Thanks for the great write-up and support for this project. The Livingston Ave. Bridge redevelopment could be the cornerstone in local efforts to improve connections to the waterfront. It was evidenced by the recent Economic Development Council awards that policy makers understand the great cultural, economic, health, and community benefits that out waterfronts provide. Troy and Schenectady both were awarded significant sums to redevelop former industrial/commercial sites and both these projects included trails and/or access to a promenade.

Albany has a long history of flirting with the idea of revamping our waterfront, from dreams of removing 787 to the very tangible and successful Alive-at-Five Amphitheater and Hudson River Way bridge. There’s a great deal to be gained by doing so. The city has a wonderful, albeit underutilized Corning Preserve Trail, rapid conversions of glut office space into upscale apartments, and community development initiatives like Sheridan Hollow’s re-visioning. The LAB walkway can be a very simple, inexpensive, and doable project that both enhances the waterfront for residents and visitors, but encourages private investment in both Albany and Rensselaer.

Put simply, this project just makes sense. Rensselaer has long sought to develop trails on their side of the River. The additional cost of adding a walkway to the new bridge structure can in a small price to pay for the huge benefit it would provide, and there likely won’t be an opportunity to move this initiative forward until the next bridge is built – could that be another 100 years down the line?

Advocates aren’t asking for anything revolutionary or that pushes the envelope. The current LAB already has a walkway. There are movable bridges with walkways across the East River in NYC and along the entire length of the Erie Canal. A safe, accessible, and inexpensive walkway can be added to the replacement bridge.

There are several ways that folks can join the advocacy effort and ensure success, here are just two:

1. Visit the project website: http://www.ptny.org/advocacy/LivingstonAve/index.shtml (links to how you can help, the petition, news articles, supporting studies and resolutions, etc. etc…)

2. Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LARBC (News, conversations, photos, advocacy strategy, calls to action, etc. etc.)

Hopefully we can keep the momentum going. Schumer’s involvement is GREAT! but it’s a milestone, not the end of the effort. Thanks again for the coverage.

Chuck proposes to bring the High Line to Albany sans Hotel but maybe a modern glass one along the Hudson will come later. If it does, I hope the Senator only stays for the press conference.

I think adding a walkway/bike path to the bridge is a great idea for the area. It will give some people a reason to exit 787 and explore, spend time and money in downtown/WD (other than the usual visit to Crossfit, Hucks to buy unfinished wood/dine at Subway).