By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
COEYMANS—Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, along with County Comptroller Susan Rizzo and members of county Department of Public Works (DPW), officially unveiled the county’s first building powered entirely by renewable energy—the Coeymans Subdivision Garage.
This 15,480-square-foot facility, which replaces an outdated 30-year-old structure, is not only a critical asset for the DPW but also a symbol of the county’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.
“This building being 100% off the grid is no small achievement,” McCoy said at the unveiling ceremony. “We have exceeded the energy standards that NYSERDA and everyone else put out, and I hope this model here goes around the state of New York and around the country.”
The new garage features roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels that generate all its electricity and a cutting-edge geothermal heat pump system for heating and cooling. Additionally, the facility includes two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and a rainwater collection system used for maintaining DPW equipment.
McCoy emphasized that the project is about more than just energy savings; it’s about creating a safe, efficient and welcoming environment for the county’s workers.
“What’s most important to me is the workers behind me—the workers that come here every day,” McCoy said. “It’s nicer when you walk into a building and say, ‘They actually care,’ than walking into a building wondering if OSHA is going to come in and close it down.”
The new facility, which includes four heated drive-thru double bays, two unheated bays, office space and other amenities, is expected to prolong the lifespan of county equipment and reduce operating costs. The project, which cost just over $5 million, is anticipated to deliver significant savings over time by reducing energy and water bills.
The Coeymans Subdivision Garage is a key milestone in Albany County’s broader push toward sustainability.
“I remain committed to ensuring that Albany County is the greenest county in New York state,” McCoy said. “This facility will serve as a model for sustainable development and pave the way for future improvements.”
McCoy was quick to acknowledge the teamwork that made the project possible, thanking the Albany County Legislature, particularly Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham and Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, along with DPW Commissioner Lisa Raimondo and her team as well as County Legislator Zach Collins, R-Coeymans, who was unable to attend the event.
“It takes a team approach to everything,” McCoy said. “People don’t realize that. I can sit here and say, ‘I did this, I built this,’ but no, it’s the people around me making sure everything happens.”
The unveiling of the garage is also a testament to Albany County’s focus on green energy and public service. The project showcases the county’s commitment to becoming the most environmentally friendly in the state, incorporating solar panel arrays, a geothermal cooling and heating system, and electric vehicle charging stations.
“This project is an example of what can be done when we work together with a shared vision for a better, greener future,” McCoy concluded.