News

SAVE THE DATE! Registration is Now OPEN for our Planning & Zoning Workshop

Date
04/30/2026 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

Location
Massry Center
1002 Madison Avenue, Former College of Saint Rose Campus
Albany, New York 12208

Introduction
Sessions planned on topics including transportation, land use compatibility and more!

This workshop is designed to inform and support planning and zoning board members, planning professionals, students and all individuals interested in regional planning education.

Lunch & refreshment will be provided.

REGISTRATION is now OPEN

Agenda
10:00-10:30AM: Registration
10:30- 12Noon: Long-Range Transportation Plan for the Capital Region
12Noon-1:00PM: Lunch
1:00-2:00PM: Battery Storage
2:15-3:15PM: Hot Button Land Uses Part 1
3:30-4:30PM: Hot Button Land Uses Part 2
4:30-5:30PM Networking Reception

Course Descriptions
10:30AM – 12:00PM – Long-Range Transportation Plan for the Capital Region

This session discusses In Motion: The Plan to 20250 which is the Capital Region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan. It establishes the vision for the Capital Region’s transportation system for the years 2025 to 2050 including both planned investment and polices. This Plan matters because the future investment choices will significantly affect the experience of those living, working, and visiting the Capital Region. The discussions will include key trends in the capital region, planning for a range of future scenarios, tracking progress and more.

Presenter: Sandra Misiewicz, AICP, Executive Director, Capital Region Transportation Council (CRTC)

1:00PM – 2:00PM – Battery Storage

This presentation provides an overview of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and their implications for land use, local review, and public safety. It outlines key considerations for Planning and Zoning Board members, including siting criteria, zoning and permitting frameworks, and decommissioning plans. The session also informs of NYS fire safety standards to support informed, consistent, and defensible local decision-making.

Presenters: Eva Hoskin, Clean Energy Advisor, Climate Action Associates

Tara Donadio, Assistant Director of Sustainability, CDRPC

2:15PM – 3:15PM and 3:30PM – 4:30PM – Hot Button Land Uses

Local governments are not able to regulate all uses the same way: some uses have special statutory protection or rules established through case law and require special consideration, such as religious uses, mining, and telecommunications facilities. Other uses might be new to the local officials attempting to regulate them, such as solar energy facilities, barn weddings, and short-term rentals. This course is an overview of some of the land uses that many local officials find challenging, along with the statutory rules and case law associated with them and options for regulating them.

Presenter: Paula Gilbert, Local Government Training Manager, New York Department of State