Editor Rex Smith endorses Harry Rosenfeld's idea of an authentic replica of Fort Orange as a bold move to generate downtown economic activity. A look south to America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Fla., will reinforce this idea.
The recently reopened Colonial Quarter is generating much economic activity in a city flush with historic attractions and already overrun by school groups and bus tours of tourists. St. Augustine partnered with the University of Florida to redevelop the site, which is just what Rex Smith suggests could happen in Albany.
You only have to drive on the Thruway near Albany to know that all those bus tours heading to Niagara Falls could make a stop here with additional attractions.
St. Augustine is visited by an estimated 2 million people a year. Are we near that number?
We have the most historic river east of the Mississippi at our doorstep. We need to showcase that history.
Devon Baird
Rensselaer