Talk:Albany (New York)

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[edit] Hotels?

We need a hotel section. When created, definitely mention the Crowne Plaza.BayernMann 02:04, 18 Aug 2005 (EDT)

[edit] Toning down 'bad area' language

Recommending that people 'avoid the Arbor Hill exit' without giving a reason is misleading. Should they stay away because it's not the prettiest area for new visitors to see when entering the city? I don't disagree, but it is an authentic part of Albany and not without its historical and neighborhood charm. Is it because it's a high crime area? I take that exit several times a week for the past several years and couldn't imagine that the vast majority of people would feel threatened as they did the same.

In my opinion, in real estate and travel in the US, the term 'bad area' is often used to indicate that an area is a predominanty Black area--whether or not it's true, it can used to justify refusal of real estate and business loans, tourism, and shopping. On a side note, recently I pretty seriously looked into buying investment property in areas including North Albany, I quickly realized that bank loan officers and real estate professionals communicated quite clearly via this sort of code language that I should live in a 'nice area' and stay away from 'those sorts of people'.

Anyhow, I'll get off my soapbox...just wanted to provide some justification for adding reasons people might choose to avoid Arbor Hill or not. I think it's important that they make a concious choice rather than doing so out of a vauge fear.Antonrojo 09:29, 16 Feb 2006 (EST)

I agree - I believe that it is inaccurate to state that the only safe area in Albany to walk is Center Square. Albany has numerous neighborhoods - not just Arbor Hill and Center Square. Are you saying that the downtown business district is unsafe? Pine Hills? New Scotland Ave.? The uptown SUNY area? I think the safe and crime free areas greatly outnumber the "bad areas".