AOA birthday drawing: Lark Street prize
Celebrate AOA's birthday with cupcakes (or something equally delicious) from Crisan.
Drawing is closed, but feel free to add your gift ideas for the Capital Region.
This week AOA celebrates our 6th birthday, but we're giving you the presents. Each day we'll have a drawing for some fun Capital Region stuff. You can enter to win a new "present" every day.
Today's drawing is a package of great gift certificates to Lark Street businesses:
+ A $100 gift certificate to Spa Virgo on Lark Street
+ Two $25 gift certificates to The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark
+ One bottle of sparkling wine and a $50 gift certificate to Capital Wine (Must be 21 or older.)
+ A $25 gift certificate to Crisan Bakery on Lark.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments
If you could gift one thing to the Capital Region, what would it be?
Maybe it's an indoor water park, maybe it's peace -- whatever you'd like to give the region if you had the ability.
We'll draw one winner at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 5 pm on Wednesday, April 16 and must respond by 5 pm on Thursday, April 17.
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Comments
dedicated bike lanes
... said Adam M on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:30 PM | link
I would give downtown a small, well curated grocery/deli like the ones I grew up with on Long Island, someplace where you could pick up a quart of milk, a loaf of bread and an awesome sandwich. It wouldn't have to sell everything but just enough to save a car trip to the grocery store.
... said Kate on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:32 PM | link
Albany could use a music venue to replace all shows at Upstate Concert Hall
... said J R on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:33 PM | link
rooftop bars
... said Rachel on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:34 PM | link
Gift: the vision and resources to make the Capital District truly bike friendly.
... said Doug Bartow on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:34 PM | link
A zoo!
... said Sara H on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:34 PM | link
An aquarium! It's an idea that's been tossed around for a few years, but it would be a huge driving force in tourism and the downtown economy!
... said Caitlin on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:35 PM | link
Unlimited resources to Albany Public Schools to lower tax burden on residents and bring back the schools we used to know and love - music, sports, and anything the teachers need without cuts here, there, and everywhere.
... said Dave R. on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:36 PM | link
I would like to gift the Capital Region consistently warm temperatures through Spring with only a touch of rain at night in order to bloom the most beautiful and vivacious tulip crop Albany has ever seen.
... said Sue on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:37 PM | link
heated sidewalks (no shoveling)
... said Linnea on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:37 PM | link
Since you already took my world peace answer, I'll shoot for sensible liquor laws.
... said valerae on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:38 PM | link
If I could, I would gift the capital region a huge no kill animal shelter/refuge center where any stray can be brought to either live out its life in a happy, loving and healthy environment or be adopted into a forever home. It would not be a shelter in the traditional sense. It would be a place that felt like a home, didn't have cages and where the staff treated the animals like family.
... said Jaime on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:38 PM | link
an aquarium, near the Hudson.
... said Megan on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:38 PM | link
An edible forest like the one in Seattle...I daydream about walking down a wooded path and just picking food as I go.
... said Kizzi on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:40 PM | link
I would give the region the gift of more parking at Trader Joe's.
... said Colleen on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:40 PM | link
flea markets in washington park
... said Matthew M on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:40 PM | link
A real beach (none of this lake beach or "waterfront" shenanigans).
... said Trish on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:41 PM | link
I would have to give the gift of health & happiness!
... said Brad on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:43 PM | link
A revitalized Central Warehouse cold storage building. Anything so it looks better than it does now.
... said Samson on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:43 PM | link
Filled in potholes!
... said Lexi on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:44 PM | link
I would love to give Albany a magical remote to fast-forward or rewind the seasons! Spring is so beautiful when the trees start blossoming and the tulips come out in the park (but there can be too much rain!), summer is fantastic with ice cream stands and swimming holes (it gets reaaal hot here), fall is breathtaking driving up to thacher for a hike (but what type of jacket do you even wear?), and the first snow is always beautiful (after that i'm done). With so much diversity, I wish I could have only the best of the seasons on any given day.
