Colonie Center was losing business to Crossgates and other areas. These shopping areas go through natural cycles. They spent their own money, did a beautiful remodel, made some other changes to attract shoppers. A storekeeper there told me that's $13 million worth of tile in there. heartburnkid is right, people are scared off from shopping over there. When these shopping areas naturally deteriorate, it is up to those who own them to keep up with the marketplace. If the owners have made the decision that it is note worth it economically to put necessary money into that property, why on earth would taxpayers throw away good money on it? If it is worth it to the owners, then they need to spend their own money. Simple as that. It is also important for a municipality not to give commercial property owners a free pass when it comes to basic maintenance of a deteriorating structure. Poor people's money is green, as well. Just because a shopping area is attracting a scuzzier crowd, doesn't mean they aren't making money. |