Albany commission backs Housing Authority’s Section 18 application to clear Hudson Malone Towers

The Albany City Commission voted Feb. 3 to support the Albany Housing Authority’s Section 18 demolition and disposition application for Hudson Malone Towers at 401 Flint Avenue, a staff-backed measure the city says is intended to unlock federal emergency housing vouchers to relocate the tower’s remaining tenants.

City manager Terrell Jacobs told the commission that HUD advised the housing authority to use a declaration-of-trust mechanism tied to a Section 18 application so the authority could finance demolition and redevelopment; staff said HUD would allow the authority to apply for emergency vouchers only once the application process is in place. Jacobs said roughly 34 tenants remain in the building and that staff has identified about 16 immediate placement opportunities while other vacancies may be used for transfers.

The item drew an emotional public comment from a resident who described the building’s conditions as “not fit to live in” and urged the commission to give tenants a timetable for relocation. The resident said she plans to file formal complaints if the city does not act.

Commissioners responded with a mix of frustration and calls for oversight. Several asked that the housing authority (Dr. Kyle Miles was named by commissioners as a likely presenter) appear for a follow-up briefing with a clear transitional plan and unit inventory before the commission considers further steps. Commissioner Miss Mayo offered the motion supporting the application; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

What the vote does and does not do: the resolution signals the commission’s support for the housing authority’s Section 18 application and authorizes city staff to continue coordinating with HUD and the housing authority. It does not itself transfer property title, allocate demolition funds, or obligate specific relocation payments — staff said those steps would follow HUD review and subsequent funding actions.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to (1) schedule a presentation by the housing authority (including an inventory of units it controls and a transition timeline), (2) detail how many emergency vouchers could be immediately used and which properties could receive transfers, and (3) return with a clearer timetable for tenant relocation and interim supports.

Quote: “From what I understand talking to the HUD folks, they’ll have the ability to get those emergency vouchers and have a plan,” city manager Terrell Jacobs said, describing how the Section 18 process would trigger voucher eligibility.

The commission’s action was framed as a procedural, staff-driven step to enable HUD funding and relocation; commissioners emphasized they expect the housing authority and city staff to present a concrete plan for rehousing these vulnerable tenants at the next available meeting.