Request for Proposals - West Hill Neighborhood Construction Consulting Services

Issued: Monday, March 31, 2025

Due: Wednesday, April 14, 2025, at 4:00pm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that submissions will be received by the Albany County Land Bank Corporation (the “Land Bank”) to provide construction consultation services for the construction of up to seventeen (17) homes in Albany’s West Hill Neighborhood. This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is a competitive process designed to serve the Land Bank’s best interests and to provide firms a fair opportunity for consideration of their services. The request is open to all qualified Contractors able to deliver all requirements specified in this RFP. Proposals should address the proposal requirements for the services.

Possibility becomes reality for Land Bank's 36th first-time homebuyer in Albany County

The Albany County Land Bank is proud to announce the sale of 147 Melrose Avenue to a first-time homeowner, marking a step forward in its mission to restore and revitalize the community’s housing stock. This milestone underscores the Land Bank’s commitment to turning vacant properties into thriving homes, fostering opportunities for homeownership, and strengthening neighborhoods.

This is the 36th property sold to a first-time homebuyer since the first one that was approved in 2019 and closed in 2020. The new owner plans to renovate the house, transforming it into a welcoming family home and being an active resident of the Melrose neighborhood.

“Every vacant house we help transition into an occupied home is a victory for our whole community,” said Sean Maguire, Executive Director of the Albany County Land Bank. “This latest sale reflects our dedication to creating opportunities for families to invest in both their future and the future of our neighborhoods.”

Charles Touhey, Chairman of the Albany County Land Bank Board of Directors, added: "Properties like 147 Melrose Avenue are more than just buildings—they're opportunities. We're thrilled to support a first-time homeowner who will breathe new life into this property."

“I am proud to continue to support the Albany County Land Bank and celebrate our commitment to creating new pathways to homeownership for residents. By turning vacant or underutilized properties into affordable housing opportunities, we are empowering our residents to take their first step toward financial stability and achieving the American Dream,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “To the individuals and families who have partnered with us so far, thank you for being part of this journey. You are not only investing in your own future but also the future of our County. We’re building stronger neighborhoods together, one home at a time.”

“Thanks to the Albany County Land Bank’s efforts, this new, first-time homeowner has achieved a significant milestone while also contributing to the revitalization of our community,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham. “Today’s announcement highlights the success of local initiatives and county services aimed at preventing blight and highlights our efforts to address housing throughout the County. I look forward to seeing more families thrive in our neighborhoods.

“Reinvestment and revitalization are the key strategies to transform properties that have been neglected for any number of reasons,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham. “Far too often houses are left to deteriorate, whether it be caused by disinvestment by absentee landlords or financial hardships. Regardless of the cause, the result is always the same: a degradation of our communities. I am pleased to hear that this first time homebuyer is rehabbing a property that is already there and breathing new life into this property. We’re not only creating affordable housing but also cultivating pride and stability for both families and neighbors. Offering people the chance to own and build their homes is a significant accomplishment, one that many work a lifetime to achieve. Housing is a continued priority for the Albany County Legislature, one that we will continue to invest in throughout 2025.”

The Albany County Land Bank continues to focus on its mission of transforming abandoned properties into community assets through strategic property management, partnerships, and initiatives that promote stability and growth.

Request for Proposals: Hazardous Material Testing, Design and Project Monitoring Services

Date Issued: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Due Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 by 2:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that submissions will be received by the Albany County Land Bank Corporation (the “Land Bank”) to provide hazardous material testing, design and project monitoring services. This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is a competitive process designed to serve the Land Bank’s best interests and to provide firms a fair opportunity for consideration of their services. The request is open to all qualified Contractors able to deliver all requirements specified in this RFP. Proposals should address the proposal requirements for the services. All proposals will be treated as confidential and reviewed only by the Land Bank. Proposals must be received by the Land Bank offices located at 111 Washington Avenue, Suite 601, Albany NY 12210, no later than 2:00pm on the date and time listed in the header of this RFP.

The full Request for Proposals can be found at the link below:

Board of Directors meeting adjourned, rescheduled

The September 17, 2024 Board of Directors meeting is adjourned due to a lack of quorum to conduct business. It is expected that this meeting will be rescheduled for September 24, 2024.

by: Sean Maguire
Executive Director

Albany County Land Bank closes on its first Legacy City project

The Legacy City Access Program connects the Albany County Land Bank Corporation with MWBE enterprises to rehabilitate existing buildings into necessary housing.

