Center Square Association

***Fun Fact Friday**
On May 3, 1976, The New York Times featured CSA and Center Square residents in an article by Iver Peterson titled "Neighborhood: Center Square Reviving." Peterson, a lauded war correspondent in Vietnam, had this to say abut Center Square. Want to read? https://tinyurl.com/2dcrc5nt

***Wayback Wednesday***
The year is 1970. Apollo 13 suffers a near-fatal malfunction; the Beatles officially broke up; the first Earth Day was held on April 22; and CSA hosted the first neighborhood clean up. Have you participated in a clean up day over the years? We're currently in that period when you're defrosting your freezer and everything is disgusting, but just wait a few weeks! We hope to see you on May 2 for the 2026 spring event.

Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that CSA is the oldest neighborhood association in the City of Albany? Proudly advocating for Center Square since April 16, 1958.

***Wayback Wednesday***
Last week, we discussed the plan to demolish 351 homes on Jay and Hudson to build the Mid-Crosstown Arterial. Thanks to the advocacy of CSA and the residents who came before us, that road is not there.

These articles discuss when Mayor Erastus Corning visited his childhood home at 156 Chestnut Street, which was then owned by Harold and Ruth Rubin. Reflecting on these years, Harold said, “we used to guard the houses at night because we were afraid developers would demolish them by morning.” Collectively instrumental in stopping the arterial and having Center Square placed on the National Register, Harold, Ruth, and CSA preserved this neighborhood for us to enjoy today.

Almost exactly 57 years ago, the formal plans for the Mid-Crosstown Arterial were unveiled, which would have connected I-90 to the NY State Thruway via tunnels and an elevated highway through Center Square and Washington Park. As we approach the anniversary of this proposal, CSA is launching a new Wayback Wednesday series to highlight important events from our past. Stay tuned next week to see what came next (hint: do you see a giant highway when you walk your dog?)

It’s that time of year again! Join CSA and HP/NA for the annual holiday party! December 4th, 5:30pm @ Lark Hall. RSVP and advance ticket purchase: https://givebutter.com/csa_hp_holiday

November colors courtesy the Japanese maple on Dove Street

As the temperatures get colder, I can't help but think of spring flowers. This past year, CSA's beautification committee launched a small pilot program to beautify undeveloped and unloved flower beds and tree pits in front of consenting neighbors’ residences. We will transform these small spaces by planting or providing soil, flowers, and shrubs.

Swipe for the before, and stay tuned for this pilot to expand in Spring 2026!

Boo! 👻

Want to be like Bisou and have tulips in front of your house in the spring? Tulip bulbs provided by the city gardener have arrived! Limit 40 bulbs per member household. While supplies last!

DM for instructions.