Shown on April 5, this former railroad property on Water Avenue remains vacant 10 years after it was deeded to the city of Albany.
It was 10 years ago that the city of Albany persuaded the BNSF railroad company to hand over ownership of nearly an acre of vacant land on Water Avenue.
The property changed hands in 2013 as a result of negotiations over a city franchise to allow the railroad to continue to operate its line that runs down the middle of Water Avenue. The city wanted the lot because at the time, it was interested in having someone develop the surrounding land.
Eventually, with the help of the CARA urban renewal district, Edgewater Village was built on three sides of the vacant lot. The Edgewater developers have offered to buy the vacant acre in the middle of their complex of 58 houses and townhouses. They said they wanted to build housing on part of the lot and leave the rest for parking.
Last September, the city council prepared to offer the land for sale by declaring it to be surplus. But it has not yet been listed for sale.
The council was told last month that the city staff had obtained an appraisal and would be ready to list the property in a month or two.
Since the city owns the lot, it is no longer taxed. The last yearly property tax paid on it by the railroad was $1,766.69 in 2013.
Bike rides along the Albany riverfront take me past that lot every few days. One of these days it might be more than a vacant lot. But when that day comes is up in their air. (hh)
More Millon dollar homes pushing the middle class out never mind low income or fixed income we don’t stand a chance
Is there some particular reason why it is so important for something to be built on that lot. It has sat quietly for all these years, causing no problems, presenting no challenges and bothering no one. A “loss of $17-hundred bucks a year seems paltry…barely worth mention. Bottom line, this is yet another empty issue ginned-up to stir disgust for local government. Seems counterproductive and largely a waste of time.
Won’t there soon be apartments downtown in the old St. Francis Hotel according to CARA, who has a contract with their favorite developer? And, Ray K. says the old bank building lot will be sold in a flash, so maybe apartments will be built there. Leave the vacant lot vacant to turn green with the rains and for the birds to land on and look for worms. Also, for all the worms and insects to have a habitat.
Or, also put up tents in the lot for the homeless and put porta potties there and some source of water….and maybe some kind of shower set up in a tent.