Capital District Times

The College of Saint Rose has decided to close its doors, necessitating a new use for the Pine Hills campus. While the College may sell all or part of the campus directly to interested purchasers, the State created the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority and granted it the right to issue bonds, acquire the campus, and manage its disposition. If the Authority exercises its right to purchase the campus and is successful in its bid, it will be responsible for planning, development, operation of facilities, issuing bonds, and collecting fees.

The City of Albany is seeking applicants to fill one position on the Authority Board.

Qualifications required include not being employed by either the City of Albany or Albany County and being an Albany County resident. Preferred qualifications include being a resident of Pine Hills or Albany and having experience in economic development, commercial real estate, or planning and zoning.

Interested applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent describing their qualifications along with a current resume to Mayor Kathy Sheehan via email at mayor@albanyny.gov with "Albany County Pine Hills Land Bank Authority" as the subject line or via mail to City Hall, 24 Eagle Street, Mayor’s Office, Room 103, Albany, NY 12207. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 23, 2024. There is no compensation for serving as a member of the Authority.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan commented on the situation: “The closing of Saint Rose was devastating for the staff, students, and neighborhood of Pine Hills. This campus acted as the centerpiece for the neighborhood and brought people from all over to study and live in our great City. It is important for the Authority to have the option to acquire the campus and ensure we continue to have a vibrant and active core in the center of our Capital City.”