Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup
From new business openings, to exciting updates about events, to major community announcements, our Albany NY news roundup has you covered. Check out what's going on in the city and Capital Region!
Crossgates Mall Donates Land to Albany Pine Bush Preserve for Conservation Efforts
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve just got a little bigger! Crossgates Mall has finalized the donation of 6.9 acres of land adjacent to the shopping center. This critical area is part of the Full Protection Area 62, known for its rare pine barrens habitat.
This land addition is a boon for conservation efforts. The newly acquired property supports endangered species like the Karner Blue Butterfly and the Frosted Elfin Butterfly. With this expansion, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve can continue its mission of protecting these vital ecosystems.
But the partnership between Crossgates and the Preserve goes beyond land. They're also working together on educational initiatives. Shoppers can soon expect to see Albany Pine Bush exhibits displayed inside the mall, along with an updated mural near Macy's.
Additionally, an outdoor sign recognizing the preserve and the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly will be installed near the new Rapp Road pedestrian walkway.
Stephen J. Congel, Chief Executive Officer of the Pyramid Management Group, proudly announced the donation of this land to the Pine Bush Preserve Commission. “We are proud to donate this land to the Pine Bush Preserve Commission and support their efforts to protect these communities for the long-term survival of pine barrens species.”
This collaboration between Crossgates and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve demonstrates a commitment to protecting our natural heritage while educating the public about its importance.
Sources: Crossgates Mall & News10
Blackbirds Bike Cafe Now Open in Voorheesville
Blackbirds Bike Cafe, the latest project from Business for Good (BFG), has landed at 43 South Main Street in Voorheesville.
This exciting new cafe caters to those exploring the scenic Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, just a short pedal away. Open Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), Blackbirds offers the perfect pitstop to fuel your adventures with coffee, pastries, and healthy grab-and-go options.
While the full menu is still under wraps, BFG promises a tempting selection to satisfy every craving, perfect for pre-ride pick-me-ups or post-adventure treats.
Blackbirds is part of BFG's commitment to giving back. All profits from the cafe, along with its soon-to-be-opened sister establishment, Blackbirds Tavern, will be channeled back into Voorheesville through grants and programs.
Blackbirds Bike Cafe's arrival marks a delicious transformation for Voorheesville's culinary scene. Grab your bike or your appetite, and come explore and enjoy Voorheesville's growing list of delicious discoveries!
Source: TimesUnion
Mohawk Harbor Event Center Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Monday, May 13, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 50 million dollar event center at Mohawk Harbor took place. This project is the latest major investment in the Schenectady area, and it will eventually provide the community with a 2,200-seat ice hockey rink with a capacity expanding to 3,600 for trade shows, special events, and conventions.
Union College in Schenectady has Division I ice hockey programs for men and women, however they do not have skating facilities year-round. The college has negotiated a lease with the developer to be the main tenant for the new center, which will host their hockey programs starting with the 2025-26 season.
This event center holds the future for community engagement and special events in Schenectady, and many of us are looking forward to the end product.
Source: CBS6 Albany
The Albany Nature Bus Makes Its Return in 2024
This summer, connect with nature and utilize the CDTA and MHLC sponsored Albany Nature Bus! The bus provides local communities with transportation to some of the most well known nature spots in the area, and rides will take place on 20 Saturdays from May 25 to October 5.
Participating locations include:
- Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm, Albany
- Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, Slingerlands
- DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar
- John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville
- Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s ADA Accessible Fisher Trail in partnership with DEC’s Five Rivers Education Center, Slingerlands
Trips will begin on Saturday, May 25 with the Beaver Line. Then, on Saturday, June 1, the Warbler Line will start. MHLC will also co-host A Meet the Nature Bus event on June 1 at Tivoli Lake Preserve at the corner of Livingston and Judson.
The newer Schenectady Nature Bus will run on 10 Saturdays from July 6 to September 7. Service will expand to a regular route called the Butterfly Line and include stops like Schenectady's Central Park and the Reist Sanctuary and Kelly Adirondack Center.
Get excited for the 2024 season of the Nature Bus!
Source: CDTA
ValleyCats to Unveil Collar City Cats Jerseys
The Tri-City ValleyCats are honoring the history of Troy, NY with their specialty 2024 "Collar City Cats" Jerseys. Inspired by the impact that the collar industry had on Troy during the industrial revolution, these jerseys seek to pay homage to the city's rich history.
The jersey includes a specialty Collar City Cats logo that features two interlocking collars as a tribute to the city's heritage. ValleyCats players will be sporting the cream colored jerseys with green lettering and numbering and pants with green piping on June 18th, July 12th, and August 10th.
Show your love for the city of Troy by coming to these throwback games and purchasing your own Collar City Cats merchandise!
Voorheesville Gets a Scoop (and a Spike) with Boozy Moo's Opening
Attention all grown-up ice cream enthusiasts! Voorheesville has a new sweet spot to satisfy your cravings, and it comes with a boozy twist. Boozy Moo, a creamery specializing in handcrafted, small-batch, alcohol-infused ice cream, officially opened its doors on New Salem Road with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 6th.
Boozy Moo caters to adults seeking a unique and flavorful adventure. Their menu boasts intriguing concoctions that blend classic ice cream flavors with your favorite liquors and spirits.
Here's a sneak peek of what awaits you:
- Mud Slidin' Dirty: This decadent concoction blends the classic flavors of a mudslide – vodka, Irish cream, and Kahlua – into a creamy ice cream base topped with rich brownie chunks.
- Girls Gone Wild: A creamy Samoa cookie ice cream infused with caramel vodka, chocolate liqueur, and coconut cream liqueur, scattered with delightful Girl Scout cookie chunks.
- Dublin Double Chocolate: Rich chocolate ice cream swirled with chocolate chunks gets a boozy boost from Guinness stout and Jameson whiskey, creating a truly Irish experience.
Boozy Moo promises a fun and flavorful adventure for adults seeking a unique dessert option. So grab your friends, designate a driver, and head to Voorheesville for a scoop (and a spike) at Boozy Moo!
Source: News Channel 13