A Troy bridge temporarily closing

The City of Troy's Winter Street bridge will be temporarily closed to traffic beginning on Monday, July 10.

During the closure, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin the multi-step process of resurfacing what it refers to as the "bridge deck" (us regular folks usually call it a "road") as well as doing some minor curb and sidewalk work. No duration for the shutdown has been specified.

 C.D. Perry LLC will place variable message sign (VMS) boards on both Pawling Avenue and Winter Street beginning this Friday, June 30, to warn motorists of the closure. VMS boards will remain up during the duration of the work. 

Traffic on Pawling Avenue will be detoured to continue on to Main Avenue (Route 66), to West Sand Lake Road (Route 150), to Whiteview Road (Route 136), and on to Winter Street Extension. 

Traffic on Winter Street Extension will be detoured to Whiteview Road (Route 136), to West Sand Lake Road (Route 150), to Main Avenue (Route 66), to continue onto Pawling Avenue.

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Details for the July 9 'Community Cookout'

As previously announced, Terrace residents will hold a Community Cookout on Hyland Court at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 9. Barring a blizzard, it will be held rain or shine.

Event coordinator Ellie DeBonis will be posting a signup sheet on the mailbox gazebo bulletin board asking (1) who plans to attend, and (b) what side dishes they would like to bring to the event. 

Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, and condiments will be purchased by the organizing committee and paid for from the THCA treasury as we have done for past summer social events. Beverages are BYO.

The items sought:

Salads

• Potato
• Macaroni
• Mixed greens
• Cole slaw 

Appetizers 

• Chips
• Dips
• Cheeses
• Crackers
• Salsa
• Deviled eggs

Desserts  

• Your choice

Also needed:

• Paper products
• Napkins 
• Forks / Knives 
• Grills
• Tables
• Games

Says Ellie, "These are only suggestions. Please feel free to bring anything you like to share. Just tell us what you’re bringing so we have everything covered. 

 

"Please plan to bring  chairs and whatever you're drinking. The location is to be determined by the weather. We may be using a couple of garages if it’s bad out."

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City makes final payment on debt obligations

Troy's finances have gradually improved over the years after hitting a low in the 1990s when the state took over control of its finances.

Now, Mayor Patrick Madden in his second -- and last -- term, has just announced that the City has paid off $44 million in legacy operating debt obligations, liberating city finances from expensive debt obligations. 

"In the past, Troy incurred a 25-year debt to the Municipal Assistance Corporation (MAC) and postponed pension liabilities to avoid making the tough decisions. Today’s payment sets our city and neighborhoods up for a brighter future," Madden said. "When we spend today’s income on yesterday’s expenses we are not spending it on our present needs, resulting in what has been a 25-year lack of investment in our many assets.

"While paying down debt is never easy, the City of Troy is now liberated from what I call 'stupid debt,' meaning we will have more money and better credit with which to fund current city operations instead of paying down interest on paperclips purchased in the 1990s."

For years the City, under different administrations and City Councils, deferred routine payments to the New York State and Local Employee Retirement System (ERS) and the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS). On June 6, it prepaid the outstanding balance on the final four outstanding loans to the New York State and Local Retirement System over deferred retirement benefit payments. The City had issued its last payment to the Troy MAC in January 2022.

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City Hall closed for Juneteenth

If you have in-person business pending with the City of Troy, don't try to conduct it next Monday.

The city offices, located on the fifth floor of the Hedley Park Place building at 433 River Street, will be closed on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday.

Not familiar with Juneteenth? 

It is a federal holiday -- officially Juneteenth National Independence Day -- commemorating June 19, 1865, that word finally reached enslaved people in Texas that President Lincoln had freed them from bondage. That was a year and a half after publication of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Though celebrated sporadically around the nation since then, it became a federal holiday in 2021. 

According to Wikipedia, "Early celebrations date to 1866, at first involving church-centered community gatherings in Texas. They spread across the South and became more commercialized in the 1920s and 1930s, often centering on a food festival. Participants in the Great Migration brought these celebrations to the rest of the country."

