I am one of the many state employees who commute daily from outside the capital district to work in downtown Albany. My journey from Duanesburg, NY is over 25 miles, and like many others, I rely on my vehicle not just for commuting but also for emergencies or appointments. The McCarty Avenue Parking Lot has been a lifeline for us, offering a safe and convenient place to park our vehicles.

The recent decision to close this lot without providing sufficient alternatives is not only unfair but also unreasonable. We are now forced to resort to parking lots located in unsafe areas of the city that require lengthy walks to our workplaces. Moreover, we are being asked to pay twice as much money for garage spots which many employees aren't even eligible due to their short lengths of employment.

It's disheartening that state employees have been burdened with parking fees at all while working in Albany - an issue that needs addressing separately. However, the immediate concern is the closure of McCarty Avenue Parking Lot which was highly utilized by us.

We urge you reconsider this decision and maintain employee parking at McCarty Avenue or provide reasonable alternatives that do not impose additional financial burdens on state employees or compromise their safety. Please sign this petition if you believe in fair treatment and support our cause!