Troy Talk

Sam Judge sends rather large message to city hall

2011-07-07T11:53:00.005-04:00

Update @4 p.m.: City spokesman Jeff Pirro weighed in on the sign, saying that although the timing of its placement is "curious" given the incidents over the past few days with the demolition, he believes it is directed more so at the City Council, which has a meeting tonight at 7 p.m.

The Council has taken it upon themselves to lead the initiative to move city hall functions to the Dauchy Building. The meeting tonight is at 7 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist at 35 State Street. We'll be tweeting from the meeting, follow along @ceceliamrecord.

A large "Now Leasing" sign was hung on the front of the Verizon Building -- also known as the current Troy City Hall -- this morning, in what is apparently the latest move in an increasingly hostile relationship between the city and building owner Sam Judge of 1776 Sixth Avenue, LLC.

City Economic Developer Vic Christopher posted a photo on Twitter around 10 a.m. of a ~~crane~~ cherry picker hanging the sign, which is about five times larger than the actual City Hall sign that hangs a few feet to the right.

Tensions between Judge and the city came to a head Tuesday when Judge attempted to leave an exit door at his property at 251 River Street. Problem is, the door exits into the active demolition site of the former city hall in Monument Square, and police were called to the scene -- as was Judge's attorney.

The city's lease at the Verizon Building expires at the end of the year (or the end of October, depending on who you ask), and Mayor Harry Tutunjian, following legislation approved by the City Council, did not sign a two-year lease renewal. Now, the City Council is working to move city hall to the Dauchy Building, a move that the administration and many downtown businesses are against.

City officials have long used the defense that a new lease agreement or purchase price for the Verizon building could be renegotiated instead of moving to the Dauchy Building, but this latest move by Judge demonstrates that negotiations may be harder to come by due to recent conflicts.

Meanwhile, contractors worked until after 8 p.m. Wednesday to make significant progress tearing down the rest of the former city hall, with City Engineer saying the building had to come down because it's half-demolished state posed a public safety issue.

Final feasibility study coming this week

2011-06-21T13:53:00.003-04:00

The final feasibility study compiled by John G. Waite and Associates on the Dauchy Building as a future city hall will be completed as early as tomorrow, according to Councilman Bill Dunne. Although Waite gave a final presentation of the study at a public meeting nearly two weeks ago, the final report, complete with cost estimates for the move and refitting of the building, has not been finished.

"It's 99.994 percent complete," said Dunne, adding that when the report is ready it will be posted on the Troy City Council Facebook page. He said that the committee formed to oversee the study and possible transition may also meet this week to discuss the results of the report and outline some next steps. The bi-partisan committee is comprised of Council members and city administrative employees.

The study was at the center of some emails that flew around late last week between Mayor Harry Tutunjian, Dunne, and Council President Clem Campana. Those are posted over at the Talespin blog.

Meanwhile, the city is currently accepting bids for the sale of the Dauchy and the River Triangle Buildings.

More about Pirro, Zalewski and the TWC working group

2011-05-06T13:29:00.002-04:00

In this article published today about the Time Warner Cable working group, I mention a series of e-mails between city spokesman Jeff Pirro and Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5, regarding Pirro's inclusion in the working group. In the article, we wrote that Pirro emailed Zalewski "asking to be added to the list," something Zalewski said is not true.

It may be splitting hairs, but at one point in the e-mail exchange Pirro does write "Ken - you have left me off the list below. Please add my email address as I will be taking Vic's place. Thank you!", which could, in some definitions, constitute asking.

However, here are all the e-mails in their entirety, so you can judge for yourself:

To interested citizens:

At this evening's Finance Committee meeting, the Council withdrew legislation that would have moved forward with the proposed Time Warner franchise agreement (available at http://troyny.gov/mayor/ProposedTimeWarnerFrnAgrmnt.pdf).

We instead passed a resolution that creates a Cable Television Franchise Working Group and appoints several initial members: Three Council members (myself, Bill Dunne, and Dean Bodnar), along with Vic Christopher (Economic Development Coordinator for the City) and Amy Williams (President of the Arts Center).

The legislation will appear on the May 5 Council agenda. By that time, I would like to have the full list of working group members.

Those who have indicated an interest or have been recommended to me so far are:
Naomi Bustamante
Andrew Lynn
Regina Keenan
Jason Martin
Jim Welch

I am sending this e-mail to everyone who attended (and signed in at) the March 21st Public Hearing, plus a few others. The current group tally is 10 (5 named in the resolution, plus the 5 listed above). I don't think the group should grow much larger than this, but I also want to make sure that I try to accommodate everyone who is interested in participating.

If you want to be a part of the working group, please let me know ASAP. If the number of interested persons becomes too large, I'll work with my colleagues to trim it down. The public will be invited to all meetings of the working group, so everyone will be able to participate at some level.

I will also be posting relevant information to the City Council's Facebook page (http://facebook.com/troycitycouncil). I have received a number of documents from Sue Buske - the consultant who worked on this back in 2003/2004. Those documents will be posted soon.

Thank you to everyone for your interest in this important issue for our city.

-- Ken Zalewski

Good morning –

It is my pleasure to inform you that since Vic wants to remain focused on developing projects full time, I am going to take his place on this committee. I look forward to working with all of you to try and find a workable solution to any perceived inadequacies. Thank you.

Regards,

Jeffrey J. Pirro

Good morning Ken –

Any updates on the working group membership? Did you publish a notice soliciting members or do anything to expand inclusion? A response before Thursday's meeting would be appreciated, thanks!

-- Jeff Pirro

The working group already has ten members based on the responses that I have received from interested citizens.

I also have the pleasure to inform you that you are not automatically on the group just because you sent me an e-mail stating that you are replacing Vic Christopher.

The legislation passed out of committee contained Vic's name, not yours. If Vic decides not to serve on the group, that is his choice.

For you to write to me to "inform" me that you are his replacement indicates that you do not understand your own role in city government. This is a Council-sponsored initiative. You do not have the standing to insert yourself onto a Council-created committee without the Council voting on it.

On a personal note, I'm a bit bewildered that you would have the audacity to write to me with such a demand, after months of ignoring me and showing outward disrespect toward me.

The proper way to approach this would have been to request membership on the working group, maybe stating some of your credentials for participation; maybe display a modicum of respect for the members of the Council; maybe show some of the humility that public service demands.

-- Ken Zalewski

Ken - I'm sorry. I thought we put all the partisan nonsense behind us. I certainly don't hold any grudges against you for calling me "shill" (among other things) and think its regrettable you "[had] the pleasure to inform" me I'm not automatically a member of the group, since individual exclusion from a public process shouldn't bring anyone joy.

I am the Mayor's representative since this affects legislation and information. I am able to include myself because this is a publicly created entity. Certainly, I don't need to be formally recognized since I'm doing this to garner attention or make the headlines. I just want to be part of a group that helps move Troy forward.

Thus, let me put your bewilderment to rest: I wanted to reach out to you because progress requires trust, bridges and communication, none of which existed.

My reaching out to you is an olive branch, a bridge building moment, and I hope you accept it.

-- Jeff Pirro

Thank you all for your interest in the Time Warner franchise agreement. Based on your responses, we will add the following six individuals to the Working Group on Thursday evening:

Jim de Seve
Regina Keenan
Andrew Lynn
Jason Martin
Steve Pierce
Jim Welch

They will join the already-appointed members, who include:

Dean Bodnar
Bill Dunne
Amy Williams
Ken Zalewski

Vic Christopher wishes to focus on economic development projects in the city, and has declined his membership.

If I am missing anyone, please let me know immediately.

Thanks.

-- Ken Zalewski

Ken - you have left me off the list below. Please add my email address as I will be taking Vic's place. Thank you!

-- Jeff Pirro

If you don't hold grudges, I'm wondering why you still can barely let a "hello" escape from your mouth when you see me. You have vilified me in your own mind, and it clearly shows. If you are trying to make amends, I'm ready and willing. I am just not certain your "olive branch" is genuine.

My use of the quote, "It is my pleasure to inform you," was a turn of your own phrase when you "informed" the Council that you were now on the committee. In case you forgot:

It is my pleasure to inform you that since Vic wants to remain focused on developing projects full time, I am going to take his place on this committee.

I figured that you would get the reference. Even your own statements below are tongue-in-cheek to anyone that knows you and how you treat people.

If you were genuinely concerned about building bridges, you would not lead off with your "informing" the Council - you would respectfully request that your name replace Vic's on the working group, and allow the Council to decide.

Oh, and regarding me calling you a "shill" for the Mayor, the definition of "shill" is:
a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty.

You are paid to make Harry look good (and ostensibly, to make the Council look bad), which is evidenced by your voluminous press releases for every little thing that the guy does, and the biased nature of your Facebook postings.

You already know that the Working Group meetings are public, and as a citizen you are more than welcome to attend. This was about membership on the group, not your participation as a citizen.

-- Ken Zalewski

Ken - the personal attacks are not going to help us move the group forward. Please include my email address on future communications. Thanks!

-- Jeff Pirro

Mayor: no towing for street cleaning

2011-05-03T14:53:00.004-04:00

UPDATE: Just to clarify, the city still has the legal right to tow cars for street cleaning, and will continue to tow for special street cleaning taking place throughout the city (wherever you see the big red and white 'No Parking' posters). City spokesman Jeff Pirro said that, as an administrative policy, the city is not towing cars for regular nightly street cleaning.

A few weeks ago we wrote that, at the direction of the Council, Mayor Harry Tutunjian had resumed the towing of cars for street cleaning. This was after the Council sent a proposed ordinance to double the fine for parking in a no-parking zone back to committee.

However, the Mayor told us this weekend that is not the case. Tutunjian said the city did NOT resume the towing of cars for street cleaning, so downtown residents can rest assured they won't wake up in the morning to a missing car if they park on the wrong side of the street. (The city does still have the right to tow cars for safety/traffic reasons, like if you're parked in a tow-away zone or in an unsafe manner.)

You will, however, still get a $35 ticket, and possibly dirty looks from neighbors who don't appreciate the car-length section of un-swept street, so fair warning. The $35 ticket doubles after 14 days.

If you've been towed in the past few weeks, let us know in the comments. Also, how do you feel about the Mayor's decision to not tow? Do you think he should have followed the Council's direction?

Full disclosure: I live downtown and have been towed for street cleaning more times than I can remember.

Mantello mayoral campaign goes social

2011-04-14T16:11:00.004-04:00

Mayoral candidate Carmella Mantello has released information for the online portion of her campaign, including a new website, Facebook Page and Twitter account. Mantello said her online presence will allow the "voters of Troy to closely follow her campaign and learn more about her vision for the future of the City."

"Campaigns move at a very fast pace, and these social media sites will allow the residents of Troy to be informed on a daily basis of my vision and plans to create jobs, promote waterfront revitalization, and enhance the quality of life throughout our City," said Mantello in a press release issued today. "These sites will create a dialogue, a two-way conversation between the people of Troy and me so together we can make Troy an even better place to live."

Mantello hasn't yet utilized her Twitter account, but the Facebook Page has 68 "likes" as of this posting (including one Record reporter who wants to stay up to date on campaign happenings). Most of the content on her website and Facebook Page are links to news coverage, but she has posted the following mission statement:

"Troy is facing significant challenges ahead and Carmella will forge new partnerships with business, community leaders and educational institutions to create a City that is an even better place to live and work. Waterfront development, one of our most vital resources, will be a centerpiece of her Administration. Jobs will be a top priority"

If you're interested, her website is at www.carmellaformayor.com, the Facebook Page can be found by searching "Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy" (no custom URL yet) and her Twitter account is @Carmella4Mayor.

What do you think about candidates utilizing social media for their campaigns?

Work started at the former Marshall Ray building

2011-03-16T15:00:00.003-04:00

Economic Development Coordinator Vic Christopher sent over some photos of Harmony Group workers as they begin the stabilization of the building's roof. According to the requirements of the sale of the building to the Harmony Group, the developer must have a plan for the complete stabilization of the building submitted by April 1 with the stabilization complete by May 1.

County Waste expansion proposal withdrawn

2011-02-17T18:51:00.002-05:00

A proposal to expand the tonnage at a County Waste trash transfer station in South Troy has been withdrawn, according to an e-mail sent by Nancy Baker of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In the e-mail, Baker said County Waste has also made facility adjustments in conjunction with the City of Troy to alleviate existing traffic concerns raised by residents in South Troy.

The email in its entirety:

To the Residents of Troy - This correspondence is directed to those residents or officials who provided comments to the NYS DEC regarding the proposal by County Waste to 1) increase the throughput at the transfer facility, and also 2) to receive waste deliveries during the hours of 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.

The comments we received were extremely valuable to evaluating the potential impacts of this proposal. Most of the comments related to the existing traffic congestion at the Burden Ave/Route 378/Route 4 intersection. Comments also made the Department aware of a situation wherein trucks were passing the facility and turning around to enter the facility. This resulted in more passes through that intersection than were necessary, and contributing to overall congestion in that area.

As a result, the Department has worked diligently with the City of Troy and County Waste Transfer Corporation to alleviate those issues. The request to increase the throughput (tonnage) at that facility has been WITHDRAWN, and the facility will continue to operate at the level previously approved. In addition, during our review of the requested overnight hours, County Waste has made facility modifications (specifically, the removal of the old rail road trestle) which hampered access to the facility from the back. Packer trucks will now pass the facility and enter from the back, negating the need to queue up at the intersection, or make a second pass to enter the facility. This change should significant reduce congestion in that area.

The overnight ours were requested in order to comply with OGS contract pickups. A maximum of three trucks per hour are permitted to make deliveries during the 10:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. hours, and no processing is permitted. Since throughput will not change, this will remove deliveries that previously occurred during the day, during peak traffic hours, as those will occur overnight.

I have enclosed the Department's complete response to comments, which outlines all comments received and the Department's response. I want to thank each of you for your participation in this process, and for the valuable and thoughtful comments that were submitted. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Baker also enclosed responses to comments submitted to the DEC during the public hearing portion, available below.

DEC responses to proposed County Waste expansion comments

Voter fraud specials on LoPorto's "menu"

2011-01-29T00:09:00.004-05:00

The following (obviously fake) menu for Lo Porto Ristorante "Gaffe", sent via fax from an anonymous source Friday evening, doesn't pull any punches on the restaurant's owner, Councilman Michael LoPorto, and other area Dems allegedly involved in the ongoing voter fraud scandal.

With dishes like Weasel con Kevin ("a thin, breaded turncoat, served in our delicious red sauce over shredded absentee ballots") and Frittura di Brown, the menu clearly came from someone who has been following the voter fraud story closely, but there's no indication who the prankster is.

