Biodiversity Working Group

[Emma Terwilliger]

Hello ASC,

 

As Jason is starting a “Decarbonization” Working Group, I’d like to propose hosting a similar working group focused on biodiversity to identify areas to support native urban wildlife and natural resources. As the climate continues to change in our area, native species and natural resources face increasing threats. I’d like this group to focus on strategies that the city could implement to enhance its resilience to these stressors. My educational background is in biodiversity and resource management, so I am personally looking forward to working on this topic.

 

If you are interested in joining me, please let me know! I will reach out to the interested parties to coordinate meeting times.

 

Thanks,

 

Emma Terwilliger (Morse)

 

Energy Manager

City of Albany

Department of Administrative Services

Office of Sustainability

518-434-5669

eterwi...@albanyny.gov

 

Confidentiality Notice: This fax/e-mail transmission, with accompanying records, is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged information belonging to the sender, including individually identifiable health information subject to the privacy and security provisions of HIPAA. This information may be protected by pertinent privilege(s), e.g., attorney-client, doctor-patient, HIPAA etc., which will be enforced to the fullest extent of the law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any examination, analysis, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution, sharing, or use of the information in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message and associated documents in error, please notify the sender immediately for instructions. If this message was received by e-mail, please delete the original message

[Jodi Smits Anderson]

Awesome.

Jodi Smits Anderson, FAIA

2bGreener, LLC

c: 518-229-3215

e: green...@gmail.com

---

From: 'Emma Terwilliger' via Albany Sustainability Commission <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 4:43:29 PM
To: albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [ASC] Biodiversity Working Group

 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Albany Sustainability Commission" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to albanysustainabi...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/SJ0PR09MB60786650AAE6D8BBCFAC8093A56AA%40SJ0PR09MB6078.namprd09.prod.outlook.com.

[Scott Kellogg]

Hi, yes, definitely interested in being part of this.  We're writing a DEC grant along similar lines.

We're planting a Miyawaki mini-forest at Radix right now with the SUNY ITECA crew, let me know if you want to come check it out.

Keep me updated, thanks.

Scott Kellogg, Ph.D.

Educational Director

The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center
www.radixcenter.org

Visiting Faculty

Bard College M.Ed. program

Chair, Urban Agriculture Committee 

Albany Sustainability Advisory Committee

--

[Jason West]

Our office is also considering a grant to do a Natural Resources Inventory to get a baseline.  With the Hudson, Normanskill, Tivoli Preserve, and Pine Bush, there are some obvious places to explore.

 

 

 

Jason West

Director of Sustainability

 

City of Albany

Department of Administrative Services

Office of Sustainability

518-312-9714 (c)

jw...@albanyny.gov

 

 

 

From: albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Scott Kellogg
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 5:14 PM
To: albanysust...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [ASC] Biodiversity Working Group

 

ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAOgJfhwYbD16-u86Mx9tk-u2D%3DyTZ3P%3DwiO8R78Uukg8Lxgsxw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Catherine Cantone]

Finally getting to this, I would like to be involved as well. 

Also, confirming, are we meeting this Thursday or this summer at all, or are we picking up meetings again in September?

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/PH8PR09MB98655B6F8B9B4243E6269578DB75A%40PH8PR09MB9865.namprd09.prod.outlook.com.

--

Catherine Cantone Dolan

ccant...@gmail.com | 516.236.2776

[tina Lieberman]

I’m also not sure if we are meeting this Thursday.

If you want to attend a tour of a local worm farm tomorrow, check out this invitation:

Field Trip to Vermiluv Worm Composting Business - Wed. July 2 at 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Come meet the 250,000 worms in Cody Futia's garage and learn about vermicomposting at scale.  It’s a naturally superfast way to process food scraps and get highly valuable compost.

What: Tour of Vermiluv - Worm Composting Business

When: Wednesday July 2nd 530-630.

Where: 2895 West Old State Road Schenectady NY 12303

RSVP Here:   Vermiluv Tour RSVP Form

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKDpVbwy5V9E43sfJRr5rub7KNVgQkOGcoEJgLWkM1epj7KdQw%40mail.gmail.com.

[David Hochfelder]

Hi everyone, 

I'm out of the country till mid August. 