... said julie on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:44 PM | link
I would love to give Albany a real downtown! This would be a place where people would like to go day and night for retail shopping (a mixture of small chains and unique local businesses), restaurants and eateries for all meals, and other outdoor events. It would be a unifying place for the city much like other towns and cities already have. (ie. Saratoga, Burlington) I think with this the city and local businesses would thrive.
... said Ryan on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:46 PM | link
Costco!
... said jess (jamesjake) on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:47 PM | link
I'll second the bike lanes idea!
... said james b on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:48 PM | link
Removal of 787 so the City of Albany can actually benefit from being on the Hudson River.
... said Jennifer on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:49 PM | link
I would gift each town in the Capital region a dog friendly local beach, with plenty of parking, and bonfire pits, and a mandatory beach bar with great live music from local artists (yes this may be geographically impossible I know; but it's what I would want!)
... said MADr. on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:49 PM | link
Huge Outdoor Go-Kart track
... said BenK. on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:49 PM | link
Newly repaired and paved roads.
... said Ilene on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:50 PM | link
Movie studios!
... said Matte on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:50 PM | link
A heightened sense of self-esteem as a region.
... said Bob on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:50 PM | link
Increased low-cost local and long-distance public transportation. I 'm looking at you, Amtrak and CDTA.
... said John on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:52 PM | link
Evict the cold & snow!
... said Carolee on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:52 PM | link
If I could give one fantastic thing to the capital region, it would be (better) waterfront access --goodbye 787, hello walkable city!
I would give great restaurants/bars with outside patio seating (including a fantastic Mexican option) along this accessible riverfront. There would surely be food truck permits aplenty. I'd also give the capitol region paddleboats and rowboats on the river, a baseball diamond, tennis court, and a playground.
... said Nicole on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:53 PM | link
A dueling piano bar. And not one that catered to tourists.
... said Kyla on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:56 PM | link
I would gift the Cap Region, a cleaner river to really enjoy!
... said jen on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:57 PM | link
A deli on Lark Street!
... said heather on Apr 14, 2014 at 12:57 PM | link
Mandatory Willy Wonka viewings at the ESP during the summer.
... said Jason on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:00 PM | link
The Husdon River
... said Julia on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:00 PM | link
A boardwalk/beach area.
... said AC on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:02 PM | link
A better national/international reputation. I'm an Albanian by choice, and I adore my adopted city, but mention Albany or Schenectady outside of the Capital Region and brace for ignorance! The Capital Region has so much to offer, yet somehow it still feels like our little secret.
... said Michelle on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:02 PM | link
A functional, regional taxi service!
... said alie on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:02 PM | link
A gift of unlimited resource to improve schools and libraries.
... said CVAA on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:03 PM | link
A shorter winter.
... said Theresa on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
Because heated sidewalks are already take, I'd give it the gift or reliable, affordable and "civilized" public transportation.
... said CAOD on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
I would give a gift of shared transportation - a vision and implementation plan to make car and bike sharing possible, feasible, attractive and profitable for the city and beyond. With all the college students in the area, it's hard to understand why this hasn't happened yet.
... said Ewa on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
A better taxi/transportation service. One that is reliable, safe, and affordable.
... said Kate on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
Well that's an easy one. I'd give the Capital Region a Wegmans or two.
... said Casey on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:05 PM | link
Bike lanes for cyclists!
... said Laura on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:06 PM | link
I'd give us the gift of reliable, affordable, and civilized public transportation.
... said CAOD on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:06 PM | link
I would create a free zone such that connection between each section of the city within the zone were free. There would be additional Zones that radiate out, basically rings. Rings outside the center zone would have increasing costs to ride.
Right now the city is fragmented. Demographically the areas are not integrated and transportation would allow for this process to begin to take place, plus businesses would benefit and traffic reduced.
We can continue to focus on each section as isolated units or a combined entity.
Portland Oregon serves as a good model.
... said Stephen on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:06 PM | link
Wegman's!
