"Transformational development" is a lofty concept that ought to be used with a bit more humility in thinking and envisioning development for Albany's future.
Implicit in this term is the idea that a large scale project can change the nature of a city or region. Transformational development is subject to the impact of another catch word that we also should heed: "Unintended Consequences."
Witness the impact of transformational development in downtown Albany in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the construction of Interstate 787 and the closure of Albany's Union Station. Does anyone deny that downtown Albany would be a very different place if lower Broadway still housed a major hub for mass transit and long-distance travel and the associated foot traffic in and out? And if downtown was an easy walk to an accessible and interesting riverfront?
As we consider what can be done with the properties encompassed by the proposed convention center in downtown Albany, perhaps we need to get back to some fundamental concepts.
Simply evaluating and adopting development projects that can be found in any number of other cities in the Northeast is no guarantee of success.
Rather than picking and choosing seemingly attractive development projects from other areas, might it not be best to consider what comprises the unique aspects of Albany? Why do people come here now, and what could effectively draw more people here in the future?
What enhancements might be more attractive for the work force that we are committed to drawing to this area already, particularly with the advanced technology investments already in place? If we are competing against other regions to draw talented people here, what might give us an edge over the San Francisco Bay area, or Austin, Texas, or the Research Triangle in North Carolina?
The natural environment is a big part of the attraction to this region, and the salient natural feature of Albany is the one most often given short shrift: the Hudson riverfront.
People seek areas where it is possible to walk and explore and see interesting and often changing sights; as presently configured our riverfront offers little in this regard. But it is not hard to imagine a riverfront with expanded access for small boats, winter ice skating, rowing clubs, cafes and restaurants, attraction vessels, fishing, and open air programming.
And these can be developed in a scalable manner, without having to bet the farm on a massive public investment.
Rather than thinking we need a transformative development on which we roll the dice, maybe we need to think more about constructive development where elements can grow and build on existing features, both built and natural, and take advantage of the cultural heritage and other features unique to Albany.
As we move forward with any consideration of public development in downtown Albany, it would be smart to start with figuring out what is unique about our area, and what gives us a competitive edge over other similarly situated cities.