See you next time. 

Dave 

Check out our NEH-funded Picturing Urban Renewal website prototype! (Work is ongoing.) https://albany.picturingurbanrenewal.org/ 

--30--

On Mon, Aug 4, 2025, 13:32 <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning,

We will be having out August meeting this Thursday at 6pm in City Hall.  Please see the agenda below.  Please send me an email or text if you are unable to attend. Thank you and looking forward to gathering this Thursday.

Gaby

On Jul 2, 2025, at 6:01 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good afternoon everyone, 

Just a reminder there’s no July meeting.  Happy 4th of July and enjoy the long weekend!

Gaby

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKLqUfkYxPn590-_8dHPUsBMnQnrBfaVjT5v2N23%2BgYtho9Gyg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Emma Terwilliger]

Forwarding for the Google group

 

Emma Terwilliger (Morse)

 

Energy Manager

City of Albany

Department of Administrative Services

Office of Sustainability

518-434-5669

eterwi...@albanyny.gov

 

From: gabri...@icloud.com <gabri...@icloud.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 8:41 AM
To: Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>; William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>; Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>; Howard Goebel <hgo...@albanyny.gov>; Joseph Coffey <jco...@albanyny.gov>; Martin Daley <mda...@albanyny.gov>; Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>; Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>; Green...@gmail.com; tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>; zach.cu...@cornell.edu; David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>; Violetta De Rosa <violett...@gmail.com>; ccant...@gmail.com; Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>; tara.d...@cdrpc.org; Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>
Cc: albanysust...@googlegroups.com; Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>; ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>; Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>
Subject: Reminder: Sustainability Commission September Meeting next Thursday (Sept 4th) at City Hall, 6pm

 

ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails.

Good morning everyone,

Where did summer go! Hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer. 

 

Please see below for our agenda for the September 4th meeting. The draft meeting minutes for review are provided at the bottom of the agenda. Please reach out with any questions and send an email or txt me if you are unavailable for the September meeting.

 

 

Gaby

On Aug 4, 2025, at 7:32 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

 

Good morning,

 

We will be having out August meeting this Thursday at 6pm in City Hall.  Please see the agenda below.  Please send me an email or text if you are unable to attend. Thank you and looking forward to gathering this Thursday.

 

Gaby

 

<08_07_2025_Agenda.pdf>

On Jul 2, 2025, at 6:01 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

 

Good afternoon everyone, 

 

Just a reminder there’s no July meeting.  Happy 4th of July and enjoy the long weekend!

 

Gaby

On Jul 1, 2025, at 2:55 PM, tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com> wrote:

 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKLqUfkYxPn590-_8dHPUsBMnQnrBfaVjT5v2N23%2BgYtho9Gyg%40mail.gmail.com.

 

 

 

[David Hochfelder]

Hi everyone, 

I'll be out of town for the October meeting.  

Thanks, 

Dave 

Check out our NEH-funded Picturing Urban Renewal website prototype! (Work is ongoing.) https://albany.picturingurbanrenewal.org/ 

--30--

On Sun, Sep 7, 2025, 10:30 <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning everyone!

Please find attached, and at the link below, the agenda for our meeting on October 9th.  The meeting minutes from September are include in the agenda.

I’m sending this out early as i’ll be away from Sept 11 - 22. Please reach out to Dan with any changes you would like to see to the agenda. 

Jodi - i have listed further discussion on ReImagine Albany as one of the agenda topics for October.

Please keep a look out for more information regarding EEO certification from either Dan or Dave. 

Thank you all and hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Gaby

 October Agenda and Sept Meeting Mins: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15V2arvB_109wWeFlGooZevylSZHKaJ_d_87lULKM5Ds/edit?usp=sharing

On Aug 27, 2025, at 8:41 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good morning everyone,

Where did summer go! Hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer. 

Please see below for our agenda for the September 4th meeting. The draft meeting minutes for review are provided at the bottom of the agenda. Please reach out with any questions and send an email or txt me if you are unavailable for the September meeting.

<09_04_2025_Agenda and Aug Mins.docx>

Gaby

On Aug 4, 2025, at 7:32 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good morning,

We will be having out August meeting this Thursday at 6pm in City Hall.  Please see the agenda below.  Please send me an email or text if you are unable to attend. Thank you and looking forward to gathering this Thursday.

