Planning for Arts, Entertainment & Cultural District Moves Forward

This week, in their ongoing efforts, Central Business Improvement District Staff met with WAMC, and representatives from the Albany Parking Authority and CDTA to go over the next steps for Central Avenue's burgeoning "Entertainment, Culture & Arts Area".

The committee worked with representatives from Saratoga Associates, the engineering and planning consultants selected to plan out and define strategies to further develop the area for the future of the district.

The District will encompass the intersection of Central Avenue and Quail Street, where the Linda Norris Auditorium is located. It will extend along Central from Robin Street to Ontario Street, and include positive impacts to the residential neighborhoods on either side of the street.

The group discussed the action items necessary to make the district into a established reality, including funding, partnerships, and branding. The committee is still trying to settle on a unifying theme and message for the district. Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the BID said having an identity or "calling card" for the district is an important first step for our effort to continue to attract investors and garnering public support. Once determined, the identity will be part of signage, and could also be used in marketing materials.

"The sites and sounds district," "The Hub," and other themes that play with the notion of transportation, music and nite life were discussed as possible identities. The influx of international restaurants and dynamic cultural mix adds to the excitment. The committee decided to work with local colleges to gather more information about the history and geography of the area to inform their decision.

Public safety is another priority identified during the meeting, and the committee plans to talk with the Albany Police Department and local public safety programs about coordinating initiatives and safety programs for the district.