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Yet another City of Troy paving update

To help you plan your commuting, shopping, dining, etc., here is next week's roadwork schedule from the City of Troy:

Monday 6/12 & Tuesday 6/13 (Beginning Monday at 123rd St) 
111th St between 2nd Ave and 1st Ave 
1st Ave between 111th St and 114th St
1st Ave between 116th St and 120th St
1st Ave between 121st St and 123rd St
123rd St between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave
 
Tuesday 6/13
3rd St between Ferry St and Adams St
 
Wednesday 6/14 (*)
Crestwood Ave between Morrison Ave and Hadden Ln 
Brentwood Ave between Morrison Ave and Hadden Ln
Wilde St between Crestwood Ave and Hadden Ln
Hadden Ln between Brentwood Ave and Dead End  
 
* The paving occurring on Wednesday, June 14, will be a "true and leveling" (T&L) course instead of a full pave. The Department of Public Works is doing this for two reasons: (1) there are many catch basins and water valves that need to be adjusted that won’t be done in time for a full 2-inch pave job; (2)  it was determined after these roads were milled that the courses of asphalt underneath were not in adequate condition for a full pave. The T&L course means that a 1-inch layer of asphalt will remove imperfections and give the road a smooth surface, preparing for a second course of 1½ inches of asphalt in several weeks. 

Milling is a process that removes a portion of the asphalt surface in preparation for future repaving. Paving results in a smooth road surface and safer driving conditions.

Due to the nature of the materials involved in roadwork and the conditions needed for proper setting, these projects are highly weather-sensitive and thus this schedule is weather-contingent and subject to change. Work generally begins at 6 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

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City of Troy paving update

Planning on driving around Troy next week? Be aware that the annual street paving program is in full force and that may affect your experience, as The Terrace Times has been reporting for week now.

Here's the week's schedule:

Tuesday, June 6

• 111th St between 2nd Ave – 1st Ave
• 1st Ave between 111th St – 114th St
• 1st Ave between 116th St - 120th St
• 1st Ave between 121st St – 123rd St
• 123rd St between 1st Ave – 2nd Ave

Wednesday, June 7

• 3rd St between Ferry St - Adams St

Thursday, June 8

• Crestwood Ave between Morrison Ave - Hadden Ln
• Brentwood Ave between Morrison Ave - Hadden Ln
• Wilde St between Crestwood Ave - Hadden Ln
• Hadden Ln between Brentwood Ave - Dead End

Milling is a process that removes a portion of the asphalt surface in preparation for future repaving. Paving results in a smooth road surface and safer driving conditions. Due to the nature of the materials involved in roadwork and the conditions needed for proper setting, these projects are highly weather-sensitive and this schedule is weather-contingent and subject to change.

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Lawn care application set for next week

The second lawn application of the spring is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7. So, if you see a contraption like the one pictured above zipping around your lawns and the common areas that day you will know that Vinmar Solutions is on the job.

Please exercise caution when you -- and your pets -- are strolling, jogging, or otherwise using the grounds on that day. (Weather permitting, Skyview Landscaping will be on the premises the following day for lawn care.)

The notice below provides details of the scheduled Vinmar work.

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School supplies drive is under way

Surprise! It's already time to think about the next school year. Well, it is at the Troy Public Library which is conducting a school supplies drive.

Now through August 1, residents are asked to donate new school supplies to be distributed to students in grades K-12 at the end of the summer. Click here to find a list of preferred supplies compiled by the library staff.

Your donations can be dropped off at the following locations: 

• Hannaford Supermarket, 126th Street (adjacent to the Waterford bridge)
• Polish American Club, 507 1st Street 
• Troy Fire Department Station #1, 115th Street and 5th Avenue 
• Troy Fire Department Station #5, 6th Avenue and Jacob Street 
• Troy Fire Department Station #6, Canal Street and 3rd Avenue 
• Afrikan Queens Boutique, 96 5th Avenue

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Committee seeking Board nominees

 

Every two years we elect members to serve 24-month terms on the Board of the Terrace at Highpointe Community Association (THCA). Such a vote will take place at our annual meeting to be held on an as-yet-undecided date in October. 