Gaby

<08_07_2025_Agenda.pdf>

On Jul 2, 2025, at 6:01 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good afternoon everyone, 

Just a reminder there’s no July meeting.  Happy 4th of July and enjoy the long weekend!

Gaby

On Jul 1, 2025, at 2:55 PM, tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com> wrote:

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKLqUfkYxPn590-_8dHPUsBMnQnrBfaVjT5v2N23%2BgYtho9Gyg%40mail.gmail.com.

[David Hochfelder]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to miss this--I need to be in NYC Thursday and Friday.

Thanks,

Dave

On Fri, Oct 31, 2025 at 5:05 PM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good afternoon everyone, 

Please see attached agenda for our meeting agenda for this coming Thursday, November 6th. Also attached are the meeting minutes from our last meeting in September. See everyone this coming Thursday!

Gaby

On Sep 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good morning everyone!

Please find attached, and at the link below, the agenda for our meeting on October 9th.  The meeting minutes from September are include in the agenda.

I’m sending this out early as i’ll be away from Sept 11 - 22. Please reach out to Dan with any changes you would like to see to the agenda. 

Jodi - i have listed further discussion on ReImagine Albany as one of the agenda topics for October.

Please keep a look out for more information regarding EEO certification from either Dan or Dave. 

Thank you all and hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Gaby

 October Agenda and Sept Meeting Mins: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15V2arvB_109wWeFlGooZevylSZHKaJ_d_87lULKM5Ds/edit?usp=sharing

<10_09_2025_Sustainability Commission Agenda and September Meeting Mins.docx>

On Aug 27, 2025, at 8:41 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good morning everyone,

Where did summer go! Hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer. 

Please see below for our agenda for the September 4th meeting. The draft meeting minutes for review are provided at the bottom of the agenda. Please reach out with any questions and send an email or txt me if you are unavailable for the September meeting.

<09_04_2025_Agenda and Aug Mins.docx>

Gaby

On Aug 4, 2025, at 7:32 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good morning,

We will be having out August meeting this Thursday at 6pm in City Hall.  Please see the agenda below.  Please send me an email or text if you are unable to attend. Thank you and looking forward to gathering this Thursday.

Gaby

<08_07_2025_Agenda.pdf>

On Jul 2, 2025, at 6:01 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good afternoon everyone, 

Just a reminder there’s no July meeting.  Happy 4th of July and enjoy the long weekend!

Gaby

On Jul 1, 2025, at 2:55 PM, tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com> wrote:

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKLqUfkYxPn590-_8dHPUsBMnQnrBfaVjT5v2N23%2BgYtho9Gyg%40mail.gmail.com.

--

[Zach Cunningham]

Hey everyone - I’ll be in Puerto Rico and unable to make the meeting. That said, I’m interested in helping out with some of the climate action plan efforts

Get Outlook for iOS

---

From: gabri...@icloud.com <gabri...@icloud.com>
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 5:05:07 PM
To: albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>; ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>
Cc: Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>; Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>; Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>; William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>; Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>; Joseph Coffey <jco...@albanyny.gov>; Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>; Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>; Green...@gmail.com <Green...@gmail.com>; tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>; Zach Cunningham <zc...@cornell.edu>; David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>; Violetta De Rosa <violett...@gmail.com>; ccant...@gmail.com <ccant...@gmail.com>; Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>; tara.d...@cdrpc.org <tara.d...@cdrpc.org>; Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>
Subject: Reminder: Sustainability Commission November Meeting this coming Thursday (Nov 6th) at City Hall, 6pm

 

Gaby

Gaby

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKLqUfkYxPn590-_8dHPUsBMnQnrBfaVjT5v2N23%2BgYtho9Gyg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Daniel Kirk-Davidoff]

See you then!

Dan

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel Kirk-Davidoff
35 Dove St.
Albany, NY 12210

240-281-5006

Gaby

Gaby

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/albanysustainability/CAKLqUfkYxPn590-_8dHPUsBMnQnrBfaVjT5v2N23%2BgYtho9Gyg%40mail.gmail.com.

