Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood Plan
Members of the Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood Association, the Community Development Alliance along with the City of Albany have engaged in a three-phase planning project made possible by the NYS Department of State and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Together the community has completed a neighborhood redevelopment plan that outlines priorities for the future of the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood in the City of Albany.
Notice of Intent to Request Designation: The Affordable Housing Partnership has filed a Notice of Intent to Designate the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood as a Brownfield Opportunity Area. This official designation helps eligible neighborhood projects qualify for additional funding resources and gives projects in the neighborhood funding preference from state, federal and local agencies. We continue to solicit your feedback on the plan. Please share your comments below. Contact Susan Cotner 518-434-1730 x 403 with any questions.
Nomination Study for Sheridan Hollow Based on feedback from neighbors and stakeholders, the plan provides the community's vision and goals for redevelopment. The plan includes an analysis of the neighborhood, the master redevelopment plan as well as implementation strategies. A public meeting about the final draft plan was held on September 14, 2020. Community residents and stakeholders reviewed project priorities that had been identified throughout the planning process. After discussion and polling during the meeting, community members identified top neighborhood priorities. For a summary of these priorities, please click here. For a photographic summary of potential development projects, please click here. |
View the Sheridan Hollow Nomination Study
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Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood Plan: Appendices (please click on green "Appendix" to link to reports)
1 Archaeological Studies
Appendix 1.1 Phase 1A Literature Review and Archaeological Sensitivity Assessment: This report provides the fascinating history of Sheridan Hollow and highlights areas in the neighborhood that may be sites of important archaeological interest. Completed by Hartgen Archaeological Associates, Inc. February 2017
Appendix 1.1 Phase 1A Literature Review and Archaeological Sensitivity Assessment: This report provides the fascinating history of Sheridan Hollow and highlights areas in the neighborhood that may be sites of important archaeological interest. Completed by Hartgen Archaeological Associates, Inc. February 2017
2 Community Planning
Appendix 2.1 Hope in the Hollow: A Report on Opportunities for Planning and Redevelopment in Albany's Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood: Students from the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany studied some of the most pressing issues identified by members of the neighborhood: economic development, housing, energy, parks, and storm water infrastructure. The report provided important ground work for the plan. January 2017
Appendix 2.2 Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood Plan: In collaboration with the City of Albany, neighborhood residents, business owners, employees and stakeholders met with designers and planners to re-imagine Sheridan Hollow's strategic assets. Report produced by Dover Kohl, August 2017
Appendix 2.3 Arbor Hill Neighborhood Report - Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant: Members of three neighborhood associations surrounding the NYS Office of General Services's Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant met to learn about proposed improvements to the plant and to express concerns regarding the impact of a fossil fuel plant in the neighborhood. Report by Arbor Hill Development Corporation, June 2020.
Appendix 2.4 Piloting New Partnership Opportunities Between a Land Bank and a Community Land Trust in Albany, NY. A major opportunity in Sheridan Hollow is the redevelopment and reuse of vacant lots. A national expert on vacancy provided program design assistance in creating a Mow to Own program for community control of lots. Report by The Center for Community Progress, November 2017
Appendix 2.5 Recommended Updates to Albany's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance. Community members received an update on the new USDO zoning changes for Sheridan Hollow, and provided feedback on desired changes, particularly regarding parking. Presentation by Clarion Associates, June 2019.
Appendix 2.1 Hope in the Hollow: A Report on Opportunities for Planning and Redevelopment in Albany's Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood: Students from the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany studied some of the most pressing issues identified by members of the neighborhood: economic development, housing, energy, parks, and storm water infrastructure. The report provided important ground work for the plan. January 2017
Appendix 2.2 Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood Plan: In collaboration with the City of Albany, neighborhood residents, business owners, employees and stakeholders met with designers and planners to re-imagine Sheridan Hollow's strategic assets. Report produced by Dover Kohl, August 2017
Appendix 2.3 Arbor Hill Neighborhood Report - Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant: Members of three neighborhood associations surrounding the NYS Office of General Services's Sheridan Avenue Steam Plant met to learn about proposed improvements to the plant and to express concerns regarding the impact of a fossil fuel plant in the neighborhood. Report by Arbor Hill Development Corporation, June 2020.
