A New Vision for Albany - making the best even better

By Joanne Wile

We can have a great shoreline park and redevelop the racetrack property while protecting and enhancing local tax revenues. We can continue to revitalize our downtown, maintain high quality City services (police, fire, library, public works) and improve our schools. We have the opportunity to make our town, already one of the best places, even better.

No Mall or Casino But we face challenges. Our quality of life continues to be threatened by the proposed Magna/Caruso mall and casino plans. These developments will bring major traffic gridlock on Highway 80 and on our key streets. We will see Solano Avenue's vitality disappear. The Eastshore State Park will never be completed. That's why I oppose them.

While Caruso may be pulling out (only time will tell), Magna continues to pursue their overall mall/casino plan. This summer Magna once again proposed legislation to allow thousands of slot machines to be installed at Golden Gate Fields. We don't need a waterfront mall and we certainly don't need a casino. Examine the position of the candidates carefully because several are strong mall supporters.

A New Vision for Albany Join me in creating a new vision for our community and our shoreline's future. While Council candidates agree on many issues, we have clear differences on the shoreline. It's time to plan thoughtfully for ourselves and future generations. We can have a great shoreline park and redevelop the racetrack property while protecting and enhancing local tax revenues. We can continue to revitalize our downtown, maintain high quality City services (police, fire, library, public works) and improve our schools. We have the opportunity to make our town, already one of the best places, even better.