FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2024
Crossgates donates 6.9 acres of land to the
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission
Albany, NY – Crossgates and the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission have finalized the donation of 6.9 acres of land by Crossgates to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC). The parcel, adjacent to the shopping center within the City of Albany is located within the Full Protection Area 62, identified in the 2010 Albany Pine Bush Management Plan. The plan identified Area 62 as a future addition to the preserve and was documented as supporting highly restorable pitch pine-scrub oak barrens and several rare wildlife species including the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, NYS threatened Frosted Elfin Butterfly, Eastern Hognose Snake and several rare birds. Protecting Area 62 north of the Karner Blue Butterfly Preserve will aid in the long-term conservation of both the globally rare inland Pine Barrens eco system and these rare wildlife species.
Additionally, Crossgates will work with the Albany Pine Bush Preserve to provide enhanced educational and outreach opportunities within and outside the shopping center that will include indoor display space for Albany Pine Bush related exhibits and an updated wall mural located on the lower level near Macy’s. An outdoor sign recognizing the Albany Pine Bush and endangered Karner Blue Butterfly will be installed in the northwest corner of Crossgates adjacent to the soon to be completed pedestrian walkway from Rapp Road.
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve offers a wide diversity of recreational opportunities from hiking and snowshoeing to hunting and mountain biking. Over 20 miles of trails span the preserve from east to west and provide great recreational opportunities in the Capital District. The preserve is open year-round, 24/7. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve was created along with the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) in 1988. However, protection of Pine Bush land began in the 1970’s. The preserve is not finished; it protects 3,400 acres toward an ultimate goal of 5,280 acres.
“We recognize the importance of preserving our community’s history and habitat like the Pine Bush,” said Stephen J. Congel, Chief Executive Officer, Pyramid Management Group. “We are proud to donate this land to the Pine Bush Preserve Commission and support their efforts to protect these communities for the long-term survival of pine barrens species.”
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About Crossgates:
Crossgates is the Capital Region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination offering an impressive selection of national brands and the newest retail concepts. The center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Primark and Best Buy, while offering more than 180 retail shops, including Apple. Crossgates offers 10 entertainment venues and over 20 on-site eateries, such as Dave & Buster’s, Get Air, Billy Beez, Apex Entertainment, The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, Maggie McFly’s and Regal Cinemas with IMAX. Or simply relax at our award-winning day spa, Spa Mirbeau. Located adjacent to a dual-branded 192-room Homewood Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel, Crossgates is your destination to EAT. SHOP. PLAY. STAY. Additional information regarding Crossgates can be found at shopcrossgates.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC:
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Crossgates, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and expanding hospitality presence dominates the northeast with 14 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com.