The 3rd quarter/2nd half of 2024 begins on Monday, July 1. Dues should be submitted in the usual manner to THCA Treasurer Jerry Gordon to assure that they are received on time.
Jun 22, 2024
3rd quarter dues deadline coming up
Getting set for the Terrace Summer Picnic
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| Allegedly a scene from the first Terrace Summer Picnic. |
• A signup sheet is being posted on the mailbox bulletin board. The deadline for registering is Wednesday, July 10. Please specify how many people from your residence will be attending.
• The THCA will be providing a selection of subs this year, rather than burgers and hot dogs as in the past. (Grillmasters at previous picnics didn't get much time to socialize.)
• Please plan on bringing a dish to share. Suggestions include salads (potato, macaroni, tossed, etc.) appetizers, and desserts.
• Where should you bring your food contributions? Bill & Kathy Shover at No. 21 will be the hosts for desserts and Lorraine Bailey at No. 22 for all other foods.
• Plan to bring your own chairs and beverages. (It wouldn't hurt to check the weather forecast the day before the event to find out if you also should bring an umbrella.)
Hoping to see as many of you there as possible for what always is an enjoyable get-together.
Jun 21, 2024
Troy's citywide roadwork Phase 2 announced
(Phase 1 was largely related to reworking Campbell Road in the vicinity of Hudson Valley Community College. )
While none of the Terrace roads are on the schedule at this point, nearby Highpointe Drive is. No dates have been released for Phase 2 work except to say it will be completed this summer.
The City promises that when it decides on when to do the Highpointe Drive work, it will post signs several days in advance so you can plan your vehicle, jogging, or walking activities accordingly.
Meanwhile, the THCA Board is checking with the City on the possibility of more work being done on the increasingly-ragged Terrace public roads (i.e., Hyland Drive and Hyland Circle) that have occasionally been cold-patched, but only at our repeated requests. While we doubt we'll receive a positive reply, it won't hurt to ask.
Here's the Phase 2 outline:
1st trimming coming up
Our contract with Skyview Landscaping calls for two such services annually, one in June/July, the other in October/November.
We're less than halfway through the first period and, as always, such work is weather dependent. Given the erratic rainfall, soaring temperatures, etc., trimming hasn't yet been performed. But, fear not, it will be.
Jun 11, 2024
Save the date for the Terrace Summer Picnic
Circle Saturday, July 13, on your social calendar.
That's the date "Ellie & The Planners" have selected for our umpteenth annual Terrace Summer Picnic.
Other than a 2 p.m. starting time, no details are yet available, but we'll keep everyone in the loop as soon as there are some solid things to share.
May 22, 2024
Alert: Nighttime thieves are on the prowl
Be sure to lock your vehicles and don't leave anything of value visible inside.
While we haven't had a car theft or break-in on the Terrace in several years, our neighbors in Highpointe aren't as fortunate.
Steven Sanders reports he was told by a Highpointe resident that "there were several incidents there earlier this month, both caught on camera. One was a break-in of an unattached garage and the other was a person checking for unlocked cars on the road or driveways. Both occurred after midnight by different individuals."
Just another reason to maintain all exterior lights so we don't have unnecessary darkened areas in the neighborhood.
May 19, 2024
Former Terrace resident Dave Sampson passes away
Dave Sampson, who with his wife Arlene rented No. 2 Hyland Circle for a time, passed away last week.
Tom Wade says the Sampsons moved to Connecticut several years ago to be near family. Dave suffered from Parkinson’s disease for many years.
Fred Fowler notes that "Dave had been a lawyer in Troy for many years and his father was Steve Sampson from Pattison, Sampson, Ginsburg and Griffin. ... Dave was a good guy, but didn’t get out much when they lived here due to his illness."
Steven Sanders added, "David and Arlene were wonderful neighbors. Arlene was very personable and so was Dave although, as Fred said, he could not get out and about because of his advanced Parkinson’s disease. Dave fought without a complaint and courageously to the very end. May God hold him in peace and joy."
