S4849
An act directing the Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic and planning study on the feasibility of transforming the Harriman Campus — 2026-05-14 · Calendar #939
The New York State Senate passed legislation directing the Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive traffic and planning study on transforming the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany. The bill (S4849, Calendar No. 939) passed on a roll call vote, 58-0. Sponsor Sen. Fahy described the measure as part of a broader modernization effort for the sprawling campus, which she characterized as an isolated 1960s-era office complex. Fahy said the study would support transformation of the campus into a mixed-use innovation district featuring life sciences and biotech research facilities, commercial retail, and housing. The effort is being enabled by a $1.7 billion state investment in new Wadsworth public health laboratories. Fahy also noted the modernization could help address Albany's fiscal challenges by placing state-owned property on the city's tax rolls, as over 60 percent of Albany's land is currently state or publicly owned and not taxable.
Passed Senate
Ayes: 58
· Nays: unknown
Debate Summary
Sen. Fahy explained her vote in support of the bill, characterizing it as part of a broader effort to modernize the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany. She argued the study is necessary to transform the campus from an isolated 1960s-era office complex into a vibrant mixed-use innovation district that could support life sciences, biotech, public health research, commercial retail, and housing. Fahy noted the campus modernization, enabled by a $1.7 billion investment in new Wadsworth public health labs, presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to better connect the campus with Albany and potentially add state-owned property to the city's tax rolls.