Albany Common Council Meeting Summary - October 20, 2025

The Albany Common Council convened on October 20, 2025, to address the Residential Parking Permit System, conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2026 City Budget, and consider various legislative items. The meeting featured extensive public comment highlighting concerns regarding budget transparency, tax increases, neighborhood distress in West Hill, housing issues, and the need for youth services and police accountability. Council members proceeded with legislative votes on the creation of the Commission on Disabilities and the designation of specific awareness weeks.

Consent Calendar

• Residential Parking Ordinance: The committee recommended and voted unanimously to move forward with the amended ordinance expanding the residential parking permit system. Councilmember Hoey and Staff confirmed that the written "meets and bounds" in the draft legislation reflect the proposed map additions (purple streets) in Zones A, B, and C, with a plan to verify accuracy before the public hearing.
• Motion Status: Councilmember Hoey moved to pass the amended ordinance with a positive recommendation; the motion passed with unanimous consent pending the required public hearing per Vehicle and Transportation Law § 1640-m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carl Urich: Expressed strong concern regarding the 2026 budget, stating that revenue/expense projections lack supporting information and that department goals lack connection to specific resource requirements. He urged the council to implement risk management strategies and questioned the necessity of adding four new "communications" positions.
• M. McCauley: Opposed the proposed budget, characterizing it as an interim budget containing a "wish list" that unjustifiably increases taxes on property owners. She specifically cited a $1 million increase for new hires in the Mayor's, Auditor's, and Treasurer's offices, noting the lack of justification for a Deputy Mayor position and concerns over redundant legal staffing.
• Judy Doshate (née Doshey): Described the budget as "irresponsible and unsustainable," opposing the 7.3% to 15% property tax increases. She argued the borrowing plan violates the 10% debt limit policy and warned that debt service will nearly double by 2030 if current borrowing levels continue.
• Keith Irish: Criticized the administration's transparency, calling the budget "grade A pork." He opposed specific new positions (Communications Coordinator, Director of Digital/Community Communications) and called for increased funding for Channel Albany (community media) rather than internal department spending.
• Cheryl DuCosta: Expressed opposition to the planned wind development project at Philip Livingston Middle School apartments, citing existing unresolved maintenance issues, lack of handicapped accessibility, and safety concerns regarding veterans with PTSD in a neighborhood experiencing rising violence.
• Tabora Marcus: Representing the West Hill community, expressed concern that adding at-risk housing to an already distressed neighborhood without addressing transportation issues (specifically the lack of bus services for KIP High School students) will exacerbate safety and violence problems.
• Sharon Davis: On behalf of a 91-year-old woman, expressed urgent distress and opposition to the current housing situation, stating the woman is now homeless with no place to go and facing over $120,000 in uncovered medical bills.
• Kathleen Bisner Smalls: Expressed frustration regarding the city's neglect of West Hill, specifically noting vacant buildings occupied by squatters, frequent illegal burning, lack of safety officers, and the absence of speed bumps on renovated streets.
• Cleanna Lightbourne: Expressed disappointment in the lack of progress on the Community Police Review Board (CPRB) and the failure to address stalled complaints. She also opposed the lack of after-school programs for youth, linking the issue to juvenile crime and the need for transportation options for students living under 1.5 miles from school.
• Don Hewitt: Expressed deep concern and opposition to the safety and sanitation conditions in West Hill, citing "duck bullets" (stray gunfire), homeless individuals discarding needles, missed trash collection, and neglected vacant homes.

Discussion Items

• Residential Parking System: Staff presented a map showing 749 of the 750 additional parking spaces allocated to new streets. Councilmember Hoey raised questions about the zone boundary alignment between the map and the legal text. Staff clarified that the written "meets and bounds" reflect the map, though some zone boundaries rely on adjacent lot rules from the code. Councilmember Hoey suggested Zone C might need adjustment if it includes disjointed areas, but staff noted maintaining four zones would create excessive work. The committee decided to proceed with the current draft, noting that adjustments could be made later.
• 2026 Budget Public Hearing: The council held a formal public hearing where the Chair outlined the procedure for comments and subsequent questions. The budget was scrutinized for projected revenue growth, staff expansion in the Mayor's office, and debt limits.
• Legislation Introductions:
  • Ordinance 59-10-25R: Introduced for the sale of properties at 37-41 Cherry Hill Street to Mount Zion Baptist Church. Councilmember Kimbrough noted a referral to the Finance Committee.
  • Ordinance 60-10-25R: Introduced to amend a previous sale ordinance to correct/add addresses. Councilmember Farrell noted potential issues regarding the Albany County Land Bank, prompting a check by staff.
  • Local Law A of 2025: Introduced by Councilmember Keegan to create the City of Albany Commission on Disabilities. Keegan emphasized the equity and racial justice components, supported by intern Maggie McCallum.
  • Resolutions 124 & 125-10-25R: Introduced to declare October 20-26 as "Free Speech Week" and October 20 as "Community Media Day." Councilmember Love noted hesitation regarding the hypocrisy of passing free speech legislation while criticizing the administration's lack of funding for community media channels during a prior discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Local Law A of 2025 (Commission on Disabilities): Passed with a roll call vote of 14 in favor. The law amends Chapter 42 of the City Code to create a new Part 43, establishing the commission to advise on equity and access for residents with disabilities.
• Resolutions:
  • Free Speech Week: Passed via voice vote.
  • Community Media Day: Passed via voice vote.
• Residential Parking System: The amended ordinance was moved forward unanimously by the committee, scheduling it for a public hearing before full council passage.
• Ordinances 59 & 60: Referred to the Finance Committee for review.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the completion of regular business and miscellaneous questions regarding youth transportation and community policing.