May 22, 2016

Troy picks planning/community development commissioner

Steven Strichman
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden today announced the selection of Steven Strichman as Commissioner of Planning and Community Development for the city. Pending approval by the City Council, he will begin serving on Monday, June 13.

“Steven understands the many challenges facing our upstate communities,” Madden said. “The unique set of skills and knowledge he brings to the position will be critically important in strengthening the diverse neighborhoods across Troy, expanding economic opportunity and help shape the long-term development of our city."

"I am excited to return to Troy to support and drive the transformation that is now under way,” Strichman said. “I look forward to working with Mayor Madden and the people of Troy, using my successful experience in planning and neighborhood revitalization to further the redevelopment efforts in the Collar City."

As Planning Commissioner, Strichman will oversee the Planning and Community Development departments and will work closely with the Mayor’s office and other departments to develop and administer projects, plans and programs to improve commercial, housing and economic conditions in Troy. He also will direct the implementation of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, its first in six decades, which is intended to guide development of the city for the next 20 years.

Most recently, Strichman was executive director of The Capital Region Land Bank and zoning officer for the City of Schenectady, where he oversaw zoning and planning operations, including community redevelopment efforts to address abandoned and blighted properties and regional initiatives. He has been the city of Schenectady's liaison to the Metroplex Construction coordination group that has driven Schenectady Economic Renaissances with new investment of more than $750. He currently serves as the secretary of the New York State Land Bank Association.

May 18, 2016

Is July 1 on your summer budget list?

For those of you doing your budgeting before plunging into summer travel and other activities, a reminder that we're about seven weeks from the deadline for payment of your second-quarter THCA dues, which falls on Friday, July 1.

As always, you can save the cost of a stamp by dropping your payment in the white lock box below the mailbox gazebo bulletin boards. Checks should be made payable to THCA.

As Treasurer Jerry Gordon has explained via various emailings, you can pay quarterly, semiannually, or annually. If you have any questions, just give Jerry a call.

Thank you.

City sets summer schedule for trash disposal

City of Troy officials have just announced the summer schedule for bulk trash disposal at the city’s Alamo facility, located on Main Street next to the Rensselaer County Jail.

The Alamo will be open on the third Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. through noon for bulk trash disposal.

Troy residents may dispose of yard waste, tires (cost of $3 per tire) and bulk trash (furniture, carpets, etc.). This service is available to city residents who can present identification and proof of residency. Regular garbage, recycling, or hazardous waste materials will not be accepted.

The Alamo summer schedule:
• May 21
• June 18
• July 16
• August 20
• September 17

For more information, residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 270-4579 or visit online.

Please be aware of this problem


This posting on the Terrace mailbox gazebo bulletin board is self-explanatory.

If you have any sort of standing water on your property -- such as birdbaths or water garden features without circulating pumps; persistent groundwater accumulation, etc. -- please be sure to get it remedied ASAP on an ongoing basis. Such conditions are incubators for mosquitoes and, as such, are public health dangers.

In addition to other mosquito-borne diseases, the deadly Zika virus currently is in the news as it spreads. You can catch up on the latest information on Zika by clicking here.