The full "menu" below.

LoPorto's "menu"

Tutunjian: I think this is an excellent opportunity for the Council to take the lead

2011-01-21T17:19:00.003-05:00

One day after Mayor Harry Tutunjian urged the City Council to take the reins on a feasibility study of the Dauchy Building as a future city hall, he issued a memorandum to the Council further explaining his position. In the memorandum, he cites the Council's criticisms of previous bidding processes -- most likely referring to comments made by Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, and Council President Clem Campana regarding the former City Hall demolition -- as a motivation for the Council taking the lead.

He also agrees to support "an appropriate budget transfer to pay the expense." The full document is embedded below.

Jan 21, 2011 Memorandum

Google Fiber decision delayed

2010-12-22T14:22:00.004-05:00

It looks like Troy is still in the running for Google Fiber, along with nearly 1,100 other communities. Google announced on its blog last week that they are delaying the decision of what city or town will be chosen to receive ultra-high speed internet, ultra high-speed meaning 100 times faster what most people have access to today.

From the blog:

We had planned to announce our selected community or communities by the end of this year, but the level of interest was incredible—nearly 1,100 communities across the country responded to our announcement—and exceeded our expectations. While we’re moving ahead full steam on this project, we’re not quite ready to make that announcement.

Google said that it is not reopening the submission process, but would rather take the time to "get it right." Earlier this year, Trojans gathered at Monument Square for a Troygle event and to film the submission video for Google Fiber. Other municipalities across the country made headlines for various stunts to get Google's attention -- Topeka, Kansas even changed its name too "Google" for a day. (Google later repaid the favor by changing their homepage to "Topeka" for April Fool's Day.)

Google plans to build and test the ultra high-speed internet networks in a small number of trial locations across the country, delivering 1GB per second speed at a "competitive price" to between 50,000 and 500,000 people.

In May, Troy was in sixth place nationally in the Unofficial Google Fiber poll. An announcement on Google's decision is expected in early 2011.

LIVE BLOG: Budget Veto Override Meeting

2010-12-13T18:17:00.000-05:00

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=ab1b84f508" &amp;gt;Budget Veto Override Meeting&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Video: Full interview with Mayor Tutunjian

2010-12-10T23:44:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we posted a story about the continuing budget battle between the administration and the Council Majority, including a video interview with Mayor Harry Tutunjian. Below is a complete version of that interview -- clocking in at nearly 17 minutes -- in which the Mayor discusses not only the budget veto, but the role of the State Comptroller's Office in the budget process, improving communication with the Council Majority and his thoughts on what a veto override could mean for the city.

Washington Park grant application resolution

2010-12-02T05:30:00.003-05:00

As reported yesterday in The Record, Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5, will be adding a resolution to tomorrow night's agenda for the final regular City Council meeting of the year. The resolution is in support of the Friends of Washington Park, who are applying for a $5,000 Hudson River Valley Quadricentennial Legacy grant.

According to the resolution, the grant will be used for signage and a traveling exhibit narrating the 1860 Troy rescue of a slave named Charles Nalle. Many of the homes in the Washington Park area were part of the Underground Railroad.

The resolution also says that the Friends will partner with the Underground Railroad Workshop, the Rensselaer County Historical Society and the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway to secure matching funds, allowing the project to take place at no cost to the city. The project is being spearheaded by Washington Park Neighborhood Association President Lynn Kopka.

"I wholeheartedly support this project, and appreciate the efforts that Lynn has put into improving her neighborhood and the city as a whole," said Zalewski in an e-mail Wednesday.

For more information, the entire resolution is embedded below, or can be viewed here.

LIVE BLOG: Troy Budget Hearing

2010-12-01T18:29:00.001-05:00

Check back at 7 p.m. for live coverage of tonight's City Council meeting on the approval of the proposed 2011 budget.

Troy Budget Hearing

Tutunjian talks budget on Facebook

2010-12-01T13:29:00.002-05:00

Mayor Harry Tutunjian has posted a video on the (now infamous) "Troy, NY" Facebook page, discussing his thoughts on the proposed 2011 budget, the Council's changes and the process up to this point (including the meeting yesterday that was an "absolute waste of time").

In the video, Tutunjian repeats much of the same arguments he has made over the past week, saying again that he won't approve a budget with the Council's changes.

Check out the video here.

What do you think will happen at tonight's meeting? How do you feel about the Mayor using Facebook to address people directly? Post your thoughts in the comments!

Special Black Friday Troy Night Out this week

2010-11-24T14:27:00.003-05:00

Shops in downtown Troy will stay open late this weekend for a special Black Friday Troy Night Out, designed to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize locally-owned businesses instead of lining up outside major retailers this year. As part of the monthly event, shops will stay open Friday, Nov. 26 until 9 p.m., with many offering sales and specials for the shoppers.

In particular, 'TightKnit', the independent craft and artisan show held weekly near the Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market, will return to to TNO this week at the Frear Building at 3 Third Street.

For more information, check out the full release below. For a complete listing of all TNO activities and a map, visit www.troynightout.org.

Troy Night Out – Black Friday comes Downtown
Troy, New York, November 24, 2010 – Big box stores open early in the morning the day after Thanksgiving. Troy Night Out is encouraging you to sleep in! As part of the monthly event in Downtown Troy, shops will all stay open late this Friday, November 26th – ‘till 9:00pm – and there will be plenty to see and do, along with sales and specials for the shoppers.

“Downtown Troy is home to many small, local, independent retailers” said Elizabeth Young, Interim Director of the Downtown Troy BID, and founder of Troy Night Out. “Shopping local keeps more needed dollars here in our local economy. We are challenging folks to ‘Shop 12180’ – doing as much of their holiday shopping as possible within our local zip code.”

During Troy Night Out, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm the streets of historic Downtown Troy are alive with art openings, exhibits and receptions, live musical and theatrical performances, retail shop open houses and wonderful restaurants and cafes offering special events and discounts.

Of special note this month is the return of ‘TightKnit’, an independent craft and artisan show, featuring a wide variety of vendors selling gifts, jewelry, art, and much more, all made by hand. The event takes place at the Frear Building, 3 Third Street, Troy.

A full list of the over 50 events taking place this Friday can be found on our website www.troynightout.org. For additional information, contact Elizabeth Young at 518-727-9786.

Free massages for veterans Thursday at White Sands Massage

2010-11-10T15:20:00.002-05:00

The White Sands Massage in downtown Troy will be offering free 10-minute chair massages to veterans Thursday in honor of Veteran's Day. Massages are on a reservations-only basis from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at their location at 455 Broadway in Troy. Refreshments will also be served.

Interested veterans can call White Sands at 272-3636 to reserve their time slot. Veterans must bring valid military ID. For more information, visit www.thewhitesandsmassage.com.

Anyone know of any other special deals going on for veterans tomorrow? Leave them in the comments.

Karaoke Night fundraiser for Rape Crisis Center

2010-10-28T14:45:00.002-04:00

Tonight The Ruck will host the 10th Annual Karaoke Night fundraiser to benefit the Sexual Assault and Crime Victim's Assistance Program for Rensselaer County. According to its website, the program is "the only agency in the county providing comprehensive, specialized services to victims of sexual violence, victims of stalking, older adults, homicide survivors, as well as other victims of crime, their family members and friends, or significant others."

The biannual event will not only raise funds for the program, but it also helps those who work for the agency -- and deal with particularly difficult work on a daily basis -- out in a social setting.

The Karaoke Night be will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Ruck, located at 104 Third Street. Admission is a voluntary $5 donation, and there will be free food, raffles and more. For more information, check out the event's Facebook page. There is more information about the Rape Crisis Center on the Northeast Health website.

Council schedules meeting about MAC refinancing

2010-10-27T16:05:00.003-04:00

The City Council has scheduled a special Finance Committee meeting for next Wednesday to discuss the proposed refinancing of the city's MAC debt.

The MAC makes up the largest portion of the city's debt at a cool $52.295 million. At last night's Public Safety and Law committees budget meeting, the refinancing of the MAC came up, with Acting City Comptroller Joseph Mazzariello saying more details could be available as early as next week.

A small correction from the article, which states the estimated $600,000 to $1 million in savings will go towards the the 2010 budget. The savings will actually take place over the life of the loan, with a large portion of the savings happening in the first three years or so, according to city spokesman Jeff Pirro.

The Special Finance Committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall. The regular City Council meeting will take place the next night at 7 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist.

More of those "Troy, NY" Facebook Page emails

2010-10-22T17:27:00.002-04:00

In case your curious, linked below are the four emails sent from Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5, to city spokesperson Jeff Pirro regarding the "Troy, NY" Facebook Page controversy.

http://www.scribd.com/document_collections/2686795

Zalewski Facebook emails (1)

Zalewski Facebook emails (2)

Zalewski Facebook emails (3)

Finance Committee meeting leftovers

2010-10-22T16:25:00.002-04:00

While the "Troy, NY" Facebook page resolution got the majority of the attention at last night's Finance Committee meeting, some other items of note were also brought to the table for the next regular City Council meeting.

The ongoing dispute between Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, and the administration regarding crow dispersal in downtown Troy achieved some closure with a proposed resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a crow dispersal agreement with Rensselaer County. The plan calls for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to come in and use the same techniques as last year, techniques that aren't believed to be entirely effective.

"I don't think it's effective at all, in my opinion," Tutunjian said at last night's meeting. Other Councilmen also asked if it would be possible to have the dispersal efforts in other areas of the city, as opposed to just downtown.

Dunne held a meeting last month with Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty to get information about their method, which essentially consists of McNulty and the village attorney going out with pyrotechnic pistols every evening.

Tutunjian, however, was not in attendance at the meeting, and afterward there was an apparent stalemate where no dispersal efforts were taking place at all. County Legislator Pete Ryan has submitted a request to County Executive Kathleen Jimino seeking assistance with the $3,500 price tag for the effort.

The Council will also vote on a budget transfer to pay for a new $71k fire truck lift for the station on Campbell Avenue.

Reassessment data collection underway

2010-10-21T14:25:00.002-04:00

Representatives from GAR Associates, the company contracted to complete the city-wide reassessment, began data collection in the Lansingburgh last week, specifically in the area bound by the Hudson River (to the west), the Town of Schaghticoke (to the north), the Town of Brunswick (to the east), and 112th Street (to the south).

Now that data collection has begun, the process will move southward throughout the city upon completion of each area through May 2012. According to a press release, GAR will post bi-weekly updates on the Troy city website.

Anyone with questions is asked to call 1-866-910-1776. Full release embedded below.

revalpressreleaseOct2010

New smoothie shop to open on Fifth Ave

2010-10-20T17:46:00.002-04:00

Coming soon to a currently vacant storefront at 1624 Fifth Ave is "Lanie Be'es Shakes n' Bakes", a combo bakery and smoothie shop from Cherie Marcucci of Watervliet. Marcucci received approval to open the shop at the October Planning Board meeting and plans to open at the end of November.

"My dad used to bake and I would help him a lot and it became a passion of mine," said Marcucci, who currently sells baked goods at Michael's Clubhouse in East Greenbush (the cake on the left is from the Lanie Be'es Facebook page).

Marcucci said she is particularly excited about the Shakes part of Shakes n' Bakes, saying that she was actually interested in taking over Shake Shake Mama's, formerly of Broadway in Troy, when it closed in 2008, but the time wasn't right.

"I've definitely been working towards this for a while," she said, adding that she is a single mother of three and also works full time in addition to growing her business. (The name "Lanie Be'es" comes from a nickname for her daughter.) The new shop will create up to five jobs and, according to the Planning Department staff report, will include a $10,000 investment.

"I'm really looking to attract college students," said Marcucci. "The shop will have a healthy, fun attitude."

The website for the shop, www.laniebeesshakesnbakesvpweb.com appears to not be up yet, so for now check out the Facebook page for more information.

Council seats for sale

2010-10-14T16:48:00.002-04:00

The contents of the former City Hall, including the Council Chamber theater seating, will be auctioned off this Saturday, Oct. 16 at the 1 Monument Square location. Even though the City Council passed an ordinance last week preventing the demolition of the site without prior approval, work has already been under way abating -- and essentially gutting -- the interior of the building.

Although passing a resolution in May by a vote of 7-2 to accept and appropriate $910,000 in Restore New York funding for the demolition, there has recently been a move by some Council members and residents to consider returning City Hall to Monument Square.

It seems reasonable, however, that the price tag for any renovations of the building will continue to go up as contents are removed and abatement work moves forward.

There are a number of other items -- including vehicles, heavy equipment, police evidence and bikes -- also be auctioned off on Saturday at three different sites. For more information, visit www.collarcityauctions.com or call 895-8150, ext. 101 for a brochure.

Preliminary schedule of 2011 budget meetings and hearings

2010-10-07T18:25:00.007-04:00

Below, in .PDF and calendar form, is the preliminary schedule of committee meetings and public hearings to discuss the proposed 2011 budget. The public hearings are all taking place at Christ Church United Methodist at 35 State Street while the committee meetings will be held at City Hall at 1776 Sixth Ave.

Some committees will be more interesting than others -- given that the water and sewer budgets have remained steady, the Public Utilities committee is likely to be uneventful. Given that Council President Clem Campana has said he is looking to focus on the Parks & Recreation budget in light of issues with the Frear Golf Course and the pool openings, expect some changes -- or at least discussion -- during that meeting on October 20.

After last year's attempts to remove the Deputy Director of Public Information position (currently filled by Jeff Pirro) and then-DPW Commissioner Bob Mirch, the October 19 meeting discussing Mayor's Office and Administration expenses may produce some controversy, but Mayor Tutunjian has already removed funding for the top DPW job, so it will remain to be seen.

Here is the full list of committee meetings and public hearings, as well as the specific budget lines that will be discussed at each, embedded in .PDF form:

Preliminary Hearings Notice for 2011 Budget_FINAL DATES to Council

Here is a calendar version of the meeting schedule for the few out there, like me, who will probably be at every meeting. Click through for a full-size image:

Arts Center offers Portfolio Development class

2010-10-07T16:19:00.002-04:00

The Arts Center has announced a class for high school students planning on applying to college art programs, Portfolio Development.

The class helps students develop a varied portfolio for use when applying to programs, using different mediums, tools and styles.

The class, which runs for seven weeks, is $210 for members plus a $100 studio fee. Check out the full press release below for more details:

The Arts Center Offers Art Portfolio Development Course for High School Students

TROY – The Arts Center is pleased to offer Capital Region high school students the opportunity to develop their college entrance art portfolio in it’s in-depth course, Portfolio Development.

