Governor proposes $400 million to revitalize downtown Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – During the State of the State address Governor Kathy Hochul proposed new investments in the City of Albany. She wants to boost economic growth in the capital city with a proposed $400 million investment in unspecified revitalization efforts.

“Right here in Albany, the new Livingston Ave. Bridge. We are going to keep moving forward with this as well as an entire package to help build up the great city of Albany,” said Hochul on Tuesday.

Governor Hochul acknowledged the investments already made and proposed additional investments to help small businesses thrive. 

“We are really excited about this opportunity to have something similar to that project and initiative, but on a much larger scale. And I do think that that will change the offerings that we are saying down here,” said Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District Georgette Steffens.

She said she’s looking forward to the investments. The funds would go toward economic development and public safety.

The state would temporarily supplement Albany’s public safety efforts by “offering enhanced State Police resources to reduce crime and increase community policing in key corridors.”

“What downtown will look like in five years is completely different than where we are today. But it wouldn’t be possible without the help and the investment made by Governor Hochul,” said Steffens.

$150 million would be earmarked for the New York State Museum, with $200 million designated for unspecified projects in downtown Albany. Steffens said more nightlife is needed.

“Where we are now is, good luck finding something to do in Albany,” said the new owner of Fuzebox, Craig Earle. “The investment can come from the state as Governor Hochul was alluding to, but I think not only on the state level, it needs to happen at the city level for the city officials and on the community level,” said Earle. 

He believes those proposed investments could help the entire city of Albany.

“I just want to shout out all the people who are making investments into this community and making investments into this landscape that are buying up the closing/dying businesses. They’re doing the work whether we have investment from the state and the city or not,” said Earle. “This is my community. It’s only gonna get better if I do something. So shout out to all the people who are doing something.”