Dave's official obituary is available online.
May 15, 2024
Memorial Day Parade returning -- in Lansingburgh
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| Parade route from park to park. |
The parade, halted during the COVID-19 pandemic era, is set to step off at 1 p.m. from Knickerbacker Park and wind up a bit north with a 3 p.m. memorial celebration in Powers Park with a 4 to 8 p.m. cookout and celebration at Forty-One Sports Grille where there will be live music by Brian Kane and the Beginnings.
The event will feature recruiting tables, youth activities (such as balloon animals, face painting, etc.), a cookout with the Troy fire and police departments, and other activities.
In addition, the parade will feature the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, a Canadian infantry reserve regiment based in the Niagara Region of Ontario. The regiment traces its history back 230 years to Butler’s Rangers from Upstate New York and Pennsylvania. The Warrant Officers and Sergeants of the regiment have a long-standing relationship with the Veterans of Lansingburgh and attended the Memorial Day parade for over 20 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so excited to be able to bring the Memorial Day Parade back to Troy to honor our local veterans who have dedicated their lives to protect our freedoms,” said Mayor Carmella Mantello. “These events unite our community and build pride in our city.”
PJ Higgit, a local veteran and advocate, said, “From a community standpoint, the parade is an important event that will help remind people to pause and remember the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our great nation. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to live in the most free and democratic country in the world.”
Andrea Fairhurst, president of the Lansingburgh Central School District Board of Education, said, “Reviving the Memorial Day parade in Troy is a testament to our community's deep respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It's a chance for us to come together, not just as neighbors, but as a community bound by shared values and gratitude. This parade is our way of saying 'thank you' to every hero, past and present, and ensuring their memory lives on in the heart of our community for generations to come."
Troy PD gets $362K technology upgrade grant
Police Chief Dan DeWolf said, "Policing in the 21st Century has become increasingly technological and police departments find themselves struggling to keep up with emerging products and tools. This funding will improve our existing capabilities and enhance our ability to investigate and deter criminal activity in the city. The Troy Police Department is thankful for this necessary financial award."
DeWolf said the department intends to improve and expand the city's camera system, including network improvements. It also will fund the enhancement of license plate readers and the purchase of a new drone.
Apr 19, 2024
Yet another water main break snarls traffic
Broken water main -- again! -- affects Hoosick Street travel. Be alert to detours.
This lane closure notice was issued by the City of Troy on Friday.
Apr 16, 2024
'Operation Refresh' sprucing up Troy
The City of Troy this week began a widespread spring cleaning campaign of alleys, neighborhoods roads, and commercial streets.
So, if you're strolling downtown, for example, where alleys are plentiful, you may notice that much of the winter accumulation of litter and dirt has been swept away. And, as you travel around the City, you no doubt will see examples of all sort of cleanup work.
The program is known as "Troy Operation Refresh," part of new Mayor Carmella Mantello's ongoing program of attention to "quality of life" issues.
“We are pressing a refresh button with intense street and alleyway cleaning, curb to curb," Mantello says. "We are going street by street, alleyway by alleyway to create a cleaner, greener Troy, and building pride in our city. That starts with being clean.”Part of the refreshing work is a city park rejuvenation initiative that includes such things as:
• painting• checking city flags• replacing all basketball nets• cleaning and painting the fountains at Frear Park and Knickerbocker Park• repairing the fence at Poestenkill Gorge• scraping and painting tennis practice walls• painting trash receptacles
1st herbicide application coming up
The annual program of lawn treatments by our vendor Vinmar Solutions is about to begin.
Please be aware that a crew will be on the Terrace on Wednesday, April 24. To avoid any problem with spraying residue, please be sure your cars are garaged or parked in one of our parking areas away from the lawns during daylight hours on that date. And, please be cautious when walking your dogs.
