Greg Moore wrote:
Right now ALB needs more PARKING.
But that said, I think a decent developer could do well to build up some business in that area.
ALB's parking is surprisingly available; at around 4PM the day before Thanksgiving, the 2nd level of the garage had less than 10 cars including mine. As for the surface lots, Megabus customers are using a lot of B and A spaces. Perhaps asking them to chip in for a 2nd level above lot A or C, in exchange for letting them exclusively have lot B? Alternatively, the aerial gondola (if it ever gets off the ground, pun intended) will suddenly bring all the state government visitor lots (most of which have free weekend parking) within range.
As for business, they're trying with DeLaet's Landing, though once Rensselaer lost the casino bid the development plan shrunk to 1/10th the size. So far the most they've built is luxury apartments with a view of the Amtrak railyard (how long until the residents whine about all the idling)...