Guiding Principles for Building Great Neighborhoods

The Great Neighborhoods project began as a conversation with the community about what makes Albany a great place to live. The common themes that emerged have become the guiding principles for building Great Neighborhoods:

• Connectivity means making connections from new development into the surrounding neighborhood. We design streets, sidewalks, buildings, and landscaping for continuity throughout the community. Each development can be distinctive and still fit into a cohesive urban environment.

• Compatibility refers to overcoming differences so that new development can become part of the existing neighborhood. New development must be capable of orderly, efficient integration and operation with surrounding land uses. This requires an individualized review of design and operating characteristics. Compatibility strikes a harmonious balance between contrast and similarity.

• Flexibility, to the neighbor, means having a say in the design of a project early enough to make a difference. Flexibility, to the developer, means having options that encourage creative and cost-effective building and site design. Flexibility, to the community, means being responsive to the changing needs of the people.

• Street as Public Open Space refers to the unique relationship between the street and nearby properties. A street is not just a thoroughfare: it can be a rich environment suitable for many activities. A street that is designed to meet a variety of needs adds life and interesting details to the neighborhood. Property that is open to the street contributes to the life of the community.

• Neighborhoods by Design reminds us of the need to apply forethought and purpose to create places that draw people together. Great Neighborhoods do not come about by happenstance. They are designed one place at a time. Details count. Thoughtful design goes a long way toward improving the quality of life for Albany’s residents.