Park News Article
Ribbon Cutting For Lark Street Streetscape Revitalization Project
May 3, 2024
Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Lark Street BID to Cut Ribbon on the Lark Street Streetscape Revitalization Project & Highlight New String Lights During First Friday Celebration
From the Office of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan
ALBANY, NY – Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan will join local officials and the Lark Street Business Improvement District this evening at 8:30pm at the corner of Lark Street and Hudson Avenue to cut the ribbon on a $3.3 million investment that has revitalized the Lark Street Streetscape between Madison Avenue and Washington Avenue and celebrate the installation of new string lights across Lark Street.
WHAT: Lark Street Streetscape Revitalization Project Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Friday, May 3, at 8:30pm
WHERE: Northwest Corner of Lark Street and Hudson Avenue (259 Lark Street, Albany, NY 12210)
Improvements to the Lark Street Streetscape include:
· Restoration of the pavement (Mill and Fill)
· Removal of cobblestone intersections
· Addition of stamped asphalt strips for traffic calming
· Restoration of ADA ramps & installation of detectable pedestrian warnings
· Replacement of Curb Ramps and Sidewalks as necessary
· Incorporation of sidewalk extensions (also known as bumpouts) at certain intersections to improve pedestrian safety and slow down vehicle traffic
· Installation of high-visibility crosswalks
· Replacement and planting of new trees
· Addition of strings lights across Lark Street
· Installation new park benches, bike racks and trash receptacles
These improvements were derived from community input via a Lark Street Streetscape Study that was led by the City’s Department of Planning and Development. That study was funded in part by a grant secured through New York State’s Regional Economic Development Council Program, the Lark Street Business Improvement District, and the Albany Parking Authority.
These investments are made in part by a $750,000 Federal Aid award, and grants made possible by Assembly member Patricia Fahy and Assembly member John McDonald.
These improvements come after the replacement of 60 lead service lines by the Albany Water Department in 2022. More information about the project can be found by visiting https://www.albanyny.gov/2158/Lark-Street-Infrastructure-Project
During the project construction, the posted 90-minute parking restrictions in Washington Park were suspended. With the completion of the project, the City of Albany is also announcing that the timed parking restrictions in Washington Park will be reinstated beginning Monday, May 13, 2024.
The celebration coincides with First Friday celebrations taking place across the City of Albany, including:
- In the Albany City Hall Rotunda with artwork from local artist Lexi Hannah who will be on site live painting during the event
- Common Roots Albany Outpostwith artwork from A Tribe Called Success (James Gooden), and Julia Durgee, who will also be live painting during the event
- Albany Elks Lodge #49 where they will have swing dancing upstairs, and local artist Iona Megas in the Jolly Corks Lounge downstairs
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The Lark Street Streetscape Revitalization is another prime example of my administration’s commitment to revitalizing our business districts. These investments are driving business development and growth in our City while also promoting vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. I want to extend a sincere thank you to the residents and businesses of the Lark Street Corridor for helping make their voices heard and providing valuable feedback during the planning and design process. I also want to thank the US Department of Transportation, NYS Department of Transportation, and Assembly members McDonald and Fahy for helping support the Lark Street Streetscape project and many other initiatives throughout the City of Albany.”
Date: May 3, 2024
Contact: David Galin
