The Alliance’s acquisition aims to positively impact the South End of Albany
December 20, 2024
Albany, N.Y.The Advance Albany County Alliance (AACA) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the former South End Grocery Store, a key property in the heart of Albany’s South End. The acquisition of 106 S. Pearl Street marks an exciting step forward in revitalizing the area and ensuring that the space is developed to meet the community’s needs.
The AACA is committed to working closely with local stakeholders, residents and community groups to create a vibrant and sustainable development that addresses the needs of the South End. By engaging with the community through outreach efforts, the AACA will collaborate with neighborhood leaders to determine the type of businesses or services that would be most beneficial to the area.
“We recognize the importance of ensuring that this space is utilized in a way that brings value to the South End,” said Advance Albany County Alliance CEO Kevin O’Connor. “We are truly committed to the South End and our goal is to put something in this location that benefits the community directly.”
“As a South End of Albany native, I understand the importance of redeveloping this crucial piece of property. Every challenge presents an opportunity, and while the closure of the South End Grocery Store was a setback, it is now also a chance to reimagine what the space can become. We will continue to work with stakeholders to build something that will meet the needs of local residents. This investment will help bring about positive change for the neighborhood for years to come,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
The project was made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds approved by the Albany County legislature and awarded to the AACA to purchase, secure and market the property for future use.
“Thanks to the work of community leaders and an allocation of money from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act funding for the acquisition of this property, we are going to be able to begin revitalizing businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening a community in need of investment. This isn’t just about redeveloping a property, it’s about investing in the future of the South End and the families living there,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham.
“Redevelopment of the South End neighborhood is of the utmost importance as this area has historically been marginalized and underserved, leaving residents to deal with long-term impacts. The Advance Albany County Alliance must take advantage of this opportunity to determine how to best use this property to serve the residents of this neighborhood. Revitalization of this property and this area will play a critical role in addressing systematic inequalities while creating more opportunities for residents,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham.