Today’s Recorder editorial again raises the question of whether the Amsterdam mayor’s office should be responsible for marketing the city to economic developers.
The problem in the city is that different political agendas are hindering the actual marketing, which the editorial says should be handed to an outside agency.
It also suggest that an entity such as the Metroplex in Schenectady be set up to handle marketing duties so the mayor’s office can focus on actually administering the day-to-day operations of city government. The last thing the city needs is an office biting off more than it can chew.
Quick take: One thing I’ve never really understood is when the words “marketing,” “downtown development” or “economic development” are mention, the Montgomery County Chamber if Commerce is rarely mentioned. Shouldn’t officials be getting the chamber more involved in efforts like this?
Also other nearby cities have had limited, but more, success in development when city hall isn’t directly involved. Gloversville has a Business Improvement District for a specifically defined area of its downtown, and frankly, Stump City’s downtown is much more thriving than what you’ll find in the Rug City. Maybe something like that could be tried in Amsterdam.
September 5, 2010
To market, to market
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Charlie,
Marketing should be handled by someone other than city hall so as to keep the continuity going during administration changes. Now that AIDA is under the county economic developement umbrella they could take it over. And support from the Chamber in any form would also help.
Comment by Diane — September 5, 2010 @ 2:03 pm |
Shouldn’t marketing be a group effort? City Hall, Chamber, economic development groups? Why else would local businesses join say, a chamber if they aren’t expected to do marketing? On the state level there are agencies that handle marketing campaigns regardless of administration changes, why can’t the local level be the same?
Comment by imajovigirl — September 5, 2010 @ 3:47 pm |
A major part of the problem is that our city officials don’t know where downtown is. For reasons no longer relevant, it moved to Route 30 a long time ago and it won’t be coming back because a) there’s no reason to come back and b) once people get used to shopping in one place. it is very difficult to move them to another area.
The late Bob Conover (third generation of Seely Conover Co.) told me an interesting story by way of example. Back when the Key Bank building was on the drawing board, Conover’s was on the south side of East Main Street, a couple of doors away from the future skyscraper. Bob’s father reasoned that the long construction timeline would cause barricades to be erected in the middle of that block, changing the flow of pedestrian traffic to the other side of the street. He moved the story to go with the new flow, and noticed that the old retail traffic pattern on the south side of East Main never recovered. Ever.
Similarly, the long delays between demolition and construction in the Amsterdam Mall project sent retail buyers elsewhere, and even a full mall never got a chunk of the customers back.
So, as nice as it would be, we can’t even begin to hold the slightest hope that East Main Street downtown will ever be what it was. Sure, we can improve the traffic pattern, and a few niche stores will stay around and come and go, but retail business has gone where economic realities demand. And the laws of supply and demand cannot be repealed by a resolution of the Common Council.
Comment by Robert N. Going — September 5, 2010 @ 6:25 pm |
Very well put Mr. Going. I agree 100%. It’s just another part of “Fluffyland”.
Comment by mag — September 5, 2010 @ 9:12 pm |
I think there is some very good insight and wisdom in what you have recounted here, but it’s too bad you’ve come to the conclusion that the situation is impossible. There have been revitalization success stories in places like Schenectady, Troy and Ballston Spa, I don’t see why we can’t acheive similar results here. The thing is – demand can be created, but it takes innovation and visionary leadership.
Comment by Tim Becker — September 5, 2010 @ 10:40 pm |
Realistically, I don’t see how you can compare Ballston Spa, Troy, Schenectady or even G-ville to Amsterdam. We have a HUGE obstacle right in the middle of everything. It’s so not the same. Even if you change the traffic pattern you will still have the obstacle. What exactly is “downtown” anyway? The two blocks west of The Riverfront Center?? What other area do you know that had only two blocks of “downtown” with no traffic flow passing through?…I do believe demand can be created. Innovation is great, as long as it’s realistic. Maybe the mayor should stick to the real issues in Amsterdam and leave the marketing to more qualified entities.