Here is the official notice from Vinmar:
FROM VINMAR SOLUTIONS
Apr 12, 2024
Latest info and links for Troy recycling efforts
As we approach Earth Day, the City of Troy's recycling specialists are asking residents to participate in one of the recycling events coming up this month and in May.
"Since it takes so long for items to break down in landfills, it’s important that we do what we can to reduce what goes into our household garbage," says a City announcement. " If there’s a way to reduce it, reuse it, or recycle it, that preserves space in our landfills for the things that can’t be reduced, reused, or recycled. If you’re looking for information on the best way to do that, check out our recycling guide."
Earth Day cleanups
Saturday, April 20, to Sunday, April 28
City residents can register for their efforts and get supplies to support their cleanups. We have trash bags, leaf bags, prescription drug deactivation bags, and more. Register online or call the City Recycling Specialist at 518-279-7313 to be registered manually.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event
Saturday, May 18, at the Troy Resource Management Facility (Alamo); 3000 Main Street.
Items such as gasoline, pesticides, fertilizer, paints, and more require special handling and disposal. Registration is required. Time slots will be assigned via email to control traffic. Please check your spam and junk folders for an email from naomi.pitkin@troyny.gov several days before the event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community-Based Sustainable Events
TROY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FACILITY (ALAMO) services Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. : food scrap drop-off, pallet pick-up, bagged leaf and branch drop-off, battery drop-off.
IMPORTANT LINKS
• Textile Reuse and Recycling Program: www.troyny.gov/textiles
• Rechargeable Battery Recycling Program: www.troyny.gov/batteries
• Food Scrap Drop-off: www.troyny.gov/foodscraps
• Recycling Information: www.troyny.gov/recycling
• Household Hazardous Waste Events: www.troyny.gov/hhw
• Electronics Recycling Events: www.troyny.gov/electronics
• Trash Information: www.troyny.gov/269/Garbage-Collection
Apr 3, 2024
City restores Facebook users blocked by Madden
All those accounts now have been unblocked.
“The Mantello administration is committed to being transparent to the residents of Troy,” the mayor said in a news release.
“We live in a time where many people rely on social media for their news and communications. Our pages must be made available to everyone, regardless of their personal opinions. I am open to hearing all voices and will continue to communicate openly with the public throughout my tenure.”
City Communications Director Hayley Hill added, “Our social media is the one-stop-shop for residents to get information about city projects, upcoming community events, citywide disasters, traffic alerts, and more. This is also a place for residents to voice their opinions and complaints directly to the city. People should not be punished for that. This administration is committed to government transparency, and we sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been blocked or censored by the last administration.”
Need to get rid of some old paint?
The paint recycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday (April 6) at Hudson Valley Community College. BUT, you need to pre-register to participate. You can do it online by clicking here.
What will be accepted:
- Urethanes
- Oil-based and latex-based paints
- Acrylic paint
- Varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers
- Primers
- Clear coatings
What will not be accepted:
- Spray paints
- Marine and auto paints
- Household hazardous waste
- Electronics
- Paint thinner
- Driveway sealers
If you have questions, you can call City Recycling Specialist Naomi Pitkin at 518-279-7313 or email recycling@troyny.gov.
The times they are a'changing -- again
And, that means our busy Beautification Committee has once again updated the decorations in the mailbox gazebo planters installed some months ago.
We have gone from flowers to holiday delights -- Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and now Easter finery. Enjoy!
Mar 28, 2024
2nd quarter THCA dues are due
Mar 21, 2024
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall plans $14M expansion
TROY — The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall plans to invest $14 million in an expansion project that will allow it to hold performances during the summer months, provide additional space for programming, add parking and transform parts of the exterior.
“I’m excited. It’s a demanding project for us to take on. It’s transformative,” Jon Elbaum, executive director of the music hall, said Wednesday, putting the project price at $14 million.
Work could begin in a month with asbestos abatement, Elbaum said. Completion is expected by the end of 2025 with the possibility of the first summer performances in 2026.
