-{TU}-Marv Cermak-10/27/09---

  Checking out Proctors on a recent non-show night CEO Phillip Morris introduced Marv to Lance Olson, long time theatre manager at Emerson College. Olson was profuse with praise about the upgrades at Proctor's through the years. He said Schenectady was wise building downtown's future on the arts instead of other choices made by some cities. He was stunned when Marv told him City neighborhoods have been failing badly in recent years. "When I was here 15 years ago, we took pictures of the neighborhoods because they were so beautiful," he said.

  This time around he hadn't seen the neighborhoods. While impressed with Proctor's Block improvements, he conceded that approaches to the theatre area along State Stree in either direction are in rough shape. Well in excess of $50 MILLION in Metroplex, State and Federal funding has been poured into the Proctor's block. Unfortunately, lower State Street, the first thing people see when they enter from the west, is a big time eyesore.

  About 15 empty storefronts, a big gap where the Robinson Furniture Store was razed and deteriorated streetscape greet visitors. The situation isn't much better on State east of Proctor's. The big question now is where will the funds come from to stabilize the balance of Downtown and the neighborhoods? Try to get an honest answer from your favorite local politician. Don't accept smoke and mirrors stimulus funds as an answer.

Go Marv!!!!!!!!!

Wasting $50 MILLION on taxpayer money on one block of State Street was hardly a "wise" choice.

  Marv is right about the disgrace on lower State below Erie. Plywood is the leading window dressing over there. But don't fret the horrible DSIC has decamped to the Lower State. That should spark "renaissance"?

  Whose gonna pay now? LOL-you sheeple that keep re-electing Metrograft cheerleaders like Judy DAG and SS Savage. At least these 2 have opponents-dump them.

I gotta buy that man a drink ... he's SO on target.

You and Marv should meet at The Big House. I hear they have Warsteiner Dark-lol-

Marv doesn't drink. He just pays attention.

How come no one at the Gazetto can pay attention? Did you hear about the missing signs in Rotterdam?

  But at least the horrible, job killing DSIC has come under fire. By members of its own Bored. Not Peggy King-but successful business leader Jack M who is sick and tired of the wasteful spending.