Photo: fhm / Moment / Getty Images
Albany's Central Warehouse, a century-old structure, is facing demolition delays despite calls from local legislators for faster action. Built in 1927, the building has long been considered an eyesore. Albany County Republican legislators are urging that the demolition be completed before the warehouse's 100th anniversary.
The project has encountered several setbacks, including a lawsuit over the bidding process that stalled progress for nine months. In August, Governor Kathy Hochul announced state funding to assist with the demolition, but challenges remain. According to CBS6 Albany, the removal of asbestos is the first critical step, but cold weather has complicated efforts. County Executive Dan McCoy emphasized the need for safety, stating, "We don't want people breathing it in, so I'd rather take a little bit longer."
Additionally, the demolition must be coordinated with Amtrak to prevent disruptions to nearby railroads. Despite pressure to expedite the process, McCoy remains committed to the original timeline, projecting the demolition's completion by late 2026 or early 2027.