Careful planning has been done to preserve the music hall’s acoustics, which are considered a treasure, and draw performers to the venue for the sake of recording their music.
Dash Chrisner of Architecture+, a firm based in Troy representing the music hall, said that an acoustical engineer has been hired and is evaluating the project. Each time a step is taken, the impact on the acoustics is considered to ensure the hall is protected from vibrations and sounds from the HVAC equipment and other changes, Chrisner said.
The Planning Commission began reviewing the project Wednesday night at its March meeting at City Hall. The commission declared itself the lead agency for environmental review. The commission set a public hearing for April 17 at its next meeting.
Plans submitted to the Planning Commission call for the creation of the Music Hub, the upgrades to the HVAC system to permit summertime performances, and remaking the parking lot across State Street from the music hall, which is located at 30 Second Street.
The music hall’s plans call for making use of the closed banking space. Elbaum said the bank has been empty for about a decade.
Mar 18, 2024
How to push the City to fix Terrace roads
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| A Troy road crew at work. / photo provided |
Thanks to the persistent intercession of Susan McCabe in the past two years, we've been able to get some temporary patchwork from the City. But, that's less than needed overall.
Luckily, under new Mayor Carmella Mantello and her Quality of Life Action Task Force that is a centerpiece of her administration we may be able to get even better results.
Today March 18) marked the beginning of her Troy's Operation Pothole (TOP) initiative to proactively address the post-winter potholes throughout the city. The TOP team was out in full force early this morning to beginning a city-wide bounty on potholes.
As explained by Mantello, "Each team is driving up and down the city streets, locating potholes and large cracks along the way. For the next month, two crews will be out each day, blowing debris out of existing holes and filling them with hot asphalt.
“We are going street by street, and alley by alley,” Mantello said. “This is another piece of our Quality of Life Action Task Force. Thank you to our wonderful crews for addressing this issue and we request residents' patience as we continue working toward a better Troy.”
The paving schedule will be announced in the near future. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to report potholes through the city website.
That said, the THCA is encouraging residents to use that mechanism to report the need for pothole repairs on Hyland Drive and Hyland Circle, the two city streets on The Terrace. The more we can push this, the better our chances for repairs.
"While the issue may not be addressed immediately," Mantello said, "Operation Pothole intends to fill every crack and crevice throughout Troy."
Let's take advantage of that pledge.
Mar 14, 2024
Yet another sign of spring!
Plenty of residents were out and about, taking advantage of the "balmy" day, but don't get too used to it. The long-range forecast is for a return to temperatures in the 40s next week.
Spring arrives on March 19 this year. Usually, it's March 20 or 21, but because it's a Leap Year and February gets a 29th day, the season moves up a bit on the calendar.
Curbside bulk-item pickup begins next week
A City announcement said the service will begin on Monday, March 17. The trouble is, Monday is March 18. (Maybe the extra calendar day for Leap Year confused someone.) But, let's assume it is this coming Monday.
The announcement also said, "Mayor Carmella Mantello and the Quality of Life Action Task Force have been hard at work cleaning our streets and arranging disposal of bulk items. We are excited to announce the commencement of curbside pickup for the season. Residents now have the opportunity to schedule bulk pickup right at home. The revitalization of our neighborhoods is a huge priority for us.”
Those in need of bulk pickup services will need to schedule an appointment with the Department of Public Works (DPW) prior to placing items outside. Pricing begins at $25 per two cubic yards, plus additional itemized fees.
Given the implementation of curbside pickup, the Alamo no longer will be available for dropoff. More information is available online.
Plan your travel during bridge closing
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| Scheduled for brief closure. |
The Green Island Bridge, seen above, will be closed to traffic from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to an announcement by the Village of Green Island.
The closure is to allow bridge inspectors to conduct regular examinations of the bridge structure. Not a bad idea even though the present bridge isn't all that old. Its predecessor collapsed into the river 47 years ago tomorrow -- March 15, 1977. It took 4½ years before the current bridge opened, on September 12, 1981.
