New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Albany Waterway Canal

Modern Canal Stories At The New York State Museum

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Erie Canal in Buffalo by Joe CascioThe Albany Waterway Inc. is hosting a panel discussion and community forum on the economic benefits, cultural attractions, and civic pride created by urban canals in Buffalo, Providence, across Canada and beyond on Saturday, November 18th, at the New York State Museum.

The presentations are meant to provide takeaways from successful canal projects outside the Capital Region and to spur ideas, excitement, and discussions about envisioning a transformative canal project for downtown Albany. [Read more…] about Modern Canal Stories At The New York State Museum

Public Comments Sought On Albany I-787 Reimaging Project

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Albany I-787 DOT ProjectNew York State Department of Transportation (DOT) is hosting a public open house related to the new planning and environmental study of I-787 on Tuesday, June 27, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in the media room of MVP Arena in downtown Albany.

The study to re-imagine the I-787 corridor, taking into account its proximity to the Hudson River, is at the center of local efforts to re-imagine the former Albany Basin by the Albany Waterway Canal Project. [Read more…] about Public Comments Sought On Albany I-787 Reimaging Project

Albany Waterway Canal Project Could Return Historic Hudson River Access

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a painting by Len Tantillo envisions the marina in front of the D&H Building in the eveningA transformative project with hopes to revitalize downtown Albany’s access to the Hudson River is being proposed. Unlike past projects and proposals, it would bring the river to Albany instead of bringing Albany to the river.

The plan includes a re-imagining of what was once the Albany Basin, once a bustling harbor at the foot of State Street. The Albany Basin was bounded by Quay Street on the west side and an earthen-filled pier, that extended over 4,000 feet in length, on the east. Thousands of vessels passed through the basin’s entry points during the city’s golden age.

The proposal calls for the creation of a short canal that would include an entrance from the Hudson River through the original Lock 1 of the historic Erie Canal located near the Central Warehouse and another just north of the USS Slater. It would include a wider basin in front of the Delaware & Hudson Building, which now serves as the SUNY Administration building. [Read more…] about Albany Waterway Canal Project Could Return Historic Hudson River Access