Updated 02/01/2008 08:59 AM
Convention Center too pricey?
ALBANY, N.Y. -- The total -- $397.5 million.
It's the first accurate, detailed cost estimate for the Albany Convention Center and local politicians are not pleased.
"One has to wonder, when will common sense finally prevail and scrap this terrible plan once and for all," said Christopher Higgins, Albany County Legislator.
The Convention Center Authority says the estimate is expected, with increases in construction costs, a struggling economy and high gas prices.
"We think these are very realistic figures. This is the first time this level of detail has ever been put to this, that's unfortunate but that's where we are," said George Leveille, board chair.
But much of the public's concern comes from reports of a tanking convention center industry.
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"Las Vegas has stolen some of their bigger conventions from Orlando. People are going to Las Vegas and so they are very concerned with the drop in business," said Albany City councilman Dominick Castallero.
The board says these concerns are unwarranted.
"Compare us to Providence. Compare us to Hartford. State capitols in the Northeast where apples and apples are the same instead of to things that are not relevant," said Albany Assemblyman Jack McEneny.
They say Albany still needs the convention center.
"There's no place to meet, there's nothing large enough," said McEneny.
The latest plan is more consolidated than before, with the convention center, parking garage and hotel in one structure, rather than several buildings, still connecting to the Times Union Center, with room to grow and leaving the surrounding streets intact.
So far, there's $205 million already pledged in state aid, but about $192 million more is needed. But McEneny says even with the struggling economy, securing more state aid is still realistic.
"I think the commitment of the Governor and the legislature is there and will be there when this increase is needed," McEneny said.
McEneny says if all goes according to plan they could break ground this July. Any delay once June rolls around will add on $40,000 a day to the bottom line.