Bill > A08342

This bill authorizes the city of Albany to discontinue using 4.5 acres of land within Lincoln Park for school purposes, with several important conditions. The city can now sell and convey the park land at fair market value for any school purposes, not just public school purposes, and can construct school buildings and related streets. The bill mandates that the city must dedicate an amount equal to or greater than the fair market value of the parklands towards acquiring new parklands or making capital improvements to existing park and recreational facilities. Additionally, if the parklands were originally purchased with federal funding, the city must first comply with federal requirements for parkland alienation, including obtaining approval from the Secretary of the Interior to ensure that any replacement lands are equivalent in value and usefulness. These provisions aim to protect the city's park resources by requiring reinvestment in parkland and ensuring that any conversion of park space follows strict guidelines to maintain the overall quality and accessibility of public recreational areas.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8342