Coyne got Times Union Center built, but paid big price (Video)

The Times Union Center wouldn?t exist without Jim Coyne, but he paid a big price for its construction in downtown Albany, NY.

Coyne, the former Albany County executive, was the driving force behind getting the arena built in the 1980s, overcoming doubters and criticism over the rising price tag.

He celebrated the opening of the $70 million arena on January 30, 1990, with more than 16,000 other fans at a sold-out concert by Frank Sinatra.

Less than three years later, he was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after being found guilty of bribery and extortion for accepting $30,000 from his friend and arena architect, J. Gregory Crozier.

Coyne rebuilt his life after his release, and continues to maintain his innocence.

"I know I got screwed, and most people know that," he said.

Here, he talks about the Times Union Center?s impact on downtown, and his mixed feelings about the project. It?s part of the in-depth report about the arena in today?s Business Review.

DeMasi covers real estate, construction, retail and hospitality.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bizj_albany/~3/TSjKOaLASoA/coyne-got-times-union-center-built.html

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