Mar 11, 2024
Guess which holiday is coming up next?
Our Beautification Committee does an excellent job of keeping up to date with all manner of holidays with decorations of every sort. The latest example, seen above: The recent Valentine's Day adornments are gone, replaced by shamrocks and other traditional touches as we near March 17, St. Patrick's Day.
It seems only fitting to mark this holiday, started generations ago in Ireland then imported and vastly expanded by its immigrants to the U.S.
And in New York State, which county has the largest percentage of folks claiming Irish heritage? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, you're living in it.
Our very own Rensselaer County, despite its Dutch name and heritage, has 26.1% of the residents claiming Irish roots.
The state's top 20 Irish counties by population:
Trash is gone with the wind -- to someone else's yard
And, that serves as a reminder for all -- please be sure to pick up your trash when it begins blowing around. We have seen many bushes, gardens, and lawns festooned with paper, plastic, and cardboard waste that didn't originate with the residence where it wound up. Please be kind to your neighbors.
You can guard against trash being unwantingly distributed by the wind by simply being sure you don't overcrowd your recycling containers and/or being sure any loose items in them are at the bottom with heavier throwaways on top to keep them in place.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Feb 16, 2024
Feb 14, 2024
A Fat Tuesday party on The Terrace
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| The gang's all here for party time. |
We could call this the 1st annual Fat Tuesday Party, or, The Day It Didn't Snow on The Terrace.
Either way, our social arranger Ellie DeBonis's latest effort resulted in a gathering of non-snowbird Terrace residents scheduled in the face of a predicted heavy snowfall that never materialzed.
For those not conversant with Cajun patois, "Fat Tuesday" is perhaps better known as "Mardi Gras," or less known as "Shrove Tuesday."
It is the final day of Carnival or Shrovetide before Ash Wednesday. The "fat" part of the revel refers to the New Orleans practice of celebrating the last night of consuming rich, fatty foods before the fasting season of Lent which itself is the 40-day period Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.
Or, in common parlance, time for a paaaarrty!
Feb 11, 2024
Ready for that special day?
Valentine's Day is this Wednesday. So, if you need to mail a card to get there on time, just use the slot for outgoing mail behind this display-- but do it no later than Monday morning before 9 a.m. or you'll have a year to regret it.
Prepping for the latest snowstorm
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| Plow at work during the last storm. |
Skyview, our snow removal contractor, is geared up for the event. As we've seen for the first two storms, we can expect thorough and timely service.
Given that, we're issuing our standard request for residents and their visitors to keep their vehicles garaged when possible and not to park on the side of the road where both Skyview and City of Troy plows need room to maneuver. And, if you need to use a common parking area, please avoid leaving your vehicles where plows usually push the snow. All that will help ensure a smooth experience.
Thanks for your attention and cooperation.
Feb 10, 2024
What do you do with a broken recycling bin?
Haven't yet obtained a new bin? Simply go here for more info on pickup and dropoff options.
Feb 8, 2024
Former Troy mayor Robert Conway dies at 78
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| Robert Conway Jr. |
(From the Times Union)
Robert M. Conway Jr., a former Troy mayor regarded as one of the first “pillars” of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has died. He was 78.
Conway entered city Democratic politics in 1969 when one of his best friends, Tom Wade, then-president of the Young Democrats and later chairman of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee, asked him to get involved.
“We were best friends. He always had good in mind. He wanted to do good things. He was a very devout Catholic,” Wade recalled Wednesday about Conway, who was the best man at his wedding. Conway died Monday.
Conway’s entrance into city politics would see him serve a term on the Rensselaer County Legislature and eventually be elected to serve as an at-large member of the Troy City Council. He was regularly the top vote-getter when he ran for the council, according to Times Union reports.
