Commendations to William T. "Chip" Reynolds for his wise commentary ("Albany's unique nature," July 29). I become frustrated when I read other writers' same tired solutions for the transformational development of downtown Albany. Why a convention center if there is little distinctive reason to convene in Albany in the first place?
I have visited the remarkable Monterey Bay Aquarium, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and those in Mystic and Boston — all exceptional places and all have the sea in common. An aquarium in Albany? Why? How would that be expressive of Albany uniqueness?
In 1609, more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Henry Hudson sailed up our beautiful river sometimes called "America's Rhine." Fort Orange was established in 1624, only two years after that nationally known Mayflower landing. Perhaps a recreation of Albany's founding fort and trading post — including a comprehensive acknowledgement of the Mahicans' assistance could serve as the centerpiece for a truly distinctive and appropriate waterfront development as envisioned by Mr. Reynolds.
Ed. Lange
Delmar