ALBANY, N.Y.—The board of directors of the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA) voted unanimously Thursday to expand a temporary licensing agreement with Albany County, clearing the way for initial occupancy and re-use of a seventh building on the former College of Saint Rose campus.
The building at 959 Madison Avenue, formerly known as the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, was added to the temporary licensing agreement. While a full plan for the property has not yet been realized, Albany County’s stated intention is to use the sanctuary as available public space for interfaith community programming, similar to programming previously offered by the College of Saint Rose.
Since May 2025, a temporary licensing agreement with ACPHLA has allowed Albany County to transfer certain government employees and functions to the campus, as well as offering new programs for neighbors and senior citizens such as yoga classes. ACPHLA and the County have previously affirmed that such occupancy of otherwise unused buildings is good for the maintenance of the property, and for studying potential future uses of the campus.
“The ACPHLA board is grateful for continuing stewardship of these campus properties, funded and enabled by Albany County and its employees,” said chairman Nick Mazza. “Thanks to these arrangements, the former College of Saint Rose continues to be a living, breathing campus. At the same time, the board is working diligently to bring more business, investment and prosperity to the Pine Hills neighborhood.”
The entire 26.5-acre campus in the heart of Pine Hils was acquired by ACPHLA in early 2025 for $35 million, via Albany County bonds. Currently, ACPHLA and redevelopment analyst CPL are aggressively working towards a strategic plan to re-use and revitalize the campus. Two public “Reimagine Saint Rose” community visioning workshops have been held for input on the plan, with a third and final workshop scheduled on October 29.
In November, CPL will deliver its final report and recommendations for the campus. Key components of the preliminary vision are expected include education, healthcare and workforce uses, as well as small retail, community services, mixed age/income housing and activated green space.
Also on Thursday, the board voted unanimously to approve its $6.97 million operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
ACPHLA has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and collaboration throughout the redevelopment process. For more information about the Reimagine Saint Rose project or to participate in upcoming public meetings, visit the Reimagine Saint Rose website.
About Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority: The Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority supports the revitalization and responsible redevelopment of the former College of Saint Rose campus within the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany, New York. As a public benefit corporation, the Authority works in partnership with local governments, community stakeholders and private developers to advance projects that promote economic development, increase housing opportunities and enhance quality of life. Learn more by visiting advancealbanycounty.com/about/acphla-documents/.