Our Nominating Committee -- chaired by Sid Legg and including Paula Fox Murphy, Joan Richardson, and Tom Wade -- has begun working on a slate of candidates to be presented at that meeting. 

If you are interested in putting your name forth for consideration by the committee members, please contact any one of them no later than Saturday, June 17. And, please bear in mind that we do not vote for candidates for specific offices. We vote for Board members at large, and those members select from among themselves who will fill each office.

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About the new dues ...

 

A friendly reminder that dues have been increased by $50 per quarter ($3.85 a week) effective with the third quarter of 2023.

That means an additional $100 for this year to cover the 3rd and 4th quarters. That can be paid in full no later than July 1, or in two installments no later than July 1 and October 1.

As always, please make your check payable to the Terrace at Highpointe Community Association and drop it off in the white mailbox located below the bulletin boards in the mailbox gazebo.

Thanks, as always, for your cooperation.

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Save the date for July's 'Community Cookout'

July 9 is known for many things. It's the date on which ...

• Argentina declared its independence from Spain.
• "Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock 'n' roll sing to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 10.
• The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing African-Americans full citizenship.
• Actors Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., and author Dean Koontz were born.

Oh, and it also is National Cookie Day.

But, all that aside, you probably will need to know that it's the date for a "Community Cookout" to be held on Hyland Court. 

This is the second community social event of the 2022-23 season -- the first was the holiday luncheon at McGrievey's -- as we strive to regain the pre-pandemic spirit of community fellowship we once enjoyed. And, it will be an excellent opportunity for newcomers to the Terrace to get to know their neighbors in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Plans are in the beginning stages, so you haven't missed anything. Closer to the event, Ellie DeBonis and others who are working on the event will post a signup sheet on the mailbox bulletin board asking how many people definitely will attend, and what sides and/or desserts they will bring. The Terrace Community Association will underwrite burgers, hot dogs, and other goodies as it has done in the past.

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Latest road projects in City of Troy

Here are the latest spots to be aware of as the City of Troy's Department of Public Works (DPW) continues its road work program. Motorists are cautioned to exercise care when driving in any of the neighborhoods listed.

Thursday 5/18/23
Paving: 7th Ave between 123rd St - 125th St
Paving: 123rd St between 2nd Ave - 8th Ave
Paving: 124th St between 2nd Ave - 8th Ave
Milling: 5th Ave between Federal St - Congress St
Milling: State St between 5th Ave - 6th Ave
Milling: 6th Ave between Broadway - State St
 
Friday 5/19/23
Milling: Broadway between 6th Ave - 3rd St
Milling: 3rd St between Fulton St - Congress St

Milling is a process that removes a portion of the asphalt surface in preparation for future repaving. Paving results in a smooth road surface and safer driving conditions. Due to the nature of the materials involved in roadwork and the conditions needed for proper setting, these projects are highly weather-sensitive. Thus, this schedule is weather-contingent. 

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The woman behind Mother's Day

The activist Anna Jarvis.

Mother's Day in the United States will be celebrated this Sunday, the 109th official year of the special date created in 1908 by one Anna Jarvis (1864-1948).

Interesting factoid: Jarvis later would denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar.

So, who was Anna Jarvis? According to History.com, the West Virginia woman helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs" to teach local women how to properly care for their children. 

The clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868, Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

History.com has lots of interesting information on the creation and evolution of Mother's Day. Just click here to read it.

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Paving in the 'Burgh will disrupt drivers

If you're planning to head down into Lansingburgh next week, you may want to be sure it's not on Tuesday.

The City Department of Public Works (DPW) crews will be paving a portion of 5th Street from 121st Street to 125th Street on Tuesday (May 16).

