Albany is a special place, a small town where neighbors help each other and children can walk safely. A mall would create gridlock, destroy our shoreline, and ruin our quality of life. Why become like every other city? Together we can plan for a waterfront that we are proud to leave for future generations.

City Council Places Shoreline Protection Initiative on November Ballot

The Albany City Council voted unanimously on 7/17 to place the Albany Shoreline Protection Initiative on the ballot. The initiative calls for a public, community planning process that is citizen-driven, not developer driven. Any plans resulting from the process go to Albany voters for approval per Measure C.

The initiative saves the Albany shoreline as primarily open space & saves our small-town character by:

• supporting our local businesses;

• preventing large-scale shoreline development and associated gridlock; and

• protecting revenues to the city, schools, and library with a smaller-scale development.

The initiative does not freeze or diminish city/library/school revenues. Albany Schools’ funding is based on a set dollar amount per student attending. Property tax increases do not increase school funds. The district estimates that converting a portion of the shoreline to publicly owned open space would result in less than 10 cents of additional tax per $100,000 of assessed property value on homeowners’ yearly tax bills.

Racetrack Sues to Take Away Our Right to Vote

Just 9 days after Citizens for the Albany Shoreline (CAS) turned in 2,450 signatures qualifying the initiative for the ballot, racetrack owner Magna Entertainment sued to stop the initiative and take away our right to vote on the waterfront’s future. A ruling on the suit is expected by mid-Aug. CAS continues to work for the initiative and asks your support. Please help us by making a donation to the Legal Defense Fund (tax deductible). See the donation link on the right.

Developer Says He Won’t Submit Mall Application

Caruso has announced that, without some guarantees from the City of Albany, he won’t submit his application, but his Albany office will remain open. Caruso has used this tactic in other towns to pressure city hall for special consideration. Contact your City Council and ask them to stand firm and not grant special favors to this developer. Tell them you favor open space, not a mall, at the shoreline.

Don't Believe the Claims of Mall Supporters!

Opponents charge that the initiative is a “takeover” by “special interests.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Albany voters and environmentalists signed the initiative. The real special interests threatening to take over our are the gambling empire of Magna Entertainment and Rick Caruso from LA.

If you have questions please feel free to call Patricia Jones at (510) 461–4665 (eastshorepark@hotmail.com).