ALBANY’S "GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS" PROJECT Fall 1998

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this project all about?
It is a conversation about livability issues. At five town hall meetings, you and other citizens will help identify the ingredients that make a neighborhood livable. You will be answering questions such as "What do you like most about where you are living" and "What would you like to see changed"? The "Great Neighborhoods" project is a celebration of our past, a snapshot of our present, and a unique opportunity to define our future.

Who is sponsoring this project and why?
The City of Albany is the project sponsor, but the idea for the project originated from the comments of citizens about the impacts of development. Periodically the City updates its land use regulations. The City wants and needs to hear how well (or not so well) these regulations are working, especially during this growth spurt we have been in for the past few years.

How is "Great Neighborhoods" different from some other city projects?
First of all, the city is choosing to do this project. It is not required by another level of government, such as the state. There is broad community support for the project.

Second, this project is different in approach. Rather than raising the livability questions and then answering them ourselves ("decide-announce-defend"), the City has committed to a series of open town hall meetings. In January of this year, the Albany City Council established a goal "to have extensive dialogue among citizens, interest groups, businesses and the city about the key elements of community livability." The City’s role at the town hall meetings is to listen to citizens as you discuss what makes a great neighborhood and community. These meetings will help city officials and staff better understand what Albany residents like and dislike about the way our city has developed.

Why should I come to these meetings?
You may like the appearance of new development, or you may dislike it. How has growth affected you? You should come because you have an opinion. You should come because your ideas can make a difference. You should come because you are proud of Albany and want to make it better.

You should come because a friend invited you and friendships create community.

What are the major steps in this project and what will be the results of it?
There will be a series of five town hall meetings. Then a volunteer steering committee will help synthesize the results of the meetings into policy recommendations. The steering committee will work with City staff to develop recommended changes to the land use regulations. Those will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council in the late spring of 1999.

Will everything that comes up at the meetings be implemented by the city?
The City will commit to listening to opinions on all issues and to considering ways to address suggestions, especially those that receive strong support at the town hall meetings. It is likely that some of the recommendations that emerge will not relate to land use, although this is the focus of the project. Some ideas (for example, "more neighborhood block parties") could be carried out by residents rather than by the city. The City Council will ultimately decide what changes will be made to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Code. In making these decisions, they will take into account several factors. These include community feedback from the meetings, state law, the statewide planning goals and our comprehensive plan policies.

What is an example of a livability issue that might come up at one of the town hall meetings?
Examples of livability issues have been standards for sidewalks in new developments, location of open space, and types of housing. There may be supporters of curbside sidewalks because they are cheaper to build and easier to maintain. On the other hand, there may be advocates for sidewalks that are separated from the street by a landscaped planter strip because they are safer for pedestrians and contribute to the appearance of the neighborhood.

How is the project being paid for?
The City hired a consulting firm to facilitate the town hall meetings. They are being paid by a grant from the State and funds from the City. The City expects another grant from the State to help draft changes to the City’s land use regulations.

"People get the kinds of governments they deserve and the kinds of neighborhoods they discuss."

David Sucher