Making Central Ave a Go-To Area

I was raised on Lexington Ave. & Central in the 50'-60's. It was a great neighborhood along with Washington Park we never had to leave it for anything. I am now employed in a position on Central Ave. below Quail St. I drive to and from Colonie. Last week I ventured down Central Ave to Lark St. on foot and was amazed at the differences. I saw 2 businesses that were around when I lived there, Central Florist and The Blue Note Shop. One of the biggest differences is that the shooping area is now very ethenic. That could be a good thing normally, but in this case it is not. Store windows were often a disarray of junk, covered with dirty blankets or sheets, no signage of what is in the store and overall very unappealling and uninviting. Many of our ethnic neighbors have no clue how to market anything. They work very long hours and I can't imagine what their financial results are. I could not envision my self or bringing my family into a store with a ripped blanket over the window and no idea of what is inside. It is a very sad situation for the "Avenue" because I can see no growth or potential under the present circumstances. I know they can't be Colonie Center but they can certainly do better then what they are today. The first thing I do when I visit other cities is explore  ethnic neighborhoods and have found wonderful restaurants, exquisite jewelry and clothing. Most shops are inviting and you know what they are marketing before you enter. Many people talk about making Lark St. to Quail St. and ethnic go to sight, but they better take off their rose colored glasses and take a good look at what they are working with. Could all this be turned around and be a destination for the city?? Of course, but there is a ton of work to be done, store fronts redone, marketing education for the existing business's and overall good planning. Thanks for listening!!