TROY, N.Y. -- "For me to announce and welcome the senator to the podium for this one more time, it's an honor," said Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian. "Senator, thank you."
While his city will be footing the bill for $2 million, the mayor is grateful for the $6 million in state aid coming to revitalize the Riverfront Park. It was, perhaps, Senator Joe Bruno's last economic announcement before he leaves office. And he chose to make it in the city that helped make him.
"I started my career 32 years ago right here in Troy," said Bruno. "And this has always been a priority, getting this done along this great river."
At water's edge, a new amphitheater and an esplanade are planned.
"Fourteen hundred feet, right along the river here, 15 feet wide, stainless steel guard rails," said Bruno.
And as Bruno giveth, Bruno taketh away, like the large salt pile that sits on the city's riverfront.
Outgoing Senator Joe Bruno has spent the last couple weeks delivering funds to various projects in his district. The most recent was a homecoming of sorts. Our Britt Godshalk was in Troy to announce funding for the city's Riverfront Park.
"That is going to be moved down into the more industrial sites and off the face of the river," said Bruno.
The plan also answers a lingering question in Troy. What is to become of the aging City Hall? Well, according to Bruno, it'll soon be no more. Instead, green space, with a garage underground.
Bruno said, "Right next to that will be a visitor's center with increased boat launch, increased access to the boats, increased docks, restroom facilities, laundry facilities, showers so that boaters that come up the river, down the river can actually stop in Troy, stay in Troy, do whatever they want to do in Troy. At the visitor's center, there will be a big registry. I am going to be among those that sign it when I go by in my row boat."
Row he may, but retire he won't. The senator wouldn't comment on published reports that he's considering an executive job with Latham-based CMA Consulting Services. A CMA spokesperson said he can't comment on "the speculation of others."
"You know what I'm learning honest and truly? Live your life one day at a time. One day at a time," said Bruno.