Albany County executive delivers State of the County

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy held his 13th State of the County on Thursday, unveiling future projects and addressing some issues like the eyesore of Central Warehouse, and Doane Stuart.

"The kid that comes from the south end of Albany everyone's like you're always smiling," said McCoy. "I go I'm blessed I'm here."

It is all about supporting the overall health of Albany County residents for Executive Dan McCoy, he says “Our strength is measured by the health of us, as a community, as people, and as a government."

New projects announced include the purchase of a fitness and aquatic center in Cohoes that will host a public pool. Another announcement, the County will build a sports complex for new recreation opportunities regardless of weather including basketball, volleyball, baseball, golf, soccer, football, and indoor track.

Both facilities McCoy says will be at no cost to the public.

$1 million dollars will be allocated toward workforce job training programs, while the Ann Lee Home/Heritage Park site and and former Al Tech Steel site in Watervliet will go under renovations and be redeveloped for future industries like nanotechnology, life sciences, and renewable energy.

For the Central warehouse, McCoy says the county is taking the lead on demolition.

"I really wish they could've redone it unfortunately they can't," said McCoy. "One of the things we did try and ask the County try to purchase is to unlock that canal that's underneath it."

The momentum for the former Doane Stuart property will also continue.

"We're working through the bankruptcy," said McCoy. "We have a company that has great ideas that they want to do."

In this year's county budget, $250,000 dollars will help support the food insecure in the County

According to the County office, 32,000 people are food insecure, McCoy says the country is moving in the wrong direction as more become food insecure.

Lawson Lake Park has also received investments in infrastructure and upgrades to the upper camp. McCoy says continued work with partnerships will help provide access and transportation to the park. More programs will also increase including programming, and activities for youth, and seniors.

The Department of the Aging will also be rolling out a ramp and roll project, helping build more ramps for seniors.

To view more initiatives and watch the State of the County, click here.