Episode Details

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing his decision to pull the plan for a new bus terminal in Albany's South End.

The decision came less than 24 hours after McCoy posted an update on the project on social media, saying: "The Advance Albany County Alliance, in partnership with Albany County, is advancing plans for the development of a new Intercity Bus Terminal at 106 South Pearl Street."

As for what changed, McCoy said it was a buildup of certain opposition to the project.

00:00 – Intro
Tom Eschen introduces Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the South End bus terminal debate.

00:29 – Why this site
McCoy explains why bus companies wanted the former McDonald’s site and his vision to fix an “eyesore.”

03:53 – Pushback and pivot
He describes local opposition and shifting the property toward arena overflow and a potential sale.

13:21 – Timeline and funding
McCoy talks about timeline of project and lays out how the project fit into a larger downtown funding package.

17:41 – Dropping the plan
He explains why he’s walking away to focus on other county priorities and projects.

19:40 – Was it worth it?
Tom Eschen asks if the process was a waste; McCoy reflects on loud voices versus broader community sentiment.

21:37 – What should go there?
He recounts alternative ideas and argues the bus terminal was one of few viable options.

23:08 – Working with the new mayor
McCoy says future city projects will follow the new mayor’s vision, with the county in a supporting role.

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