Government > Departments > Development and Planning > Neighborhood Revitalization > Capital South

Capital South Plan: SEGway to the Future

Executive Summary

Albany’s “South End” generally refers to the southernmost portion of the City and includes a very broad area extending from roughly the Empire State Plaza south to the city limits; and from the Hudson River and Interstate 787 west to Delaware Avenue. It encompasses eight neighborhoods in total.

The core of the South End, a triangle bounded by Morton Avenue and Lincoln Square on the north, and South Pearl Street on the east, connected by a hypotenuse formed by Third Avenue, is the primary focus of this Plan. This area was recognized as in need of revitalization planning for three key reasons: (1) at the beginning of this planning effort, it was only community within the South End that was without an active neighborhood association; (2) it lies in the heart of the South End adjacent to significant community assets and opportunities including Lincoln Square, Giffen Memorial Elementary School, several civic buildings, Schuyler Mansion, and numerous churches; (3) plan coordinators recognized the need to work at a small scale where an immediate impact could be felt, and where existing public-private investments could be bolstered.

This plan focuses on the South End core and embraces the Mansion and Historic Pastures neighborhoods, recognizing the need to enhance the entire area and build upon its location within the Capital city. Thus this plan is entitled “Capital South” in order underline the interdependence of these three neighborhoods and their common interests, link them to the assets of New York State’s Capital City and the larger Capital Region, and embrace the spirit of vision and inclusivity that have guided these planning efforts. The subtitle “SEGway to the Future” highlights several important aspects of the plan. First, the letters S, E, G correspond to the three critical phases of the plan: Stabilize, Energize, and Grow. Second, the letters correspond to South End Greenway, a green and transit-friendly connector between the neighborhood, downtown, University Heights, the Hudson River, and the greater region. Finally, it evokes the forward-thinking optimism that has spurred this entire planning process.

The core of the South End boasts important strengths and exciting opportunities. And, while it is in need of investment and upgrade, it has the prerequisites for revitalization—a central location, intact urban fabric, and committed residents and stakeholders. These stakeholders, with public and private partners, have already begun to reinvest in the South End. New development activity (the Jared Holt Wax Factory Development, Howe Library and Giffen Memorial Elementary School Renovations, the Morton at Eagle Street Apartments Rehabilitation, etc.) and new commercial opportunities (the South Pearl Street Coliseum), are sources of excitement and new promise.

Physically, the South End is a checkerboard of historic homes, vacant lots, neighborhood institutions, and abandoned property. A vast number of older vacant residential buildings and vacant lots, eroded commercial corridors, a declining population, and an increasing concentration of poverty have plagued the South End for years. This comprehensive community plan recognizes that there are serious challenges to revitalizing the South End, and that the community will rise or fall based on the effectiveness of its stakeholders to implement a concerted revitalization effort. Existing efforts in this regard are extremely positive and point to the dedication of the South End’s residents, businesses and representatives, and the full support of the City, including the Mayor, City agencies and the Common Council.