After sitting vacant for nearly three years and facing opposition from neighbors, a new agreement could resume construction at the stalled “Air Albany” apartment complex project at 1211 Western Avenue. The project, first approved in 2017, is now at risk of losing $14 million dollars in tax breaks. It is also at the center of a lawsuit between the developer and architect.
As CBS6 first reported in March, neighbors have repeatedly raised safety concerns about the site, pointing to two expired work permits. In May, the developer, DMG Investments, sued Rochester-based architect, Razak Associates, of “breach of contract and negligence,” citing multiple concerns including fire risks.
Thursday, the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency says it reached an MOU, or memorandum of understanding, with developer DMG Investments to avoid defaulting on its agreement, which includes $14 million dollars in tax breaks aimed at supporting new development, by addressing code violations to restart work…