Conway was the last Democrat to serve as mayor when the position was filled by the council. He served as mayor for two terms, concluding his service in 1993. Troy would switch to a strong-mayor form of government with the election of Democrat Mayor Mark Pattison in 1995.
“Troy lost a loyal and dedicated public servant yesterday with the passing of Bob Conway -- former county legislator, city councilman and mayor,” said Sue Steele, City Council president. “I had the pleasure of serving as staff at the Rensselaer County Legislature where Bob represented Troy. There wasn’t a more enthusiastic champion of our city than Bob. We reconnected during my recent campaign for council president and it was good to share stories of the days when politics was more civil and collaborative.”
While Conway was a presence in city politics, his reach extended to RPI where he worked for decades in a variety of roles assisting student performance and to Hudson Valley Community College where he was a member of the board of trustees for about 20 years.
The first “Pillars of Rensselaer Award,” which recognizes a long-term staff member who understands the school’s mission and history, has been a role model for other employees, shows concern for students and their welfare, adds to the human dimension of the school and who plays an active role in their home community. Conway was a member of the RPI Hall of Fame and a recipient of the first “Pillars of Rensselaer” awarded by the university.
Some of the posts he held at RPI include registrar and director of advisory and learning assistance. He also handled RPI football games on radio broadcasts for 20 years, according to his obituary in the Times Union.
Conway attended the LaSalle School in Albany, and graduated from the Christian Brothers Academy. He would later earn an associate' s degree at HVCC followed by a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University at Albany. He later was named an honorary Christian Brother for his service to the school. He also received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Manhattan College.
Feb 5, 2024
Birds of a feather ...
Apparently since construction projects in the immediate area have pretty much ceased the numbers and variety of the wildlife we once saw around here in proliferation has rebounded. Nice to have them back.
(For other examples, go here and here.)
Feb 2, 2024
Troy's Recycling Dept. moves, consolidating services
During those hours city residents can stop by for, among other things:
- recycling bins
- recycling bin stickers
- city diversion program pamphlets
- city diversion program magnets
- reusable bags (when available)
- Deterra prescription deactivation bags
Meanwhile, at the Troy Resource Management Facility at 3000 Main Street, city residents who can show proof of residence can drop off items such as furniture, mattresses, and other bulky items on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hazardous waste, electronics, construction materials, and tires are not accepted.
Jan 31, 2024
Our neighbor's assailant pleads guilty
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| Anthony Cresser, convicted. / Rensselaer County mugshot |
Local TV stations tonight carried an update on the court case of the man accused of stabbing our neighbor Trent Cox and two others back in September.
Anthony Cresser, 25, pled guilty to two counts of attempted first degree murder. He will be sentenced on February 28. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
As Trent tells us, “ 'Attempted' would not have been appropriate had he been successful. Betsy and I will be in the Rensselaer County Courthouse that day."
State Troopers had responded to the Sugar Hill Apartment Complex at 400 McChesney Avenue for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they located three victims suffering from stab wounds.
“The defendant lured the neighbors outside and committed a stabbing in an attempt to steal their vehicle,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “Thankfully, there were witnesses who immediately called 911. Thank you to the New York State Police, who arrived quickly and arrested Cresser at the scene.”
Free bulk trash dropoff program unveiled
It has been several years since Troy residents have been able to dispose of household items during the winter months. In the past, the bulk pickup has been suspended annually from December through Spring with residents then paying various fees.
“This new dropoff continues our commitment to make our streets safer and cleaner through our new 'Quality of Life Action Task Force',” Mantello said. “For too many years residents did not have a way to dispose of household items during the winter months and we are noticing more illegal dumping of mattresses and couches along our streets and alleyways.”
The new mayor said that, along with this new free service, "We will continue to enhance our enforcement efforts placing mobile trail cams in certain illegal dumping hot spots and increasing our litter patrols and code enforcement throughout the city.”
The new dropoff service will become available beginning this Friday (February 2). Proof of City of Troy residency will be needed.
