Albany Exceptionalism

By Ulan McKnight

Albany is exceptional for four main reasons: Our excellent schools, our safe streets, our unique small businesses and our walkability. I would like to see development on the Gill Tract that forwards all four of these qualities.

Albany is exceptional for four main reasons: Our excellent schools, our safe streets, our unique small businesses and our walkability. I would like to see development on the Gill Tract that forwards all four of these qualities.

Albany is rife with knowledge workers, creatives and 'tinkerers'. I know a number who would love to rent shared space on a short term basis. I have spoken with industrial artists who require open studio space. And we should preserve much of the land to actually teach California and the world how to farm.

I see a "Gill Tract Creative Space" growing and thriving on a portion of the Gill Tract open space. To accommodate Albany's needs, this development could contain office space for rent on a monthly basis with fast internet, shared conference rooms and visiting speakers. Similar to The Crucible in Oakland, UC could develop a collaborative environment based around the industrial arts. We can honor our commitment to our seniors by providing affordable senior housing. And to preserve the land and forward Albany's sustainability goals, UC could build an Albany extension of the Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology And Sustainable Food Systems.

I enjoy living in this small town filled with people who have big ideas, care about the world and actively work to make it better. I love talking with them and learning about their passions. Why not create a space for these dreams to be born and flourish? I am a strong advocate for promoting creative talent right here in Albany. We have inventors within our midst who simply require a supportive environment in which to grow. The Greater Bay Area is one of the most innovative areas in the world.

Albany City Council can forward a vision of Albany as a center for creativity. I believe Albany's greatest strength is our local talent. Albany is exceptional... and that is why people come here to live and play. Let's celebrate our unique gifts while we create the world we wish to live in.