... said Chrystal on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:07 PM | link
life casino free
... said JES on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:07 PM | link
I would plant bushes of berries and fruit trees all around, so in the summer and fall everyone could pick up a quick snack!
... said Albany Jane on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:08 PM | link
A downtown with the empty store fronts filled with flourishing small businesses! And an accessible waterfront park!
... said amber on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:08 PM | link
A subway from Albany to Schenectady.
... said Anthony on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:09 PM | link
Wegmans!!
... said Meghan on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:11 PM | link
A zen rose garden
... said Nyssa on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:13 PM | link
More and better parking
... said Corbie Mitleid on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:13 PM | link
The dedicated bike lanes is a great idea. But for the sake of appearing original, I would gift the Capital Region more cooperative housing units and community gardens.
... said Liz on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:16 PM | link
A restaurant of Ethiopian food
... said adam on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:16 PM | link
Less winter :)
... said Liz on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:17 PM | link
Clean water for the Hudson River so you could actually eat the fish and not be afraid to swim.
... said Megan Elbrecht on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:18 PM | link
i would gift a wine section at Trader Joe's!
... said bee on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:18 PM | link
Id improve the public transit system to make it more accessible to everyone and make commutes easier
... said Amanda on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:20 PM | link
So, umm.. Bike lanes are taken. USABLE bike lanes are taken. Fixed roads are taken. Better mass transit is taken.
How about a subway like London's tube system, but better. I don't know how it could improve, but I'm sure it's POSSIBLE. ;) Mostly, I want to be able to get to work in the winter without shoveling out my car first. Also, I don't want to have to stand out side for oh, 20-90 minutes... Sorry buses. Ah, dreams. :)
... said Andy on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:22 PM | link
I would reverse all pollution in the Hudson so that fishing, swimming, boating and the like were permitted, enjoyable and safe. And then I would build a beach.
... said elfie on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:26 PM | link
high-speed rail service to NYC
... said JAR on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:26 PM | link
An Ethiopian restaurant.
... said Anne on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:32 PM | link
Much better public transportation!!!
... said xina on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:32 PM | link
I would gift the Capital Region with a Zaxby's franchise. If we must have fast food, it can be good fried chicken!
... said Annie on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:35 PM | link
Magically remove 787 opening up access to the riverfront.
... said BB on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:35 PM | link
I'd bury 787 and beautify the waterfront on both sides of the river.
... said cmm2581 on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:36 PM | link
One word: monorail
... said Jon In Albany on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:36 PM | link
A music venue - basically the same size and atmosphere as Rev Hall when it was still booking shows, but in downtown Albany.
... said Paul on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:40 PM | link
A zoo.
... said Louise on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:40 PM | link
Streets without potholes. I lost a hubcap this year...as have many others...
... said Dr. Bianca Treski on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:42 PM | link
shorter winter season (sorry ski resorts)
... said Mark on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:49 PM | link
more parking around Lark St.
... said Lauren on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:50 PM | link
Since bike lanes have been bestowed by others, I'll give a botanical garden.
... said chrisck on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:53 PM | link
A nice waterfront, boardwalk, beach.
... said V. on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:54 PM | link
A better/closer place for swimming in the summer!
... said Sarah on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:57 PM | link
High speed rail to NYC and Boston.
An In-N-Out Burger would be nice too! ;)
... said PG on Apr 14, 2014 at 1:59 PM | link
An airport that is, you know, actually international.
... said -S on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM | link
Free Cable Car for State Street!
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINOxRxze9k)
... said August on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:04 PM | link
High-speed rail
... said Nick on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:05 PM | link
I know a few other people said this but I would also give an aquarium. It's such a fun concept that would set Albany apart from cities for miles around.
... said Andrew on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:05 PM | link
better parking in downtown albany
... said Erin on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:07 PM | link
A shorter winter!
... said MHR on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:08 PM | link
I would gift several solar fields, wind turbines, and get rid of the oil tankers!
... said Jessica R on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:10 PM | link
An ocean view!
