New grounds maintenance provider acquired

Dear Terrace Neighbors: 

I am pleased to inform you, on behalf of the THCA Board, that we have entered into a two-year agreement with Skyview Landscapes of Waterford to maintain Terrace residential and community properties for 2023-24. 

This is the same company that cares for the grounds at Highpointe, and was recommended by a number of Terrace residents as a potential vendor. The proposal submitted by Skyview was among three bids your Board received and evaluated. 

It was the lowest in price -- we actually will save money going forward -- and the most detailed as to what services will be provided. The new contract also should address a number of concerns expressed, sometimes repeatedly, by residents during the past few seasons. In particular: 

• Spring edging and mulching with organic dark hardwood mulch are included. 
• Fall leaf cleanup specifies that "all leaves will be removed off site." 
• All hedges, shrubs, and ornamental trees will be pruned twice a year. 
• A granular tick treatment will be applied twice a year. 
• Grass mowing direction will alternate weekly or biweekly to insure a smoother cut for healthier lawns. 

In early spring, I will join our Grounds Committee in conducting a community walkaround with a representative from Skyview to help the company become familiar with the vagaries of the grounds. That will mean walking through some of your yards, but I will notify you in advance when that will take place. 

Thanks for all the input at meetings, in conversation, and via email over the past several years as we worked our way through the existing contract that has just expired. Patience appears to have paid off. 

-- Bill Dowd

THCA President

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'Deck the poles' ... and, we're ready for the holidays!

Anne Hunter steadies Ellen Gordon's perch. / Bill Dowd photos

The Terrace is looking festive, two days earlier than planned.

Acting out of an abundance of weather-related caution regarding the scheduled Thursday work event, our neighbors Jim Cotter, Ellen Gordon, and Anne Hunter got together today to hang wreaths, string garlands, and post ribbons that will greet residents and visitors when they enter the Terrace via Hyland Drive during the holidays.

Our thanks to the crew, and best wishes to Ellie DeBonis who was recruiting volunteers for the effort but was feeling under the weather and had to settle for watching them from her window. Get well soon!

Jim Cotter hangs a wreath. 

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UPDATE: Join the gang to decorate for the holidays

 

UPDATE: Due to concern over potential high winds on Thursday, the outdoor holiday decorating project was moved up to Tuesday.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that this Thursday will be crisp and clear, sandwiched between a couple of rainy days.

Why not celebrate that by showing up at the mailbox gazebo at 10 a.m. Thursday where Ellie DeBonis will be assembling a crew of Terrace neighbors to put up some holiday decorations.

It won't take a lot of your time, and the more hands that participate the quicker it will go to make our neighborhood a festive one.

Thanks in advance to all!

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Buttoning up the Terrace for the winter

 

De-leafing nooks and crannies.

The final fall cleanup took place today on the Terrace in preparation for the coming winter which begins in just 28 days.

The second round of leaf moving and removal, lawn mowing, and some tree trimming were taken care of. 

    

This follows a recent meeting with our snow removal contractor as well as installation of reflector poles around the grounds, all part of the annual "buttoning up" process for the winter.

That's all, folks!

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No matter how you celebrate it ...

  

... The Terrace Times, your community online newsletter, wishes you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!

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Friday trash pickup as usual despite holiday

 

The city's official pickup schedule.

As we all know, this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. While that means city services -- except for emergency agencies -- will have the day off, the Public Works crews will be back at it on Friday.

That also means you will be able to place your recycling bins and garbage cans at the roadside on Thursday night for Friday pickup as usual.

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Planning exterior work on your home?

A friendly reminder: 

Anyone contemplating permanent work on their homes that involves, but is not limited to, such things as replacing windows, roofs, and decks; changing shutter-and-door colors, fencing, or permanent outdoor lighting fixtures; adding sunrooms, access ramps, storm doors, and so forth is required to apply for prior approval.

The approval process, which needs to be completed before any such work begins, is a simple one and has worked well for more than 27 years.