Appendix 2.4 Piloting New Partnership Opportunities Between a Land Bank and a Community Land Trust in Albany, NY. A major opportunity in Sheridan Hollow is the redevelopment and reuse of vacant lots. A national expert on vacancy provided program design assistance in creating a Mow to Own program for community control of lots. Report by The Center for Community Progress, November 2017
Appendix 2.5 Recommended Updates to Albany's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance. Community members received an update on the new USDO zoning changes for Sheridan Hollow, and provided feedback on desired changes, particularly regarding parking. Presentation by Clarion Associates, June 2019.
3 Economic Development
Appendix 3.1 Economic Development Gap and Resources Analysis for Sheridan Hollow. A comprehensive look at the demand for services in Sheridan Hollow and the opportunities to provide services not currently offered. Completed by the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region by Rumuri IT Solutions, September 2016.
Appendix 3.2 Survey of Mixed-Use Buildings in Sheridan Hollow. One of Sheridan Hollow's underutilized assets is its mixed use buildings with commercial space on the first floor (often vacant) and residential units above. A survey of these properties was completed for the neighborhood. Department of Geography and Planning, University at Albany, May 2017.
Appendix 3.3 222-268 Spruce Street (former Freihofer building) Adaptive Reuse Study. A major strategic site in Sheridan Hollow is the former Freihofer Baking plant. Ideas for reuse, in particular those activities that would bring fresh food to the neighborhood were explored. Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp. and ACDS,LLC, December 2018
Appendix 3.4 Hungry Hollow Adaptive Reuse Study. Potential uses for this significant, vacant commercial site were explored, with a focus on a child care center reuse. Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp. and ACDS,LLC, July 2018
Appendix 3.5 Sheridan Hollow Creative Placemaking and Cottage Industry Opportunities. This study surveyed the local creative community to understand space needs, design, and pricing, with a focus on live-work space. Albany Barn, June 2017
Appendix 3.6 Freihofer Historic District Nomination Study. This study was undertaken to review the feasibility of creating a micro-historic district that would leverage financing and preserve an important part of Albany's commercial history. Landmark Consulting. October 2019
Appendix 3.1 Economic Development Gap and Resources Analysis for Sheridan Hollow. A comprehensive look at the demand for services in Sheridan Hollow and the opportunities to provide services not currently offered. Completed by the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region by Rumuri IT Solutions, September 2016.
Appendix 3.2 Survey of Mixed-Use Buildings in Sheridan Hollow. One of Sheridan Hollow's underutilized assets is its mixed use buildings with commercial space on the first floor (often vacant) and residential units above. A survey of these properties was completed for the neighborhood. Department of Geography and Planning, University at Albany, May 2017.
