Albany has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our community.
We need your help to begin to heal the deep and ongoing damages I-787 did to our community and take bold steps to revitalize, reconnect, and renew Albany.
TOGETHER, WE CAN TRANSFORM BARRIERS INTO BRIDGES OF OPPORTUNITY.
Who we are
The Reimagine Albany coalition is activated by the following organizations. Join us in this transformation!
Albany Chapter of the NAACP / Albany Riverfront Collaborative / AVillage, Inc.
Arbor Hill Development Corporation / Capital Area Urban League / Clean+Healthy
Radix Ecological Sustainability Center / We Are Revolutionary
We are committed to centering the voices and needs of disproportionately impacted community residents as we advocate for bold steps forward to shape a better tomorrow for Albany.
Reimagine Albany Team
Community Connectors Group Photo
What’s at stake
Input and insight from disproportionately impacted communities in the South End, Arbor Hill/West Hill at every stage of design and development is essential.
How is as important as what: the deconstruction and construction process will be disruptive. We have to ensure it doesn’t harm neighbors’ health or local businesses.
A reimagined 787 must meet the needs of the entire community, not just commuters.
We must avoid repeating past harms caused by policy and design decisions that resulted in displacement and disconnection for marginalized communities. Instead this is an opportunity to heal old wounds.
We aim to rejuvenate our community spaces, increase investment and interest in local businesses, and foster economic growth that helps all residents. By focusing on sustainable development and inclusive practices, we can restore the vibrancy of Albany.
We are dedicated to enhancing connectivity via our roads and accessways while creating platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and unity.
By prioritizing equitable development and environmental stewardship, we can ensure a better quality of life for current and future generations.
What changes are possible?
We are committed to centering the voices and needs of disproportionately impacted community residents as we advocate for bold steps forward to shape a better tomorrow for Albany.
The Dunn Memorial Bridge must be replaced - which means it has to be moved. How high it will be, and where it will be placed are key questions.
What if we began planning, with policy makers and transit authorities, and the freight company now to move the rail line? Could we relocate it by 2035, 2050? How would this change your life in Albany?
What if only 2-3 lanes of traffic traveled at street level along the I-787 corridor?
What if the ramps leading to the Empire State Plaza were intersections at ground level, instead of limited-access high-speed interchanges above our heads?
What if we didn’t have dozens of deteriorating bridges towering over neighborhoods and creating a wall between the city and the river
What if the construction phase is designed to protect our health and wellbeing, including providing training, education, and living wage jobs to local neighbors?