The discussions on whether building a convention center vs. an aquarium/IMAX-type theater concept in downtown Albany are missing the point. Successful tourism relies on the "clustering" of all of the components of tourism working in synergy. Put the hotel rooms near the meeting rooms, attractions, restaurants and bars.
If Albany truly wants to get into the tourism game, do both projects. I wouldn't build the convention center without the package of rooms, attractions and restaurants. I wouldn't build the museum without the convention center and the thousands of meeting visitors that come with it. Use the example of the Albany Aqua Ducks trying to "go it alone" without the other features being in place.
It's time for the city to take its thinking to a higher level and decide to use the model that many other cities have done to attain tourists and meetings. Let's not pit one against the other. Let's do both. We'll end up with a way more fun city to live in.
John Giordano
Delmar