DMV move opportunity for Albany’s South End

Some big changes in Albany’s South End — the loss of a Rite Aid and the state Department of Motor Vehicles plan to move across town — could be an opportunity to improve the neighborhood.

When Rite Aid closes this week, residents will be left without a convenient place to buy groceries, health products and other common household items. That’s unquestionably a loss.

Before rushing to fill the vacancies, the city and county of Albany should think creatively about how to enhance the South Pearl Street area. They might, for instance, consider whether it would be better to redevelop the DMV site altogether to better fit the neighborhood than the urban renewal hiccup it now is.

Taking the time to make the right, thoughtful decisions will define the future of a neighborhood that deserves some investment.