The latest manhole explosions that have rocked downtown Albany only build on the uncertainty of forward-thinking economic development investments. As developers plan and build new residential units and city boosters believe Albany can emulate the renaissance that Troy's downtown district is enjoying, Albany cannot build up until we fix what lies beneath.
With a historic, aging electrical infrastructure built nearly a century ago and woefully unprepared for advances in technology and telecommunications, the city must work with National Grid to figure a permanent solution to preventing future explosions that pose a significant, if not fatal risk to downtown residents, workers, and visitors.
Anything less, we challenge the odds of fate.
Joe Bonilla
Albany