By SAVANNAH TOREBKA
Managing Editor
The College of Saint Rose has been a staple for the Pine Hills community for over 100 years, with properties currently falling within Albany’s 10th and 13th wards. Its closure has left many with questions about the repercussions that the community will suffer after it shuts down.
Students and staff of the college have frequently criticized the school’s president and board for their lack of transparency during the closing process. Because the college inhabits vital locations within the neighborhood, similar criticisms are being heard in the Pine Hills community at large.
Members of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association and Albany Common Council are expressing concern over the school’s lack of communication regarding its plans for after it closes its doors permanently. Councilman Owusu Anane, representing Albany’s 10th ward, shared the feelings of shock he and his constituents are experiencing due to the college’s closing.
“I was aware that Saint Rose had been dealing with fiscal stress for the last few years, but then out of nowhere I see news reports saying that Saint Rose is looking for millions of dollars from the city and county to stay afloat. Not long after that, we all heard the news about the college closing,” he said.
Anane emphasized the longstanding importance of the college’s existence within the community, noting how its closure could severely impact Pine Hills as a whole. “It has been a valued institution for learning in our neighborhood, an economic engine, and contributor to the culture of our neighborhood,” he said. “My hope is that we are able to find someone to step in and help fill in the void that will be left after the college closes.”
He further explained how the relationship between The College of Saint Rose and the Pine Hills Association has changed since the announcement of its closure was released. He feels that the longstanding bond between the community and the school has deteriorated due to Saint Rose’s poor communication.
“I think all of us just want more transparency from the college. People moved here and set up businesses in part due to the presence of the college, and now that it will be gone, we don’t want to be left in a lurch,” he said.
A large concern of the Pine Hills community is the uncertain future of the properties currently within Saint Rose’s jurisdiction. There has been speculation that the buildings will be purchased by other local institutions; however, Saint Rose has given no definitive statement regarding the issue.
“I’d like to see them remain in active use, whether it be another college coming in, more residential housing, businesses, or a mix of all those things. Anything that keeps them from becoming vacant properties that become a burden for the city and the neighborhood to deal with,” Anane stated. “The college needs to be more transparent with its plans for transitioning out of the neighborhood.”
Due to the confusion and doubt surrounding Saint Rose’s future plans, the Pine Hills Association and Albany Common Council are actively trying to maintain a positive morale within the community. “I think it’s just keeping neighbors involved and trying to maintain the sense of community that makes this a great place to live,” said Anane.
With so many questions still met with silence from the school, the president of the Pine Hills Association, Dannielle Melendez, has taken action to ensure that communication between the college and the council is maintained during the closing process.
Melendez stated in a Feb. 6 email that she had been in contact with Saint Rose’s Chief of Staff, Lisa Thomson, to schedule a meeting between the Pine Hills Association and Saint Rose’s president, Marcia White. It is currently still unknown whether such a meeting has been scheduled, with no specific information being revealed at this time.
Representatives from the college did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
With the community of Pine Hills growing disheartened over Saint Rose’s closure, the Albany Common Council eagerly awaits for some solid answers to provide some comfort during this difficult time.
