The Sternberg house looked like this from across Ferry Street on May 23, 2026.
The Albany Planning Commission Monday approved the conversion of a historic house in the Monteith District into a substance-abuse treatment center.
The commission approved a conditional use permit sought by the current owners of the Sternberg House, 506 Ferry St. SW.
I watched the meeting on Zoom. As far as I could tell, the only “nay” vote on the motion to approve was that of Skylar Bailey, a commission member since January 2024.
(For the background on the permit application and the name of the house, see the previous story on this site.)
Last year, the planning commission and then the city council rejected the applicants’ request, largely because the conversion of houses in the Monteith Historic District to commercial uses is not permitted.
But the city development code makes an exception for public services. The applicants evidently satisfied that criterion by changing their operation in to nonprofit.
The applicants also told the commission the house would serve mainly as an intake center and the site of group therapy sessions of up to 10 people each. Individual therapy or counseling would take place in clients’ homes.
No exterior changes are planned on the house. But if the house needs an exterior ramp for access by people in wheelchairs, the construction would likely need the approval of the Albany Landmarks Commission. (hh)
Please note: this will be the eighth alcohol and drug treatment center in Albany. Six of them located in Ward 0ne. How about that for big picture planning?
What’s your point Mike?
To take a stab at answering your question, I’d say all the power brokers with big bank accounts live in North Albany rather than in historic section of Ward I. (And money influences decisions.)
Sounds like there is a need in this community. The more treatment centers that are, the more people can be helped. And with multiple facilities, you don’t get everyone going to the same place. This is what community does. We care for those who need it. We are building a better Albany by helping the people who live here get the treatment they need.
Well said.
Where do you see the most people high on Drugs on the street?
Obviously a need. Police report at least 1 drug overdose daily. Sometimes more.
Building a better Albany with drug treatment houes & of course the 22 million brick road….Schools lay off 40 teachers….doesn’t sound like a better Albany to me….
Better if there were treatment centers in every neighborhood.
Probably good to take a look at that with any public money being spent. (According to the story this is privately funded).
Does anyone know who the applicant is/was?
I work in the addiction field and agree there are not enough resources to support all those needing and/or wanting help.
Just curious what org is planning to open this as a treatment facility.