... said Jillian on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:12 PM | link
I would instantly give it all of the things that would make it the most appealing and popular location/destination for hundreds of miles.
... said Jennifer on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:13 PM | link
More available FREE parking everywhere! I often don't go to a lot of things because I know parking will be impossible without paying at least $10! And that is sad.
... said Kelly on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:16 PM | link
I'd gift the capital region 2 weeks of utopia ... where goods and services can be bartered/traded as well as bought. Where the streets are safe from crime. Where people cared about others near as much as they cared about themselves. Where honesty really was the best policy, and fairness abounds.
I say 2 weeks because .. a) forever gifts can be quickly taken for granted, and b) perhaps the taste of utopia as a gift would actually inspire people to strive for it as a permanent reality.
... said Josie on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:16 PM | link
Walkable city markets. Stands where people can sell their goods/food stands/stands of amazingness. Have you been to Philadephia/Charleston/Portland? That would be fun to have here. And not just one day week....
... said Amelia on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:17 PM | link
A flourishing downtown that is more welcoming and beautiful waterfront park.
... said Matissa on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
A Korean barbecue restaurant.
... said E. on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
More shopping and restaurants downtown!
... said Tory on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:25 PM | link
Light rail between the tri-cities and Saratoga
... said missweeza on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:25 PM | link
Monorail! Monorail! Monoraiiilllllll!
... said Matt on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:28 PM | link
A professional soccer team
... said KGB on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:31 PM | link
I would like to gift the Capital Region more soup kitchens, helping to feed the hungry. More awareness about non violence & anger management classes. A team of social workers that walk around helping those who want to talk.
... said james on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:32 PM | link
shorter winters, or at least city wide heated sidewalks
... said rae on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:36 PM | link
A non-stress inducing taxi service.
... said Kobe on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:38 PM | link
Driving lessons.
... said Ed on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:39 PM | link
Green/Solar rooftops to help keep those heating bills down! Also free city-wide wireless service. Happy Birthday AOA!
... said Tess on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:41 PM | link
I'd gift a Wegmans and a new highway to replace 787 (one that is not on the water). Oh, and maybe lower taxes too!
... said JKC on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:42 PM | link
No more 787 along the river.
Oh, and private karaoke rooms, of course.
... said Innae on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:46 PM | link
Outdoor Patio Dining!
... said marc on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:48 PM | link
A public park built on a historic freight rail line, similar to NYC's High Line.
... said Nikki on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:49 PM | link
an architectural salvage shop that has everything!
... said brie on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:51 PM | link
A Rita's!
... said Nikki on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:51 PM | link
I love all the bike lane mentions!
My gift to the Capital Region would be that it gets some respect. There are a lot of great things here, and the world should know it!
Although - oftentimes (especially when reading comments), it seems that the locals don't appreciate it here either...
... said capgirl on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:53 PM | link
An open water front in Albany!
... said Hannah on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:58 PM | link
A second Trader Joe's would help resolve the parking concern, preferably somewhere you could walk to. DelSo? I know I'm dreaming...
... said d on Apr 14, 2014 at 2:59 PM | link
a factory museum. there's such a rich manufacturing history here. photos and models are great, but it would be truly amazing to be able to walk through a building and see old machinery at work to get a better understanding of all the steel, bells, collars, beer, ships, and everything else that used to be made here, and the role people played. given how big a focus tech valley is, I think it would be great to see some old tech, just for comparison, and maybe even to instill a little bit of pride in this area.
... said sarah on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:00 PM | link
Better landlords that took better care of historic buildings and apartments.
... said DEN on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:00 PM | link
a beautiful waterfront park with a bike path
... said amanda on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:02 PM | link
Wegmans!
... said CP on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:04 PM | link
A Korean BBQ restaurant, we need one!
... said AS on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:05 PM | link
A walk-able city would be the greatest gift of all.
... said Tom on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:17 PM | link
An NFL team
... said Steve on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:17 PM | link
I would gift the capital region a metro system connecting Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga and all the little towns in between. It would ease traffic during Track Season and hopefully allow us ease of travel between traffic, pollution and potholes!