The drop-will be available every Friday (weather dependent) during the winter at the Troy Resource Management Facility (commonly known as The Alamo). Hazardous waste, electronics, or construction materials will not be accepted.
The Alamo) is located at 3000 Main Street in Troy and will be open each Friday (weather dependent) from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the bulk trash dropoff.
Jan 28, 2024
Boil-water advisory doesn't affect us
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| Marker shows approximate site of work. |
The advisory stems from another water main break near Sausse and Oakwood avenues on Saturday, just south of the hospital formerly known as St. Mary's (*).
The boil-water advisory will be in place at least until Monday, according to city officials.
The same general area had been affected by repairs on a water main after a pipe broke back in September.
(* -- What had long been known as St. Mary's Hospital now officially is called Samaritan Hospital - St. Mary's Campus after an ongoing series of mergers and repurposing among a group of medical facilities.)
Do state's property tax changes affect you?
Anyone wishing to check on the specifics of the amended law for themself or a family member can go online to the state Department of Taxation and Finance website for details.
New York State's amended Real Property Tax Law for Section 467 and Section 459-c during 2023 increased the maximum income limit from $37,400 to $58,400 and simplified the “definition of income.” This is the first income increase and change since 2010.
The local law is scheduled to be introduced the week of January 29 and acted upon by the end of February.
Jan 17, 2024
While you were sleeping (again)
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| Skyview plow at work after midnight. / Bill Dowd photo |
So, it was encouraging to see the snowplow from Skyview Landscaping laboring away to remove the second significant snowfall of the Winter of '24.
By the way, we noticed several Terrace residents doing their own shoveling earlier, but it really wasn't necessary unless they had an emergency need. Skyview, FYI, had kept us fully informed of snow removal plans as weather conditions varied throughout the day and night.
Obviously, there was no logic to having crews on-site while snow continued to fall, but as soon as it eased the crews went to work.
Jan 12, 2024
Seeking your input on a security measure
For anyone concerned by the recent police presence on the Terrace, relax. It was simply a case of a residential security camera triggering a police security check. But, it shows that such processes work, especially comforting to the snowbirds among us.
Food for thought:
The Ring doorbell camera company offers a neighborhood-wide alert service if customers who purchase and install a camera system wish to make use of it.
Several Terrace residences already have Ring cameras -- unobtrusive, white devices (i.e., such as the one shown above that blends in with the white siding on the buildings) -- aimed at providing security surveillance and recording images that can be shared with each other and with local police in case of "porch pirate" theft, break-in attempts, acts of vandalism, etc.
To that end, if anyone who has a Ring account, or plans to install one, would like to be involved, we can create a neighborhood security alert system for all who wish to voluntarily participate.
Regretable as it is as a sign of our times, many on the Terrace are becoming increasingly interested in improving security. So, what steps have we already taken as a community and as your THCA Board?
• Periodic sharing of reminders to maintain a sufficient level of illumination by replacing burned-out bulbs in exterior pole lights, garage lights, etc.
• Creation, and disssemination, of a database of people to be contacted if Terrace residents are not reachable (vacation, cruises, snowbird travels, etc.) in case of such emergencies as fire, broken pipes, electrical failures, etc.
• Alerts circulated via The Terrace Times and email blasts concerning work projects on the Terrace that would bring non-residents into the community.
• Upgrades and followup repair of security lights at the entrance to the Terrace on Hyland Drive.
• Installation of solar security lights around the mailbox gazebo parking area.
• Even an occasional alert about strange disappearances.
All that said, if you would like to be involved in such a security network based on a Ring camera, please contact THCA Board President Bill Dowd at BillDowd4Troy@gmail.com with your thoughts, comments, questions, etc., and update him on whether you have a Ring account. He'll make every effort to advance it from there.
Jan 8, 2024
While you were sleeping ...
