The College of Saint Rose campus and surrounding buildings, looking east down Western Ave. in Albany, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

The future of the former College of Saint Rose campus in Albany has looked pretty dim for more than a year. But last week brought a flicker of hope: The Pine Hills Land Authority bought the entire campus at auction. That outcome presents the best chance that redevelopment of the 40-acre parcel will proceed with an eye for the needs and character of the neighborhood.

After years of financial struggles and falling enrollment, the 104-year-old college closed in June, rattling the city and especially the school’s Pine Hills neighbors. The small college owned scores of buildings in the heart of the city — not only classroom facilities, a performing arts center, an athletics complex and other typical college........

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