Albany City Planning Board approves three demolition reviews for Alma County Land Bank, neighbors raise asbestos concerns

The Albany City Planning Board approved demolition reviews for three properties owned by the Alma County Land Bank at its April 2026 meeting, part of a ‘Flip the Block’ initiative to clear severely damaged structures for future redevelopment.

Land Bank staff (Jason Chicoine and Lynette Territz) said the sites — 255 1st St, 256 1st St and 267 2nd St — date from the 19th century and show extensive water and, in one case, fire damage. The Land Bank provided structural evaluations and estimated rehab costs at roughly $260 per square foot, and said contractors recommended full demolition in the interest of safety. The Land Bank’s procurement documents will require contractors to meet a demolition debris diversion target (minimum 35% recycled or repurposed material) and to follow required abatement protocols where asbestos is present or suspected.

A nearby resident, Bridal Leslie (274 2nd St), asked how neighbors would be notified and what steps would be taken to contain asbestos. Land Bank staff said contractors had found the properties unsafe for pre‑demolition abatement and had recommended demolition with assumed‑asbestos precautions; staff and the board said final permitting and any DEC or building‑department asbestos approvals will be conditions before demolition permits are issued.

Staff recommended negative SEQR declarations for each demolition and recommended approval with conditions; the board moved and seconded approval for each demolition review and voted unanimously. The Land Bank said demolition could start as early as May, subject to contractor selection, site stabilization for adjoining walls and the required agency clearances.