Albany, NY (WRGB) – Frustrated by what they say to be a lack of progress, the business owners met Friday afternoon at the Pearl Street Diner in Albany to express longtime concerns concerning the conditions in the streets of the city which, according to them, injure their companies.
Begging, public security problems and lack of parking were among the main concerns raised during the meeting – many The same questions discussed almost two years There is in the same place.
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“I speak publicly about public urination and defecation in the street. I’m talking about vandalism. I’m talking about a lack of parking. These are the things that stop trade, “said Jesse Sommer, owner of New Scotland Spirits on Lark Street.
“Economic inequalities, infrastructure needs and public security. Another point is to plan the future. This meeting, we can talk about long -term vision, strategies for the future of the city, including economic development, “said Anthony Mitsios, owner of Pearl Street Diner.
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Business owners say that the problems have only won – and now, with an investment of $ 400 million on the state on the table for the revitalization of Albany, they believe that the conversation has become urgent.
“It would be a useless conversation, but for a reality – this reality is an injection of $ 400 million into the city of the state,” said Sommer.
Many believe that funds should be oriented towards the fight against the city’s more than 800 vacant buildings, the expansion of mental and housing health services and to improve global safety and accessibility in the city center.
While some representatives of the city and the county as well as members of the law application attended the meeting on Friday, several participants noted the absence of key elected officials, claiming that they expected a stronger demonstration of support and responsibility.
Among the absent, the mayor of Albany Kathy Sheehan. A spokesperson said to CBS6 that they were not invited.