For an art student, preparing a portfolio is an important part of the college application process. Students will develop a portfolio that presents current artistic interests, demonstrating skill, awareness of formal visual organizational principles, and experience with a variety of tools, media, styles, and approaches. The courses will allow students to produce drawings derived from direct observation -- drawing or painting from still life, draped and nude figure models, and landscape -- as typically preferred by most art colleges. As the series progresses, students will gain in-depth insight into the application process for college art programs, covering expectations for interviews, portfolio reviews and researching the right programs. Students will be given opportunities to discuss these processes with actual art college admissions counselors, attend a university portfolio review session, and conduct a session with a visiting artist. Students will develop an abundance of work and will be able to take advantage of special opportunities and crucial information that may vary in each session. The studio fee covers high quality art materials, a model's fee, and studio maintenance. There will be no class on 11/25.

Instructor Claire Sherwood will be leading the students through a sequence of drawing practices, focusing on observational drawing techniques that will prepare them for college level arts classes.

Instructor Bio
Claire Sherwood was born near Troy, NY where she spent her childhood exploring the gravel pits and concrete plant around her home. She received her MFA from the University of Maryland in 2003 and is currently teaching Drawing at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Her work has been exhibited in venues such as, the U.S. Smithsonian National Botanic Garden, the Corcoran Museum of Art, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, and Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, NJ. Her work is included in the David C. Driskell Collection and the State of West Virginia Museum of Culture and History. Claire has seven years experience teaching first year college art students and reviewing the portfolios of many in coming freshman. She will use her experience as a college level foundations professor to better prepare students for their portfolio entrance reviews and complement a typical high school art portfolio with enhanced projects and professional presentation.

About The Arts Center
For nearly 50 years, The Arts Center of the Capital Region has enriched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. A regional arts center, it offers classes, camps, exhibits and performing arts events. Artists of all ages and abilities are encouraged, mentored, and nurtured in a collaborative, supporting and accepting environment. The Arts Center’s 36,000 square feet of space include discipline-specific studios for pottery, printmaking, culinary arts, jewelry making, woodworking, painting and drawing, stained glass and dance, among others. It also includes a 99-seat theater for performing arts events, and its three galleries are noted for their critically acclaimed contemporary exhibits. Learn more about The Arts Center of the Capital Region and its offerings at www.artscenteronline.org.

What: Portfolio Development Class for Teens
When: Thursdays, 10/28/2010 - 12/16/2010, 5:30 - 8:30 P.M. (7 classes)
Cost: Members: $189 | Non-Members: $210 | Studio Fee: $100
Instructor: Claire Sherwood | www.clairesherwood.com

Proctors/Chasan project on Planning Board agenda

2010-10-05T15:26:00.002-04:00

Even though plans to use the Proctor's Theater site for City Hall appear to have fallen by the wayside, Columbia Development Companies are still moving full speed ahead on a master plan for the Proctors and Chasan buildings.

On the agenda for the October 14 Planning Board meeting is a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and Review of a Master Plan for the sites, to be presented by Columbia. A copy of the Environmental Assessment Form (.pdf), one of the first steps in the SEQRA process completed Columbia, is available on the city website. There is also a one-page document (.pdf) showing the master plan, which includes the stabilization of the Proctor's Theater and the full interior and facade renovation of both buildings.

The Planning Board meeting is shaping up to be interesting (and jam-packed), with the review of a proposal to construct a third deck on the Uncle Sam Parking Garage and a proposal to made facade improvements to the former Revolution Hall also on the agenda, which is available here (.pdf).

Proposed Uncle Sam Parking Garage schematics

2010-09-30T15:21:00.003-04:00

Below are the schematics for the proposed addition of a third level to the Uncle Sam Parking Garage. The expansion will be discussed at the next regular Planning Board meeting, scheduled for October 14, according to the city's website. (The agenda is not yet online.)

Last month, the Industrial Development Authority approved an agreement with developer David Bryce for the purchase of the garage. The addition of the third level was part of the agreement with the IDA, that also included bonding for the sale and an estimated $399,630 in savings through a Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) program.

According to the documents, it appears that the area surrounding the garage will experience some partial road closures during the expansion. At a June meeting of the IDA, Bryce said that they would use pre-cast parts for the expansion, which would only take about two weeks to complete.

From the schematics, it appears that, for one week, the bus stop at Third and Fulton Streets will be moved near Fourth and Grand Streets, there will be lane closures on Third Street and on Fourth Street at Fulton and the east entrance to the garage will be closed. The other week would still have lane closures on Third Street, but the bus stop would remain at its current location and the western entrance of the garage would be closed.

It appears that the exterior of the expansion parts would be simulated limestone, the existing glazing on the southwest stair would be replaced with a contextual treatment and "Frear-like" cornices would be added.

City Planning Director Sondra Little has said that Bryce will have tenants on the third level during the week but that there will be public parking on the weekends.

What do you think of the proposed expansion?

Proposed Uncle Sam Parking Garage expansion schematics

'Paint-by-numbers' mural going up Saturday

2010-09-29T14:57:00.002-04:00

All are invited to the Taylor Community Block Party this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the bridge in downtown Troy. At the party, members of the Alley Action Project, joined by any others who are interested, will paint a 10-foot by 75-foot mural completed "paint-by-numbers"-style.

Food and entertainment will also be provided by the Taylor Apartments Tenant Association. Young children must be accompanied by adults.

Taylor Mural Flyer

Riverfront Park redevelopment presentation online

2010-09-28T14:16:00.003-04:00

Information presented by W Architecture at Riverfront Park redevelopment public hearing last week is now available online (.pdf file).

A third as-yet unscheduled meeting will be held to develop a final master plan, at which point the focus will then shift to identifying one area where the $2 million in secured funding can be put to use.

The presentation is also embedded below:

River Front Park Plan 2

Here is an article about the meeting on the Troy Record website.

Finance Committee meeting leftovers

2010-09-28T12:15:00.005-04:00

Last Thursday's City Council Finance Committee meeting was fairly eventful, with controversy over the demolition of the former City Hall site and changes to the city's curfew law getting the most attention. Here are some other issues that were discussed:

Property value certiorari proceedings
Once every month or so, there is an ordinance approving the settlement of certiorari proceedings over challenged property values. This month, there are five on the agenda.

City Assessor Tina Dimitradis and Corporation Counsel Charles Sarris have both said that, when property owners challenge the assessed value of their home or business, the Assessor's Office lacks up-to-date data to properly defend itself, resulting in these settlements. All of the settlements result in a reduced property value assessment for the challenger, meaning their taxes will also be reduced.

Dimitradis has said that there have been 59 certiorari proceedings this year to date, and 13 proceedings through small claims court. According to Dimitriadis, the city could lose $175,000 in property taxes if all certioraris are lost.

At Thursday's meeting, Sarris said he believes the certiorari proceedings regarding property values will be reduced after the city-wide reassessment -- or the city will at least have a fighting chance against them, instead of having to settle.

"Mini-dorms" moratorium
An ordinance is on the table to once again extend the moratorium regarding "the subdivision of residential structures; the conversion of garages, carriage houses or secondary structures to residential units; [and/or] the increase in the number of bedrooms in an existing residential unit" for an additional six months.

The moratorium would be in effect from September 30, 2010 through March 31, 2011. The ordinance was originally drafted by Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5, in 2008 as a way to prevent absentee landlords from subdividing houses into multiple apartments, particularly those rented to college students.

The moratorium survived a veto and an Article 78 lawsuit and continues to be extended every six months while "issues surrounding the need for this moratorium are studied and permanent changes are made to Chapter 285," according to the legislation.

Hudson River/Champlain Canal Dredging
According to Sarris, New York State has requested that Troy vote on a resolution in support of navigational dredging of the river and canal, official recommending that "it is appropriate and cost-effective to the citizens of New York State to address Hudson River/Champlain Canal navigational dredging needs which are identified in certain areas within the proposed federal PCB remediation action concurrently with said remediation action to assure the timely restoration of safe boat navigation on the upper Hudson River area."

Whew. Sarris said he wasn't sure why NYS requested the resolution, other than a symbolic gesture that municipalities are on board.

Also: The owners of Tire Warehouse on River Street want to purchase a parcel of city-owned property across the street for $55,000 and some apparently routine budget transfers within the Water and Sewer Funds have been proposed.

The next regular City Council meeting will take place on Thursday, October 7.

Dunne and Zalewski to Mayor: Withdraw Paladino Endorsement

2010-09-23T13:13:00.005-04:00

Update: Dunne sent out a corrected version of the press release, which now appears below. Also, Zalewski confirmed that he is in fact kzalewski on The Record's website.

Two members of the Troy City Council want Mayor Harry Tutunjian to withdraw his endorsement of Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for Governor. Tutunjian announced his endorsement on September 12 in Troy, just days before the primaries, saying that Paladino is the person to "take the burden from taxpayers".

Now, Bill Dunne, D-District 4, and Ken Zalewski, D-District 5, have issued a press release calling for Tutunjian to retract the endorsement because of "countless bigoted and sexually perverse" e-mail forwarded by Paladino earlier this year before announcing his candidacy. The e-mails have a been a recurring source of criticism for the Gubernatorial candidate, who has apologized for them. Just last week members of the NAACP and other minority groups held a protest regarding the e-mails.

"In his recent endorsement speech, Mayor Harry Tutunjian described Mr. Paladino as someone we can relate to," said Dunne in the release. "Personally, I can related to him and I'd love to know exactly what the Mayor means by this. Does he share Mr. Paladino's off-putting sense of humor? I, for one, don't find racism to be funny."

Zalewski continues the theme of whether or not Paladino is relatable, focusing on his personal wealth, his affair, and 31 years as a registered Democratic as examples of Paladino being "the dictionary definition of hypocrisy."

Commenter kzalewski, reasonably believed to be Zalewski himself, made multiple comments regarding the endorsement on the above-linked article that contain links to the e-mails and similar language to the press release.

The full press release is below:

Members of the Troy City Council are calling upon Mayor Harry Tutunjian to withdraw his endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, after it was revealed that Mr. Paladino enjoyed and forwarded countless bigoted and sexually perverse e-mails. In addition, Mr. Paladino laughed at offended responders, claiming the overtly racist e-mails were “funny”.

“In his recent endorsement speech, Mayor Harry Tutunjian described Mr. Paladino as someone we can relate to. Personally, I can't relate to him and I'd love to know exactly what the Mayor means by this. Does he share Mr. Paladino's off-putting sense of humor? I, for one, don't find racism to be funny,” stated Councilman Bill Dunne(Democrat - District 4).

“Troy's citizens do not relate to a multi-millionaire who pretends to be 'one of them'. We do not relate to a hypocrite who criticized Governor Paterson for having an affair, when it turns out that he had his own affair. We do not relate to a "pay-to-play" government insider who made millions by buying out politicians, and who now wants to cast himself as an outsider and reformer,” commented Councilman Ken Zalewski (Democrat - District 5). “Mr. Paladino is the dictionary definition of hypocrisy, and his campaign is divisive and dishonest.”

Zalewski also noted that Tutunjian used the Uncle Sam parade as a vehicle to give Paladino a platform, then had to back-pedal when Paladino showed his true colors. “It wasn't enough that the Mayor politicized the Uncle Sam parade by endorsing this individual,” said Zalewski. “He then had to cover up for Paladino‟s extremist remarks.”

“We are at as sad a point in this country as I can remember. At a time when we should be coming together to build consensus and solve problems, candidates like Carl Paladino are playing on peoples worst fears, dividing Americans along socio-economic lines. There is nothing 'maverick' about this. This is right out of the playbook of Republican strategist Karl Rove and Bush era political divisiveness,” continued Dunne.

“Councilman Dunne and I call on Mayor Tutunjian to disavow Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino and his racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic comments,” stated Zalewski. “Troy is a city of working class people who reject the politics of division and who can easily see through Paladino's veneer of righteous indignation: He is not a change agent – he is part of the problem – a government insider who exploited the system to build his massive fortune.”

Constitution Week

2010-09-21T14:57:00.003-04:00

Mayor Harry Tutunjian issued a proclamation last week naming September 17 - 23 "Constitution Week", following in suit with Public Law 915 and Constitution Week across the nation.

As part of Constitution Week, Tutunjian urges "all citizens to reaffirm the ideals the framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by protecting the freedoms granted to us by this document."

In a ceremony that looks to have taken place in his office, Tutunjian was joined by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution in issuing the proclamation.

Photos are available via the Troy, N.Y. Facebook page (you don't have to be logged in/a member)

PROCLAMATION

Whereas, The Constitution of the United States of America remains the guardian of our liberties as it embodies the principles of limited government; and

Whereas, this year marks the two hundred twenty third anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper to afford official recognition to this magnificent document and reflect on the privileges it bestowson all citizens; and

Whereas, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17th through 23rd as Constitution Week.

Now, Therefore, I, the Honorable Harry J. Tutunjian, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Troy, County of Rensselaer, in the State of New York do hereby proclaim the week of September 17th through 23rd as “CONSTITUTION WEEK” in the City of Troy and urge all citizens to reaffirm the ideals the framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by protecting the freedoms granted to us by this document.

In Witness, Whereof, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Troy to be affixed this sixteenth day of September in the year two thousand and ten.

Hon. Harry J. Tutunjian
Mayor

Negative declaration for Euclid Ave. development approved

2010-09-08T17:13:00.002-04:00

At a special meeting of the Planning Board last night, the conditioned negative declaration for the proposed development of high-end residential subdivision on Euclid Avenue, according to Sondra Little.

It is unclear if any changes were made to the conditioned negative declaration, which contained several mitigation measures as outlined in this August 28 article: http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/08/28/news/doc4c7895f35d815568134681.txt

The negative declaration was the last step in the nearly three-year State Environmental Quality Review process. The development raised a number of concerns for area residents, resulting in the mitigation measures required of the developer.

More details will be posted as they become available.

Planning Board to vote on negative declaration for Euclid Ave. development

2010-08-25T21:03:00.004-04:00

Update: City Planner Sondra Little confirmed that the declaration will be voted on at the next Planning Board meeting, scheduled for September 16. A full copy of the declaration, including the mitigation conditions, is available through the Planning Department or Wednesday's issue of The Record.

The Planning Board has posted notice in the classified section of Wednesday's issue of The Record that they have made a Conditional Negative Declaration as part of the State Environmental Quality Review process for a proposed development of 13 high-end homes off Euclid Avenue.

At the July meeting, the Board delayed preliminary approval of the project, saying they would make a final decision at the August meeting unless there were any unforeseen issues. Read more about that meeting here.

