📣 Get ready for more pot 🌿 💨 shops near you

Good morning, Capital District! It’s a beautiful Monday and we’re starting off on a high note today. The big question on our minds: Why aren’t there more cannabis shops in New York? Well, we’ve got the answer. Plus, check out the incredible shot of the Northern Lights over upstate New York below.

Let’s roll 🛵

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

In Partnership With

Today in The 518

• Get ready for more (legal) pot shops near you

• Pro soccer team supporters are hopeful but cautious

• See if you’re making more money than your neighbors

• Plus, Home of the Week and the Northern Lights over NY

📣 TALK OF THE TOWN

No, you’re not high. Dispensaries are slow to open in NY

It’s been three years since New York legalized marijuana. But try finding a legit cannabis dispensary in the Capital District. According to Weed Maps, there are just 10 dispensaries in the entire region that allow legal purchases of herb for recreational purposes. Of course, there are many places to buy weed illegally—iykyk.

Now we know the reason for the slo-mo rollout: The Office of Cannabis Management, the state agency in charge of approving new dispensaries, has been a total failure. So, as part of a massive overall, Gov. Kathy Hochul is tossing out the executive director and promising to review applications for new licenses within 90 days. There are 4,900 applications in the backlog 😬 with only 223 approved licenses so far (although many are not operating as retail stores yet).

You can expect to see more NY-approved weed shops popping up soon. We say fans of wacky tobacky 🌿 💨 🙏 have suffered long enough.

Are you making more money than your neighbor?

The Times Union put out a spiffy online tool that lets you see the average income in your zip code. It’s a great way to feel better (or worse) about yourself this Monday. After all, we all know wealth is highly relative. You don’t need to be rich to feel good—just richer than the people around you.

The Times Union used IRS data to find out where people have grown wealthier and poorer. The tool compares income in 2021 to wages in 2013. Fisher Island, Florida, had the highest average income of $6 millie per year 😲

Supporters of pro soccer stadium cautiously optimistic

Albany Empire. Albany Devils. Albany River Rats. What do all of these names have in common? They’re all pro teams that have come and gone from the Capital District.

It’s no wonder some folks are holding back their excitement over the news that a group of investors is pushing hard to attract a MLS Next Pro team to Albany. The group is also looking to raise $300 million to build a sports-and-entertainment complex in the Liberty Square area of downtown.

What’s your hot take? What will a pro soccer team and an 8,000-seat stadium do for Albany?

☔ WEATHER WATCH

It’s going to get warmer this week, but keep your ☂️ handy for the occasional rain showers—especially on Hump Day.

A message from our partner

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Don’t know where to start? For a limited time, we are offering free 30-min coaching calls ☎️ for small & medium businesses in the Capital District. Chat with us about optimizing your website, reviews, Google listings, social media, Shopify stores, and more! Sign up here (limited availability).

🗞️ CAPITAL DISTRICT DIGEST

Albany Tulip Fest: Where did all the bulbs go?

Did you go to the Tulip Festival this past weekend? Did it seem like many of the petals were past their prime? We’re pointing our fingers at… yep, climate change.

The Albany Tulip Fest isn’t the only tulip festival struggling with the ravages of climate change, which is bringing warmer, wetter and more erratic spring seasons. Tulips thrive in steady weather. Here’s an interesting look at how climate change has affected another big event, Michigan’s Tulip Time Festival.

Missed our own festival this past weekend? The Times Union has all of the photos of the 76th affair.

What’s the best preservation effort in Albany?

Here at The 518 HQ, we have the honor of working out of a historic 1874 Albany townhome recognized by the Historic Albany Foundation. Honestly, it feels like we’re living in an episode of the “The Gilded Age” every day.

Each year, the foundation gives out various awards to projects, people and organizations that best demonstrate excellence and a commitment to preservation techniques. You have until May 30 to make your nominations.

Btw, “The Gilded Age” is currently scouting for locations in the Capital District for Season 3.

You can now fly direct to Raleigh ✈️ 👏

Avelo Airlines just launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Albany International Airport and Raleigh-Durham, NC. One-way fares start at $69. Who has flown on Avelo?? Here’s an in-depth review of the ultra-low cost carrier (i.e. expect everything to be a la carte.)

Taking the train from Saratoga to Montreal? Check your dates

Speaking of traveling, Amtrak passenger rail service from Saratoga to Montreal will be suspended from May 20 to June 30, to make way for track improvements in Quebec. Boo.

🏠 HOME OF THE WEEK

You know we love beautiful old homes here at The 518. This elegant 1874 townhouse in the charming Center Square neighborhood is steeped in history. Look at that cobblestone street! The classic good looks of a well-maintained Gilded Age home is evident in the original crown molding, marble fireplaces, high ceilings and spacious rooms. Find the listing here.

The deets: 2 bd, 2 ba, 1680 sq ft. Asking: $329,900. Days on the market: 5

📷 PARTING SHOT

Sarah McGinnis, a professional photographer from upstate New York, shot this brilliant image of the Northern Lights over Wyoming County, NY, around 11:30 pm last Friday night. Here’s what she said about this moment: “A dream came true for many of us last night witnessing the Northern Lights. It still brings me to tears that I was able to witness it.”

Btw, if you’re looking for someone to shoot your wedding, engagement or elopement, Sarah’s your gal. She’s all about capturing unforgettable adventures. Book her here.

🎸 MUSIC & EVENTS ROUNDUP

❤️‍🔥 SHARE THE LOVE

If you made it this far, we love you! And if you love what you’ve read, please share The 518 with your neighbor—the one who has a bigger 💰 than you!