Michael Yevoli, commissioner of Albany's Department of Development and Planning told the local media the city looks at the demolition as a balance between economics and preservation. Some buildings clearly have to go, while others can be preserved. The sticking point, however, is which ones?

While some question using the federal dollars to raze what may be salvageable housing, the city states it will only target buildings that are in danger of collapse or that are so expensive to fix that no one would buy them.

The city does plan to use the remainder of the grant money to stabilize structures in ''moderate distress.''

The city notes the demolitions will create jobs, improve property values and stimulate reinvestment in some of Albany's more depressed neighborhoods.

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings signed into law in late Nov. 2009 an ordinance that brings ''pause and order'' to premature demolition of older buildings. The law requires that before demolition permits can be issued, the planning board must review what would become of the space left when a building is razed.