Permanent Pedestrian Path in Albany Remains Indefinitely Closed

City officials cite past issues with vandalism and loitering, despite a 1970s ordinance mandating the path remain open.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 50-foot pedestrian and bicycle path in Albany, New York that was legally designated as a 'permanently maintained' public walkway in the 1970s has remained indefinitely closed since 2010 due to complaints from nearby residents about vandalism and disruptive behavior. Despite a new resident's request to reopen the path in 2024, the city has not taken action to either remove the closure or amend the original ordinance.

Why it matters

The closure of this designated public pathway contradicts the city's stated policy of promoting walkable neighborhoods. It also raises questions about the city government's willingness to uphold its own laws and ordinances, even ones that have been in place for decades.

The details

The 10-foot wide, 50-foot long pathway was created in the 1970s when a section of Ermine Street was vacated. A 1975 city ordinance mandated that the center 10 feet of the former right-of-way be 'permanently maintained as a pedestrian walkway-bicycle path.' However, in 2009 the city council heard complaints from neighbors about vandalism and disruptive behavior on the path, and voted to close it temporarily. The closure was then made permanent in 2010, despite the existing ordinance.

  • The pathway was created in the 1970s when a section of Ermine Street was vacated.
  • In 1975, the city passed Ordinance No. 3836 mandating the pathway be 'permanently maintained' as a public walkway.
  • In 2009, the city council voted to temporarily close the pathway due to complaints from neighbors.
  • In 2010, the city council made the closure of the pathway permanent.
  • In 2024, a new Albany resident requested the pathway be reopened, but withdrew the request after meeting with concerned neighbors.

The players

City of Albany

The local government of Albany, New York that owns and maintains the public pathway.

Albany City Council

The governing body of the City of Albany that voted to close the permanent public pathway in 2010, despite a 1975 ordinance mandating it remain open.

Peter Troedsson

The Albany City Manager who stated in 2019 that the pathway was 'still open' despite the fence installed to prevent access.

Hasso Hering

A local journalist who reported on the contradictions between the city's actions and the 1975 ordinance in 2019.

Unnamed Albany Resident

A new Albany resident who requested the pathway be reopened in 2024, but withdrew the request after meeting with concerned neighbors.

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What they’re saying

“In my opinion, the path is still open. There's nothing keeping anyone from walking down to the end of the path. The City did install a fence at one end to prevent the problems associated with through traffic but could remove the fence at any time.”

— Peter Troedsson, Albany City Manager (hh-today.com)

“The people of the city of Albany ordain … that the center 10 feet of deemed right of way be permanently maintained as a pedestrian walkway-bicycle path.”

— Ordinance No. 3836 (hh-today.com)

What’s next

The city council could choose to either remove the fence and reopen the pathway, or amend Ordinance No. 3836 to formally remove the requirement for the pathway to remain open.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges cities face in balancing public access and safety concerns, as well as the importance of local governments upholding their own laws and ordinances, even decades after they are enacted.