1. Download a copy of the application form from this website, fill it out, and submit it to a member of the Architectural Review Committee (chairman Tom Savchik, Dick Harte, Bill Dowd).

2. The Committee will review the application and make a "yes" or "no" recommendation to the THCA Board for a final decision. (In some instances the Committee may request additional information from the applicant, and/or inform neighbors of the proposed project before making its finding.)

3. Under our rules, the Committee and Board have a total of 30 days to act on the application, even though traditionally they have moved swiftly to accommodate applicants. 

These are the main points, but there are other aspects to the process you can read in your "owner's manual."

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Traffic advisory for 75th Troy Turkey Trot

 

Whether or not you're going to be involved in the 75th Troy Turkey Trot, if you plan to be downtown on Thanksgiving Day you may be impacted by it.

City officials have issued a traffic advisory for road closures and parking restrictions associated with the running event that annually draws thousands of participants. 

The following streets will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving:

• 4th Street from State Street north to Federal Street 
• Federal Street from the Green Island Bridge to 6th Avenue 
• Green Island Bridge into Troy from 7 a.m. to approximately noon
• River Street from 3rd Street to 1st Street 
• River Street/2nd Avenue from the Green Island Bridge to 102nd Street 
• 2nd Street from State Street to Broadway 
• Fulton Street from 3rd Street to 5th Avenue 
• King Street from the Green Island Bridge to River Street 
• 3rd Street from River/Fulton to Broadway 
• Broadway from 5th Avenue to River Street 
• Grand Street from 5th Avenue to 4th Street 
• River Street/2nd Avenue from King Street to 112th Street
• River Street/2nd Avenue from 112th to 102nd will reopen at approximately 9:30 a.m.
• 3rd Avenue from 105th Street to 112th Street 
• 3rd Avenue will reopen at approximately 9:30 a.m. 
• 111th Street from 3rd Avenue to 2nd Avenue 
• 111th Street will reopen at approximately 9:30 a.m .

All eastbound and westbound streets entering those roads will be closed one block east and west. Towing will be in effect for violators.

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Troy sets season's final paving work

City of Troy crews are scheduled to embark on the final phase of paving for this year on Thursday. All work is weather dependent, and subject to change. Streets being paved will be closed to vehicular traffic during scheduled road work. 

The schedule:

•  Beginning at 6 a.m., Thursday, November 17, through Saturday, November 19, excavation and paving work will be taking place on 3rd Street between Division and Liberty streets. The road will be closed days and evenings while that work is being completed. 

• Beginning 6 a.m., Thursday, November 17, crews will be paving Ahern Avenue/Bolivar Avenue between Orchard and Tibbits avenues;Cheryl and Eldridge courts between Tibbits and Euclid avenues (Trubel Place between Tibbits and Euclid avenues). 

• Beginning 6 a.m., Friday, November 18, crews will be paving Cheryl Court (backup paving date) and Maple Avenue between Pawling and Spring venues; Winter Street between Pawling Avenue and the Troy city line. 

• Beginning 6 a.m., Monday, November 21, crews will be paving Burdett Court and Detroit Avenue between Burdett Avenue and Georgian Court. 

Motorists are asked to reduce speeds and watch for flaggers to keep crews safe on the listed streets.

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Winter prep time, believe it or not

 

Installing a reflector pole. / Susan McCabe photo

After a balmy start to autumn, the people who make a living forecasting the weather tell us we are in for our first snowfall this week. But, fear not, we're ready.

In addition to meeting a few days ago with the owner of Bay Contracting, our snow removal guy, to review plans for the fall/winter season, the annual task of installing reflector poles to guide snowplowing began today as you can see by the photo.

A seasonal reminder: If we get any appreciable amount of snow, please do not park your vehicles in your driveways. We need to keep everything open to enable the snow removal.

Thanks, and stay snug.

Prediabetes risk test available online

Jerry and Maryanne Gordon, members of the Albany & Troy Lions Club, share this information from the service organization: 

"The Lions are looking to spread awareness about diabetes, based on the idea that 'Prevention is better than cure.' What better time to start than November, as it is National Diabetes Awareness Month. 

