Take a jog or leisurely walk east on Madison Avenue in Albany, and the Hudson River comes into view. As you pass local eateries like Angelo's Submarine and Katrinella's Bistro ahead of the avenue's intersection with South Pearl Street, a revitalized and inviting waterway should be apparent. Instead, your view is filled with concrete and automobiles — hallmarks of Interstate 787.
The highway has been a sore subject for Albany residents since its construction ended in the early 1970's. In 2010, when the Times Union's Places and Spaces blog asked readers to vote for the city's worst planning mistake, 63 percent of the nearly 1,000 votes cast indicated placing I-787 along the riverfront was it.
Why do Albany residents feel this way?
The location of I-787 continues to result in missed opportunities to capture the economic activity of visitors, commuters, and travelers since the highway encourages them to bypass Albany.
I-787's excessive concrete and pavement contributes to a heat-island effect in the city and does a poor job of managing storm water runoff. Access to the Hudson River and Corning Preserve are limited. Pedestrian and bicycle connections are cut off, and whole neighborhoods are isolated. The result is more poverty and disinvestment. A roadmap for redesigning I-787 already exists.
In October 2011, nonprofit The Stakeholders, Inc. released the final report developed by its Sustainable Cities Project on the future of I-787 and the Albany waterfront. Mohawk Fine Paper sponsored this effort, which allowed 3tarchitects, the city of Albany's Office of Energy and Sustainability, and many highly qualified professional volunteers to create two visions for a new waterfront. These visions centered on social, environmental, and economic sustainability, and were presented at two public input sessions.
The Stakeholders, Inc. learned the public believes there is much potential for the waterfront and I-787. Survey results show residents would change their habits if a more urban-friendly highway design existed. Residents said they would like to be engaged in a conversation to redesign I-787, and commuters would be willing to exchange a longer drive for a more vibrant waterfront.
The time has come for a serious discussion about sustainable alternatives to the I-787 corridor. Residents are willing to participate in this discussion, and the Sustainable Cities Project final report provides a way forward. The report is available at www.thestakeholdersfoundation.org.
Scott Townsend is founder and principal of 3tarchitects in Albany.