"Albany can do way better" applies to a lot of things: it could be a slogan for the city.
The site proposed for a convention center or CDPHP looks, from the photo, like Liberty Park—Albany's oldest park: "Liberty Park." Albany (NY) History. March 26, 2010. http://albanynyhistory.blogspot.com/2010/03/liberty-park.html
"Albany can do way better" applies to plans for developing Liberty Park. Don't develop it.
Aside from the question as to whether the area needs a convention center, whether it would be profitable, etc.: is the crowded downtown area really a good idea? Is a convention center just like any other convention center a good idea?
Overlooking downtown Albany is an abandoned Regency Inn (formerly Howard Johnsons) and the abandoned historic Doane Stuart School campus. Demolish the Regency Inn, build a convention center and towering hotel there with a unique view of downtown Albany and (if angled north and south of the Port of Albany) views of the Hudson River. Restore the entire Doane Stuart School campus for additional convention center facilities and accommodations. Lots of parking space available, and it's right near the Thruway and 787.
Shuttles could be run to Albany, but how dull! The center would be enhanced by something more unusual: a gondola to a tower in Albany near the Empire State Plaza. A choice between going to a convention center with a gondola and one without would be an easy one. Connecting to the Rensselaer Rail Station might be desirable too: a tunnel, possibly?
Politicians and law enforcement with more integrity in Albany would also be likely to make Albany a more desirable convention center destination.
Perhaps they're outlandish ideas, but otherwise Albany would seem to be risking being just another city with just another convention center - perhaps just another failed convention center. If Albany can do not just a little better but way better, then why not actually do way better for once?
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