ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) – Albany city leaders and business owners say they’re working to bring new life to downtown and its nightlife scene, as recent trends show fewer people are going out than in years past.
The effort is a key priority for Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, who formed an advisory council through her first executive order to focus on revitalizing downtown activity. Officials say the group is studying why turnout has declined, pointing in part to rising living costs since the COVID-19 pandemic.
For some residents, the shift has been noticeable. Crystal Turner, who regularly visits downtown bars and restaurants, said the area feels different from when she first started coming there…