[Catherine Cantone]

Hi all,

Just reviewed the meeting minutes from our meeting in December. The only incorrect thing I see is that on page 3, the next meeting (this month's meeting) is scheduled for December 8th, which should be January 8th. 

Looking forward to seeing you all Thursday.

Thanks,

Catherine

On Tue, Jan 6, 2026 at 8:47 AM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning everyone and Happy New Year!

I look forward to seeing you at our January 8th meeting.  The agenda and our meeting minutes from the December meeting are attached for your review. 
A reminder that elections are coming up in February, please let Chris Cech now this week if you would like to be considered for any of the SC positions. We will review the positions and what they entail at the meeting this Thursday.

Many thanks,

Gaby

> On Dec 1, 2025, at 8:15 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:
>
> Good morning everyone!
>

> Please see attached for our December meeting agenda this Thursday and minutes from our November meeting. We will have a presentation from members of the ReImagine Albany coalition. Hope you all can make it!
>
>
> Gaby
>
> <12_04_2025_Agenda & November Meeting Mins.docx>
>
>> On Oct 31, 2025, at 5:05 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:
>>
>> <11_06_2025_Sustainability Commission Agenda and September Meeting Mins.docx>
>

[Jodi Smits Anderson]

Hey, all.

Sorry for the late notice, but here is the DRAFT letter from ARC and RA as well as a short list of things we would find very helpful from the ASC. The letter is DRAFT until we get word from the ReImigine Albany coalition about the content. Should be fine, but I want to leave the vote on signing until February if we may.

The list below is a great starting point for us to connect more deeply with the City, with a focus on the I-787 work that can provide co-benefits to Albany’s goals for its residents in health, transit and complete streets, carbon reductions, city beauty, equity, and resilience.

• Commitment -

1. ASC to sign onto a letter of support - the letter specifically calling for a PROCESS supported by the City to engage (with actual back and forth communication) and hear from all impacted communities. This letter to be shared with the Mayor and the Common Council by the ASC.

• Connections -

1. Assistance from the ASC in getting a direct meeting with Mayor Dorcey, as the I-787 project, in whatever form, will directly affect the resilience and health of Albany residents, economy, and natural systems.
2. Assistance in connecting to Zoning and Development planning in the City, so that ReImagaine Albany Coalition (which includes ARC) can start to work with the City on a Community Benefit Ordinance that will help to inform and guide the development of future freed acreage. Who do we speak with and can you make the introductions?

• Outreach -

1. Sharing of specific sustainability aspects and potential in the work ahead on the City of Albany Sustainability webpage. ARC can help to draft these and cite sourcing and find pertinent images.
2. Sharing of definitions and phases (how to understand what is happening and when) of the process to all ASC members and to Neighborhood Ambassadors.

CU in a bit!

Jodi Smits Anderson, FAIA

2bGreener, LLC

518-229-3215

[David Hochfelder]

Hello Everyone,

While the meeting was still fresh in my mind, I drafted up the minutes. Please take a look and offer any corrections or additions. This link gives full editing privileges.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ey2jApAd10M-4K9hAdsbPDnlDFbSr-aW1bZoolmh67g/edit?usp=sharing

Dave

On Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 8:01 AM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning everyone,

Please see the update agenda attached (correct agenda is denoted w word “updated” in the file name).  In addition to a presentation on the Capital District ReUse Project we will be having a facilitated conversation with the Climate Ambassadors on one of the following topics: Climate and Emergency Preparedness, Electrification and Energy Improvements, or Transportation.




Many thanks,

Gaby

> On Jan 6, 2026, at 8:47 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:
>
> Good morning everyone and Happy New Year!
>
> I look forward to seeing you at our January 8th meeting.  The agenda and our meeting minutes from the December meeting are attached for your review. 
> A reminder that elections are coming up in February, please let Chris Cech now this week if you would like to be considered for any of the SC positions. We will review the positions and what they entail at the meeting this Thursday.
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Gaby
>

> <2026_01_08 Agenda & December 2025 Meeting Mins.pdf>

>
>> On Dec 1, 2025, at 8:15 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:
>>

>> Good morning everyone!
>>
>> Please see attached for our December meeting agenda this Thursday and minutes from our November meeting. We will have a presentation from members of the ReImagine Albany coalition. Hope you all can make it!
>>
>>
>> Gaby
>>

>> <12_04_2025_Agenda & November Meeting Mins.docx>
>>
>>> On Oct 31, 2025, at 5:05 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:
>>>
>>> <11_06_2025_Sustainability Commission Agenda and September Meeting Mins.docx>
>>
>

--

[Jodi Smits Anderson]

Looks like I may have neglected to hit “send” on this yesterday.

