The Avery Mill building on Water Avenue on Monday afternoon.
A construction fence blocking a Water Avenue parking lot drew my attention as I rode past on my bike. So I stopped to see what was up.
This was the parking lot of one of the oldest buildings in Albany, which in recent decades has been known as the Historic Avery Mill. What was up at this prominent riverfront building?
As it happens, the city Building Division last week approved a building permit at that address, 213 Water Avenue N.W., for what the permit says is about $200,000 worth of work.
The permit bears this notation: “Interior remodel and tenant improvements of an existing building for an outpatient addiction treatment facility. No work to exterior.”
On Albany’s inventory of historic structures, the building at 213 Water appears as the Albany Custom Mill constructed in 1860. The county tax assessor says it was built in 1866. Either way, it’s plenty old.
For years the building housed a law firm. In recent years an engineering firm had offices there. Now, it appears, it will have yet another kind of use. (hh)
The fence is what caught my attention as I was riding by on Sunday.
What a great fit for the Albany Waterfront Project! Can’t wait to stroll with my family down “Plaza Street” past the addiction treatment center on my way to the splashpad. I’m sure the patients will really appreciate the lack of privacy that comes with being located near an activity hub. Just an all-around win-win!
This addiction treatment facility does not belong in this area. It should be put in an area that has more accessibility to police security. As a business with my back door facing the Old Mill I have concerns of being harassed and people trying to get into my shop. I also park in the back of the 1st Ave W parking lot, this makes me very uncomfortable. Are we now looking forward to more break ins? This is not going to be helpful to keep downtown inviting for shoppers as well as families with children. Have any of the other businesses been notified?
This addiction center will fit in nicely with the millions CARA wants to spend on a concrete riverbank in this area. Those poor souls will have a great place to relax & stroll while getting high or coming down. Not to mention just laying around passed out amongst the landscaping.
BREAKINg NeWs……
If one would researchy what was once there….. YES this current Albany Downtown
structure, they would FINALLY realize ….oh smack in the face ….aka FACE PALM!
This is now far off from what was there. LOL all the way to River Rhythms 2021…..
Um, yeah this is a terrible idea. What can be done to prevent this?