"Motorists accustomed to parking in this area are encouraged to mind posted parking restrictions to avoid costly fines and towing," the DPW said. "Commuters should expect to encounter roadwork in the area and are encouraged to seek alternate routes of travel if possible."

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Hydrant work may affect water pressure, color

 

The Troy Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is in the process of carrying out its annual fire hydrant flushing program.

The effort will affect various parts of the City through May 23. During that time, DPU said, water main and hydrant flushing will be completed during regular working hours with the exception of the Downtown Business District. The schedule, which may be changed by various work demands and equipment needs, tentatively affects the Terrace area on Thursday, May 18.

Customers may see temporary discoloration in their water and possibly experience reduced water pressure during this operation. They are advised to avoid washing clothes when flushing is taking place in their area.

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When will the Terrace be mulched?

 

Traditionally, Mother's Day is the "official" start of spring planting season. This year, that day will arrive next Sunday, May 14.

The National Weather Service 10-day forecast calls for no rain leading up to that holiday, so Skyview Landscaping has us on its schedule to mulch garden and flower beds throughout the Terrace by the end of next week. That should help you prep for planting.

By the way, if you're not sure about optimum planting times in our climate, you can get tips from the pros by clicking here. 

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Troy Waterfront Market goes outside on Saturday

The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market returns to the Monument Square neighborhood as of this Saturday. 

The Greater Capital Region's largest such market will feature more than 100 farmers and fresh food vendors along the square and several adjacent blocks. This season, the market will feature new vendors, the return of the Makers Market, live music, prepared food, expanded eating areas, and community tables. 

The market will run every Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

As the market organizers describe it, "On the busiest Saturdays, as many as 15,000 people visit the market to shop for fresh local produce, meats, seafood, prepared foods and handmade crafts. Couples, families, college students, and neighborhood regulars all mingle in Monument Square and on the surrounding streets, milling around between the tents, sidewalk tables and music stages. 

"From November to April the market moves inside to the Troy Atrium. Many stay to socialize and explore the charming shops and vibrant eateries in one of the most perfectly preserved 19th Century downtowns in the United States."

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Road milling schedule for Troy next week

Road improvement work 9s scheduled for various spots in the City of Troy next week that may affect your travels.

The schedule:

Beginning 6 a.m., Monday, May 8, crews will be milling:

• 8th Avenue between 123rd and 126th streets.
• 9th Avenue between 125th Street and Ives Court.
• 126th Street between 8th Avenue to the dead end.

Beginning 6 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, crews will be milling:

• 7th Avenue between 123rd and 125th streets.
• 124th Street between 2nd and 8th avenues.

Beginning 6 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, crews will be milling:

• 5th Avenue between 121st and 125th streets.
• 123rd Street between 1st and 8th avenues.

Traffic delays are expected. Motorists are asked to reduce speeds, observe posted traffic detours, watch for flaggers, and use caution in the work zones to keep workers safe.

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Street cleaning here next week

City mechanized cleaning crews are scheduled to do their annual spring cleaning passes through the Terrace, Highpointe, and bordering areas next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 9-10.

Even though we do not have even- and odd-numbered sides of the streets on the Terrace, the City plans specify that even-numbered sides will be done on Tuesday, and odd-numbered sides on Wednesday.

Thus, the most prudent plan would be for each of us to be alert on both days when undertaking recreational walks or jogs, walking dogs, riding bikes, or parking on public thoroughfares.

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Section of River Street closed for 5 days

If your travels will take you to River Street in Troy, the way won't be clear. 

The City's Department of Public Utilities (DPU) announced today that work involving nearby water infrastructure will result in River Street being closed from Glen Avenue to Douw Street from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the next five business days. 

Northbound traffic will be detoured onto Douw Street, then to 6th Avenue. 

Southbound traffic will be detoured onto Glen Avenue, then to 6th Avenue. 

"While road closures can be inconvenient for residents, they help keep our workforce safe so they can focus on the vital work we all depend on," said DPU Superintendent Chris Wheland. "Motorists are advised to anticipate detours and should seek alternative routes when making travel plans."

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