Statement from County Executive McCoy on Future of Former South End McDonald’s Property

"After receiving letters of support and positive feedback through direct conversations with members of the South End neighborhood about developing a new intercity bus terminal, we have decided to withdraw our request to invest County resources into this project, and the Alliance will put the former McDonald's property up for sale. We listened closely to the feedback we received from the public and have decided to pivot in a different direction.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey about the terminal and to those who turned out for the public meetings.

I want to commend Governor Hochul as the historical investment in Downtown Albany was to serve as a complement to the larger Liberty Park redevelopment through her Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) Initiative. I continue to support Mayor Dorcey Applyrs in her economic development efforts, and I commend the City's continued investment downtown, including the Omni project.

I also want to thank Albany County Legislature Chair Joanne Cunningham, Deputy Chair Wanda Willingham, Deputy Majority Leader Dennis Feeney and Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin for their efforts to replace an outdated bus terminal with a modern, safe and welcoming transportation hub.

Moving forward, there will be a 'For Sale' sign on this property. We will likely demolish the building and use the property as overflow parking for the MVP Arena, unless or until a buyer comes forward with a legitimate plan that serves the City of Albany and the County as a whole.