Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025
Development deal expires as Albany secures $400M
A proposal to build a soccer stadium, housing, and retail space at Liberty Park in Albany faces competition after the developers’ exclusive agreement expired. This comes as Albany is in line to receive $400 million in state funding for downtown revitalization. In May of 2024, Ed and Lisa Mitzen of Business for Good and developer Jeff Buell introduced a plan to build an 8,000-seat stadium, which would be part of a larger development with housing and shops. The goal was to transform the underused Liberty Park area into a vibrant neighborhood. However, after the agreement expired in November, Capitalize Albany is now opening the project up to new proposals.
Capitalize Albany President Ashley Mohl said the city is excited to work with the state to maximize the potential of the site. “We’re looking forward to seeing what new ideas come forward,” Mohl said.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan has expressed support for the project, saying it could
boost Albany’s economy while preserving its historic character.
Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy also sees the stadium as part of a larger plan to reconnect Albany to its waterfront and revitalize the downtown area. With the property now open to new
proposals, the future of the Liberty Park development remains uncertain. However, if the soccer stadium project
moves forward, it could bring positive change to Albany’s downtown.
The Hudsonian 