📣 Rising rents & home prices fuel 🔥 🏠 debate

Today in The 518

• Rising rents & home prices fuel red-hot housing debate

• What Albany’s top FBI agent is worried about right now

• Albany seeks help cracking down on illegal dirt bikes

Rising rents, home values fuel fierce housing debate

We’ve noticed an interesting trend of late: The Capital District has been getting a ton of attention from the national press. Recently, US News ranked Albany among its Best Places to Live. Money magazine also named Troy one of the 50 best places to live in the US. And Saratoga Springs was called one of the best college towns in America.

Now, you gotta take these rankings with a giant grain of salt. But, perhaps not coincidentally, real estate prices in the Capital Region are surging. The increase in Albany home values was more than 4x the national average in January, according to Realtor.com. The average rent in Albany is now $1,617 per month—about $300 above the US average 😬

All of this is dumping fuel on the red-hot debate over the lack of affordable housing throughout the state. Just this week, Times Union columnist Chris Churchill called out Delmar residents for opposing a proposed 170-unit apartment complex in Bethlehem, where the median home price is nearly $400K.

“When we argue against new housing in our neighborhoods, we are, in effect, arguing for more expensive housing,” Churchill wrote. “Usually, it’s those of us who have a piece of the American dream making it harder for those who don’t.”

Those are fighting words 👊 my man. Give us your take in the comments (desktop only).

Albany’s top FBI agent has his eye on these crime trends

Craig L. Tremaroli is the special agent in charge of the FBI's Albany Field Office, and he’s been talking to the press about his priorities. Agent Mulder Tremaroli is especially worried about scams against the elderly, drug-dealing street gangs, and organized crime groups involved in extortion. You mean, the Mafia is alive and well in the Capital District?? 😱 Read the full story in the Times Union.

Sheriff and city seek help in cracking down on dirt bikes

Albany has had a dirt bike problem for years. Of course, you’ve heard about the UAlbany freshman who nearly died after getting hit with a dirt bike while walking along Hudson Avenue. (Btw, Alexa Kropf is doing better but still has a long recovery ahead.) In 2021, Mayor Kathy Sheehan banned ATVs and dirt bikes from city streets and parks. This month, the Albany Common Council passed a resolution calling for the state to take stricter measures against violators. More details from WAMC.

“Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” — Hans Christian Andersen

This weekend looks like an excellent day for a picnic in the park 🌞 or a stroll through the Greek Festival or the Waterford Canal Festival. See our weekend roundup below 👇

Schenectady approves deal for $42M aquatics center

A state-of-the-art swim facility is coming to the downtown area. County legislators approved a deal to begin construction on the 80,000-square foot SUNY Schenectady Aquatics Center, jointly funded by the county, the college and the Adirondack Aquatics Center. Scheduled to open in 2027, it will feature an NCAA-compliant 8-lane Olympic-size pool, plus space for spectators, concessions and locker rooms.

Albany Nature Bus returns, adds Schenectady service

Want to enjoy the great outdoors but don’t have a convenient way to get around or don’t wanna drive yourself? The CDTA has got you covered with the free Albany Nature Bus 🌳 🚍, starting service next week for the 4th year. Schenectady residents can now join the fun, too. Details on schedules, locations and programming here.

Farmers markets 👩‍🌾 spring up all over Capital District

The Times Union is out with an excellent roundup of all the farmers markets now open for the season. And join the hot debate on Reddit on which farmers market is the best in the area. We’re partial to Troy’s waterfront market on Saturdays.