... said Caroline on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:19 PM | link
I am from the Northeast Ohio area, so I would gift the capital region one of Ohio's most delicious eateries: Melt Bar and Grilled. Yummy gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches!
... said Tara on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:20 PM | link
Center turning lane on Madison!!!
... said Julie on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:20 PM | link
A boardwalk and entertainment area down by the waterfront in Albany!
... said CJ on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:21 PM | link
Better parking! I think it would make urban life easier and encourage suburbanites to patronize downtown's businesses.
... said Natalie on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:21 PM | link
A subway
... said Shawn on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:23 PM | link
Return of the Giants.
... said John M. on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:23 PM | link
Costco :)
... said esther on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:23 PM | link
Underground transportation.
... said MP on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:26 PM | link
Bike escalators for Middleburgh Avenue, Peoples Avenue, Congress Street, and Mill Street in Troy.
... said James Cronen on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:28 PM | link
A larger tax base
... said Todd on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:29 PM | link
A bike lane from downtown to Guilderland
... said Rich on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:34 PM | link
A Public Mural Arts Program
... said Holly on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:34 PM | link
A weekly farmers market in Washington Park.
... said Jim on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:37 PM | link
A local version of Accomplice, like they have in NYC! It's a bunch of fun - who doesn't like some hybrid of theater/scavenger hunt/mystery?
... said Katie O on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:41 PM | link
Better allocation of school fundings/ out of school activities.
... said JC on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:41 PM | link
I gave some silver Go-Go boots to Mrs Mattoon who ran that robotic giant clam on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. We had no idea of her age. She cried. So happy. "These boots are made for walking," she said, "and that's just what I'm gonna do." Nobody had the heart to tell her they were actually made for dancing. She took off one day and made it all the way to Cincinnati where she became a licensed real estate agent. She sent us some of her shiny business cards, her picture in the top left hand corner. That's what you do in that game. This was about the time she started to look a lot like Dan Rather and she became quite successful. Mr Mattoon took over the clam but didn't have the patience to stay up nights fending off the vandals. One night a gang called the Warriors set it aflame and rolled it off the pier. Since then I give Go-Go boots to everyone; shiny gifts of inspiration.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:44 PM | link
Wegmans!
... said Laurel on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:49 PM | link
I would give a roller coaster that zips through downtown.
... said brett on Apr 14, 2014 at 3:51 PM | link
honest politicians
... said Alisa on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:13 PM | link
a sense of being a unified city instead of an auto-necessitating sprawl.
... said e.s. on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:17 PM | link
Money to support not for profit programs for kids (sports, music etc.) too many programs out there that are struggling but doing good work with the kids.
... said Kelley on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:28 PM | link
A korean BBQ and a medium sized music venue.
... said anne on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:41 PM | link
Ikea!
... said Casey P. on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:42 PM | link
Restaurants on the waterfront in Albany!
... said Jen on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:44 PM | link
I would gift the Capital Region a walkable marketplace on the riverfront. I might need to move some pesky highways, but I'd just plop it all right down there in the parking areas behind Quackenbush Square. People could live there and it would be a darn pretty place to spend a weekend wandering in shops and enjoying a farmers market.
... said Laura on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:54 PM | link
A cleaner, swimable Hudson
... said Vanessa on Apr 14, 2014 at 4:57 PM | link
another vote for an ethiopian restaurant!
... said amb on Apr 14, 2014 at 5:06 PM | link
Relentless urban gardens and a community kitchen to cook the harvest
... said sarah on Apr 14, 2014 at 7:03 PM | link
an IMAX movie theater. Not a converted IMAX theater, but a true IMAX theater that not only shows the most recent blockbusters but a variety of educational films that IMAX films.
... said Paul on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:00 PM | link
self confidence: Albany has an inferiority complex but this is a great city with everything to recommend it that our flashier neighbors have (Montreal, Boston, NYC)
... said Marie Woodward on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:06 PM | link
Free wifi!
