this is an ongoing issue that has been complained about numerous times. the mayors office's soft stance on crime and lack of enforcement of the quality of life issues has made this small issue spiral out of control.

I SO agree with the above statement.
Albany has a problem Everett Road, no matter what exit you get on or off, down by the state capital on Dove Street, on Washington Ave., Henry Johnson Boulevard the list goes on and on and I do agree the mayors office doesn’t nothing about it.

I completely agree. I have been approached, harassed, yelled at (even from across the street), had panhandlers walk the entire length of Lark Street with me telling me their story before asking for money (several blocks - usually the "Mayor of Lark Street"), have had to reroute instead of walking down my street when walking home to avoid being followed down side streets, have had them actually SIT DOWN WITH ME at my table at outdoor patios and not leave. Between this and the constant smell of weed, walking down Lark or sitting outside on Lark has become really uncomfortable. I hear frequent complaints from coworkers when they walk to Lark about being panhandled and how it makes them not want to walk up there. It is hard to get anyone from other areas (suburbs, etc) to want to come back down when this is what they are subjected to. Why would they? I do not remember the last time I walked along Lark and was not panhandled or walked past or was following someone smoking weed. Same issue in Washington Park.

I so agree with JD. APD and the Mayor's office need to get clear on what constitutes aggressive or the city needs to end panhandling altogether. Asking people who do not what to be barraged, do not want to be interrupted while eating dinner or spending time with family and friends, do not want to be followed, and on and on and on is aggressive. Lark is declining terribly with this issue, litter, vandalism, abandoned or neglected property, drug use, more violence, loud drunk beligerent groups, what the owner of Dunkin Donuts allows on his business property, even a ridiculous amount of dog poop people don't clean up from their animals. We are losing business beyond the bar crowd for a reason and still no foot patrol officers at night when needed. If funding is the issue, the neighborhood needs engagement officers at night not from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Yes, I live in CS and the weed smell on Lark, Washington Park, side streets, (state, chestnut, Lancaster,jay, hudson, Hamilton) from renters and a like is VERY BAD. The noise ordinance sign that has been parked outside of Waldorf‘s is a JOKE.
It is ignored by everyone and until she Albany police starts giving tickets on a regular basis nothing will change. Center Square has fallen to the wayside
Of Albany‘s mayor and politicians a like .
Troy New York is becoming a better example of city living in Albany is becoming another Schenectady.

I used to be friendlier. I have lived around Lark for 17 years and there were always panhandlers. I even had to study my friends response and tone to them as I was not used to seeing this else where. "Not today" is the response. Handing out cash only encourages it more. Send your used goods and charity to the shelters and endorse yourself for caring.

Empire plaza loop. Every morning.

Empire plaza panhandler lives in east greenbush. Says he uses the money to pay for cable...

anything short of starting a petition is a waste of breath the mayors office just says well talk with the police about it and nothing happens. only way to get anything done is to start a petition and deliver it to kathy sheehan. if anyone is interested id be the first to sign.

^good idea. The only way things will change is if (a) people stop giving them money, or (b) new legislation is passed to curb their behavior. The panhandlers know the laws and they play within the rules. As long as they don't "aggressively panhandle" (physical interaction, follow you, verbal assault) there is nothing APD can do. If you want to see a change, contact your local representative directly and ask for new legislation. The council member that represents this part of Lark Street is Richard Conti - rc6thward@aol.com. Email him with your concerns and ask what's being done. Panhandling is a major problem and everyone is fed up with it. It's time the City makes a change.

I’ll sign

We have forwarded this issue to the APD for further response.

Of course all that happens next is we get the name and phone number of Officer Dan Webster who does exactly NOTHING time after time.

To park south neighbor, I think the panhandler in e. greenbush is lying. I tried to help a homeless guy who has lived in the woods and fringe of Albany for decades. I almost got him sober.... alas, in total of 5 years, I failed and moved on. My neighbors were mad, my BF got mad, and I had definite lowered feelings for even trying. I had no experience with this and it showed. I did learn a lot of stuff about the world of homeless druggie drunkards. I am told that most sign holders work in groups and when they earn enough they flop in cheap hotels and dope it up. Kindness is a sucker in some circles

I would not believe the stories any panhandler told me. Remember, no eye contact and stop handing them money. We live here.

Is it illegal to stand where the panhandler in the photo is standing? He is not on the sidewalk, there is no actual light to stop traffic. The cars may be stopped waiting to get onto the loop, but should not be distracted. When I have driven past, I have had to be careful to not hit him as I either turn left onto Hudson, or as I try to swing to angle into the loop. This location seems to be something the APD should be able to address easily.

I know that everyone likes to think that Lark Street etc are the only panhandler area, but the corner of New Scotland and Madison and Dana and New Scotland are just awful. I am harassed year round in that area and it would be wonderful if it maybe lessened a little.
Thank you.

This is currently a problem at:
- Henry Johnson Blvd. and Clinton Ave. - just last night there was an individual walking through traffic that was stopped at the light. Serious safety issue.
- S. Swan entrance to Empire Plaza loop
- intersection with Broadway coming off 787 Clinton Ave. exit

find a place in albany where this isnt a problem

No one has mentioned the panhandling around Colonie Center. It is so bad. Also at Mohawk Commons on Balltown Road. Panhandling is not a freedom of speech issue it is a safety and quality of life issue. I personally don't appreciate being emotionally manipulated by street actors. We have social services in Albany and Schenectady. Police should pick these people up off the streets and drop them off at an approved social service agency or DSS office to receive appropriate services. Repeat offenders not in need of services should be fined and jailed. In other words, there should be a zero tolerance panhandeling policy. To do otherwise does not adequately address the needs of the individual panhandeling or the needs of society.

2018