Eminent domain possibility in downtown Albany parcels
Mike DeMasi reports that the Albany IDA and Capitalize Albany are looking at the possibility of using eminent domain to acquire a bunch of parcels that are part of the former convention center/parking lot district site downtown. (A tangential question to this story: How much of downtown Albany is vacant not because of lack of demand, but because the owner of the parcels/buildings is just sitting on it or not focused on it?) [Biz Review]
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
This is part of the reason why Albany is the capital of NY State in name only.
... said Marco Romano on Jul 19, 2018 at 8:53 AM | link
oh, please NO aquarium! Rotterdam's is close enough and good enough for the region, we surely do not need 2. Let's move the Greyhound/Trailways station to the Amtrak station for a truly intermodal transport hub--it adds little if any value to downtown. And let's start the eminent domain process....it's been waayyy too long having those empty lots and vacant buildings just "sitting there". Like Troy's city hall site, this is Albany's once-in-a-generation opportunity, let's not blow it by putting in generic buildings. Multi-use, architectural significant, sizeable structures with services to support the slowly developing residential sector of downtown---it could help bolster the struggling south end too.
... said jsc on Jul 19, 2018 at 12:11 PM | link
GREEN SPACE PLEASE. How about at least a large, open green space for various use.. soccer, ultimate, yoga, etc. You name it. Yes, there are ongoing maintenance costs, but much less construction costs.
... said Jeff D on Jul 19, 2018 at 2:13 PM | link