The August Planning Board results (.pdf) on the city website do not list the project, so it is not immediately clear whether the negative declaration will be approved at the September meeting. The legal notice says that there are a number of mitigation plans that have been imposed to remedy potential changes to air quality, flooding, drainage and other problems. A major concern of neighbors in the area has been the potential for the project to increase radon levels.

Check back for more details on the negative declaration and an update on where the project stands.

Stow Ave Block Party

2010-08-24T12:35:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday was the 2010 Stow Ave. Block Party, organized by Charlene Dobert, president of the Stow Farms Neighborhood Association. The event featured food, snow cones, bouncy bounces and other kids activities and more, offering residents a chance to meet and socialize with each other as well as some elected officials. In an e-mail, Dobert thanked the many that pitched in to make the event possible.

I want to give a special thanks to some people who made a special effort to recognize our neighborhood and contribute food or services. They are: Gary Galuski our Councilman, Clem Campagna our Council President, Mike Laporto one of our At Large Council Representatives and he brought his friend Tom who helped man the cooker... and whose company is always enjoyable, Colleen Goldstein who is a Community Police Officer who never stops for a moment with helping us out in anyway possible, she has offered us so many things I don't even know where to begin, Mark Millington also a Police Officer in Troy who now is assigned to Troy High School but at one time was in our neighborhood servicing us as well, Debbie from the Springs Re-hab Center who has also helped us out many times supplying our meeting place, food (yummy, thanks to the Chef) and tables, The Beverage Mart in South Troy who keeps us in/on ice and Guiliano's rentals on Pawling Ave who donates the Snow Cone Machine.

It was so nice to see my friend Richard Herrick and his wealth of knowledge, and another surprise was a visit from Brant of The Working Mans Party and also of The East Side which I'm partial to as well (that is where I grew up and my Mother is still there). As for the Neighborhood people you're outstanding and that's why we all do it. We have some very talented cooks in this neighborhood and I certainly enjoyed sampling their goodies! A special thanks to my daughter Danielle Lyle who does the balloon art, a very special tedious talent. She brought smiles to so many young and old, it was so heartfelt to see our seniors from the Springs enjoy a special item she made just for them individually, for once we can smile. Also, a special thanks to my other two daughters Jean Vooris and Tammie Broadhead who without their help I couldn't do it all.

More photos of the event are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/Herrick2/2010StowAveBlockParty#.

IDA approves Parking Garage deal

2010-08-12T13:33:00.003-04:00

The Industrial Development Authority voted this morning to approve an agreement with Uncle Sam Garages, LLC, a.k.a. Dave Bryce, for the sale of the Uncle Sam Parking Garage, according to IDA CEO Sondra Little.

The agreement includes the following:

Mortgage recording tax exemption - $32,000
Sales and use tax exemptions - $64,000
20-year Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes savings - $399,630

Total estimated financial assistance: $495,630

In exchange, Bryce will operate the facility and agree to make investments to the garage -- most notably the addition of a third parking deck -- totaling over $1.1 million. The creation of one new job is anticipated, with the creation of additional construction jobs also possible.

Because there were a few questions, here are some clarifications from today's article:

Bryce applied with the IDA to seek financial assistance, including the PILOT program. The original application sought $1.65 million payments, but the IDA upped it to $1.75 million.

Business Improvement District and Library taxes are considered special assessment taxes, and were not included in the deal. Little said that when the IDA receives payment from Bryce, it turns around and pays the city, school district and county taxes.

A copy of the contract that was signed by both Bryce and the city was submitted as part of the agenda at the IDA's June meeting. The city declined to comment on the agreement, but it appears that the contract was used as the framework for the purchase of the garage. Because the deal is going through the IDA, however, the IDA will actually own the garage and lease it out to Bryce, who will then have the option to purchase it after the lease agreement ends (presumably 20 years).

The process of Bryce's deal with the IDA was criticized as being "secretive" by some. An article appeared in the June 26 issue of the Record about the approval of a preliminary agreement with Bryce, and a notice of the public hearing appeared in the legal notices of the July 8 issue, so it appears that the IDA followed the proper posting times and notice requirements.

Some Council members weighed in on the IDA deal over the past few days via e-mail.

Mark McGrath, R-District 2: "This was not a secret as I've brought it up at meetings only to be stonewalled by my colleagues. Go back to the Record story and you'll read where I identified this deal as a shell game, but of course some of your illustrious councilmen wouldn't practice deception now would they?"

Bill Dunne, D-District 4: Just when I start to like you, you say something dumb. I know your getting older, but your memory can't be that bad, can it? Mark, you were one of eight "yes" votes to sell the garage. If you feared this possibility, you should have noted "no".

Selling the garage made eminent sense. It needs repairs we can't afford, we need money to meet grant obligations to redevelop our waterfront - far more valuable than retaining the parking garage. Finally, Mr. Bryce has control of the garage until 2021, should he choose. We would continue to receive virtually the same token payment from Mr. Bryce until that point - not the "cash cow" Jack Cox, Jr. so wrongly claim it was at the June council meeting.

Try looking at it this way. Instead of losing a parking garage, we are gaining (ultimately) a much improved waterfront - one that will provide an improved venue for events like Pig Out, Riverfest, etc. and once the redevelopment RFPs are issued and returned, it can become tax generating property. Do I wish we never granted PILOTs to anyone? Of course, but by the same token, the folks we do grant them to get them because they are investing millions in our city. In fact, I recall you defending the money given to Dinosaur BBQ during the last council meeting. PILOTs are a necessary evil.

Mark McGrath: Bill, I'm flattered that you started to like me, but the fact remains the original deal was that Bryce couldn't supplement the sale with other governmental funds and it's in the contract. You and I were both for selling it from the start and I'm confident it was the right decision. It was the charade played by your colleagues after publicly being vilified for playing politics by the media that led this up to the IDA funding. I'm still satisfied that the property is in negotiation to be sold, but to crow to the taxpayers that "we"ve save you money" [sic] only to be supplemented with other taxpayer dollars is deceptive. At the end of the day, the garage should be sold, and the original deal was the best for the taxpayers. I guess we"ll see when the numbers play out. Thanks.

A copy of Bryce's application, an agenda from the public hearing and a draft of the PILOT schedule is available through the IDA.

County Waste and the role of the deputy director of public information

2010-07-28T17:59:00.003-04:00

In case you were confused, Mayor Harry Tutunjian outlines the role of Jeff Pirro, Troy's deputy director of public information, in an e-mail to Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, after his and other Council members' attempts to get information about the operation of the County Waste facility in South Troy. Apparently Dunne attempted to go through Pirro on three separate occasions and was either ignored or told "we're looking into it."

Council members should contact me or the Deputy Mayor to get prompt and accurate information about issues involving city government. The Deputy Director of Public Information is the FOIL officer and is charged with providing information to the general public.

There you have it. Maybe this will help facilitate communication between the administration and members of the City Council.

As for the information regarding the County Waste facility (which has completed an application to increase the daily average throughput and its hours of operation), Tutunjian said that they are "in the process of gathering that information right now. We will make it available to you when it is complete."

The Department of Environmental Conservation is soliciting public comment on the expansion up through August 12. Councilman Michael Loporto, D-At Large, has called a meeting of the Public Works Committee for Wednesday, August 4, to obtain an update on the proposal. The meeting is scheduled to take place immediately after the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting at 5:30.

Neighborhood Watch cleaning up 'Burgh boulevards

2010-07-15T15:17:00.003-04:00

The North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch is soliciting suggestions for historic boulevards that are in need of a little TLC. The group will be out trimming trees and bushes over several evenings in the coming weeks.

"The boulevards are a unique aspect to the Lansingburgh community," said group leader Jim Gordon in a press release sent out today. "Keeping up their appearance will add to the appeal of our neighborhoods as well as increasing safety on the streets." He specifically addressed areas where overgrown bushes and trees can block sight lines at street corners for drivers and pedestrians.

"This is a great way for our group to lend a helping hand to the city's workforce and to also get out into the community and show that there are people who care," said Gordon.

The group is looking for suggestions for which boulevards should be considered. Residents are encouraged to e-mail Gordon at jgordon003@nycap.rr.com.

For more information, contact Gordon at 365-2270.

Troy resident wants new name for BID, Collaborative

2010-07-14T15:18:00.003-04:00

Troy resident Richard Herrick sent out an e-mail today calling on the city and the community to come up with a new name for the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District and the Troy Downtown Collaborative.

From the looks of the e-mail, Herrick sent it without consulting BID director Elizabeth Young, saying that he hopes she will "take the e-mail and run with it."

In the e-mail, Herrick writes that the terms "BID" and "Collaborative" are boring, and that a new name should be created that would represent the vibrancy of downtown and to match the city's new logo (above).

There have been no public e-mail responses to Herrick's call to action -- from Young, the city or any other Troy resident -- with suggestions for a new name or even opinions on whether the name needs to be changed at all.

What do you think? Does the Downtown BID need a new name? If so, what should it be?

Below is the e-mail sent by Herrick in its entirety.

Perhaps I'm jumping the gun and trying to be positive about Troy and I hope that Elizabeth Young takes this e-mail and runs with it.
Now that the Troy BID has being established lets build on this success and have a contest to create a new name and BID identity that reflects the focus of the new BID’s mission. The BID’s new role in recruiting, retaining and developing businesses downtown is to say the least exciting but don’t ya think that BID and Collaborative are kinda boring names?

The Troy Downtown Collaborative and the Troy BID names will not go away because that's their legal name. What I am suggesting is that Downtown start looking for a new name to basically express everything great that's happening in downtown Troy. The new Troy logo is colorful and alive and really represents everything that we are and what we do for downtown Troy.

We have great talent in Troy, great experienced marketing and communications firms and great long time downtown businesses that can develop a new name using the City’s new logo.

Mayor Tutunjian I’m sure will join in this challenge and I hope that an effort to create new name and identity can emerge for the BID and Collaborative that can be more meaningful to Troy residents.

Again, lets create a new name to reflect Downtown’s greatness and on-going comeback.

The challenge is here so let the contest begin.

GO DOWNTOWN!!!!!!

Reminder: Riverfront Park redevelopment meeting tonight

2010-07-13T12:36:00.003-04:00

Representatives from W Architecture -- the consultant overseeing the redevelopment of Riverfront Park -- will present preliminary design alternatives at a public meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the Italian Community Center.

This will be the first of several public meetings to showcase plans and solicit input from the public on how the park should be redeveloped after the former City Hall building in Monument Square is demolished.

Last week the city Planning Board made negative declarations on both the demolition of the former city hall and the redevelopment of Riverfront Park, allowing both projects to move forward.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian said that "an inviting public space like Riverfront Park is a key component of economic development, attracting visitors to Troy and enhancing river access for boaters to bring more people to our shops and restaurants downtown" in a press release.

The city has taken other steps to improve riverfront access to the Hudson, including the construction of the Madison Street Fishing Pier. The pier was funded by a grant from the New York Department of State Division of Coastal Resources and an adjacent kayak launch is expected to be built before the end of the year.

View Larger Map

River Street Fest looking for volunteers

2010-06-16T16:14:00.001-04:00

Organizers of this Saturday's River Street Festival are looking for some extra hands to keep things running smoothly. Elizabeth Young said in an e-mail that volunteers are needed for the following positions/times:

Registration/Set-up 6:30am - 9:00am

Children's Area 9:45am - 2:00pm

Children's Area 2:00am - 6:00pm

Beer Truck 10:30am - 2:00pm

ID checking 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Those interested in volunteering can contact Young at info@troybid.org. This year's River Street Festival features headliner Paula Cole and three stages of live music and entertainment along with vendors, food and children's activities. Everything kicks off around 10 a.m.

Volunteers needed for Troy in Bloom

2010-05-28T17:16:00.002-04:00

Claire Davis, who has spearheaded the annual Troy in Bloom beautification project, is looking for volunteers tomorrow morning to assist with planting flowers across Troy.

Davis will be at the parking lot of the old City Hall building in Monument Square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to hand out plants and assignments to volunteers. According to an e-mail sent out to the community, she is especially short on volunteers this year, and with enough people it should only take an hour's worth of work per person.

Anyone interested in helping out can stop by, and volunteers are encouraged to bring along a trowel if they have one but it is not necessary to participate.

Any questions can be directed to Davis at 272-1267.

Bryce quiet about latest parking garage deal

2010-05-25T12:43:00.003-04:00

Troy developer David Bryce wouldn't say definitively whether or not he would accept the latest deal from the City Council for the sale of the Uncle Sam Parking Garage, but did say that he is still hopeful that a deal can be reached that "works for everyone."

Bryce said that he hasn't personally seen the latest deal, up for vote at the next regular City Council meeting on June 3, but that his lawyer, William Doyle, may have received it. Bryce said that for now he is leaving it up to Doyle to find an acceptable deal.

Doyle declined to comment, referring all questions to Bryce.

The latest proposed deal was presented by Councilman Kevin McGrath, D-District 1, at the City Council Finance Committee meeting on May 20 after a proposed ordinance to reconsider the original sale of the garage -- which failed in a narrow vote in February with one abstention by Ken Zalewski -- submitted by Mark McGrath, R-District 2, was ruled out of order because Mark McGrath did not vote with the majority on the original deal. The latest deal is similar to an interim contract submitted to The Record by Kevin McGrath that was later deemed illegal because it set and froze an assessed value for the garage for a period of ten years.

Whew.

Kevin McGrath said that he has exhausted negotiations and that this is the deal they are offering to Bryce, "take it or leave it." Mayor Harry Tutunjian has already said he doesn't believe Bryce will take the deal.

Bryce said that he just wants to bring business to Troy, but wouldn't say whether or not that involves accepting this latest deal for the sale of the garage.

Record photographer loves Uncle Joe "sometimes"

2010-05-07T10:35:00.004-04:00

(Photo by AP Photographer Mike Groll)
As told from the viewpoint of longtime Record photographer Tom Killips:

"As Joe Bruno was walking surrounded by media from the Federal courthouse to Jack's for dinner, a passing motorist shouted 'we love you Joe' Joe Bruno extended his hand to shake mine and asked if I loved him too. Having known him and covered him for 30 years I responded 'sometimes,' which I thought was fair. He responded 'I love you sometimes,' while his son Ken laughed and said 'You couldn't just say yes?'

Stickball tournament raises over $8,000 for local food pantry

2010-05-05T15:37:00.003-04:00

Organizers of Saturday's We Play For Food Stickball Tournament in Little Italy nearly doubled last year's donations to raise over $8,000 worth of food for the Roarke Center food pantry.

Organizer Rocco DeFazio said that he was very excited that they were able to collect so much non-perishable food.

"This will keep them going for four months," DeFazio said. He already has set a goal for next year of $10,000 worth of food raised. He said that the 12 teams and the community all came together to help out the food pantry, some of which know firsthand the good that the Roarke Center does.