"This link is to the Prediabetes Risk Assessment Test, which, though not a diagnosis, can help open a conversation with an individual’s health care provider regarding their risk for diabetes. Please click on it now."

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You're invited to financial forum on the homeless

In an effort to address the problem of homelessness in the area, the cities of Troy and Schenectady and the Town of Colonie have been allocated $3.8 million through the HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP). 

CARES of NY Inc. is working with those communities to create an allocation plan to determine how best to spend these funds to reduce homelessness in the area. You can participate in a 90-minute virtual public forum on one of two dates: Tuesday, November 15, noon to 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, November 16, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Advance registration is required. It can be done online. Details of CARES of NY's work are available on its website.

According to the forum organizers, "We will present the eligible activities, qualifying populations, and potential subpopulations of the program as well as answer any questions you may have. Your voice matters! If you should require any necessary special accommodations (i.e. audio/visual support, in-person meeting, language translation) please don’t hesitate to reach out to Genesis Mattey via email at  gmattey@caresny.org."

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Terrace Holiday Luncheon details revealed

Thanks to all who sent in their RSVPs for the "Terrace Holiday Luncheon," scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15.

Based on that headcount, event coordinator Janice Dessingue and Anne Hunter have arranged the details with our host, McGreivey's Restaurant, located at 91 Broad Street, the village's main thoroughfare, in Waterford.

The menu for the three-course, full-service luncheon will include a salad, a variety of entrees from which you can choose upon arrival, dessert, plus coffee, tea, soda, or water. A cash bar also will be available.

Our coordinators acquired a very favorable rate, just $27 per person. And, that includes tax and gratuity for the servers!

Attendees are asked to make payment by personal check no later than Thursday, December 8. Checks should be mailed to Janice at 6 Hyland Circle in time to arrive by that date, or you can drop off your checks at her residence. Questions? Call her at 518-701-4878.

Important Note: Believe it or not, one of the most-requested items by various organizations helping people in need is socks. Luncheon attendees are asked to each bring at least one pair of new socks -- for men, women, and/or children -- to the party. They will be distributed to appropriate agencies. 

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More leaf removal on the schedule for next week

Recent leaf removal work on the Terrace.

 

Several people have inquired in recent days if Elite Landscape Services plans to return this season for more leaf removal. The simple answer is, yes. 

Elite was last here on Friday, October 28 (see report here), which was just two weeks ago. As shared several times, our contract calls for lawn care through Thanksgiving. (Last year, work was done even as late as the first week of December because of a combination of weather factors.)

This autumn, persistently unseasonable warm temperatures are causing a slower rate of abscission (the leaf dropping process), so even though we have piles of leaves in some areas, many still are stubbornly clinging to the trees. If we are fortunate, more will fall by the time Elite returns -- which should be sometime next week, as company owner Jeff Mauro told us today.

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It may be 65˚ today, but we're discussing plowing

President Bill Dowd plus Ned Alaskey and Bill Shover of the Grounds Committee had an in-person discussion today with the owner of Bay Contracting who handles our snow removal services. 

Tim Robertson Jr., who purchased the company mid-winter last year, tells us he has added equipment since then, re-planned the removal schedule, and has arranged to subcontract a backup service in case of an emergency storm or equipment situation. 

We reiterated that while Hyland Drive and Hyland Circle are dedicated city streets, Hyland Court and the mailbox gazebo parking area are not and need thorough snow removal. And, we shared with him the concerns several homeowners expressed at our recent Association meeting -- the timing of snow removal, the necessity to clear ice from walkways, where snow will be deposited, any "salting" services, clearance for emergency vehicles, etc. 

Tim told us his basic plan is to plow early, then again in late afternoon/early evening, depending on the rate of snowfall, wind conditions, etc., to facilitate movement for people who need to leave their homes for work or errands. He also said as much snow as possible will be moved to the dead-end adjacent to the Savchik residence to keep it from clogging the width of Hyland Circle as sometimes has happened in the past. "Salt" will not be applied to driveways and walkways since so many people opt out of it, but Tim said he would do it upon individual request.

