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DOWNTOWN

RESIDENT BULLETIN

Special update from the Downtown Albany BID

HOUNDS OF HALLOWEEN
With the safety of people and pups in mind, downtown Albany's fourth annual Hounds of Halloween event will haunt the virtual realm this October. Submit your costumed canine photos through October 22 for your chance to be top dog and win great prizes. As part of the event's annual fundraising efforts for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, the Downtown Albany BID will make a donation of $1 per photo or $5 per photo taken during the submission period in a downtown Albany location. Full details here.

WALKING TOUR PODCAST LAUNCHED
The Downtown Albany BID and Discover Albany have collaborated to launch “Artful Albany,” a podcast series of self-guided walking tours highlighting mural artwork throughout downtown. Each episode in the series will include a guided narration, context on historic locations along the way, and commentary from two featured artists speaking on their Capital Walls Murals. Listen to the first episode here.

UPDATES FROM DOWNTOWN
Downtown businesses continue to update services and hours, including: ama cocina is offering a new Taco Tuesday menu each week, amo la bella is now open Monday-Friday for lunch, Cider Belly Doughnuts has expanded curbside pickup to seven days a week, and The Excelsior Pub will be offering the Compost Pile (vegetarian Garbage Plate) for the month of October. A full list of what's open, and when, here.

CITY OF ALBANY UPDATES
This week, Mayor Sheehan presented her 2021 Budget Proposal, which includes more than $6 million to pave streets and fix sidewalks. The proposed budget can be viewed online here, and you can watch the presentation on Facebook here.

Tomorrow (Friday) at 11:00 AM, Mayor Sheehan will host a coffee break on Facebook Live, providing an update from City Hall and taking questions. More info here.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ALBANY LAST RUN 5K
The City of Albany and St. Peter’s Cardiac & Vascular Center present the 24th annual Albany Last Run 5K virtually this year. Runners can complete their run during the month of December and then submit their time. Awards for the race will be mailed to the winners in January after the race is completed. Register online here.

CASH FOR COATS FUND DRIVE

The Cash for Coats Drive is a community event collecting funds toward the purchase of NEW winter items for Albany kids in need. For the last 12 years, the City of Albany and its partners have proudly facilitated the purchase and distribution of over 8,000 NEW, quality winter coats and tens of thousands of new winter accessories to Albany’s children in need. More info here.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 9
The deadline to register to vote in New York is next Friday, October 9. You can register online and download forms here, and you can check to make sure you're registered to vote here. Information from the Albany County Board of Elections can be found here.

STATE LAUNCHES COVID ALERT APP
New York State launched today an anonymous, exposure-notification contact tracing app, COVID Alert NY. After downloading the app, you will get an alert if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Knowing about a potential exposure allows you to self-quarantine immediately, get tested and reduce the potential exposure risk to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others. More info here.

COMPLETE THE 2020 CENSUS
The City of Albany reminds you to complete the 2020 census before the deadline this Monday, October 5. Census results determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is shared across the nation for programs like Head Start, School Breakfast & Lunch Programs, and Housing Repair Grants, as well as how Congressional districts, school districts, and city wards are drawn, and how sales tax revenue is shared. Learn more here.

MEET DOWNTOWN'S NEWEST BUSINESSES:

Made in Downtown: Hot Crispy Oil
Website: hotcrispyoil.com
Made right here in Downtown, Hot Crispy Oil is a unique recipe of blended extra virgin olive oil, fresh fried garlic, shallots, and chili peppers. Perfect for cooking, dipping, and dressing for pizza, eggs, and everything in between, you can pick up a jar at the Fort Orange General Store (412 Broadway), Miranda's Deli (52 Columbia Street), or order online. An Extra Hot version has just been announced, and you can find some inspiration on the HCO recipes page. Gluten free, vegan and all natural.

Rooted
Address: 54 N Pearl Street
Website: rootedssm.com
Inspired by the turning of the times, Rooted by Steuben Street Market is a virtual restaurant bringing the love of dining-out to your home. Offering a healthful take on popular menu items rooted in flavor, quality & excellence. Taste your way through the delicious handcrafted menu, carefully curated with your taste buds in mind. You're sure to find yourself on an exciting culinary adventure. Learn more here.