Revitalizing Schenectady's urban areas will encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.In his State of the City address on Monday, Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton [1] took aim at vacant buildings, saying the resulting blight has been a hindrance to urban revitalization and a higher quality of life.

According to the Daily Gazette [2], the mayor proposed funneling much of the city's 2007 surplus to demolish to 50 worst buildings in Schenectady [3]. He hopes to spend $875,000 in the first year to accomplish half of that goal.

The lots could become sideyards for other homes, community gardens or even small parks. By reducing blight, the city would also create more impetus for people to reside in urban areas, rather than flock to suburbs and a less environmentally sustainable lifestyle.

Stratton also vowed to invest in commercial corridors, hoping they "can thrive again as they benefit from newly paved streets, sidewalks and curbs, new street lighting and other improvements that are essential to attracting new business growth."