IDA BACKS PLAN TO UPGRADE MALL.(Local)

Byline: Daniel GoldStaff writer

The Albany Industrial Development Agency voted Tuesday to endorse $8.5 million in industrial revenue bonds for Colonie realestate developer Howard Carr's plan to "upgrade" the WestgateShopping Center.

Carr and his company, the Howard Group, will use about $6 million to purchase the land and buildings from the shopping center's owners, Westgate Albany Associates' Limited, the principal of which is the Farmer-LiGregni company of Totowa, N.J.

The rest, according to Carr's attorney, Ronald Krolick, wouldbe used to "modernize and upgrade" the buildings, parking lot, signs and facades "to regain the center's competitive …