Comment by mag — September 6, 2010 @ 9:06 am
I understand the problem that the Riverfront Center presents an obstacle that is unique to Amsterdam. But my point is that it doesn’t need to be a death sentence. All cities have obstacles, they get around them with creative thinking. Maybe the old downtown is a lost cause, maybe we need to indentify a new area (or maybe areas) that can serve as urban centers.
Comment by Tim Becker — September 6, 2010 @ 1:32 pm
Diane, You are misinformed when you suggest AIDA….They too change their composition when differing administrations come in , In fact they serve at the pleasure and selection of the Common Council.
Comment by SunnyDay — September 6, 2010 @ 9:15 am |
You are correct. It just seems in the past there wasn’t as much turmoil on that board.
Comment by Diane — September 6, 2010 @ 3:51 pm |
If you investigate the origins of the Chamber…You find t to be a not for profit a membership-based organization that advocates for, and works with, our member businesses. In some communities it may be the be all but I believe those are ones with extensive funds/
In some communities Chambers do Participate in expanding the reputation and allure of the community they are in
What Does the Chamber of Commerce do? The Chamber improves our community by
•creating jobs
•implementing beautification programs
•improving education
•lobbying local, regional and state government on behalf of our member businesses
•supporting new and existing businesses
•stimulating economic industrial, commercial and agricultural growth
•promoting quality of life for the entire comm
But it appears this is not the case in Montgomery County…where the City believes it is KING…!!
Comment by SunnyDay — September 6, 2010 @ 10:31 am |
The Chamber has cultivated a warm and fuzzy image but it is strictly a pro-business organization. They lobby against things like safety regulations in the work place, increases in the minimum wage, mandatory worker benefits, progressive tax policies, ect. They’re the NFIB with better P.R..
Comment by MJD — September 6, 2010 @ 1:37 pm |
I agree the Chamber of Commerce should take a more active role in recruiting business to this area. It would benefit them as well as the local community. THe Nashville Chamber is a good example of this:
http://www.nashvillechamber.com/Homepage/Relocation.aspx
Then again, the Chamber of Commerce is a private organization that cannot be micro-managed by local government. Here is a situation where a true politician could enable a line of open communication between the Chamber and the AIDA to form a partnership to promote tourism as an industry. Emphasizing the Mohawk River and our rich heritage while developing a marina, historic boat tours, dinner cruises and relocating the train station downtown using federal funds from the high speed rail initiative are all possibilities.
Nothing will be accomplished until our city government starts working together towards a common goal. Personal agendas have to be put aside and our elected officials need to be reminded exactly who they are being paid to represent. If it takes replacing the whole lot to get this accomplished, then so be it.
Comment by Jerry Skrocki — September 6, 2010 @ 1:42 pm |
Jerry, you do know that the high speed rail is not stopping here in Amsterdam?? Why therefore would funds be available to move the train station from that project?? Just curious.
Comment by Diane — September 6, 2010 @ 3:11 pm |
Here is the 2009 plan:
https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/policy-and-strategy/planning-bureau/state-rail-plan/repository/State%20Rail%20Plan%202009-02-10.pdf
Look for the third rail plan on page 93.
Here is the funding:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/us/politics/17train.html
The second article specifically mentions a high speed Empire Line running east to west in New York State.
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/president_obama_send_148_milli.html
“Washington — Upstate New York will receive $148 million in federal stimulus grants to develop a high-speed rail line that will run across the state.
The money will pay for a series of track, grade-crossing and station improvements that will pave the way for a long-term project to bring high-speed rail service to the 285-mile Empire Rail Corridor that stretches from Buffalo to Albany.”
Where did you get your information Diane?
Comment by Jerry Skrocki — September 6, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
Jerry,
We all know that the entire city government is being micromanaged by the mayor. Maybe that is why the chamber has not wanted to get involved. Even outside organizations that should remain outside of city hall have been dragged in under the umbrella of the “Mayor’s Office”. I am glad that they have moved back to the city though.
I can say that Nashville is a fantastic city with so much to offer. Is there maybe another city in similar size to us that might be a better example. I am sure the BNA budget is several million taking all things into account.
