Downtown Development Opportunities to be Highlighted in March 19 Forum

ALBANY, NY (03/11/2009)(readMedia)-- Developers, investors, individuals with entrepreneurial spirit, property owners, and lending institutions are invited to attend a Downtown Albany Development Forum presenting detailed information on available resources for rehabilitating vacant or under-utilized mixed-use projects in downtown Albany. The redevelopment opportunities and properties of the event are focused within the boundaries of the Downtown BID: Broadway to Eagle Street and Madison Avenue to Clinton Avenue.

Scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl Street in Albany from 7:45 am - 9:15 am, the program is a collaborative effort of the City of Albany, the Albany Local Development Corporation (ALDC) and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. The presenting sponsor is Berkshire Bank. Reservations for the Forum can be made by calling the BID at (518) 465-2143x18 or via email to info@downtownalbany.org. For a copy of the program agenda, visit downtownalbany.org.

In addition to Mayor Jerry Jennings, Michael Yevoli (President, ALDC), and Pamela Tobin (Executive Director, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District), representatives from organizations administering the incentive and grant programs will be featured in the Forum including: Joseph Rabito, Deputy Commissioner, NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal; Daniel Mackay, Public Policy Director, NYS Preservation League; Linda Hill, Principal Economic Developer, National Grid; Steven Weiss, Managing Partner, Cannon, Heyman & Weiss, LLP; and Megan Daly and Maria Pidgeon (from the City's Department of Development and Planning) and Berkshire Bank.

"There are tremendous development opportunities in downtown Albany," said Mayor Jennings. "As Downtown's renaissance continues, we remain committed to attracting new and different investors to create a diversified central business district. We are pleased to create an environment where developers can learn about incentive programs, funding opportunities and available properties to help move projects forward. This 'development forum' presents a useful 'information one stop' for those who would like to become part of our exciting and vibrant downtown," added the Mayor.

"This Forum was created by the Downtown Albany BID's Business Development Committee as a means to communicate and educate investors, property owners and developers of the myriad of programs available within the District. This is yet another added value of a downtown location," explained Pamela Tobin, Executive Director, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District.

"The City's Department of Development & Planning and the Albany Local Development Corporation are the primary administrator of a number of economic development programs to assist business and development projects in the City of Albany" said Michael Yevoli. "We are pleased to coordinate with the Downtown BID and these partnering organizations on this important outreach effort. Our goal is to connect people with resources and development opportunities that will result in the rehabilitation of underutilized properties and bring increased vibrancy to our downtown."

Current listings throughout downtown Albany will be available for those interested in exploring opportunities. Properties for rehabilitation will be open for site visits after the meeting concludes.

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The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501 (c) (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call 518-465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.