One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a graduate student in the Geography and Planning Department at the University at Albany was that "growth without development" is a poor, long-term urban policy strategy.
Cities that are physically attractive and economically viable always require innovative methods to approaching future growth while respecting past and present circumstances. With the looming Albany Medical Center and Tri-City Rentals' Park South redevelopment plan now in the city's hands, remembering this lesson is more important than ever.
Right now, the project falls under the category of "pure growth with little or no development." The plan has glaring holes, ranging from an affordable housing element to historic preservation to multimodal transit integration. The project's strain on infrastructure must be given serious consideration as well.
More vehicles and pedestrians will easily overload an already burdened system. Without proper traffic improvements, congestion, road damage and accidents are sure to rise.
It is true that Albany Med and Tri-City Rentals are major players in the region, and this expansion is something we should all be proud and happy about. But their presence is permanent (neither is going to pick up and move), and that offers the city negotiation strength.
In the end, for Albany to even be considering a $110 million project like this is a good thing. Yet, taking the easy route by accepting what's "good enough" while passing up the possibility of "truly great" is unacceptable.
With some luck and strong resolve from elected officials and the public, this project could really be a contagion for growth with development in Albany.
The writer lives in Albany.