Legislature passes bill to create authority to redevelop Saint Rose

A bill to create an authority to help redevelop the former College of Saint Rose campus has passed the Legislature.

The Assembly and state Senate have passed legislation to create the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority in order to help reuse the property “in a way to promote and stimulate economic development in the county of Albany and city of Albany,” according to the bill.

The authority would consist of seven members. Four would be appointed by the county executive, two by the chairperson of the Albany County Legislature and one by the mayor of Albany.

The body would have the authority to enter into agreements to purchase, lease or acquire property, bond money, commission studies for reuse of the property, enter into contracts and other such activities, according to the legislation.

The college closed at the end of the school year due to declining enrollment and mounting debt.

The Times Union first reported the story.