The Vacant Lot Project (VLP), is one of GSCA’s newest initiatives. It began in 2009 in response to the overwhelming amount of vacant lots present in the South End neighborhood of Albany, New York. These lots continue to be eyesores, bringing no economic or social value to the neighborhood or its residents.

Since 2009, the City of Albany has implemented the Vacant Lot Stabilization Program in order to address vacant city-owned property. Concurrently, GSCA has developed a process of its own to deal with privately-owned lots. Working together, this has resulted in a total of four VLPs, with two on city-owned lots and two on privately-owned lots.

The lots used for the VLP were specially selected by GSCA based on their location and visibility within the South End, as well our ability to contact and get approval from lot owners. Setting up a proposal process, we sought to attract local individuals and groups to come up with their own visions for the vacant lots. By  providing alternative uses for the lots and partnering with community members, groups, and other stakeholders, we hope to foster a lasting sense of pride and investment within the neighborhood and, most importantly, to empower South End residents in the creative reshaping of their urban landscape.  The VLP will not only improve the overall image of the South End and help retain current residents, it will also make the neighborhood more attractive to potential new residents and businesses.

Please visit the Vacant Lot Project website for the latest on our projects at: http://vacantlotproject.org/ 

About the City of Albany’s Vacant Lot Stabilization Program

The City of Albany has developed a Vacant Lot Stabilization Project to beautify underutilized parcels owned by the City. Consistent with the City’s South End plan, Capital South Plan: SEGway to the Future, this initiative is to create green space in the neighborhood, to increase the overall quality of life for the community and to knit together other parks and community gardens. This program is for community based organizations to green a lot with community members so the parcel can be used as open space, providing the community with places to plant flowers or simply a place to relax and enjoy nature.