O, Albany, y?

After being a resident of Albany for more than 35 years, and a homeowner for almost 30, I feel entitled to sharing my opinion about some of the policies and practices of our fair city on the Hudson. It seems that many people on social media thrive on trashing this city. That is not my inclination at all, but I do wonder about some of the things I’ve observed in recent months. Maybe you have some questions of your own, too?

Lately, when I return from yoga class and exit 787 onto Southern Boulevard (or is it McCarty or just 9W there?) I’ve noticed the bright white lights burning on the turf field previously “owned” by St. Rose. This is at times of the day when the field is completely empty – there are no soccer or lacrosse players to be seen, just blinding light pollution which surely must be expensive to provide. Why?

I know there are a lot of folks up in arms about traffic laws in Albany. Between red light camera and school zone tickets and the new city wide speed limit of 25 mph, many people have received warnings and fines for their lack of adherence to these rules. Personally, I have no issue with either of these laws because I believe cities are for pedestrians and children should be safe when they’re walking to school.

I’ve grown accustomed to relying on my cruise control when I drive around town and appreciate my Mini keeping my speed in check so I can devote my attention to watching the road for hazards such as potholes (a whole ‘nother topic) and any living thing that may dart into the road. However, I have to wonder if the decrease in the speed limit would have been completely necessary if the authorities had simply and consistently enforced the existing speed limit. Speeding drivers? Ticket them. Those ignoring reduced speeds in the park and near schools? Ticket them. You get it.

Shifting to licenses of a different sort, last month Jeter’s license was up for renewal. This gave me the occasion to visit City Hall to take care of this civic responsibility. I had neglected to bring my checkbook and asked what other means of payment were accepted. Debit cards at a premium (due to an inflated courtesy transaction charge of $3 on top of the annual fee of $16) or cash. I had cash and removed the bills from my wallet before being told that to pay in cash I had to go to the treasurer’s office downstairs for the transaction, after which I was to return to licensing office with proof of payment to receive my document. Is there really no more efficient means for this transaction to take place?

Abandoned Christmas trees are littering the curbs in my neighborhood. While my own only joined the fray last weekend, there are some that have been on the sidewalk for the whole of 2025. When are these getting picked up? Is there a system or schedule and has it been communicated to residents?

Lastly, we all despise potholes, but I have to say that the cold patch filler that was shoveled into those in my neighborhood last week is a pretty inferior product – at least when no effort is made to tamp it down and make it flat. Now instead of dodging a pothole, I’m avoiding this coarse, sticky blacktop product to prevent it from getting on my car. Honestly, I’d be happier with gravel in the hole and maybe some reflective paint to draw attention to the hazard until it can be properly repaired in spring.

All right – those are mine. What have you got?