Thank you!
Photos, links & next steps from our inaugural Jane Jacobs Walk in Albany
The inaugural Jane Jacobs Walk Albany was a success! More than 25 of you showed up to walk around Pine Hills with your neighbors. We love to see it. Thank you to Motor Oil Coffee for accommodating our influx of walkers and iced coffee orders.
We walked the route, made new friends and got curious about our city and how we might make it even better.
This walk is meant to be an annual event as part of a global festival of free, community-led conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs.
On the first weekend of May every year, Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world.
Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbors. (Jane’s Walk)
So, what now?
Keep walking! Get involved with the organizations and initiatives linked below. Stay in touch, feel free to use the comments section here to find each other. We’re also on LinkedIn and Instagram, which are great ways to connect with that new pal you made on the walk this weekend.
We might send out a few newsletter updates between now and next year’s walk, so stay subscribed if you want those. We’re also dreaming up a Jane Jacobs book club — if that’s something you want to be a part of or help coordinate, let us know!
Tag us on Instagram or email us your photos at janejacobswalkalbany@gmail.com.
Links and resources mentioned during our walking conversation
Reimagining I-787 (New York State Department of Transportation)
Comprehensive information about the current studies by DOT to reimagine 787 and its connection to the City of Albany. Includes presentation materials from this month’s community engagement event, in case you missed it. Remember, these are being presented as a buffet of possible elements to include — pick and choose what components you like from various plans and submit a comment!
Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan (City of Albany, 2021)
Approved by the City in 2021 and referenced during our Manning Blvd segment.
Related, an op-ed in the Times Union about the proposed Manning Blvd improvements and missed opportunities
Advocating for safe streets and walkable development in Albany, next meeting is May 21
Building a movement to transform the Capital Region’s streets, and they maintain a helpful calendar of advocacy days, social cycling rides and more
Pine Hills Neighborhood Association
They also have a page dedicated to Saint Rose updates
Albany Public Library Board of Trustees
Election for three open spots is on May 21, along with the budget vote
Join them for an Evening in the Garden at Myers Middle School on May 7
Ten Big Ideas from Jane Jacobs
This was the handout we passed around en route.
“I am Jane Jacobs” episode of the PBS Kids show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum (starts at 11:33)
That’s all for now! Thank you to everyone who showed up and walked with us on a beautiful spring day.
Let’s use the comment section here to capture any notes, ideas, questions and new friendships generated during the walk. Say hi!
LOVE that you found the Xavier Riddle clip! Cartoon Jane: "oh, my friends live in my head!" And Xavier being a real Robert Moses. LOL
Anti-car, pro-library, pro-density, pro-bench, pro-park. Perfection!