... said Amanda on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:12 PM | link
A Pro Sports team!
... said Kevin on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:17 PM | link
A happy, business-friendly civic structure like Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market :-)
... said Ginger on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:24 PM | link
Well-funded public school systems across the region. There are so many things the public schools can't do here because of a lack of sufficient funding.
... said Holly on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:35 PM | link
A second Robert Burns statue for Washington Park. Right next to the original, but only smaller, like 1/8 the size. It'd be the Lil' Robert Burns statue.
... said Shaun on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:44 PM | link
A really good banh mi place!
... said Vicky on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:53 PM | link
New trees for Washington Park to replace the ones that have been lost.
... said Charlie on Apr 14, 2014 at 8:59 PM | link
My gift would be to fix or add everything mentioned instantaneously. And if its not right, have the ability to tweak it just as easily.
... said ren on Apr 14, 2014 at 9:00 PM | link
A bridge over the Hudson that allows you to see and celebrate the river, like 90% of those south of here. Ideally something like the Walkway Over the Hudson!
... said Melissa m on Apr 14, 2014 at 9:32 PM | link
Buy back the Aqua Ducks!
... said wat on Apr 14, 2014 at 9:44 PM | link
A set of amphibious landing craft. Maybe they could be used for tours or something.
... said William on Apr 14, 2014 at 9:51 PM | link
A 787-less, vibrant Albany waterfront!
... said Greg on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:07 PM | link
A speedy commute from saratoga to albany
... said Kay on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:16 PM | link
An Ethiopian Restaurant
... said Josh K. on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:43 PM | link
EASY ONE - ALL NEW ROADS
... said Rich on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:51 PM | link
I'd gift to Albany a rapid and irreversible contraction of the charter school movement.
... said Drew on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:51 PM | link
Free parking for everyone - all the time!
... said Michelle on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:53 PM | link
The best gift I can think of, and one that would keep giving, would be to wave my want and create gerrymandering free political districts, with a process to keep them that way.
... said Albany Landlord on Apr 14, 2014 at 10:54 PM | link
What everyone else is thinking, haven't said: a gondola ride from the Hudson all the way up State Street!
... said ben on Apr 14, 2014 at 11:00 PM | link
More bike lanes!
... said Marshall on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:03 AM | link
Definitely a few 7-11s ... SLURPEES, PEOPLE!
... said Katie on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:00 AM | link
I love the edible forest idea! But better public transportation is a huge thing for me - I used to live in Boston, and there's nothing here to even come close to rivaling the T. Cars are such a pain, and the northway on any given day... ugh.
So, if I could gift Capitaland one thing, it would be a good subway/commuter rail system.
... said Beverly_C on Apr 15, 2014 at 1:33 AM | link
Trolley service between all the cities!
... said Rich on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:35 AM | link
better weather
... said tjs on Apr 15, 2014 at 6:12 AM | link
Light rail
... said Sam Gold on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:16 AM | link
I would gift the capital district a monorail or subway system that extended from Hudson all the way through to Saratoga.
... said Heather on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:57 AM | link
A more cost-effective rapid rail system for commute to NYC and back.
... said nai on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:20 AM | link
A wellness and positive youth development program for underserved youth populations.
... said Ashley on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:25 AM | link
Revitalization and restoration of the area's beautiful historic buildings and local downtown businesses.
... said JukeJointJezebel on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:44 AM | link
Capital Region-wide TED talks.
... said Mary on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:44 AM | link
A real NY bagel place!
... said Moe on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:46 AM | link
I like the indoor park idea. Someplace the kids can run, jump, climb around in the winter months.
... said Melanie M. on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:53 AM | link
More receptacles for garbage and recycling in Albany. There is so much garbage on the streets when I run up and down Madison and western aves. It's gross and sad.
... said Chris on Apr 15, 2014 at 8:55 AM | link
Trolleys/light rail.
... said JayK on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:10 AM | link
A brand new shopping plaza with a Wegman's, Ikea, and Costco!
