📣 How to really attract them young folks to the Capital District

Today in The 518

• How to truly attract them young folks to the Capital District

• Memorial Day parades & events around town

• The top 10 Chinese restaurants in the region

• How many fatal shootings have happened on your block?

What would it really take to attract them young folks

Congrats to the class of 2024! No, not the grads who walked in cap & gown these past few weeks. We’re talking about the just-released Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40—all ”ambitious young professionals who have a stake in the economic future of the region.”

We read all 40 profiles so you don’t have to. What struck us was one question that was asked of this group: What would it take to attract more young professionals to the Capital Region?

Many of the answers were what you would expect: more job opportunities, entertainment options, affordable housing, public transit, etc.

But Nick Kraft, 38, chief growth officer for CDPHP, struck a common theme when he said: “We have everything we need right in front of us; we just need to do a better job of selling ourselves. I went to school in Columbus, Ohio, and see a lot of similarities to the Capital Region. You have a state capital where the job market is dominated by government, health care and higher education. When I graduated in 2009, it was still nicknamed, ‘Cowtown.’ Today, Columbus has a diverse economy and is home to one of the youngest and most educated populations in the nation. We can do the same here.” Right on, Nick.

Or as Angelo Caruso, 33, president of Caruso Electrical Contracting, put it: “No one knows about Albany... My family in Long Island thinks we live on a farm.”

Our take: We need a revitalized downtown for Albany with a vibrant mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment. Better food all around & a pro sports team too!

Memorial Day events in the Capital District

How is it already Memorial Day?! It’s the unofficial start of summer and a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our armed forces. The Times Union has a good roundup of parades and other related events around the Capital District. Also look at these Memorial Day roundups for the Albany area and Saratoga. And watch for our top weekend picks, out every Wednesday.

Are these the 10 best Chinese restaurants? 🥡

Speaking of good eats, the listeners of Q105.7/103.5 have made their picks for the best Chinese restaurants in the Capital District. Spoiler alert: Our personal fave made the list at No. 1—Plum Blossom in Troy. The food is delish, but a bonus is that you feel like you’re in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” about to get your butt kicked 👊

How many fatal shootings on your street?

The New York Times is out with an interesting look at the surge in gun violence since the pandemic. Enter your address here and zoom into your block to see how many fatal shootings have occurred since 2020. Here’s a look at Albany, which has seen at least 50 fatalities in that time. We can do better, Albany!

“There ain't nothing baby better than this. It's like a beach blanket and a bottle of wine. It feels something like summertime.” —Bon Jovi

Get ready for that sweaty sexy summer glow (in May)! Mother Nature is bringing on the heat this week 🥵

Beloved Halfmoon Italian joint hangs up its apron

A Halfmoon favorite, Nonna Maria's Italian Kitchen, is closing its doors after a 10-year run. The eatery next door, Mi Mexico Lindo, will be expanding into the space. Details here. Ugh, we need more mom-and-pop places like this, not fewer 😥

Troy Hidden Garden Tour 🌷 returns for 25th year

There are some incredible gardens around the Capital District, but most are hidden from public view. Luckily, the Troy Hidden Garden Tour returns this Thursday to let you be a voyeur peek behind the gate with self-guided tours of some of the most spectacular home gardens in the Collar City. Get tix here. 4-7:30p, Thurs. $20 presale, $25 day of. The tour is on, rain or shine!

Need help besides police and fire? Call 211

Everyone knows about 911, but not everyone knows you can call 211 to get connected to essential human and health services. If you’re looking to find the right agency for, say, mental health services, this is the number to call—just don’t misdial 911. In 2019, 15 million calls were placed to 211 statewide. The final NYS budget fully restored $2.4 million in funding to the service. File this one under “Good use of your tax dollars.” 👏