DeFazio said that one man came to the event with two big Price Chopper bags of groceries. "You could tell he had been walking for a while," De Fazio said. The man came back again later that day, and the food collector asked him what organization he was with.

"The man said that a while back he lost his job, and that the Roarke Center had helped him out and his family," said DeFazio. "He had walked all the way to the Watervliet Price Chopper to buy food and bring it back twice."

DeFazio said the great thing about the tournament is that it doesn't require a lot of upfront cost.

"The beauty of this event is we don't leave a big footprint," he said. "We do it with just a rubber ball and a broom handle baseball bat."

DeFazio said that the winning team, Deep Six, was made up of "ringers" that play in the Little Italy Stickball League. DeFazio said that he hopes when people hear about the success of the tournament, it will encourage them to get involved next year.

The Roarke Center, located on 4th St., feeds over 500 people every month.

Turkey Trot talks on the table tonight

2010-04-29T13:11:00.004-04:00

On the agenda for tonight's meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee of the City Council is a presentation by area race coordinator George Regan of a proposal to take over the city's annual Turkey Trot event.

According to Committee Chair Gary Galuski, the city coordinator that used to run the event retired late last year, and as for now the city does not have a replacement. Regan has planned or had some level of involvement in Turkey Trot events in the past, as well as a number of other race events like the Freihofer's Run for Women.

The Parks and Recreation Committee meeting begins at 6 p.m. Galuski said he also hopes to get some answers about dogs parks in the city, particularly the closed dog park at Beman Park. For back story on this issue, here is a February article by Tom Caprood outlining the whole dog park drama. Check out tomorrow's issue of the Record for details on Regan's proposal for the Turkey Trot.

Bike! Bike! Northeast this weekend

2010-04-21T14:47:00.005-04:00

It's time to break out the bicycles. The Troy Bike Rescue has organized the Bike! Bike! Northeast event this weekend, April 24-25, complete with workshops, a bike rodeo, food, a film screening and even a dance party for good measure.

From the TBR website:

We are inviting bicycle organizers and volunteers of all kinds from not-so-far-off lands to converge on our post-industrial town for a meeting of the minds on all things bicycle culture in the Northeast US. Through discussions, skillsharing sessions, and bicycle fun, we will come together to learn, share, and build something awesome.

Workshops include Welding for Dummies, tips and rules for urban riding, "upcycling" (turning non-recyclable bike parts into fun & useful things), a presentation of the Albany Bike Master Plan and more. A complete listing of all the workshops is available here.

Registration for the weekend is on a sliding scale from $10-$30, and those interested in attending should register online here. There will also be a show Saturday night at 7 p.m. featuring Blisterpack and BEWARE! The Other Head of Science.

For more information on the event click here. Here is the complete press release.

Councilman Zalewski to speak at Social Media Breakfast event

2010-04-14T13:28:00.003-04:00

The popular Social Media Breakfast - Tech Valley series is coming to Troy and will feature City Councilman Ken Zalewski speaking on the topic of social media and technology with respect to transparency in government. Noel Hidalgo, director of technology innovation for the New York State Senate will also speak at the free event, taking place this Friday, April 16 at 8 a.m. at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at RPI.

Zalewski, a graduate of RPI and self-described "computer geek" (at least according to his Twitter bio), recently was instrumental in the creation of a Technology Comittee for the City Council.

This is the 6th event in the series, which is free and open to the public with required registration. Tickets are still available for Friday's event, and breakfast (bagels, coffee and juice) is included. For those that can't make it, the event will also be live-streamed courtesy of MZA Multimedia.

Police chief, community policing focus of Public Safety meeting

2010-04-13T18:07:00.006-04:00

Thursday's meeting of the Public Safety Committee is shaping up to be an interesting one, with the selection of a new police chief and a possible reduction in the Community Policing Unit up for discussion.

Committee Chairman Bill Dunne has asked that the City Council be allowed to interview police chief candidates, and said at this point he's trying to get a straight answer from the Mayor about the police chief appointment process. The Mayor's office has declined to comment on Dunne's request.

In an e-mail to Troy residents, Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5, expressed distress over the potential reduction of the Community Policing Unit, writing:

It is my opinion that community policing is one of the most successful programs run by the Troy Police Department, and I - along with many neighborhood leaders - have been calling for additional staffing within CPU, in order to build upon the success of this program. Reducing staff in CPU runs completely counter to my contention that community-based policing is the most effective manner in which to address the issues that plague our neighborhoods.

The meeting will take place Thursday, April 15 at 6 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at City Hall on 1776 Sixth Ave. Following at 7 p.m. is the Planning Committee meeting, at which the administration will give an update of the downtown parking meter project.

Alley Action and Taylor Apartment tenants to paint mural under Congress Street Bridge

2010-04-09T15:16:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, April 10 beginning at 10 a.m. tenants from the Troy Housing Authority's Taylor Apartments and volunteers from the Alley Action project will be painting a mural by the basketball and picnic area under the Congress Street Bridge.

Sid Fleisher and Barbara Nelson have been working on the Alley Action program in Troy over the past few years, and completed a book in 2006 called "The Troy Alley Improvement Project". The project encourages people to take ownership of their neighborhoods through community action, and they have organized several of these paint-by-number style murals.

The wall has already been cleaned and primed with the help of the Rensselaer County Jail work release program, and the main part of the drawing was applied to the wall last night. More information is available at www.trolleyaction.org, or stop by tomorrow and see the painting in action for yourself. Below is a flier with more information.

Alley Action Project Taylor Apartments Mural Painting Event

Mayor Tutunjian releases CDBG recommendations

2010-04-07T13:45:00.004-04:00

Mayor Harry Tutunjian announced today his recommendations for the distribution of Community Development Block Grant funding, including $1.2 million towards reinvestment in South Troy and $165,942 towards the expansion of recreational facilities like Knickerbacker Pool and Frear Park.

The recommendations are part of the 2010 One Year Action Plan, up for vote before the City Council.

According to the Mayor's recommendations, it appears that this year's CDBG funding has increased by over $800,000 when compared to last year's CDBG recommendations. According to Deputy Director of Public Information Jeff Pirro, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development discovered internally last year that it was under-allocating funds to certain cities, like Troy, and as a result has given Troy more money this year to correct that.

Additionally, $250,000 of the extra money is a result of the city no longer having to make loan repayments to Vulcan Properties as part of the River Triangle Building Rehabilitation.

Councilman Mark McGrath, R-District 2, released a statement in support of the investment in Knickerbacker Pool, saying "I support this plan with the understanding that our kids are our most important asset."

Below is the full list of recommendations released by Tutunjian. What do you think? Are there areas that could use more CDBG funding? How do you feel about the reinvestment in South Troy?

Project	Applicant	Amount

Planning and Administration		$410,000
CDBG Program Administration	City of Troy (Housing)	$400,000
Homelessness Management Information Systems	Corporation for AIDS Research, Education, and Services, Inc.	$10,000

Neighborhood Livibility		$750,000
Street Improvements (Street Paving)	City of Troy (DPW/Engineering)	$300,000
Code Enforcement	City of Troy (Code Enforcement)	$300,000
Elevator for Wheelchair access to 15-17 3rd Street	Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley	$50,000
Vacant Building Demolitions	City of Troy (Code Enforcement/Public Works)	$100,000

Recreation		$165,942
Refurbish Kncikerbacker Pool Locker Room & Bathrooms	Recreation Dept.	$20,000
Frear Park Pavilion Restroom	Recreation Dept.	$40,000
Frear Park Tennis Court Resurfacing	Recreation Dept.	$40,000
Frear Park Fountain Repair	Recreation Dept.	$30,000
City-wide Park Fencing	Recreation Dept.	$35,942

South Troy Area Reinvestment		$1,200,000
South Troy Reinvestment Target Area	City of Troy Enginnering/ Housing	$1,200,000

Decent Housing		$100,000
Homeowner Housing & Energy Improvement Program	City of Troy (Housing)	$100,000

Public Service		$180,000
After School Child Care and Summer Camp Scholarships	Troy Youth Association, Inc.	$25,000
School Age Child Care Program Scholarship Fund	Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club	$25,000
After School Program & Teen Program	Troy Boys & Girls Club	$25,000
Roarke Connections	Roarke Center (Catholic Charities)	$20,000
Daycare for Working Poor Families	Catholic Charities: Sunnyside Child Dev.	$20,000
Ready for Work Program	YWCA	$15,000
Joseph's House & Shelter	Joseph's House	$30,000
Unity House Domestic Violence Career Development	Unity House of Troy	$20,000

Homelessness		$90,498
Domestic Violence Shelter Operating Expenses	Unity House of Troy	$24,998
TAUM Furniture Program	Troy Area United Ministries	$13,000
Joseph's House & Shelter	Joseph's House	$32,500
Women In Transition Program	YWCA	$20,000

HOME		$755,942
HOME Administration	City of Troy (Housing)	$70,915
HOME Homebuyer Incentive Program	City of Troy (Housing)	$100,000
HOME Homebuyer Incentive Program (South Troy)		$200,000
Making Homeownership A Reality	THDC-THA	$350,027
THDC CHDO Operating Expenses	THDC-THA	$35,000

Large crowd sought for tonight's Google event

2010-03-23T14:43:00.002-04:00

The following is from an e-mail sent out regarding tonight's Troygle event in Monument Square to attract Google's experimental ultra-high-speed broadband network to the city.

***THE NEED FOR SPEED - Special Troygle Event!***
Featuring The Hellions of Troy. The Albany Bombers
and 100 Uncle Sams

Competing for the "Google Cup" (a Growler

donated by Brown's Brewing Company)

TONIGHT - RAIN OR SHINE!!!!
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monument Square, Downtown Troy

Bring Google Ultra-High-Speed Broadband to Troy!
www.troygle.org
APPLY BY MARCH 26th!

We need YOU to come dressed in Google or Uncle Sam related attire (think - red, white and blue, flags, "techie ware," "speed ware," "Google ware" - we welcome your creative interpretations!) We need a GIANT CROWD for this celebration to show the world that TROY WANTS GOOGLE and that means YOU!

Bring your friends and neighbors!

FREE UNCLE SAM HATS FOR THE FIRST 100 ATTENDEES!

To apply to bring ultra-high-speed broadband to Troy go to www.troygle.org

Trees removed in Lansingburgh

2010-03-17T17:59:00.002-04:00

Some residents have raised concerns over trees being taken down near Knickerbacker Park in recent weeks.

According to city officials, no trees are being being removed from the park itself, but rather the area just above the bike path nearby, in the city's right of way.

The trees are being removed to create a drainage ditch in order to prevent flooding at Lansingburgh High School.

The is no word yet on when the work will be finished.

March reassessment meetings

2010-03-10T17:04:00.002-05:00

The City Council will be working with the city to hold several public meetings on the topic of a city-wide reassessment this month before they vote April 1 on whether or not to authorize a $1 million bond resolution for the city which would kick-start the process.

The meetings will feature both city officials and a representative of the state Office of Real Property Services to answer questions about reassessment.

Future meetings include:

Monday, March 15 - 7 p.m. at Rensselaer County Historical Society, 57 Second St.

Monday, March 22 - 6:30 p.m. at Franklin Terrace, 126 Campbell Ave.

Tuesday, March 23 - 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Third and Washington streets

Thursday, March 25 - 6:30 p.m. in the Sacred Heart School cafeteria, 308 Spring Ave.

Meeting tonight on Google RFI

2010-03-09T11:39:00.003-05:00

Mayor Harry Tutunjian will hold a public meeting tonight to discuss the city's application to be one of the test sites for Google's ultra-high speed broadband networks.

The search engine giant announced in February that it would deliver download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second through fiber-optic connections, offering an Internet experience that the company claimed would be more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today.

According to Google officials, the company plans to offer the service “at a competitive price,” to between 50,000 and 500,000 people to provide speeds which would allow them to more easily download high-definition video, stream three-dimensional images, and much more.

Google will be accepting responses until March 26 and will announce its target communities later this year.

The meeting will be held tonight at 5:30pm in the second floor conference room of City Hall, located at 1776 Sixth Ave.

Second City Hall Meeting Next Week

2010-02-23T16:36:00.002-05:00

As reported by Jim Franco:

TROY — The consultants hired by the city to determine not only the best future use for the former City Hall on Monument Square and make recommendations on a permanent home for the city’s seat of government have narrowed their choices down to four.

Of the eight preliminary sites studied by Sasaki Associates, the architectural firm recommends the current home of City Hall, the old Verizon building on Sixth Avenue that the city is now leasing, Proctor’s Theater on Fourth Street and the Capital District Education Opportunity Center building and is not counting out moving back to the Monument Square site.

Sasaki will hold a second public hearing March 3 at 6 p.m. at the Bush Memorial building at Russell Sage College.

“This is a chance for all Trojans to have a say in a redevelopment project that will have a lasting and historical impact on the changing face of Troy’s riverfront for generations to come,” said Mayor Harry Tutunjian. “This meeting is for all of the residents of Troy, from Lansingburgh to South Troy, and not just those in and around downtown.”

About 20 residents turned out for the first public hearing Dec. 2 to give Sasaki input on where they would like to see City Hall land permanently and what they would like to see happen with the existing riverfront site.

In November 2008, the city signed a $308,000 per year agreement with Judge Development to lease the Verizon building for three years. The offices were moved in 13 months later after a number of delays and disputes. There city filed a lawsuit, which is still pending, in an effort to re-coup some of the rent money it paid without being able to occupy the building.

There are also state grants totaling some $6 million, which the city will have to match a percentage of, available to develop the Monument Square property in addition to completing other projects in the city.

Council Meeting Clarification

2010-02-12T17:12:00.001-05:00

In Friday's edition of The Record, the Community Calendar left out the purpose of a City Council meeting scheduled for Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.

The council will gather at that time in the second floor conference room of 1776 Sixth Ave. to conduct their February Finance Committee meeting.

Pirro pens GOP strategies

2010-02-10T16:36:00.004-05:00

Albany's Metroland reported today that city spokesman Jeff Pirro sent out an e-mail to Republican insiders within the last few months which detailed plans on how to better organize the political party, with the hopes of Election Day success in future races for the mayor's office and City Council seats.

Troy Democrats tried numerous times to have Pirro removed from his position during the city's recent budget battles for his work on party politics but were unsuccessful, as a Supreme Court judge ruled that only Mayor Harry Tutunjian had the power to appoint and remove members of his office staff.

While nothing in the document pops out as a surprise for an outnumbered party looking to gain power in a city largely populated by Democrats, it is likely to ruffle a few feathers.