... said Katie on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:22 AM | link
expanded public transportation options
... said k on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:33 AM | link
High speed train to NYC and Boston
... said Kelly on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:37 AM | link
If I could gift the Capital Region with one thing it would be our own version of a Smorgasburg food fair every weekend!
... said Kimberly on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:39 AM | link
Every season would be apple season!
... said RMH on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:46 AM | link
The regions mayors should get together and attempt to come up with a committee to study the feasibility of marketing the Albany, Schen. Troy area as one unit. We are the 47th largest market in the US, and with all of the diversity if the area worked as one area, collectively bring a dimension to make us noticed on a regional/national scale. What we don't need is another Crossgates type of development, but we could upgrade the level of sport and the art scene could become a regional draw, something like The Clark in Williamstown. Lets forget the Smalbany moniker and give the Capitol District a plug.
... said ravioliollie on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:51 AM | link
A dialogue with the local supermarket that is in the neighborhood to begin stocking more healthy (affordable for all) food choices. We all use the supermarket because of the convenience but it is in serious need to be more aware of the lack of choice to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
... said Elizabeth on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:53 AM | link
The capital area is a hell ish area for alternate transportation. Whether it is a more bike - friendly commute or an easier public transit system, this area is difficult to get around for those without cars. On top of that, our highway structure sucks with only three lanes, two north - south highways and highly corrosive snow removal methods.
... said Xtine on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:59 AM | link
I would give the city officials of Albany a gift of a tour of the most progressive and innovative cities in the world. In hopes that it would inspire them to develop better ideas than old timey convention centers and soul killing casinos.
... said Jamie on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:01 AM | link
A nice bar/restaurant downtown with a happy hour geared toward singles my age (55+). :)
... said Carole on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:10 AM | link
Better marketing for our area. Albany has a great deal to offer as far as tourism. We are blessed with so many wonderful and historical places in our area. Unfortunately we do not market ourselves well. In all of those tourism surveys our area is sadly seen as a pass through and not a destination. I wish someone with a love for this area and fantastic marketing skills would step up and "sell" the Albany area as the wonderful place that it is.
... said Jocelyn on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:31 AM | link
Better partnering between the city and its suburbs.
... said Jay on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:40 AM | link
I would wish for a change in the myopic tunnel vision of the leaders and the citizens of this city and area. I would wish that they would see the inherent beauty of a well planned and well run city. I would wish that the mindset here would change so that instead of "driving" around the Clifton Park and Wolf Road areas they would consider "walking" around beautiful architecture, parks, and life. I wish that we could see the difference between getting married in a Vegas drive thru chapel and the Cathedral of Notre Dame!
... said BS on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:44 AM | link
I'd give Albany a dedicated composting and recycling program. (have you seen the landfill?)
... said Toller Jones on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:51 AM | link
More indoor activities during the winter- an aquarium, a big indoor park with artificial sun so I don't get so depressed during our long winters.
... said Sarah on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:54 AM | link
Truly, reunite Albany with it's birth mother, the Hudson River
... said Kevin K on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:57 AM | link
A mall with Nordstrom, Ikea, Costco and Crate & Barrel
... said Jen on Apr 15, 2014 at 10:59 AM | link
Better access to the Hudson, through the removal (or at least reimagining) of 787.
... said Sarah on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:19 AM | link
To go back in time and never have 787 built!
... said Brianna on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:33 AM | link
An all-in-one doggy daycare and gym in downtown Albany. The gym would have both a pool for humans and a pool for the pups.
... said NMM on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:33 AM | link
a music venue on Lark Street
... said Patrick on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:52 AM | link
sunshine
... said Graceful J on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:54 AM | link
Perspective!
... said Roger on Apr 15, 2014 at 11:56 AM | link
Year round warm weather!
... said Susan on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:01 PM | link
A waterfront! The destruction of 787.
... said Jenna on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:03 PM | link
I am so sad that I missed this, but how about some pride, Albany?
... said Rohan on Apr 15, 2014 at 12:23 PM | link