A miracle took place on Lark Street last night (two if you include no fatalities from a fire at the corner of Hamilton Street).

As you may be aware of, the City of Albany has proposed an overhaul to the city’s mid-century-era zoning regulations (ReZone Albany) to ultimately make the city more competitive for development, as well as provided much-needed clarity for a property owner or developer to move forward with a project. The initiative, which launched just over two years ago, has largely been a collaborative and public process with input from residents, businesses, and advocates.

However, the concern that I wrote about, echoed by a chorus of the voices in, around, and outside of Lark Street was the proposed hours of operation — namely 11 p.m. for the adjacent Dove Street corridor and 2 a.m. for the Lark Street corridor itself — for businesses. This would have reverted establishments such as Palais Royale to the original code rather than its allowed closing time of 4 a.m. At one point, the proposal would have called for Market 32, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dunbrook Mobil, and convenience stores within the district to close at 2 a.m. and to reopen later in the morning (this has since been changed).

We’ve come a long way from early November. Since that time, discussions between city officials, the Lark Street Business Improvement District, and involved parties have led to what can be seen as a victory not only for Lark Street, but for Albany in terms of how rapid and responsive the changes sought were modified.

We’ve also seen the rise of a Lark Street activated and prepared to advocate for what they want to see out of the street.

So on Thursday night at Cafe Hollywood — right before Christmas weekend — in front of dozens and dozens of concerned residents, businesses, and observers, the Department of Planning (which has worked tirelessly to help expedite the changes) announced positive and significant changes to the draft proposal which includes allowing existing establishments that are currently allowed to be open to 4 a.m. to retain this right, so long as the business type remains the same. For others, this will also mean if they have an allowance to be open until 11 p.m., the establishment can theoretically be open until 2 a.m.

The proposal in full will require Common Council approval, which is expected early in 2017.

Some have made mention that this may drive business or potential investment away from the street. I would argue that this is not the case, given that existing establishments will essentially go on with business as usual. Lark Street remains an avenue of opportunity for a budding entrepreneur and with these changes along with the rest of the ReZone proposal, the future remains strong for Albany’s village in the city.

This is a miracle those who love Lark Street can be thankful for this holiday season.