Trees part of plan to ease concerns

Neighbors of academy project promised “residential privacy”

State officials sought this week to reassure a neighbor of the Albany Training Academy that they intend to “eliminate any negative impact to surrounding properties as a result of this much-needed project” to expand the academy.

The nearly $40 million project, now underway at the academy site off New Scotland Road, will add classrooms, a gymnasium, a residence hall and additional parking.

The academy, based at the 38-acre former Mater Christi seminary at 1134 New Scotland Road in Albany’s Normans Kill neighborhood, ran into a space crunch following the 2011 merger of the Department of Corrections with the Division of Parole to form the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, according to a presentation sent to the Times Union.

The seminary was surrounded by landscaped lawns, mature trees and shrubbery. A softball diamond, a pool and other facilities were made available to neighborhood residents.

One resident called it “our Washington Park,” referring to the city park just west of downtown Albany. Excavation for the new buildings has begun, and the entire site has been fenced in.

In a letter to a Tallmadge Place resident, Stephen Crozzoli, DOCCS assistant commissioner, said the project included a storm water pollution prevention plan designed by licensed engineers that was intended to manage storm water and prevent runoff.

Crozzoli also said that DOCCS plans “significant tree plantings and landscaping with the goal of maintaining residential privacy.” He said mature trees approaching 20 feet in height will be planted, both to maintain a privacy barrier and to “enhance the aesthetics” of the project.

The Normans Kill Neighborhood Association will hold a public meeting with DOCCS officials to answer questions and concerns about the project from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at Martel’s Restaurant at Capital Hills Golf Course, 65 O’neill Road, Albany.

Speakers are expected to include Crozzoli, as well as Charles F. Kelly Jr., also an associate commissioner at DOCCS, and Jonathan Jones, Albany’s parks and recreation commissioner.

▶ eanderson@timesunion.com ■ 518-454-5323 @Bizeditoreric ■

Will Waldron / Times Union Construction work at the state Correctional Services Training Academy in Albany is visible through neighbors’ backyards on Wood Terrace on March 7. Neighbors are upset that their park-like expanse of lawn and trees is being dug up to make way for the $39.4 million expansion project. Officials are looking for ways to alleviate potential problems.