Hey, all.

Sorry for the late notice, but here is the DRAFT letter from ARC and RA as well as a short list of things we would find very helpful from the ASC.

The letter is DRAFT until we get word for the ReImigine Albany coalition about the content. Should be fine, but I want to leave the vote on signing until February if we may.

The list is a GREAT starting point for us. Thank you.

• Commitment -

1. ASC to sign onto a letter of support - the letter specifically calling for a PROCESS supported by the City to engage (with actual back and forth communication) and hear from all impacted communities. This letter to be shared with the Mayor and the Common Council.

• Connections -

1. Assistance from the ASC in getting a direct meeting with Mayor Dorcey, as the I-787 project, in whatever form, will directly affect the resilience and health of Albany residents, economy, and natural systems.
2. Assistance in connecting to Zoning and Development planning in the City, so that ReImagaine Albany Coalition (which includes ARC) can start to work with the City on a Community Benefit Ordinance that will help to inform and guide the development of future freed acreage. Who do we speak with and can you make the introductions?

• Outreach -

1. Sharing of specific sustainability aspects and potential in the work ahead on the City of Albany Sustainability webpage. ARC can help to draft these and cite sourcing and find pertinent images.
2. Sharing of definitions and phases (how to understand what is happening and when) of the process to all ASC members and to Neighborhood Ambassadors.

From: gabri...@icloud.com <gabri...@icloud.com>
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8:19 AM
To: albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>, ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>
Cc: Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>, Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>, Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>, William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>, Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>, Joseph Coffey <jco...@albanyny.gov>, Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>, Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>, Green...@gmail.com <Green...@gmail.com>, tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>, zach.cu...@cornell.edu <zach.cu...@cornell.edu>, David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>, ccant...@gmail.com <ccant...@gmail.com>, Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>, tara.d...@cdrpc.org <tara.d...@cdrpc.org>, Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Reminder: Sustainability Commission December Meeting this coming Thursday (Dec 4th) at City Hall, 6pm

[David Hochfelder]

Jodi,

This looks good to me and I support our signing this. I don't know if we can vote by email. If not, we should quickly vote on this at our Feb. meeting.

One issue: It's not Mayor Dorsey, it's Mayor Applyrs.

Dae

On Fri, Jan 9, 2026 at 12:13 PM Jodi Smits Anderson <green...@gmail.com> wrote:

Looks like I may have neglected to hit “send” on this yesterday.

Hey, all.

Sorry for the late notice, but here is the DRAFT letter from ARC and RA as well as a short list of things we would find very helpful from the ASC.

The letter is DRAFT until we get word for the ReImigine Albany coalition about the content. Should be fine, but I want to leave the vote on signing until February if we may.

The list is a GREAT starting point for us. Thank you.

• Commitment -

1. ASC to sign onto a letter of support - the letter specifically calling for a PROCESS supported by the City to engage (with actual back and forth communication) and hear from all impacted communities. This letter to be shared with the Mayor and the Common Council.

• Connections -

1. Assistance from the ASC in getting a direct meeting with Mayor Dorcey, as the I-787 project, in whatever form, will directly affect the resilience and health of Albany residents, economy, and natural systems.
2. Assistance in connecting to Zoning and Development planning in the City, so that ReImagaine Albany Coalition (which includes ARC) can start to work with the City on a Community Benefit Ordinance that will help to inform and guide the development of future freed acreage. Who do we speak with and can you make the introductions?

• Outreach -

1. Sharing of specific sustainability aspects and potential in the work ahead on the City of Albany Sustainability webpage. ARC can help to draft these and cite sourcing and find pertinent images.
2. Sharing of definitions and phases (how to understand what is happening and when) of the process to all ASC members and to Neighborhood Ambassadors.

