Schenectady, like many other Northeastern cities that once hosted a major manufacturer, faced hard times as the payrolls at GE were cut and the downtown stores and the shoppers headed to the suburban malls. But with word that a major riverside casino and development are coming, there is renewed optimism in the Electric City. Mayor Gary McCarthy, who gave his state of the city address this week, says the casino is just one reason why Schenectady is looking forward.
