EDITORIAL First published: Monday, July 7, 2003

Saving the Past
Mayor Jennings offers a sweeping plan to help safeguard Albany's heritage 
 

Barely seven years ago, Albany marked a turning point in its history -- and 
how it treats its history.

In 1996, a private archaeologist, Karen Hartgen, made headlines when she quit her job as the consultant on the new downtown headquarters for the state Dormitory Authority. Despite evidence the site was rich with Dutch and Indian artifacts that could shed light on Albany's earliest days, the authority, Hartgen charged, wanted her to do only a cursory job so the bulldozers could get going.

Hartgen's bold move, and the legal action and publicity that followed, forced the state to do more archaeological work. It also set the tone for how other 
major projects would deal with the treasures that lie beneath one of the 
nation's longest continuously occupied European settlements.

Now, in another bold move, Mayor Jerry Jennings has proposed a sweeping archaeological policy designed to leave less to chance in the handling of
Albany's heritage.

It would set clear guidelines on how developers deal with potential 
discoveries even before they sink a shovel virtually anywhere in the city. A
city archaeologist would review any plans requiring excavation. Site plans would need assessment by a private archaeologist hired by the developer. The Historic Resources Commission would be expanded to include two professional archaeologists. All members would have to have "a demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge of historic preservation and archaeology."

The proposal includes stiffer penalties -- a $1,000 fine or jail time for 
each day the ordinance is violated.

Clearly, the mayor recognizes Albany's beauty is more than skin deep. His 
proposal is now with the Common Council, which is expected to essentially
support the plan.

To which we would make two additions:

First, create a repository for all the artifacts, discovered and yet-to-be 
found. Such an institution would allow the public to appreciate Albany's 
history, and provide scholars a place for study. Any one of downtown Albany's unused, or underused historic buildings would be a natural space. So would a spot along the riverfront, as an earlier proposal suggested.

Second, deal with a major gap in enforcement: State agencies are not subject to such a local law.

True, New York state is probably not anxious to repeat the international 
embarrassment it suffered over the Dormitory Authority project. But a more
formal understanding is needed between the state and its capital city.

Until that comes, we suggest Albany set the tone as it prepares for its 
largest development in decades, a proposed $185 million convention center.
Because it is to be built by a state-created authority, the center would likely not have to meet the city code. With legislation to create the authority still being drafted, the mayor and state legislators should include a mandate that it fall under city review, particularly the historic resources ordinance.

Such a move would be a model for future state undertakings, and a show of 
good faith for Albany's great past.