Recently, I was treated to a walking tour of the State Street/Proctors Theatre area in Schenectady. The city and county leadership, Metroplex team and the business owners deserve applause for the cluster of quality they have created. By establishing a theme, providing a sidewalk and lighting package, tasteful signage and attracting noted restaurateurs, they have constructed the beginnings of a destination.
There's more to come as it grows toward Schenectady County Community College and the Armory. Arts, theater and tourism have a chance to survive when they don't stand alone.
Albany leadership should be a little jealous. I can only ask Mayor-elect Kathy Sheehan to take note and hopefully bring our leadership together and create something similar somewhere in Albany. It isn't a new strategy and there are models to copy all over the United States to make it the way you want.
Saratoga and Schenectady have now done it. When you make a destination attractive for visitors, it also becomes somewhere fun for people in the region to enjoy and spend money. Are we in Albany interested?
John Giordano
Delmar