It also provides a unique look into the general planning process for politicians which members of the public might never normally see.

According to Metroland, the document was first made public by The Sons of Liberty, "a grassroots organization that formed after last year's Tea Party in Albany to study organizing tactics and bask in their ideological purity."

Here's an excerpt from the document:

"What are we for? What are we against? We cannot simply be for more Republicans and against City Council Democrats. That doesn’t work. We cannot be an opposition that only opposes people or things. We have to be an option. Right now, the Dems are simply against the Mayor but they use such populist rhetoric that they appeal to the majority of Trojans who are simply fatigued by NYS and local politics (for those that even care).

Our message in November failed for a lot of a reasons but it is still my contention that the primary reason was that the Democrats were able to take credit for what the Mayor and allies have done. Voter fraud didn’t resonate as much as it should have because the environment was already so poisonous that people tuned it out. (That works to our advantage though, especially when indictments are handed down) In the end, the people that didn’t have their vote hijacked had no other reason to vote against Democrats."

The entire document can be read here.

River Street Pub grand opening Friday 1/22

2010-01-21T22:15:00.004-05:00

The following is from a news release on the pub's grand opening on Jan. 22:

"Vincenzo Pellicano grew up in Buffalo and like many in their college years relished in the nightlife, atmosphere and the fun a downtown strip offered. He recalls meeting friends to dance, party, listen to live music and just have fun.

The 36-year-old recalls the days of gearing up for a Thursday night out to begin the weekend party. Many years later, although he still enjoys the fond memories, the juvenile behaviors have worn off, but the desire for age-appropriate fun is still alive and well.

This Friday, January 22nd around 8 p.m., he gets to relive his dream of those carefree nights in Buffalo. On Friday night, he gets to live the dream - the dream of owning his own Pub.

Located at the corner of River and State streets, Pellicano feels the location
is ideal.

'The City of Troy is just set up so perfectly for a place like ours,' said Pellicano. 'Troy is a nightlife destination, and the fact that this particular location has proven successful before, gives me a solid feeling that it will soon be again.'

The location has a rich history with the likes of 'Petars', 'Club 2001' and 'All Sports Pub,' all located at the 194 River street location over the past 30 years.

The doors open at 8:00pm and will start with some free munchies and drink
specials followed by live entertainment at 10 p.m. from the rock band "343".

'I've worked so hard on making this place new, comfortable and fun for anyone,' said Pellicano. 'It doesn't matter if you're a 20-something, 30-something or 50-something, my goal is to make sure that, when you come here, it's fun!'

Pellicano's River Street Pub will feature pub food,live music and the promise of a good time!"

Approved budget available on City's Web site

2010-01-20T12:48:00.002-05:00

The city's approved 2010 budget is now available for review on the City of Troy's Web site.

In addition to providing easy access to the documents, the page also features an amended message from Mayor Harry Tutunjian detailing the debacle of the fall budget process and his administration's battle with the City Council over the spending plan.

Horowitz lawsuit documents

2010-01-10T00:00:00.003-05:00

Below is a list of the court documents obtained by The Record pertaining to developer Sandy Horowitz's bankruptcy filing on Nov. 3, 2009 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

11-16-09 - Summary of Income/Assets
11-22-09 - Order of Scheduling
11-25-09 - Proof of Service
11-25-09 - Application to Employ Attorney
11-25-09 - Motion to Employ Attorney
11-25-09 - Statement of Disinterestedness
11-25-09 - Motion for Use of Combined Plan
11-25-09 - Motion for Use of Estate
12-03-09 - Professional Fee Statement
12-04-09 - Application to Employ Accountants
12-07-09 - Motion to Employ Accountants
12-10-09 - Declaration of No Response (Estate)
12-10-09 - Declaration of No Response (Attorneys)
12-16-09 - Meeting of Creditors
12-16-09 - Amended Schedule
12-22-09 - Motion for Sale of Property
12-23-09 - Declaration of No Response
12-24-09 - Amended Schedule of Unsecured Claims
12-24-09 - Motion for use of estate
01-06-10 - Opposition to Use of Estate

See the city's lawsuit against the City Council

2009-12-20T22:12:00.002-05:00

Mayor Harry Tutunjian filed a lawsuit against the City Council Thursday regarding the 2010 budget.

View the documents below:

Order to Show Cause
Petition
Mayor Tutunjian's affidavit
City Comptroller Deborah Witkowski's affidavit

Holiday shopping hours in Troy

2009-11-30T12:44:00.001-05:00

City shop owners want your business this holiday season and are offering extended hours as an incentive.

The Troy Downtown Collaborative announced last week that 27 shops, boutiques, galleries, and antique stores in downtown Troy will stay open until 7 p.m. every Friday until Christmas.

Traditionally, most stores in downtown shut their doors by 5 p.m. on weekdays, with the exception of Troy Night Out, making it difficult for local customers to hunt locally for holiday gifts after work. The extended hours began taking effect on Black Friday.

“Downtown Troy has a host of shops that offer gifts you simply can’t find anywhere else” said Elizabeth Young, executive director of the TDC and owner of Living Room, a River Street antiques shop. “From hand crafted jewelry, to antiques, to eco-friendly items and boutique fashions, Troy is the place to find something unique this holiday season”.

Participating shops include: the Antiques Warehouse, Artcentric Gift Gallery, Aurora’s Boutique, Bournebrook Antiques Center, Broken Mold Pottery, Cathedral Music, Clement Framing and Art Gallery, Cobblestone Collectibles, Counties of Ireland, Daily Grind, Francesca’s, JK Bloom Jewelry, Living Room Antiques, Market Block Books, Minion Vintage Jewelry, The Paper Sparrow, Pfeil Hardware, Pigment Art Supply, River Rocks, Romanation Jewelry, Segel Violins and A Place for Art, Some Girls Boutique, The Photography Center, The Spinning Seed, Trojan Horse Antiques, Truly Rhe, Urban Bazaar, Vintage Chic, Vintage Options Jewelry and Accessories, and more.

Young said that she and other members of the TDC hope the extra shopping hours will make it easer for Capital Region residents to spend their money locally this year to support the local economy rather than the big box stores found in area malls.

Troy Night Out, an arts and culture event held on the last Friday of each month, regularly invites individuals from across the area to experience what the city has to offer with extended hours at retail stores, as well as open galleries, live music, and specials at area restaurants.

A similar message was stressed by Capital District Local First during their annual Buy Local Bash on Nov. 21, where organizers pointed out that millions of dollars could stay in the area if residents shopped at local, independent stores rather than retail chains.

Public meeting on City Hall Redevelopment

2009-11-30T11:12:00.001-05:00

The following is a news release about the meeting:

Mayor Harry Tutunjian announced the first of several public meetings regarding the future of City Hall, the redevelopment of current City Hall site, and the relocation of City Hall will be held on Wednesday December 2, 2009 at Christ Church United Methodist.

“The redevelopment of the current City Hall site is a transformative event that will bring more residents, jobs, and economic development investment to Troy,” said Mayor Tutunjian. “Public participation is an integral factor for making this project a success. Specifically, at this meeting we will be looking for input from residents as to what they believe will be the best alternatives for developments at this site.”

Sasaki Associates was chosen earlier this year from a list of more than 25 consultants from around the country to help with the redevelopment of this site. They’ve been working with City Staff since then and are examining eight sites in the downtown area as potential places for a future City Hall.

“Christ Church welcomes the City of Troy for this important meeting and is privileged to be able to offer our space as a community resource,” said Pastor Nina Nichols. “We are glad to play a part in envisioning the future of our city.”

The public meeting will consist of power point presentations, a breakdown of all the separate parts of the project being looked at, and potential uses for the current City Hall site. Discussion will be led by Sasaki Associates

What: City Hall Redevelopment Meeting

When: Wednesday December 2^,2009

6 PM to 9 PM

Who: Sasaki Associates and the City of Troy

Where: Christ Church United Methodist on the corner of 5th Avenue and State Street

NOTE: Parking available in the 5th Avenue Parking Garage.

Fleur De Lis open as usual

2009-11-18T16:08:00.004-05:00

While some readers have raised concerns that Fleur De Lis, the popular Second St. flower shop, had closed after its doors were recently locked for a few days, the shop is indeed open and geared up for the holiday season.

Owner Mary Genevieve said that the store had been closed simply so she could get her store ready for Christmas.

The shop is located at 15 Second St. in downtown Troy.

Final public hearings on budget Thursday

2009-11-11T12:07:00.003-05:00

TROY – The City Council will hold its final public hearings Thursday on the proposed 2010 budget, which is estimated to carry a 2.2 percent tax increase after the council’s recent cuts.

While the meetings are designed to provide residents with a chance to speak their mind regarding both the budget and the council’s changes, Mayor Harry Tutunjian believed that most individuals will not have had enough time to understand the situation beforehand.

In a Tuesday meeting, the council planned to cut more than $426,000 from Tutunjian’s proposed $63.7 million budget by cutting overtime costs and consultant fees, eliminating the positions of employees expected to retire, and eliminating an employee of Tutunjian’s office while adding a position to their own budget.

Tutunjian’s budget would carry a tax increase of 4.25 on its own without the changes.

“They (residents) need to be included in these discussions,” said Tutunjian.

“The council is delusional if they think that the city is overstaffed and that our budget has room for cutting in it,” he continued. “Adopting budgets that are cut this deeply will put us back in the dark ages.”

Council members believed that making the cuts would reduce the burden on city taxpayers while leaving revenue sources and city services intact.

City Comptroller Deborah Witkowski warned the council during their meeting that the city could be forced to add an additional $1 million expense to the budget if the state Legislature does not pass a bill allowing municipalities to spread out increased pension costs over several years.

That alone could raise the tax increase to 7 or 8 percent, said Tutunjian, who is expected to veto the elimination of the positions of spokesman Jeff Pirro and Department of Public Works Commissioner Bob Mirch, who is retiring, if they are included in the budget the council ultimately adopts by Dec. 1.

While the council can override the mayor’s veto, Tutunjian said he would take the council to court once again on the issue of usurping his powers if he had to.

The public hearings will be held in the City Council chambers at City Hall on the capital budget at 7 p.m. and on the general fund budget at 7:30 p.m.

Council to discuss budget cuts with mayor tonight

2009-11-10T15:53:00.002-05:00

The City Council is expected review their proposed changes to the 2010 budget with the mayor this evening at City Hall.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian presented a $63.7 million proposed budget in October which would carry a 4.25 percent tax increase in January if no changes are made.

While preliminary changes suggested by the council were revealed last weekend in a Record article, the amounts are expected to vary this evening.

The council's Democratic majority gained an At-Large seat in last week's general election for a 7-2 majority once new members are seated in January.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall.

Another meeting on Doyle Middle School project

2009-11-06T15:11:00.002-05:00

The Board of education has scheduled a special meeting of its Facilities Committee for Tuesday, Nov. 10 to discuss the proposed nearly $50 million re-construction project at Doyle Middle School. 

The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Based on the way the district plans to structure the repayment of its debt, officials are anticipating only a “minor tax impact, if any,” according to Board of Education Vice President Anne Wager-Rounds. Proposed financing for the project is currently dependent on annual state building aid as well as a $3.4 million state EXCEL grant.

The board must decide between options to move students to one of the district’s elementary schools, move some of them to the high school, or to contrast modular classrooms for at least half of the student body.

However, leaving even half of the students in the building during partial construction could extend the project time from 19 to 30 months, according to consultants working on the project.

Public input is encouraged.

City Hall update

2009-10-30T12:35:00.002-04:00

The following is an excerpt from Mayor Harry Tutunjian's Message on the city's Web site which was posted Thursday concerning where the city currently stands with City Hall.

According to city spokesman Jeff Pirro, while there is not yet a definitive date established for the move to the former Verizon Building on Sixth Avenue, officials hope to make the move soon.

"CITY HALL

To that end, the vision to transform the current City Hall property into an attractive architectural masterpiece and riverfront public space has commenced. An internationally recognized firm, Sasaki Associates, has been hired to fine tune our vision for the most important site in our City. It is with great excitement and anticipation that we wait to see what will come. It is with a sense of relief we pack our offices and begin our long awaited move to the site of the temporary City Hall on Sixth Avenue.

Every journey begins with a first step, and this step has had its share of opposition and delay. The much talked about elevator has been installed and the building is being reviewed to make sure it is code compliant before we move in. We had hoped to be in sooner and we were faced with situations beyond our control, situations you face when you are a tenant, not the owner. We lived up to our contractual obligations and are confident that we will be reimbursed for our lost time and rent. I believe that in the end it will have been worth it. We will have a place to efficiently run City government and the people will have a stunning new development to compliment Monument Square.

We have proven that plans can become reality. I hope that you continue to believe in us and take pride in the good things happening in your City.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or complaints, please do not hesitate to call me (518) 270-4401 or e-mail the Mayor’s Office."

Further discussion on Doyle reconstruction

2009-10-27T15:55:00.000-04:00

TROY – The Board of Education will hold a public meeting tonight to further discuss a nearly $50 million renovation project proposed for Doyle Middle School.

The board’s Facilities Committee will meet following a Finance Committee meeting to speak about the district’s options surrounding an extensive renovation for the middle school which could also include upgrades of Troy High School’s athletic fields.

However, leaving even half of the students in the building during partial construction could extend the project time from 19 to 30 months, according to consultants working on the project.

Public input is encouraged.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the media center at Doyle Middle School, located at 1976 Burdett Ave.

PAL Event

2009-09-24T19:33:00.001-04:00

TROY – An event run by the city’s Police Athletic League last weekend helped get dozens of local children off the streets while bolstering community support.

A family fun day was held at the Central Little League field, located at the corner of Swift Street and Seventh Avenue on Sept. 19 which offered area youngsters a chance to meet their neighbors and simply have a good time with an afternoon of music, food, and activities.

Troy Community Police Officer Aaron Collington, one of the PAL organizers, said that the event was being used to gauge what can be done with the under-utilized ball field, with the hope of someday involving some 1,300 children in middle school across the city to keep them off the streets and make it less likely that they will be involved in criminal activity.

MacArthur Henderson, a parent whose children were enjoying the event, said he was happy to see so many children engaged and learning to respect the law.

“I’m happy to see this,” said Henderson, who noted that many children in the local neighborhoods did not have two parents at home to guide them in the right direction.

He also said that it was good to have people back enjoying the Little League’s facilities after the community had let it deteriorate over the years.

“It’s bringing the pride back to Central Little League,” said Henderson.

Additionally, Tyara Burnett volunteered her time as a disc jockey for the event and said she was hoping to establish future programs for city youth at the Troy Boys and Girls Club with her 518 Positive Reinforcement Dance Group.