The Albany County Land Bank, JKE Development LLC, Community Preservation Partners (CPC) and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR) recently closed on Albany County’s first Legacy City Access Program project. This project will result in the rehabilitation of three residential buildings located in the City of Albany.

“We are thrilled to announce this key milestone for the Legacy City Access Program here in Albany,” said Albany County Land Bank Corporation Executive Director Sean Maguire. “This step continues to advance our work to repurpose and rehabilitate these underutilized neighborhood assets and get them into the hands of new homeowners.”

“The Albany County Land Bank Corporation remains a crucial partner for community development and continues to help us revitalize neighborhoods,” said Albany County Executive McCoy. “The Legacy City Access program is the perfect example of the good being achieved, transforming underutilized properties so that individuals and families can realize the dream of home ownership.”

The project will provide essential resources to JKE Development, a minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE), to facilitate the rehabilitation of three two-family buildings in Albany. Upon completion, these homes will be made available to income-qualified first-time homebuyers at an affordable price.

“We are excited to partner on the Legacy City Access Program project,” said Jermaine White of JAW Housing. “By transforming these properties, we are providing affordable housing for first-time homebuyers and contributing to the growth of the Albany community. Our collaboration, combined with our extensive portfolio, underscores our ongoing commitment to neighborhood revitalization.”

The project includes the following:

• 185 Second Street. Each unit includes three bedrooms and one bathroom; laundry facilities are included in both units.

• 26 Beverly Street. Each unit includes two bedrooms and one bathroom; laundry facilities are included in both units.

• 382 First Street. Each unit includes two bedrooms and one bathroom; laundry facilities are included in both units.

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CPC, a State-wide Community Development Financial institution (CDFI) is providing the loan for this project and NYSHCR is providing $150,000 per unit of subsidy for this project which will total more than $1.2 million of critical investment into two of Albany’s great neighborhoods.

If you or somebody you know are interested in becoming a first-time homebuyer and purchasing one of these homes, Affordable Housing Partnership (AHP) has been tasked with getting first-time homebuyers buyer-ready by providing first-time homebuyer counseling, qualifying buyers for grants, and connecting buyers with mortgage providers. You can find more information on their programs on its website.

Furthermore, the Albany County Land Bank is committed to supporting buyers by connecting them with additional resources. Qualified buyers can apply through our first-time homebuyer program on the Albany County Land Bank website.

August 2024 property sales cycle is now open

The August 2024 property sales cycle is now open. It is the policy of the Land Bank that all prospective buyers are required to physically view buildings prior to making a purchase offer. To book a showing with us, please book an appointment below.

We encourage applicants to find a realtor who is able to assist them in accessing properties outside our availability. Please note, the submission of your application will prompt it to move forward through our process within 90 days.

Important information about property sales

The August 2024 property sales list is listed below. Purchase applications for the properties listed must be submitted digitally (via email to applications@albanycountylandbank.org) or USPS:

Albany County Land Bank Corporation
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 100
Albany, New York 12210

Applicants are strongly recommended to submit applications via email. In order to be considered, all purchase applications submitted by email must be received NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024 BY 2:00 PM. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications digitally via email. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the submission deadline. The Land Bank is not responsible for any applications that are not received due to delayed mail delivery or technical issues related to fax or email submission. Applicants may contact the Land Bank’s office at (518) 407-0309 to confirm receipt of an application.

All applications must be submitted as a fully legible .pdf and if handwritten, must be a scanned original photocopy sent through email. If submitting your application by mail, the original copy of the application is required. Failure to abide by these requirements may result in the rejection of your application.

August Property Sales List! 

Applications for all of the following properties are due no later than Tuesday, July 30, 2024 by 2:00 pm

Please Note: Eligible vacant lots for the Lots for Less Program are accepted on a rolling basis. For a list of eligible Lots for Less properties and additional eligibility requirements, please visit www.albanycountylandbank.org/lotsforless.

Available Buildings

• 1310 5th Avenue (Watervliet)

Available Land

• 2 Batcher Street (49’x20’), City of Albany

• 81 Delaware Street (33’x66’), City of Albany

• 83 Delaware Street (33’x66’), City of Albany

• 85 Delaware Street (33’x66’), City of Albany

• 250 Catherine Street (30’x100’), City of Albany