Vacant Buildings - Today's Letter


By DIA, Section News
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007 at 04:54:27 AM EST

As pointed out here a few weeks ago in response to the same letter, the county now chimes in and confirms that most vacant buildings in the city of Albany are still privately owned.

The county does not comment on any solutions to this problem.

They also note that if the properties are good for redevelopment than they usually don't go to the auction. So, as usual, the small non politically connected citizen interested in redeveloping foreclosed properties will get shut out of all the good deals.

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Vacant Buildings - Today's Letter | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 hidden)
Personal Responsibility (none / 0) (#1)
by OhBrien on Thu Oct 11, 2007 at 07:07:30 PM EST
Politicos aren't going to solve the problem of neglect.  If Mr. Rodat's numbers are right, most are paying taxes and those people still may vote.  Incumbents preserve the status quo.

IMO, looking at abandoned buildings to spur development is like looking at a corpse to spur health and vibrancy.

Focus needs to shift to causes of neglect--property owners like those on Alexander (or State Street, for that matter--Wellington Row?!) that pull down neighborhoods.  Intervention before bricks are falling on the street.  An HMO for Buildings minus the pharmaceuticals.

A start: someone suggested a billboard pointing to a simple website.  Post complaints, report on followup--the TU can do it for traffic problems (Getting There) but we can't do it for the streets we live on?  CANA? Historic Albany?

To steal a bit from the Friends of Bill, the first step is realizing you have a problem.  We just keep falling off the wagon when it comes to making a change.

Shame the politicians into spending leftover campaign cash on the reporting and tracking function.  If Bruno's pool cover qualifies, this must.  Utica called in the National Guard to pull down buildings.  Let's not go there.

And enough of the studies, maps, and press conferences on "visions for the next decade"--where is the action going to come from today?

OhBrien, I agree in part with your comment. (none / 0) (#2)
by Jim Travers on Sat Oct 13, 2007 at 02:43:12 PM EST
But is is the politicos themselves who we must depend upon to enforce existing housing codes.

It is also they whose focus needs shifting as they are those who will ultimately effect policy change.

How will a billboard or phone calls help? Most with the power and authority to effect change are conveniently blind to the city's problems and continually, messages of grave importance fall upon deaf ears.

There are a few programs that have funds available for homeowners to make repairs, but when have you seen them broadcast by any official?

Proposing a half billion dollar convention center is an obscenity to those who've religiously paid their taxes and have now found themselves being aged out of the economy on onto relief, faced with the dilemma of wondering whether to fix the leaking roof or eat for the next few months.

Indeed, what we need is a policy shift. We need to shift those shiftless politicos out of office and replace them with others who are less greedy and more caring.

Vacant Buildings - Today's Letter | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 hidden)
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