Comment by Diane — September 6, 2010 @ 4:00 pm |
Jerry,
In the initial article (I Have not read the above) in one of the papers, they listed, 5 cities of which Albany/Schnectady, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo were the 5. Amsterdam was not on the list. As a result of that article and Amsterdam not being one of the 5 cities, I do not see how funds from the project can be used to move our train station. That does not mean there may not be other funds available for the project.
Comment by Diane — September 6, 2010 @ 4:36 pm |
This is where Paul Tonko, George Amedore and Hugh Farley can intercede on our behalf. Opportunities like this should not be overlooked. Why accept the status quo when we should be asking why not?
Even if we get partial funding from the federal government, the AIDA should be working on this issue to help fund the move. It is within the purview of their duties and responsibilities.
“Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008
The recently enacted Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 authorizes a total of slightly more than $13 billion over the next five years to Amtrak and it encourages the development of new and improved intercity rail passenger services. The act established a first-ever intercity passenger rail capital grant program for states. States are required to identify intercity passenger rail corridor improvement projects in their State Rail Plan to be eligible for the federal capital grant funding authorized by this act. The act authorizes $1.9 billion for capital grants to states over five years, starting in 2009, for facilities and equipment necessary to provide new or improved intercity passenger rail. The act reserves $2 million annually for states for small capital projects. Also under this act, $325 million is authorized in “congestion grants” to be made available to Amtrak and states over the next five years, beginning in 2009, for high-priority rail corridors to increase capacity along certain lines to reduce congestion and facilitate ridership. The act establishes a high speed rail corridor development program, with authorized funding of $1.5 billion beginning in FY 2009. States and Amtrak can apply for grants for capital projects in high speed rail corridors.
The 2008 Act substantially increases the federal government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s intercity rail passenger network. It is important to note that Congress must annually appropriate funding for these newly authorized programs.”
Comment by Jerry Skrocki — September 6, 2010 @ 6:23 pm |
It baffles me why the Recorder has now published two editorials basically saying the Mayor should stop her marketing efforts as if it’s some sort of bizzare behavior on her part. The Sassafras Journal has an excellent post that breaks down the editorial’s points and debunks them rather neatly. The only thing I might add is that while cooperation with other agencies such as MCIDA and The Chamber would be great, it is not the primary mission of either organization to market the City of Amsterdam as a whole. The Mayor’s Office is the only entity that is in a position to coordinate a marketing plan that is 100% focused on the city. There may be plenty of valid arguments as to how the Mayor is conducting the marketing plan, some of which I may agree with, but to criticize her for even attempting to conduct marketing efforts, just strikes me as a political pot shot.
Comment by Tim Becker — September 6, 2010 @ 10:34 pm |
Jerry, Are you talking to move the station or have the high speed rail stop here? If all the communities on the reg line want high speed rail, won’t that defeat the purpose of having limited stops and not increase the overall times??
Comment by Diane — September 6, 2010 @ 10:51 pm |
I’m just saying that we should use the current funding initiative to our best advantage and relocate the Amsterdam stop downtown with a new station.
Most passenger rail lines have both local and express trains. Metro North from Poughkeepsie to New York is a good example.
Comment by Jerry Skrocki — September 7, 2010 @ 12:14 am |
I think the editorial has it dead wrong. Thane should do NOTHING but market the city. Since she has proven fairly inept at running Amsterdam (i.e., no engineer for almost a year, the budget disaster, the untended infrastructure, all those city-owned abandoned properties, Halgas still draws a salary for next to no work, etc, etc, etc), maybe it would be best to let her do what in the end will cause no real harm – marketing – and pry her fingers off the rest of the city, which to date is slowly crumbling in her ham fists.
Comment by Peter — September 7, 2010 @ 10:54 am |
“Halgas still draws a salary for next to no work…”
—come to think of it, what DOES that guy do? or at least what does he have to show for the salary he draws?
And does anyone have an update as to the portable light plant that had its power cords cut?
Comment by Tatum Stevens — September 7, 2010 @ 11:21 am |