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Beware of the buzz!

 

Hornets nest exposed.

See that hive in the upper part of the photo? It is home to a colony of "bald faced hornets" that had taken up residence in an ash tree next to our deck. Or, should we say "was home"?

We had it removed today by a professional pest control technician, and are quite glad we did after learning about the dangers of this particular insect.

According to Thomas Pest Control, this is a particularly dangerous hornet because it literally spits venom at the eyes of intruders. In other words, you, if you try to remove or otherwise destroy the hive without using the proper tools and protective gear.

We share this adventure with the rest of the Terrace neighborhood because now that the majority of leaves has fallen from our trees such invasive insects' hives can be spotted. The best advice, if you need such things removed, is DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF. It's a dangerous proposition to do so. Our professional who handled the chore was suited up like an astronaut to face the task.

Bald faced hornets' nests can get to be as large as a basketball and hold up to 400 insects. In addition to being sprayed in the eyes, humans are in danger of swelling and severe itching from their stings.

-- Bill & April

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Polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday

Tomorrow -- Tuesday, November 8 -- is Election Day. The polling places in New York State will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The polling place for residents of the Terrace is the Oakwood Bible Church, located just south of us at 260 Oakwood Avenue. (Note that is not the same site as was used for early voting.) 

If you are not among those who cast early in-person or mail-in votes, please make an effort to go to the polls tomorrow. The forecast calls for cooler temperatures than we've had for the past week, but it also calls for sunny skies. And, there is plenty of free parking.

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Garbage pickup unaffected by Veterans Day holiday

Tuesday is Election Day. Friday is Veteran's Day. 

Although Troy City Hall will be closed on both days, that will not affect pickup of garbage and recycling items.

So, please plan to put your garbage cans and recycling bins out on Thursday night for Friday morning pickup.

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It's that time of year again

 

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Chapel tours coming at historic Oakwood Cemetery

Have you ever visited Oakwood Cemetery and its spectacular Gardner Earl Chapel?

Some of us on the Terrace can vouch for the pleasure of having such a historic treasure just two miles south of us. And, they and everyone else may want to consider taking advantage of "Thanksgiving Pop Up Chapel Tours" at Oakwood.

On Friday November 25, there will be tours, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., each limited to 25 people (including children). Admission: $10 per person, children under 12 free.

As the tour organizers at Oakwood say, "Do you have out-of-town guests coming for Thanksgiving? Are you wondering how you’ll entertain them after you’ve completed the turkey dinner? Here’s your chance to impress them with something completely different."

Registration is not required, but is preferred. Call 518-328-0090 to provide your desired tour time, name, phone, email, and number of people. The non-denominational chapel is handicapped-accessible.

Not familiar with Oakwood Cemetery except seeing it from the road as you drive past? The castle-like Gardner Earl Chapel is a National Historic Landmark with a Victorian interior that includes spectacular stained-glass windows, oak carvings, and marble mosaics.

The tour guides will give you the story of the young man who inspired the gorgeous building, and you’ll see why it is a popular venue for intimate weddings as well as social events, memorials, and funerals. You'll even have the option to peek into one of the old cremation retorts.

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Troy issues warning about lead contamination

The City of Troy has found elevated levels of lead in some samples of water supplied to homes and businesses.

You may have received a letter this week from the city's Department of Public Utilities describing the situation, the reasons behind it, and the dangers you should be aware of.

It is rare that lead is discovered in buildings constructed since World War II, but it does happen. For example, lead can leach into water inside the home from lead solder, corroding brass, or chrome-plated fixtures with lead solder. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning can result in high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, headaches, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Children younger than six are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect their mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal for people of any age.

If you're concerned, you can get a lot more details from a new page on the City's website. You also can visit the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for details.

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A request for safe driving speeds

 • This letter was emailed to all Terrace residents today.

Good afternoon, Terrace neighbors. A troubling topic has arisen -- unsafe driving on the streets of the Terrace. 

