–0):
  • Res. 81-72-25R: Support for City’s Natural Resource Inventory Project (Climate Smart Communities Grant).
  • Res. 82-72-25R: Support for Swinburn Park Ice Rink Roof and Park Plan (OPRHP grant).
  • Res. 83-72-25R: Support for Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update (Smart Growth Program).
  • Res. 84-72-25R: Support for HVAC Feasibility Study (Climate Smart Communities).
  • Res. 85-72-25R: Support for Lincoln Park Northwoods Landscape Architecture & Design Plan (OPRHP grant).
  • Res. 90-72-25R: Support for Albany County Comprehensive Plan (Smart Growth Program).
  • Res. 91-72-25R: Support for Community Loan Fund’s South End Main Street Development (Homes and Community Renewal).
  • Res. 92-72-25R: Support for Capital Streets’ Campus-to-Campus Trail (OPRHP grant).
• Lead Agency Resolutions (split votes):
  • Res. 86-72-25R (lead agency for SEQR on Ordinance 238-24, MUC1 zoning changes) passed 9–3 (no votes: Clark, Conti, Hoey).
  • Res. 87-72-25R (lead agency for SEQR on Ordinance 68-121-24, ADU amendment) passed 9–3 (same opposition).
  • Councilmember Clark argued that the Planning Board is better suited to serve as lead agency for these zoning amendments. Councilmember Hoey stated similar concerns.
• Appointments (referred to Planning Committee):
  • Res. 88-72-25R: Consent to reappointment of Paige Barnum to the Planning Board.
  • Res. 89-72-25R: Consent to appointment of Celeste Roller Harp to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Violence Prevention Task Force: Updated membership approved by voice vote.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned shortly after the final resolution.