From: gabri...@icloud.com <gabri...@icloud.com>
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8:19 AM
To: albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>, ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>
Cc: Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>, Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>, Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>, William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>, Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>, Joseph Coffey <jco...@albanyny.gov>, Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>, Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>, Green...@gmail.com <Green...@gmail.com>, tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>, zach.cu...@cornell.edu <zach.cu...@cornell.edu>, David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>, ccant...@gmail.com <ccant...@gmail.com>, Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>, tara.d...@cdrpc.org <tara.d...@cdrpc.org>, Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Reminder: Sustainability Commission December Meeting this coming Thursday (Dec 4th) at City Hall, 6pm

Good morning everyone!

Please see attached for our December meeting agenda this Thursday and minutes from our November meeting. We will have a presentation from members of the ReImagine Albany coalition. Hope you all can make it!


Gaby

[Christopher Cech]

Good afternoon,

 

No voting/action can take place without a properly noticed meeting.

 

Best,

 

Chris

 

Christopher M. Cech

Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel

City of Albany

City Hall, 24 Eagle Street

Albany, New York 12207

(518) 434-5050

 

From: David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 9, 2026 12:18 PM
To: Jodi Smits Anderson <green...@gmail.com>
Cc: gabri...@icloud.com; albanysust...@googlegroups.com; ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>; Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>; Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>; Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>; William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>; Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>; Joseph Coffey <jco...@albanyny.gov>; Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>; Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>; tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>; zach.cu...@cornell.edu; ccant...@gmail.com; Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>; tara.d...@cdrpc.org; Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Reminder: Sustainability Commission December Meeting this coming Thursday (Dec 4th) at City Hall, 6pm

 

ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails.

Jodi,

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[Jodi Smits Anderson]

Thanks.

I may get some tweaks from RA in the next 2 weeks and would prefer for a discussion and vote to happen at the February meeting.

-Jodi 

Jodi Smits Anderson, FAIA

2bGreener, LLC

c: 518-229-3215

e: green...@gmail.com

---

From: David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 9, 2026 12:17:57 PM

To: Jodi Smits Anderson <green...@gmail.com>

Cc: gabri...@icloud.com <gabri...@icloud.com>; albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>; ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>; Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>; Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>; Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>; William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>; Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>; Joseph Coffey <jco...@albanyny.gov>; Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>; Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>; tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>; zach.cu...@cornell.edu <zach.cu...@cornell.edu>; ccant...@gmail.com <ccant...@gmail.com>; Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>; tara.d...@cdrpc.org <tara.d...@cdrpc.org>; Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>

[Catherine Cantone]

Hi David,

Thanks for pulling this together. No edits from me, looks good.

Thank you,
Catherine

[Jodi Smits Anderson]

Gaby,

I am so sorry, but I can’t make the meeting as I am speaking at a conference in Syracuse.

Can you all review the ARC letter and requests for support without me? I’d love to get that signed.

I’d also love to know the ASC view of the CAP. I found it used a lot of colonizing approaches and language which concern me. 

• Naming the several disenfranchised communities the “gateway communities” in particular. As if they were just places to get through. 
• And little understanding of sea level rise, pervious systems, or urban heat island impacts. 
• And all about business benefits - very little about neighborhood or person benefits. 

Thanks for all you do!

-Jodi

Jodi Smits Anderson, FAIA

2bGreener, LLC

c: 518-229-3215

e: green...@gmail.com

---

From: gabri...@icloud.com <gabri...@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 7:59:35 AM
To: albanysust...@googlegroups.com <albanysust...@googlegroups.com>; ascalbanyny <sacal...@gmail.com>
Cc: Christopher Cech <cc...@albanyny.gov>; Emma Terwilliger <eterwi...@albanyny.gov>; Jason West <jw...@albanyny.gov>; William Trudeau <wtru...@albanyny.gov>; Frank Zeoli <fze...@albanyny.gov>; Andre Lake <andre.a...@gmail.com>; Daniel Kirk-Davidoff <dkirkd...@gmail.com>; Green...@gmail.com <Green...@gmail.com>; tina Lieberman <tlie...@gmail.com>; zach.cu...@cornell.edu <zach.cu...@cornell.edu>; David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com>; ccant...@gmail.com <ccant...@gmail.com>; Scott Kellogg <s...@radixcenter.org>; Tara Donadio <tara.d...@cdrpc.org>; Grace Hotopp <grac...@gmail.com>; Zach Cunningham <zc...@cornell.edu>; Jodi Smits Anderson <green...@gmail.com>; Catherine Cantone <ccant...@gmail.com>
Subject: Reminder: Sustainability Commission March Meeting this coming Thursday (March 5th) at City Hall, 6pm

 

Good morning everyone!

