Benson St. in Albany (Kent, Rose: renting, violent crime, houses)

[Brad2832]

I may be renting something on Benson St. in Albany. It is relatively close to St. Rose and safety is a concern of mine. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on the safety of this particular street, or area?

[PhilG]

Benson is OK. The end of Benson closer to Quail is not good, but if you're in the higher numbers in the block just near St Ann (the intersection of Benson, Manning, Main, and Kent), you're good.The higher the house number the better.I live one block over on Kent with my wife and young daughter. I live near the big intersection, and my bock is mostly owner-occupied and very nice people. As you inch toward quail it gets worse. Moderator cut: advertising

[Brad2832]

I see, I will actually be very close ot where it intersects Partridge St.

[PhilG]

Not the greatest, but I suppose it depends on your price range and family situation. I wouldn't move in that end with my wife and 18 month old little girl. Rents are much better, though. What's your price range and situation? Maybe I can point you in the right direction...

[PhilG]

One more thing...I belong to the neighborhood association - eye-opening both for good and bad reasons...plenty of small crime and several drug dealers working out of houses on "lower" Kent and Benson...

[Brad2832]

I am a student. The exact street I am on seemed good. If there are 4 blocks to benson, I am on the second one on the east. On the same street as the flower shop. I also noticed one of the county legislators lives at 77 Benson I believe. You really think it is an unsafe area there? I saw the first block of Benson to be pretty bad looking but it instantly turned better looking. Where more specifically are the drugs and small crime?

[PhilG]

If you're looking for a long term tenancy, then you'll want to consider visiting a Beverwyck Association meeting next month. They're held at the Orlo on Allen. I can give you the next meeting date when I get back into town. The small crime I mean is bikes being stolen, garages robbed (because people don't lock them), porch furniture stolen off front porches, cars broken into if not locked, and once in a while a car is stolen in our neighborhood. The drug dealer houses run from your end all the way to mine. I've only heard of one incident of violent crime, and that was a long time ago. Also, it seemed that the actual perpetrators of the crime was from a different area anyway. There are several dealer houses by you, and one by me. The guy by me knows we're all watching, so they're very careful. Kent is worse, though. Thepolice are aware of each problem house, and they make frequent drive-by visits to make sure the bad element know they're being watched. Overall, I don't think it's a problem for a student in his 20s who can take care of himself. If you're happy with your spot, by all means stay! We need good people in our neighborhood! However, I do plan to move in the next couple of years for the sake of my family.