Appendix 3.3 222-268 Spruce Street (former Freihofer building) Adaptive Reuse Study. A major strategic site in Sheridan Hollow is the former Freihofer Baking plant. Ideas for reuse, in particular those activities that would bring fresh food to the neighborhood were explored. Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp. and ACDS,LLC, December 2018
Appendix 3.4 Hungry Hollow Adaptive Reuse Study. Potential uses for this significant, vacant commercial site were explored, with a focus on a child care center reuse. Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp. and ACDS,LLC, July 2018
Appendix 3.5 Sheridan Hollow Creative Placemaking and Cottage Industry Opportunities. This study surveyed the local creative community to understand space needs, design, and pricing, with a focus on live-work space. Albany Barn, June 2017
Appendix 3.6 Freihofer Historic District Nomination Study. This study was undertaken to review the feasibility of creating a micro-historic district that would leverage financing and preserve an important part of Albany's commercial history. Landmark Consulting. October 2019
4 Environmental
Appendix 4.1 Sheridan Hollow Area Environmental Review A comprehensive area-wide review of Environmental Data Bases for former spill sites. Ambient Environmental Inc., February 2020
Appendix 4.2 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: 268 Spruce Street, Albany by Ambient Environmental Inc., June 2017
Appendix 4.3 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Elk and Sherman Street lots, Albany by Ambient Environmental, July 2017
Appendix 4.4 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: 288 Elk Street Commercial building, by Ambient Environmental, November 2019
Appendix 4.5 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Orange St. and Clinton Avenue lots, Albany by Ambient Environmental, July 2017
Appendix 4.6 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: 293 and 295 Orange Street, by Ambient Environmental, November 2019
Appendix 4.7 Soil Testing Lab Results, Alpha Analytical, May 2016
Appendix 4.1 Sheridan Hollow Area Environmental Review A comprehensive area-wide review of Environmental Data Bases for former spill sites. Ambient Environmental Inc., February 2020
Appendix 4.2 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: 268 Spruce Street, Albany by Ambient Environmental Inc., June 2017
Appendix 4.3 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Elk and Sherman Street lots, Albany by Ambient Environmental, July 2017
Appendix 4.4 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: 288 Elk Street Commercial building, by Ambient Environmental, November 2019
Appendix 4.5 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Orange St. and Clinton Avenue lots, Albany by Ambient Environmental, July 2017
Appendix 4.6 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: 293 and 295 Orange Street, by Ambient Environmental, November 2019
Appendix 4.7 Soil Testing Lab Results, Alpha Analytical, May 2016
5 Housing
Appendix 5.1 A comprehensive analysis of financing mechanisms to redevelop housing in Sheridan Hollow. Minding the Gap and Finding the Resources: Financing Housing and Redevelopment in Sheridan Hollow. Rachel G. Bratt and Laurie Gould, June 2016.
Appendix 5.2 Concept Proposal: Capital Region Vacant Building Fund "Take Stock in your Block" Program
Appendix 5.3 Concept Proposal: Sheridan Hollow Eco-District
Appendix 5.4 Moving Neighborhoods Out of Blight in an Equitable Way Blight remediation strategies including an equity-focused approach to code enforcement, an emergency repair program, recommendations concerning adoption of Article 19-A vacant building proceedings, and creative uses of vacant lots. Students from Albany Law School and the University at Albany, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, Sprint 2020
Appendix 5.5 Emergency Demolition Policy Recommendations This paper explores the decision making process concerning building demolition and recommendations for change. Kimberly Alvarez, April 2020
Appendix 5.1 A comprehensive analysis of financing mechanisms to redevelop housing in Sheridan Hollow. Minding the Gap and Finding the Resources: Financing Housing and Redevelopment in Sheridan Hollow. Rachel G. Bratt and Laurie Gould, June 2016.
