Albany residents push for expanded public notice on new construction projects

During the Albany City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the city’s public notification practices for new construction projects. Currently, Albany adheres to the state-mandated requirement of notifying only those residents within 300 feet of a proposed project. However, community members are advocating for an expansion of this notification radius, citing examples from other California cities that have adopted more inclusive practices.

Several residents, including Dr. Celeste Marks, expressed concerns that the current notification policy limits public engagement and awareness about new developments. They argue that this restriction allows the council to approve projects with minimal input from the community, potentially leading to developments that do not align with the city’s planning goals. Dr. Marks highlighted a recent case involving a proposed five-story building on Solano Avenue, which she claimed was not in harmony with the surrounding area.

The council has faced pressure to reconsider its stance on public notifications. Advocates for change pointed out that cities like Burbank and Irvine have successfully implemented variable notification distances based on project size, with Burbank notifying residents within 1,000 feet for larger projects. They argue that Albany could similarly expand its notification radius without legal repercussions, as there is no state law preventing such changes.

Despite these arguments, the council has yet to address the issue formally. Concerns about the costs associated with expanded notifications were raised, but advocates countered that the financial burden would be minimal compared to the benefits of increased community involvement.

As the discussion continues, residents are hopeful that the council will prioritize public engagement and consider placing the topic of expanded notification on a future meeting agenda. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact how Albany residents are informed about developments in their community, fostering a more inclusive dialogue around urban planning and growth.