The next PAL event is currently being planned as a bowling outing at Uncle Sam Lanes on Halloween.

Community Pot Luck

2009-09-20T17:45:00.000-04:00

A community pot luck dinner will be held at the Troy Boys and Girls Club Monday in celebration of International Peace Day.

The event is being organized by the 518 Positive Reinforcement dance group, Healing Winds, and the Missing Link Street Ministry.

The dinner, performances, and film shorts will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil in Sage Park at 7 p.m.

Learn More About 2-1-1

2009-08-12T12:47:00.001-04:00

From a press release:

"The United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) has launched their 2-1-1 Northeast Region service.

This vital information resource provides professional assistance for information on and referral to human services for people with questions on topics ranging from food and shelter to legal or financial assistance. It also acts as an additional outlet for information in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Please join City of Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian and officials from the UWGCR on Wednesday August 19th at 10 a.m. in the auditorium located at RPI’s Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies in Troy to learn more about this important initiative.

The information session is an opportunity for you to learn how the United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region service is able to assist you and/or your office in handling challenging inquiries and, more importantly, provides an outlet for getting answers to the questions you might have."

Clarification on Council's "undisclosed award"

2009-08-06T23:10:00.002-04:00

An issue was raised during Thursday's City Council meeting by At-Large Republican candidate Steve Miner that the council needed to disclose what they appropriated $311 for out of their Neighborhood Improvement Fund.

The amount was listed in the cost breakdown of Sunday's Record article as "$311 – Purchase of an undisclosed award." Miner's criticism was based on the fact he thought the council did not reveal what the allocation was for, when in fact it was for the purchase of a physical award, as in a mounted plaque.

According to provided documentation the award was shipped to Councilman Mark Wojcik, R-District 1. It was purchased in honor of Neil Kelleher, according to City Clerk Bill McInerney.

The amount was original listed as "undisclosed" simply because the documents did not reveal what occasion the award was purchased for.

Burden Iron Works joined in on National Night Out

2009-08-05T15:36:00.003-04:00

In addition to National Night Out celebrations in Little Italy and North Lansingburgh Tuesday evening, a recently-formed neighborhood group also had positive results in attracting community members.

Jane Snay, of the Burden Iron Works Neighborhood Association, said that the event attracted roughly 45 people, which she considered good for the group's first attempt at such an event.
Neighbors had a chance to meet new friends, discuss local issues, and dine on provided food and beverages while strengthening their community in an effort to prevent local crime.

"It was nice because there was a lot of community involvement from people that didn’t know too much about the museum and once they realized that we had formed a neighborhood group down here, some of them wanted to get involved," said Snay.

City Councilman Gary Galuski, D-District 6, said that he fully supported such events in the community and hoped to help residents strenthen their community bonds in any way possible.

"It’s their neighborhood, they should take stock in it, and that’s what’s going to bring back the old time neighborhoods," said Galuski. "I help them in anyway that I can but have always said to them is that in two years I could be gone."

To read more about other NNO celebrations click here.

Recent Weed & Seed awards

2009-07-30T19:20:00.001-04:00

TROY – Members of a local Weed & Seed committee were recently became the recipients of national awards for their continued dedication to local needs.

Local program director Colleen Goldston and members of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program where recognized during the national Weed & Seed conference attended by the West Side Waterfront Weed & Seed Steering Committee.

Goldston, a community police officer who serves as director of the local program, received the Tenure Award for Site Directors for her nine years of service to the community, while members of the VITA program were give the Coordination Honor Award by the Community Capacity Development Office, a program office of the Department of Justice which hosted the conference.

The conference was also attended by Agnes Zink, of the Roarke Center, Bill Roehr, the city’s grants writer, and steering committee secretary Anthony DeFiglio, who gave a presentation with Goldston on “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.”

More information on the awards and the conference can be found at www.ccdoconferencejournal.org.

UPDATE: Council to meet and discuss pool this week

2009-07-28T15:52:00.004-04:00

UPDATE: Meeting Cancelled

The Parks and Recreation meeting scheduled for July 30 has been cancelled. Read the full story here.

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As Record intern Jake Lustick reported earlier this week, members of the City Council will meet Thursday for a Park and Recreation Committee meeting to discuss wehther proper protocols and procedures are being followed at city facilities, including a Lansingburgh pool where an 11-year-old girl nearly drowned on July 13.

“The people of Troy want to know that when they go to city facilities that they are in compliance with state and federal guidelines and that their children are going to be safe,” said Councilman Peter Ryan, D-District 3. “We just want to make sure everyone is doing their job and doing it to the best of their ability.”

The Democratic majority recognized that there is an ongoing police investigation into the matter but said that they simply want to answer the questions that concerned residents have raised.

“This is not a political issue,” said District 6 Councilman Gary Galuski. “Everyone in the city cares about the safety of our children. We need to give taxpayer reassurance that city parks are clean, safe and properly staffed.”

Councilman Mark McGrath, R-District 2, said that it was despicable for the council to try and place blame in an incident like this.

“This is just reactive. They’re going to grab on to this news while the girl is in the hospital and make political hay out of it. It’s despicable and I’m sickened that they’re even doing this,” said McGrath.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on July 30 in the City Council chambers at City Hall.

Pig Out schedule

2009-07-16T14:08:00.002-04:00

Below is a press release containing the schedule Saturday's 2nd-ever Troy Pig Out:

The Second Ever Troy Pig Out is will proceed rain or shine this weekend, with a few tweaks in its musical lineup.

Organizers have added venerable Irish act the McKrell’s to the lineup Saturday evening, and shifted Ernie Williams to earlier in the afternoon due to a scheduling snafu. New York City based rockers Ice Wagon Flu will headline the show. The Pig Out has more than 12 hours of live music planned for this weekend. The complete music schedule is:

Saturday:
11 a.m. to Noon: The Tom Casey Band
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: The Bent Rail Blues Band:
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Ernie Williams and the Wildcats
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Scott Shipley:
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: The McKrell’s
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Ice Wagon Flu

Sunday:
11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Renee Lussier & Branchwater
12:30 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.: Simple Theory
1:30 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.: Julia Ilowiecki
2:30 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.: Prolonged Exposure
3:40 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Foy Brothers

The number of barbecue vendors for the event has tripled, and the number of teams competing for the New York State BBQ championship have increased from 18 to 30.

"We are ready to go, we are ready to entertain, and we are ready to provide some of the finest barbecue north of the Mason-Dixon line,” Troy Downtown Collaborative Executive Director Elizabeth Young said. “It should be an absolutely terrific time, and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy one of the fastest growing events in the area. Enjoy the Summer of Seattle before it’s over!”

A detailed schedule of events can be found at www.troypigout.com.

No council meeting tonight

2009-07-02T10:48:00.000-04:00

REMINDER: There is no City Council meeting tonight at City Hall.

The council moved their July meeting to next Thursday, July 9, by a vote last month in order to provide enough time for public hearings on a proposed local law to establish a downtown Business Improvement District.

At least one of those public hearings will be held prior to the July 9 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.

"Full 18" propane exchange

2009-07-01T15:18:00.004-04:00

John Ray & Sons has introduced a new propane tank exchange program entitled, “Get the Full 18,” with three locations in the Capital Region.
In time for the height of the barbecue season, the propane tanks are filled to the maximum of 18 pounds by the Troy-based energy services company.
John Ray & Sons President Ken Ray said that the idea to start the propane tank exchange began with customer requests for the service.
“Our ‘Get the Full 18’ propane program is a benefit to consumers who recently have been receiving only 15 pounds of propane from national supplier exchange programs,” he said.
Many companies reduced the amount of propane in their tanks from 18 to 15 pounds last year when fuel costs were high to avoid a price increase.
“By filling the tanks to the maximum, the fuel lasts longer and reduces the need to exchange tanks as frequently,” said Ray.

The first three locations for John Ray & Sons’ Propane Tank Exchange Program are:

• Sycaway Sunoco at 558 Hoosick Street, Troy.

• Bob’s Sunoco Mini Market, corner of Wolf and Albany Shaker Roads, Colonie.

• Cohoes A Plus, 245 Ontario Street, Cohoes.

“Because of an increased customer demand for propane tank exchange programs, we’ll be adding more locations over the summer,” said Ray. “Our tanks are clean, safe and convenient.”

“Propane has become increasingly popular for outdoor grilling for a number of reasons, particularly environmental considerations,” said Ray. A recent British study showed that every charcoal cookout has twice the carbon footprint of a propane cookout. Because a propane grill heats more quickly than a charcoal grill and can be shut off, there is less waste.

John Ray & Sons has been in business in the city for more than 100 years and has evolved through the years as times have changed – delivering ice, coal, wood, kerosene, diesel fuel, heating oil, propane, and biofuels to residential and commercial customers throughout the Capital Region.

Rockin' on River inside tonight

2009-07-01T14:00:00.003-04:00

The following is from a press release from Elizabeth Young, executive director of the Troy Downtown Collaborative:

"Tonight's Rockin' on the River has been moved inside due to the threat of bad weather. The concert will be held at Revolution Hall, located at 425 River Street in Troy, one block from the original outdoor river front location from 5:00pm - 8:30pm.

This is still a completely free show and is open to all ages. Tonight's headliner is 80's tribute band Aquanet, and promises to be a wonderful evening of free music and fun in the City of Troy.

We will, weather permitting, return outside next week!"

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que correction

2009-06-26T13:05:00.003-04:00

An article in Friday’s edition of The Record incorrectly stated that Dinosaur Bar-B-Que would not pay any property taxes for its first five years in the city under a Payment In-Lieu of Taxes agreement.

After receiving further information from the city and lawyer for the city’s Industrial Development Authority, it was revealed that the deferred tax percentage plan included in the restaurant’s application would apply only the improved value of the property, once renovations are completed, beyond its original tax assessment of $168,000.

As under most PILOT agreements, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que would still be required to pay a minimum base amount each year to reflect that assessed value throughout the 20-year agreement.

According to Economic Development Coordinator Jeff Buell, the building's assesment was lowered from more than $260,000 after it was challenged in court in recent months.

Further exemptions, such as the $60,000 in state sales tax on materials purchased for improvements to the building and $53,000 in real property tax , which will both be waived, will be allowed because the restaurant is working with the Troy Industrial Development Authority.

The article has been updated to reflect these corrections on The Record's Web site and the matter will likely be further addressed in an article in tomorrow’s paper.

Cassidy is candidate for Legislature

2009-06-12T13:33:00.003-04:00

A political newcomer has thrown her name into the ring as a candidate to represent the city as a member of the Rensselaer County Legislature this fall.

Kathleen Ryan Cassidy, a lifelong Trojan, plans to run on the Democratic candidate for District 1, which encompasses the city, and hopes to try and find ways to make county government more efficient.

“I would like to evaluate the work of the Legislature through the eyes of an ordinary, everyday citizen and will be committed to reducing costs, creating efficiencies, and adding ‘green’ initiatives wherever possible,” said Cassidy.

Cassidy currently works as the coordinator of human resources in the Ballston Spa Central School District and formerly worked as a speech-language pathologist at the Rensselaer County Health Department before running her out private practice for nearly 15 years. She also has been involved in activities and parent groups with the Troy School District for more than 20 years, an active member of the Troy Booster Club, and is currently serving as chair of the Troy Educational Pride Foundation.

“I look forward to running a positive campaign focused on my ability to represent the residents of Troy," said Cassidy. "I am eager to work toward creating a more efficient government and reducing the tax burden we face in these challenging economic times.”

Free summer kids program at Frear Park

2009-06-10T14:16:00.004-04:00

The city is sponsoring a free summer program for local children, ages nine to 13, at the Frear Park Sports Facility.

Weekly programs will include culinary lessons, sports, swimming lessons, nutrition, arts and crafts, and various field trips.

Breakfast and lunch will be offered in conjunction with Rensselaer County Department for Youth Summer Food Program.

The program will operate from July 6- Aug. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m on weekdays.

Parents can apply for the program by contacting program coordinator Krtisin Sweeter at 720-3051. Applications are also available on the Web at www.troyny.gov.

NYCLU brings suit against Mirch

2009-06-09T14:59:00.002-04:00

The New York Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against the city of Troy and Public Works Commissioner Bob Mirch for shuttering an art center in the midst of a controversial exhibit over a year ago.

The suit alleges that the closing of the Sanctuary for Independent Media on March 11, 2008 for code violations a day after the opening of “Virtual Jihadi,” a game in which a suicide bomber tries to kill then-President George W. Bush, violated the Sanctuary’s Constitution-protected rights to free speech, due process and equal protection.

For more on this story, keep checking The Record's Web site as well as Wednesday's edition of the paper.

Gordon to annouce his candidacy

2009-05-26T15:56:00.002-04:00

Lansingburgh resident and community advocate, Jim Gordon will be announcing his candidacy for the soon-to-be-vacant District 1 seat on the City Council Thursday morning. He is expected to face off against Democratic candidate Kevin McGrath for the seat in November.

From a press release on the announcement:
"An organizer of the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch and chairman of the Uncle Sam Parade Committee, Jim’s primary interest in seeking this position is to help keep Lansingburgh a family‐friendly place to live, work, and play. He aims to achieve this by strengthening the
many positive aspects of the community, while identifying the root causes for quality of life issues and eradicating them. He expects to work collaboratively with people of diverse opinions and ideas to forge consensus on the difficult and debatable issues that will face the city. Jim looks upon this office as an opportunity to continue his commitment to community service.

Jim is a life‐long resident of Troy and with his wife, Melissa, owns a home in Lansingburgh. Jim received a degree in Business Management from Delhi College. Now 29 years old, Jim works for Schrader and Company,Inc., a residential remodeling and cabinetmaking firm, as Director of the Business and Public divisions. Just as Jim continues to contribute to his community, he does so for the industry in‐which he earns his living. Jim has served on several board‐of‐directors for local business and trade associations. Jim has over 10 years experience working for small‐businesses in the residential and commercial construction industry. As a proven leader, Jim’s experience and his unwavering approach will prove to be vital in the coming years in Lansingburgh.

Understanding how to successfully identify and leverage future investment in residential and commercial economical development, within today’s 'new' economy, will be vital to the continued stability of Lansingburgh and the city of Troy."

City could soon have a new hardware store

2009-05-22T11:27:00.003-04:00

Do-it-yourselfers looking to support a local business rather than a big box store when it comes to purchasing their hardware needs may be in luck.

Only weeks after it was announced that Trojan Hardware would be closing its doors of its historic Congress Street location, it seems that another hardware store could soon be cropping up in the city's downtown.

