Albany County opens new parking lot downtown

ALBANY (WRGB) – Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced he’ll open a private parking lot to the public, to help make parking more convenient downtown.

The lot is located at 208 Washington Ave in Albany.

During the weekdays, county employees park there. It sits vacant at night.

McCoy says the lot will now be open to the public Monday through Friday from 6:00pm to Midnight for a flat rate fee of $5. It’ll be open Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM to Midnight for a flat rate fee of $8. Be aware, the meter only takes credit cards.

McCoy says people are often discouraged from shopping or eating downtown because parking is hard to find. He hopes this new lot will make parking more convenient.

“There are now no obstacles to coming to lark street and enjoying what we have to offer” Patrick Noonan from the Lark Street BID said.

McCoy says he also hopes it will bring people out for the city’s popular events, like parades or Tulip Fest.

“The City of Albany grows on those certain days by 66% of the population, and this gives people an opportunity to come to the park, or to walk around Lark Street on a Saturday, hopefully when the weather gets nicer. They have a place they can park now, and the business owners can say ‘hey park in this lot’.” McCoy said.