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| The first Terrace plowing of the season, around 1:30 a.m. today. / Bill Dowd photos |
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| A clean driveway swipe. |
For those of you who have a habit of actually sleeping during the night, rest assured periodic snow plowing and shoveling have been taking place on Saturday night and Sunday night throughout the first real snowstorm of 2024, as can be seen in these photos.
Our thanks to all Terrace residents who complied with the THCA Board's request to garage your vehicles and keep driveways and key portions of the common parking areas vehicle-free to allow the Skyview crews to facilitate the snow clearing.
In addition, City of Troy plows made numerous passes through the Terrace over the weekend, partly because of the energetic involvement of our new mayor, Carmella Mantello, who popped up all across Troy to cheer on and thank the municipal crews.
Incidentally, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for our area this week calls for no more snow, but for a strong chance of rain and some strong winds.
Jan 7, 2024
A new era of snow removal by the city?
This seems to be the early result of our new Mayor Carmella Mantello's pledge to clear city thoroughfares and neighborhoods as much as possible as soon as possible.
In case you missed it, for information on what our Skyview Landscaping vendor has planned to clear this first storm of the winter, just click here.
Jan 6, 2024
City OKs emergency infrastructure work
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| City workers repairing water main break. / Troy Record photo |
Her administration says repairs are needed as soon as possible at the Eddy’s Lane Pump Station, which affects more than 100,000 residents and multiple municipalities from south of Rensselaer County northwest to the Town of Halfmoon in Saratoga County.
“We’re going to do whatever we have to do to correct it immediately,” Mantello said. “I did contact Troy Housing Executive Director Deb Witkowski because right below here is an affordable housing community.”
That housing community has more than 50 residents. One of the major issues is if the facility were to flood, the water would also come down the hill and flood surrounding homes, inundating the area with millions of gallons of water.
City Engineer Russ Reeves, who also is Troy's commissioner of Public Utilities, said the situation is a public safety concern and is the main reason for the emergency declaration. The declaration allows the city to start designing and implementing the repairs.
“The water line care and replacement would take three to four months to complete,” Reeves said, "because each level has to be planned with tremendous coordination.”
It was explained that intense coordination will be required because engineers will have only 12 hours to make the repairs once it starts.
City officials estimate the cost of repairs at more than $100,000. They hope to begin the work within the next few weeks. The project will take at least two months to complete.
Jan 5, 2024
Snow removal plans for first storm of '24
In communication with the Terrace, Skyview said its plans call for crews to service our community at least twice during this event which is forecast to begin Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday. The amount of predicted snow accumulation varies depending on which source you believe.
"Please expect crews on-site early Sunday morning, with a return overnight Monday for a final cleanup," Skyview says. "Common areas and roadways will be serviced through the day on Sunday."
To help facilitate a smooth operation:
• Please garage all your vehicles, if possible.
• If you need to park in a common area, please try to avoid using the portions through which plows usually push snow.
• Be sure to tell all expected visitors to follow these same parking requests.
• While walking pets, be alert to snow plow activity.
Stay warm and, as always, don't forget to check in on your neighbors.Jan 2, 2024
Socks drive a success; more Sidewalk Warriors info
For the second consecutive year, our "sock drive" to provide new socks through the local Sidewalk Warriors organization helping people in need was a success.
Last year, using our Terrace Holiday Luncheon as the dropoff point, event coordinator Janice Dessingue reported that we contributed 100 "sock packs" (two pairs each) in our first such effort. This year, we topped that. The breakdown:
- 61 packs of men's socks
- 40 packs of women's socks
- 8 packs of children's socks
In addition, we contributed three packages of T-shirts and underwear.
FYI, the all-volunteer Sidewalk Warriors community organization relies on community residents and businesses to support their work. You can get details on their Facebook page.
Just one other example of helping: If you visit the Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany any time this month, you will have the opportunity to round up your purchase price to the nearest dollar, with that added change going directly to Sidewalk Warriors Troy. Plus, Honest Weight will match the first $500 collected.
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