A job listing on the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce's Web site (www.saratoga.com) shows that Jeff and Deane Pfeil, who own the Conservatory, Powers Park Lofts, and several other properties in Saratoga and Clifton Park, are looking for someone to manage such a store.

According to the listing, the goal of the position will be to "develop (the) store's reputation for excellent quality, selection and service from day one."

When contacted by The Record for comment and information on the project Friday, Deane Pfeil said that she was not ready to reveal any information on the new venture just yet, but said that she was looking for a new location in downtown and had no plans to takeover the former Trojan Hardware building.

The manager position could pay anywhere from $25,000-$50,000 a year, with the store anticipated to be open by August, according to the listing.

Verizon is almost ready - still no elevator

2009-05-19T19:43:00.002-04:00

Members of the City Council met Tuesday to discuss the fact that there is still no elevator installed in the former Verizon Building on Sixth Avenue, the future home of City Hall, as was required under the city's lease agreement with Judge Development Corporation.

During the Law Committee meeting, the councilmen reviewed information from JDC on some of the delays regarding the elevator's installation, including the fact that an elevator had not yet been purchased and that it could likely take approximately 12 weeks to acquire one.

"So we're talking about sometime around Labor Day before we see an elevator in Verizon," said Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, who factored an additional two weeks into his estimate for the elevator's installation.

Dunne also stated that he believed the council should pass legislation at their June meeting to cease payments on the city's lease for the property because Judge had violated the lease contract, which stated that an elevator should have been installed by March 1.

Corporation Counsel Charlie Sarris, who declined to discuss whether such legislation, or even the possibility of litigation, were options for the city in this matter while a reporter for The Record was present.

"From my perspective, as the attorney for the city, I would take every hardball position I could in moving forward with this," said Sarris.

Sarris also noted that he planned to meet with Sam Judge Thursday to further discuss the matter.

Besides the elevator, city workers have nearly completed interior rennovations to the building and the offices of various departments could be moved to their new home within the next two weeks.

Love the library? Take a cruise!

2009-05-14T13:44:00.002-04:00

The Troy Public Library today announced its upcoming "I Love My Library" cruise to be held on June 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The library was forced to close down it's Lansingburgh and Sycaway satellite branches earlier this year because it's budget could not support the level of demand for its services at all three branches.

Library officials are also working to raise enough funds to support the installation of an elevator in the historic downtown branch.

Here's the announcement:

"Relax and enjoy a three hour cruise down the Hudson River aboard the Captain JP II and support the Troy Public Library at the same time!

The Captain JP II is a modern luxurious yacht with four decks and a capacity of 600 passengers. Its three climate controlled enclosed decks can seat in excess of 500 guests for dinner, while still allowing plenty of room on the open air decks for strolling or dancing the night away under the stars.

Cruise includes the following:

Buffet dinner - hand carved top round, vegetable lasagna, chicken florentine, tossed salad, choice of potato or rice, a vegetable medley, rolls and butter, coffee, tea, and dessert.
Entertainment provided by a jazz combo on the upper deck and a DJ for dancing.
A cash bar will be available.

Cost for the evening is $65 per person.

Please call the library at 274-7071 for tickets and additional information."

AD: More firefighters at Station 2 will improve safety

2009-05-13T19:37:00.000-04:00

Members of the Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association, the union for the city's Fire Department, have taken out a full-page advertisement in Thursday's edition of The Record calling for the city to accept a nearly $900,000 federal SAFER grant which officials have considered declining because of the lost-term costs to the city.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian's administration announced last week that they were uncertain whether they would accept the grant to hire eight new firefighters because, while the grant helps to offset the cost of the hires on a declining scale over five years, they would still cost the city roughly $3.5 million in salary and benefit costs.

The UFA disagreed and believed nearly all but $400,000 could be recovered from additional ambulance revenue that could be made if the fire department could more consitently man its aparatus at Station 2, one of the busiest in the city, with the additional men.

UFA President Dave Paul has noted in the past that the staffing issues at Station 2, the Bouton Road firehouse, prevent firefighters from operating both the station's ambulance and fire engine at the same time.

Additionally, the ad calls attention to how the station's call volume has increased by 56 percent, with a 30 percent increase across the rest of the city, how now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had supported the grant when she was a state senator, as well as how fire doubles in size every minute and that death is a possiblity after four to six minutes without emergency care.

UFA officials are expected to discuss the matter further with the City Council next Thursday during the council's Finance Comittee meeting.

Sarris said to resign from outside employment

2009-05-13T19:09:00.001-04:00

Corporation Counsel Charlie Sarris has reportedly decided to resign his position as a deputy town attorney in the town of North Greenbush, according to City Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4.

Dunne said that he recieved a letter from Sarris today stating that he would soon be resigning from the position.

Sarris had received a memo from City Council President Clement Campana, D-At Large, last Thursday requesting that he provide his letter of resignation for his North Greenbush position prior to the council meeting later that night where councilmen had planned to vote on his official appointment to the position of corporation counsel.

During the meeting, Sarris had told the council that he was hurt by there request when two weeks prior, none of them had openly objected to his outside jobs during a Finance Committee meeting.

Dunne noted that the council will still need to vote on Sarri's appointment since the resolution was tabled during the meeting.

"We're going to have to (vote on his approval), but we do want to see the official letter of resignation to North Greenbush first," said Dunne. "It's not that we don't believe Mr. Sarris, but we certainly want all our T's crossed and I's dotted."

Look for further information on the matter over the next few days from Troy Talk and The Record.

Approved CDBG transfers

2009-05-08T13:40:00.001-04:00

The City Council voted Thursday to transfer $135,000 of Community Development Block Grant funding from city services such as street paving and vacant building demolition to a number of local neighborhood groups.

The groups and projects which will be funded include the following:

First Street Improvement Project (Think First Neighborhood) - $5,000
Mt. Ida Neighborhood Center Project (Mt. Ida Preservation) - $10,000
Second St. Sidewalk/Curbing Project (Burden Ironworks Neighborhood) - $20,000
South Troy Street Improvements (Burden Ironworks Neighborhood) - $20,000
Stow Ave. Streetscape Improvements (Stow Farm Neighborhood) - $35,000
Troy Little Italy Revitalization Project (Troy Little Italy) - $10,000
Two-Way Fourth Street Sidewalk/Curb (Burden Ironworks Neighborhood - $20,000
Woodside Block Improvements (Contemporary Artists Center) - $5,000
112th Street Bridge Gateway Park (North Lansingburgh Neighborhood) - $10,000

The council also moved $10,000 to both the YWCA's Ready for Work program and the Troy Public Library for installation of an elevator, along with $5,000 for the Italian Community Center's Westside Learning Center.

Councilman Mark Wojcik, R-District 1, made a motion to zero out all of the neighborhood funding and put the money back into city services because neighborhood projects are often left unfinished with organizers coming to the city looking for help.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian had also previously stated that he felt it was wrong to remove money from street improvements and put it into the council's own "pet pork projects."

"We reviewed the mayor's recommendations and found that many groups and neighborhoods were denied funding by the mayor," said Council President Clement Campana, D-At Large. "This is not acceptable considering CDBG money is geared specifically to low and moderate income neighborhoods most in need of assistance."

Members of the council's Democratic majority also touted how their increase of funding to rehab existing housing properties, from $356,000 to $396,000, would allow owner occupied homes for less money than was previously spent on building new structures.

Additionally, they discussed how neighborhoods were in true need of the money they received and that Tutunjian was wrong to refer to them as pork.

"It seems he (Tutunjian) has forgotten the purpose of the HUD program and the tens of thousands of dollars that he allocated to neighborhood groups during his tenure on the council," said Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5. "While the mayor's priorities have shifted away from our struggling neighborhoods, this council will remain steadfast in its continued support for Troy's neighborhood groups."

Councilman Mark McGrath, R-District 2, issued a statement Friday saying that he was outraged by the majority's actions during their regular meeting and that it was inferred that the head no intentions on funding Lansingburgh projecs in the future.

"Council President Campana sits on the board of the CYO, and openly campaigns for funneling money into that program at the expense of others," said McGrath. "Meanwhile the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club is going to suffer in the future because of its location. There are members of this City Council that forget those of us in Lansingburgh are part of Troy as well.

McGrath also criticized the council for finalizing their changes only an hour before the council meeting and not allowing the public to have ample time to respond or comment on the alterations.

Council to vote on funding changes

2009-05-06T20:46:00.002-04:00

The City Council will vote tonight on changes they have proposed to the city’s one year action plan.

Members of the council met Tuesday in a meeting of the Planning Committee to make amendments to Mayor Harry Tutunjian’s proposed plan, which included funding amounts for Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Shelter Grant funding, and HOME Program funding.

Most notably, the council proposed moving $100,000 from the city’s street paving program and dispersed it among several community groups and projects, including the following: First Street Improvement Project, Mt. Ida Neighborhood Center Project, Second Street Sidewalk Project, South Troy Street Improvements, Stow Ave Streetscape Improvements, Troy Little Italy Revitalization Project, Fourth Street Sidewalk Project, Woodside Block Improvements and the 112th Street Bridge Gateway Park.

The council also transferred $40,000 from the proposed third phase of the Troy Homes Project, where new homes would be built off Project Road, into funding for the Troy Housing Development Corporation and transferred $10,000 from other funding sources to the Troy Public Library toward the installation of an elevator.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian said that there was not much transparency behind the council’s decisions.

“I’m troubled that the Democratic council majority is looking to remove money from street paving and from the demolition of derelict and dangerous buildings to fund pet pork projects in their neighborhoods which are very hard to manage and often don’t get done,” said Tutunjian.

Councilmen Mark Wojcik, R-District 1, and Mark McGrath, R-District 2, also raised concerns that Lansingburgh groups were not being funded in the plan.

“To the victor goes the spoils,” said McGrath. “They’re using the CDBG funds to run their re-election campaign."

The council will vote on the final spending plan tonight during their regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall.

Rally/hearing on school district budget

2009-05-05T17:13:00.002-04:00

Members of the public will have their first chance to speak out Wednesday regarging a $95.1 million budget for the Enlarged City School District of Troy.

The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on May 6 in the Doyle Middle School auditorium.

On April 1, the Board of Education unanimously adopted the budget, which included plans to remove a total 62.8 fulltime equivalent positions by the end of June to balance the district's finances.

In addition, members of the Troy Teacher's Association will hold a rally outside of the auditorium beginning at 5:30 p.m, according to TTA President Seth Cohen.

"The idea is that it’s not a protest, but it’s for support of the 50-odd members of our association that have been laid off," said Cohen.

Residents will vote on whether to approve the proposed budget on May 19.

BID hearing finally happening tonight

2009-04-30T15:36:00.003-04:00

After months of delays and setbacks, the official public hearing regarding the proposed downtown Business Improvement District will be held at City Hall tonight at 7 p.m.

Residents will be able to come and share there views on why they believe there should or should not be a BID in the city of Troy.

Once the meeting is held, a 30-day public comment period will begin where residents can submit their formal opposition to the BID's creation to the City Clerk's office.

If more than 50 percent of proposed district members oppose the BID, it cannot be created. However, not voting counts in favor of establishing the district.

School district: last "town hall" meeting of the year

2009-04-28T11:17:00.003-04:00

The following is a press release from the district:

What: Troy City School District’s Town Hall Meeting

When: Monday, May 4, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Where: School 16 – 40 Collins Avenue, Troy, N.Y.

Details: The Board of Education for the Enlarged City School District of Troy, NY will host its final town hall meeting for the 2008-09 school year on Monday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at School 16. This will conclude its first year-long series of monthly public forums.

This meeting is open to the public and creates an opportunity for an informal question and answer session with Troy’s Board of Education and district administrators. The district also recently created an online feedback form at http://www.troy.k12.ny.us./feedback.asp where comments and questions can be sent in electronically, to be addressed at town hall meetings.

With the hopes of reaching all segments and neighborhoods within the district, town hall meetings were rotated monthly so that they were hosted by all eight schools. The meetings were held regularly at 7 p.m.; the series started in October 2008 and ends in May 2009.

On April 1, the Board of Education unanimously (8-0) adopted a budget of $95.1 million. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Doyle Middle School Media Center. District residents will vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

Mayor questions council actions

2009-04-24T12:18:00.004-04:00

Mayor Harry Tutunjian questioned the validity of a special meeting held by the City Council Thursday that started more than an hour after its scheduled time.

According to a legal notice which appeared in The Record on April 21, the council planned to hold the meeting at 7 p.m. to make an appointment to fill the vacancy on the Board of Assessment Review and to override Tutunjian's veto of Local Laws 1 and 2 for 2009, which dealt with allowing both political parties on the council to hire their own legal counsel.

However, the special meeting did not actually begin until roughly 8:15 p.m. after the council's Finance Committee, which ran long because members had listened to a 30-minute presentation on reassessments from the state Office of Real Property Services.

Tutunjian said that the council was required to follow the schedule set forth in its legal notice - including both the time the meeting would start and the matters which would be discussed, since the override of his vetoes was actually moved to the council's regular May meeting.

"This appointment is null and void," said Tutunjian, who noted that the appointment was ever legally challenged it would not hold up in court.

Council President Clement Campana, D-At Large, said that that the council did the fair thing and was not in the wrong.

"I would never stop government from acting, regardless of what the clock says," said Campana, who said the complaint was typical of Tutunjian and his administration. "We weren't going to let these people speak, and as a courtesy, knowing full well that this thing wasn't ready to go forward, I let the guy speak."

School district budget newsletter

2009-04-15T16:43:00.004-04:00

Click here to view a copy of the Enlarged City School District of Troy's Spring newsletter, which will soon be mailed to city residents.

The newsletter includes useful details regarding the proposed $95.1 million budget which was adopted by the Board of Education on April 1 and the 3.84 percent tax increase that it carries.

It also mentions estimated tax rates based on the assessed value of city homes, discusses what will happen in the event that the proposed budget is voted down the public, and includes breakdowns of where the district's money will be spent as well as where it is coming from.

Layoff numbers for Troy Schools

2009-04-14T20:07:00.005-04:00

The Enlarged City School District of Troy is expected to lay off more than 60 employees by the end of its fiscal year.

The layoffs are part of an effort to balance a proposed $95.11 million that the Board of Education adopted on April 1. That budget will soon be presented to as part of a public referendum on May 19.

Board of Education President Jason Schofield said that the layoffs would be spread across the district’s three labor unions — the Troy Teachers Association, the Troy Administrators Union, and the Civil Service Employees Association.

Roughly 50 teachers will be laid off under the proposal. The district's business department, certain foreign language programs, and Troy High School's theater department will also likely be affected by the cuts.

Read more about the issue in Wednesday's edition of The Record.