You may have seen Janet Fowler's recent comment on The Terrace Times about this problem, but she is not alone in her concerns. Several other residents on both sides of the circle also have complained about non-residents driving too fast on more than one occasion within the confines of the neighborhood. That has resulted in several reported near-misses, both in broad daylight and in darker hours. 

While the speed limit within the City of Troy is 30 mph, and a bipartisan effort in the City Council currently is in the works to lower it to 25, either speed can be unwise on narrow, winding streets such as ours. That is especially true in the early morning or late afternoon when natural light can be tricky. 

We have numerous recreational walkers, many with dogs, using our roads, and even though no residents have children residing with them, some do have grandkids and other children regularly walking or riding bikes during visits. 

Given the fact the Terrace is not located on a through-street, the non-residents who have been regularly seen to be traveling at what many of us regard as an unsafe rate would appear to be visitors to residents rather than motorists passing through. Therefore, we are asking in the spirit of community safety and cooperation that anyone who has scheduled visitors make a point of asking them to exercise caution when entering or exiting the Terrace.  

Thank you for your cooperation. 

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What is 'Troy Glow'? Bright downtown holiday spots

The Arts Center in downtown Troy.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region, located on Monument Square in Troy, is planning something special for the holidays -- the inaugural “Troy Glow.”

It is a public downtown art light festival that will begin on Sunday, December 4, and run through January 9, 2023.

"Troy Glow" will consist of six site-specific outdoor installations of light-based art created by artists from throughout the Capital Region. Organizers say they chose this time of the year when there is the least amount of daylight. In addition to those installations, seven partnering organizations will be participating in various capacities, for a total of 13 sites in a walkable route through downtown Troy. 

“Like all small cities, Troy really took a hit,” Arts Center CEO Elizabeth Reiss said. “We wanted to invite people, through art, to return to Troy and support the restaurants, businesses, and arts intuitions that make it such a rich cultural hub in the Capital Region. And, bonus, we can do that by paying artists to make beautiful things.” 

The installations officially will be lit at 5 p.m. Sunday, December 4, in coordination with the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree in Monument Square and the City's annual "Victorian Stroll." Each art installation will be lit and on view every night from sundown at 4:30 p.m. through 10 p.m. To see every installation, the entire "Troy Glow" walk will take approximately 25 minutes, organizers say.

You can get an advance peek at the six installations and the artists behind them by going to the project's website. The installations will be at:

• Donna's Italian Restaurant, Broadway and Franklin Alley

• In the upper windows of the Arts Center at 265 River Street

• St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 58 3rd Street

• Troy Savings Bank Music Hall at State Street and Franklin Alley

• Back of the Key Bank Building at 33 3rd Street

• River Street stairwell off Monument Square

The website also has details on the partnering sites. 

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Need recycling bins? City now has them

 

If you've tried getting a new recycling bin from the City this year, you no doubt were told they were out of stock. Now, however, a new supply has arrived.

You can pick up a bin on weekdays at City Hall (in the Hedley Building at 433 River Street, 5th floor) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or at the Department of Public Works (3118 7th Avenue) between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Or, if those times don't work for you, you can call the DPW Dispatcher at 518-270-4579 to schedule a dropoff at your residence.

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Tricky lighting necessitates smarter driving

We're in that annual "twilight zone" of daylight when we gradually close in on the winter solstice (officially fully arriving on December 21) and, this coming weekend, setting our clocks back an hour. (*)

All that means that we all should exercise caution when driving through the Terrace because of the tricky lighting at various times of the day. Janet Fowler has a particular request for other residents and their visitors.

"Dear Terrace neighbors," she says. "Please use extra care when driving around our circle when it is dark out. I was almost hit by one of you this morning in front of the mail kiosk when walking my dog at 6:30 a.m. It is getting dark so early at night and staying dark longer in the morning, but dogs still need walking. Between people and deer one never knows what could be around the corner."

(*) Standard Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, so set your clocks back an hour when you go to bed Saturday night and enjoy the extra 60 minutes of snoozing.

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