Dear Editor,
Albany County government has transformed these last few years. In addition to everyday government operations, an explosion of property development has consumed the time and efforts of many County leaders recently – as evidenced in the County Executive’s 2025 “State of the County” address.
In the City of Albany alone, the County has assumed leading roles in the expected demolition of Central Warehouse, the ongoing redevelopment of the former College of St. Rose, and the potential construction of a soccer stadium in the downtown “parking lot district.” The County Executive has also made a commitment to further consolidate City and County services, putting County taxpayers in a difficult position particularly if the proposal is not mutually beneficial.
It is worth questioning whether so much of County Government’s focus should be on these projects and services in the City, which has its own elected leaders and budget. What do taxpayers from Colonie and other areas of the County stand to gain from exponentially growing investment in Albany? Additionally, are these areas given proportionate levels of interest from the County?
The clearest reason Albany County has been so singularly focused on the City can be found in City Hall itself. Mayor Kathy Sheehan, in her last year as Albany’s Chief Executive, has in my opinion destroyed a City we all love and cherish. She has taken the County’s largest municipality backwards in terms of public safety, quality of life and an overall climate that is welcoming to residents, businesses and visitors alike – and it’s having a direct negative effect on taxpayers outside the city’s borders.
We all want to see Albany make a comeback. I appreciate the County Executive’s interest in revitalizing the city he calls home. However, we should be cautiously responsible in terms of the commitment expected from County taxpayers to meet these goals.
On Central Warehouse, I was a leading voice in 2024 calling for its demolition and assistance from our state and federal partners. This year, we may finally see “Albany’s Greatest Eyesore” come down, at little to no risk or exposure for County taxpayers.
On the former College of St. Rose, we had our differences over formation of the Pine Hills Land Authority, but Albany County now owns the campus for all intents and purposes. Whether it’s the relocation of some or most of the County Government apparatus, we must ensure that private investment grows as a result of this massive undertaking, in order to benefit City and County taxpayers.
On the soccer stadium, and other major County involvement in Albany, I’m not sold yet. Even with $400 million from the state being poured in, crime is preventing the City from reaching its full potential. Everything else is just window dressing if you don’t feel safe. I hope the next Albany Mayor makes this a priority not just for the sake of their constituents, but for every law-abiding County taxpayer. The future of our County and the Capital Region depends upon it.
Sincerely,
Frank Mauriello
Minority Leader, Albany County Legislature District 27 (Colonie)
Please consider supporting us to access our online content and receive ongoing coverage of news that affects you.