Sending a reminder that we have our March meeting this Thursday at City Hall.  Attached is an updated agenda that includes moving forward policies previously identifies by the commission.  

At Thursday’s meeting we will

• discuss/review the Reimagine Albany support letter
• discuss using the April meeting as a policy workshop in lieu of the standing meeting to advance priority policies identified by the commission last year
• discuss the Energy and Biodiversity working groups
• receive updates on the city Climate Action Plan
• other housekeeping/general items (EEO Certifications, social media pages)

The updated agenda is attached.

Look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!

Gaby

[David Hochfelder]

Hi Everyone,

Here are my minutes from tonight's meeting. Feel free to correct or add as you see fit.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aCE5vRZN_UutKWbcczIYajDh5bJWW3pT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116336672865148578262&rtpof=true&sd=true

Dave

[David Hochfelder]

Gaby,

I will be at the April 2 meeting, no fooling!

Dave

On Wed, Mar 25, 2026 at 7:57 AM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning everyone!  Action item below for the Commission members to take - please complete the poll at the link below by March 31 for April workshop dates. 

Please see attached for the agenda for our meeting in two weeks on April 2nd. Please let me know if you are unable to make the meeting on April 2nd.  

The proposed April workshop dates and times are listed below. 

The workshop will allow the Commission members to review the policy proposals in more detail that were shared at the March meeting, determine which to advance for 2026 and the actions to do so, identify any other policies needed, and workshop other actions the Sustainability Commission can take to help the city advance sustainability goals in benefit to and service of the people of Albany. 

Please respond to this link to share your availability by Tuesday, March 31st. https://whenavailable.com/invite/fpI727sTRZan5m0klhJy 

If we would not have quorum for April 2nd we will look to use the workshop dates instead.

Saturday, April 11 (10-2), 

Sunday, April 12 (10-2) , 

Sunday, April 19 (10-2), 

Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day 6-9), 

Saturday April 25 (10-2), 

Sunday April 26 (10-2)    

Looking forward to working with you all in April. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to the Climate Action Plan Open House yesterday.

A reminder that there is a Tree Equity Town Hall Meeting on March 31st from 6-7:30pm at the Albany Public Library Community Room, 161 Washington Ave,

Many thanks,

Gaby

On Mar 5, 2026, at 9:42 PM, Gabriella Cebada Mora <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Thank you, Dave. 

Great meeting tonight everyone!

I’d also like to welcome Sonny to the committee. Sonny will be representing DGS in Franks’s stead on the committee. 

Sonny, I’ll add your email to the distribution list. 

Gaby

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 5, 2026, at 8:49 PM, David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com> wrote:



[tina Lieberman]

Hi All,

I'm away on vacation this coming week so I can't make it.  I filled out the workshop schedule survey.

Regards,

Tina

On Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 10:00 PM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good evening everyone, 

Sending out a reminder to please respond to this link https://whenavailable.com/invite/fpI727sTRZan5m0klhJy  by Tuesday, March 31st to share your availability to attend a Sustainability Commission workshop this month, details outlined in the email below. 

Also, I know some members are not able to make it to the meeting this week due to the holiday or work commitments. If you are unable to attend this Thursday please let me know (we are cutting it close on quorum). If we do not have quorum for Thursday we will look to use the April workshop as part of our regular meeting instead. 

Thank you all again for the willingness to hold the workshop and help create a more productive space! Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Gaby

On Mar 25, 2026, at 7:57 AM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good morning everyone!  Action item below for the Commission members to take - please complete the poll at the link below by March 31 for April workshop dates. 

Please see attached for the agenda for our meeting in two weeks on April 2nd. Please let me know if you are unable to make the meeting on April 2nd.  