Appendix 5.2 Concept Proposal: Capital Region Vacant Building Fund "Take Stock in your Block" Program
Appendix 5.3 Concept Proposal: Sheridan Hollow Eco-District
Appendix 5.4 Moving Neighborhoods Out of Blight in an Equitable Way Blight remediation strategies including an equity-focused approach to code enforcement, an emergency repair program, recommendations concerning adoption of Article 19-A vacant building proceedings, and creative uses of vacant lots. Students from Albany Law School and the University at Albany, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, Sprint 2020
Appendix 5.5 Emergency Demolition Policy Recommendations This paper explores the decision making process concerning building demolition and recommendations for change. Kimberly Alvarez, April 2020
6 Infrastructure
Appendix 6.1 Complete Streets Design Plan Review this report for ways the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood can improve its streets and sidewalks. The report contains ideas on how to make crosswalks safer, better manage storm water and ideas about how to unify the neighborhood with consistent designs for street lights, benches, trash receptacles and bike racks. by MJ Engineering, July 2020
Appendix 6.2 Veteran's Memorial Park Concept The Veteran's Memorial Park will be relocated and designed to the Southeast corner of Sheridan and Dove. Concept design by A Crescent Moon, October 2016
Appendix 6.3 Sheridan Hollow Green Infrastructure Given its topography and location in the City, Sheridan Hollow residents are negatively impacted by flooding during significant rain events. This report offers ideas of how to incorporate rain gardens, rain barrels and other measures to mitigate flooding damages. By MJ Engineering, December 2018
Appendix 6.4 Vacant Lot Toolkit This website was created to offer ideas on how to access/acquire vacant lots and how to redevelop them. Designed by TAP, Inc. April 2020
Appendix 6.1 Complete Streets Design Plan Review this report for ways the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood can improve its streets and sidewalks. The report contains ideas on how to make crosswalks safer, better manage storm water and ideas about how to unify the neighborhood with consistent designs for street lights, benches, trash receptacles and bike racks. by MJ Engineering, July 2020
Appendix 6.2 Veteran's Memorial Park Concept The Veteran's Memorial Park will be relocated and designed to the Southeast corner of Sheridan and Dove. Concept design by A Crescent Moon, October 2016
Appendix 6.3 Sheridan Hollow Green Infrastructure Given its topography and location in the City, Sheridan Hollow residents are negatively impacted by flooding during significant rain events. This report offers ideas of how to incorporate rain gardens, rain barrels and other measures to mitigate flooding damages. By MJ Engineering, December 2018
Appendix 6.4 Vacant Lot Toolkit This website was created to offer ideas on how to access/acquire vacant lots and how to redevelop them. Designed by TAP, Inc. April 2020
7 Site-Specific Redevelopment Plans
Appendix 7.1 Freihofer Building Redevelopment Plan A concept plan for the redevelopment of the Freihofer block to include space for a market, commercial kitchen and self storage. Spacesmith, May 2020
Appendix 7.1.1 Freihofer Redevelopment Plan (prior to building demolition)
Appendix 7.2 236 Clinton Avenue Redevelopment Initial concept plans for mixed use new construction that will include affordable apartments, small commercial space, offices, a training center and drop in day care. NOTE: these plans are evolving, and these are not the final designs. Troy Architecture Practice, May 2020
Appendix 7.2.1 236 Clinton Ave Phase II Archeological Site Evaluation
Appendix 7.2.2 236 Clinton Ave Phase III Archeological Data Retrieval Plan
Appendix 7.3 Lower Orange Street: Proposed Redevelopment Designs completed based on feedback from residents about the desire for additional homeownership opportunities. These plans feature a first floor room that can be used as a study/work space or as a bedroom for household members with limited mobility. Troy Architecture Practice, April 2020.
Appendix 7.4 Sheridan Avenue Fire Site Redevelopment Ideas
Appendix 7.1 Freihofer Building Redevelopment Plan A concept plan for the redevelopment of the Freihofer block to include space for a market, commercial kitchen and self storage. Spacesmith, May 2020
Appendix 7.1.1 Freihofer Redevelopment Plan (prior to building demolition)
Appendix 7.2 236 Clinton Avenue Redevelopment Initial concept plans for mixed use new construction that will include affordable apartments, small commercial space, offices, a training center and drop in day care. NOTE: these plans are evolving, and these are not the final designs. Troy Architecture Practice, May 2020
Appendix 7.2.1 236 Clinton Ave Phase II Archeological Site Evaluation
Appendix 7.2.2 236 Clinton Ave Phase III Archeological Data Retrieval Plan
Appendix 7.3 Lower Orange Street: Proposed Redevelopment Designs completed based on feedback from residents about the desire for additional homeownership opportunities. These plans feature a first floor room that can be used as a study/work space or as a bedroom for household members with limited mobility. Troy Architecture Practice, April 2020.
Appendix 7.4 Sheridan Avenue Fire Site Redevelopment Ideas
