Aerial view of Albany’s so called “parking lot district,” between Hudson Avenue and Liberty Street is seen on May 9 in Albany. A professional soccer stadium is being proposed for the site as part of a massive downtown Albany development — and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address vaguely suggested millions, which could be used for that.

“Albany $400 Million” doesn’t have quite the same ring as “Buffalo Billion,” so maybe we should call Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to spend big on the city the “Albany Rescue Plan.”

The proposed spending package, as reported Monday in this newspaper, recognizes that Albany is in a bad way and needs big investment. Hochul is essentially conceding the city is sliding backward, despite that explosive NanoTech growth and the region’s relatively strong economic position.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

The governor is saying Albany needs help. She’s right.

In her plan outline, Hochul devoted significant verbiage to “perceptions of public disorder and crime” in Albany. In that case, the Democrat isn’t putting money behind her words, as she proposes spending just $1 million on an “Albany Public Safety Surge.” That pittance will have little meaningful impact on policing or crime.

Advertisement

Article........

© Times Union