The proposed April workshop dates and times are listed below. 

The workshop will allow the Commission members to review the policy proposals in more detail that were shared at the March meeting, determine which to advance for 2026 and the actions to do so, identify any other policies needed, and workshop other actions the Sustainability Commission can take to help the city advance sustainability goals in benefit to and service of the people of Albany. 

Please respond to this link to share your availability by Tuesday, March 31st. https://whenavailable.com/invite/fpI727sTRZan5m0klhJy 

If we would not have quorum for April 2nd we will look to use the workshop dates instead.

Saturday, April 11 (10-2), 

Sunday, April 12 (10-2) , 

Sunday, April 19 (10-2), 

Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day 6-9), 

Saturday April 25 (10-2), 

Sunday April 26 (10-2)    

Looking forward to working with you all in April. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to the Climate Action Plan Open House yesterday.

A reminder that there is a Tree Equity Town Hall Meeting on March 31st from 6-7:30pm at the Albany Public Library Community Room, 161 Washington Ave,

Many thanks,

Gaby

<2026_04_02 Agenda & March 2026 Meeting Mins.docx>

On Mar 5, 2026, at 9:42 PM, Gabriella Cebada Mora <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Thank you, Dave. 

Great meeting tonight everyone!

I’d also like to welcome Sonny to the committee. Sonny will be representing DGS in Franks’s stead on the committee. 

Sonny, I’ll add your email to the distribution list. 

Gaby

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 5, 2026, at 8:49 PM, David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com> wrote:



[David Hochfelder]

Hi Everyone,

Here are my minutes from tonight's meeting, with full editing privileges. Feel free to add/correct as necessary.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nNB-HxN3vvCMZ9BQbfGmt2zC4A4Uwz5i/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116336672865148578262&rtpof=true&sd=true 

Thanks,

Dave

On Wed, Apr 1, 2026 at 7:47 AM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning everyone!

Based on the responses I received it does look like we should have quorum tomorrow. Dan has graciously offered to lead the meeting as I am unable to attend due to a work conflict. 

I’ve attached an updated meeting agenda to include discussion of the letter of support that ARC and ReImagine Albany Coalition had provided. The letter of support is attached below and the language has also been added to the end of the updated agenda for review. Jodi thank you for resending this, my apologies on missing it.

Lastly, we have a date for the April workshop, it will be Sunday, April 26th 10 - 2.  A location TBD, potentially decided tomorrow but if not I will reach back out once a decision is made.

Thank you all again! 

Gaby

 



[David Hochfelder]

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately I am out of town this week visiting family.

Thanks,

Dave

On Tue, Jun 2, 2026 at 8:14 PM <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Good evening everyone,

Apologies for the late distribution and reminder.  Our June meeting is happening this Thursday, 6pm at City Hall.  I hope everyone had a good start to summer!

The agenda for Thursday’s meeting is attached as well as the minutes from our April 2nd meeting (found at the bottom of the agenda). 

At Thursday’s meeting we will have a main focus on recapping the April Policy workshop, review progress and deadlines. I made a last minute invite to Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension who have been hoping to come to a meeting to connect on outreach and education collaboration opportunities, looking forward to that discussion if they are able to make the meeting.  Last main agenda topic is outreach from the Earth Law Center on potential probono assistance to the city to implement a toolkit they developed on green ordinances for NY municipalities. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Thursday!

Many thanks,

Gaby

On May 5, 2026, at 1:37 PM, gabri...@icloud.com wrote:

Good afternoon everyone, 

We are going to cancel the meeting for this Thursday, May 7th. My apologies on the short notice. Both Dan and I are out of town as are a few other ASC members.  Thank you all again to those who participated in the workshop on April 26th.  Look forward to connecting with everyone in June. 

Gaby

On Mar 5, 2026, at 9:42 PM, Gabriella Cebada Mora <gabri...@icloud.com> wrote:

Thank you, Dave. 

Great meeting tonight everyone!

I’d also like to welcome Sonny to the committee. Sonny will be representing DGS in Franks’s stead on the committee. 

Sonny, I’ll add your email to the distribution list. 

Gaby

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 5, 2026, at 8:49 PM, David Hochfelder <dphoch...@gmail.com> wrote: