Lighting improvements planned for Terrace

As part of a year-long series of projects to restore and upgrade the Terrace environs (see here, here, and here for examples), we are working on repairs and improvements to exterior lighting in several areas.

One aspect is a repair of the LED light installations at the entrance on Hyland Drive that have been malfunctioning for some time. That is scheduled for this week.

Another is the installation of solar-powered lights near the mailbox gazebo meant to both enhance the esthetics of that welcoming entrance to the Terrace and to upgrade the safety lighting for the many residents who walk -- themselves and their pets -- in that area.

And, while we're at it, we are making one of our periodic requests for everyone to be sure their exterior lights -- both the pole lights and the bolted-on lights adjacent to their garage doors -- are in good working order. We have a number of dark areas on the Terrace, but the more proper lighting we have at each residence the better. 

John Paccione has been making himself available to neighbors to advise them on the most affordable state-of-the-art lights that improve illumination and reduce utility costs. You can call him at 518-577-2200 for advice.

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Tree trimming project set for Monday

A cautionary note:

A crew from Skyview Landscaping will be on the Terrace for some tree trimming and dead-tree removal on Monday (September 18).

Please exercise caution when walking in the area of their work, mostly near the mailbox gazebo area and on Hyland Drive.

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Oakwood Avenue closing on Saturday

This Saturday, the City is closing Oakwood from Farrell Road to Frear Park to repair a major water line.

The schedule calls for the area to be blocked off from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., but that’s subject to change depending on how the work goes.

The same area had to be closed off four years ago when a 24-inch water main broke.

If you’re headed into the city on Saturday you can use Farrell Road to loop around the blocked-off area, or head down Northern Drive into Lansingburgh.

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Please, hands off the security lights!

An update on the security lights at the entrance to The Terrace.

John Paccione, who was asked by the THCA Board to oversee repairs on the lights that have been out for some time, today reported that "The lights are back on at the entrance. Someone turned the breaker off because they were continuously on because the photo-sensor is broken. I’ll have the electrician replace the sensor next week. That’s all that needs to be done."

However, we will be placing a small lock on the electrical box to keep unauthorized people from accessing the breaker. 

Also, someone has manipulated the position of the lights and, in doing so, caused the wiring to become exposed to the elements. 

No one is authorized to do so. So, we ask everyone to please not touch the electrical box or the lights themselves. If there ever is a problem with the lights, simply contact a member of the Grounds Committee (chair Ned Alaskey, Bill Shover, Jim Cotter, Bob Malphrus) to report the problem.

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Movie filming to impact Troy traffic on Saturday

If you plan to be in the neighborhood of 2nd Street in Troy this Saturday, beware of (a) movie crew activity, and (b) lack of parking between Jefferson and Adams Streets.

That's because the City will block off that section of 2nd Street from 9 a.m. to midnight to allow an independent Brooklyn film company to use it for filming scenes for its sci-fi spoof film called "Flapjax."

The company, Bad Taste Video, already had filmed at the former Ted's Fish Fry property in Lansingburgh. If you want some details on that session and the movie itself, just click here.

In a bulletin posted on neighborhood front doors, Bad Taste Video notes that residents may notice increased activity, including the arrangement of equipment, props, and vehicles. Traffic control measures will be implemented to minimize disruptions, and intermittent traffic delays may occur. 

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City Hall will be closed for holiday on Monday

Troy City Hall will be closed to the public on Monday, September 4, in observation of Labor Day. It will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday.

A statement from Mayor Pat Madden said, "The federal Labor Day observance honors the labor movement in the United States: organizing which has secured steady hours, weekends and better pay (among many other accomplishments) for many American workers.

"Troy has a rich unionist legacy. Notably, the Kate Mullany National Historic Site celebrated its grand opening on June 10th of this year. Mullany and her co-worker, Esther Keegan, organized approximately 300 women into the first female union in the country, the Collar Laundry Union. Today, the organizing tradition is carried on by many local labor unions as our region, state and nation see a resurgence of union organizing."

The Kate Mullaney House is located at 350 8th Street, visible from Hoosick Street.

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'Almost End of Summer Ice Cream Social' beats rain

The DeBonis granddaughters enjoying their ice cream. / Ellie DeBonis photo

The predicted rain held off long enough for a sizeable group of Terrace residents to get together on Friday for our 'Almost End of Summer Ice Cream Social' on Hyland Court.

(For those who stayed up late, the eventual downpour was astonishing, so don't bother watering your outdoor plants on Saturday.)

Special thanks to Ellie DeBonis for coordinating the event. And, thanks to all who pitched in to help make it yet an other successful Terrace outing.

Here are a couple of images captured by Jerry Gordon:

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'Almost-End-of-Summer Ice Cream Social'

The National Weather Service forecast for the coming week says no rain -- isn't that unusual for this summer? -- until Saturday at the earliest.

So, we'd like to hold an "Almost-End-of-Summer Ice Cream Social" on Friday, August 25.

Ellie DeBonis, our tireless resident social-butterfly/event-organizer, has volunteered to pick up the ingredients from Stewart's, and I will pick up some extras as well. We'll divvy up the cost among the people who attend.

Please email Ellie at baileydebo@yahoo.com (and copy me at BillDowd4Troy@gmail.com) right away so we can plan purchases and other details such as time, precise location, tables, etc. (We'll also pick up some lactose-free Lactaid brand ice cream -- I can vouch that it's good! -- if we know how many attendees would need that. Please specify that in your replies.)

Here's what we plan to have:

• Vanilla ice cream (regular and lactose-free) 
• Strawberry topping 
• Chocolate fudge topping
• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Nuts
• Whipped cream 
• Cherries 
• Cones, for those who prefer them to a bowl

So, please respond as quickly as you can so we can sew up the details and send summer out in style.

-- Bill Dowd

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Road paving update for weekend, next week

The City of Troy's Department of Public Works (DPW) has released an updated paving schedule for this weekend and the week of August 14.

Saturday, August 12

8th Avenue between 110th to 115th Street

Monday, August 14

8th Ave between 110th to 115th Street (continued)

The DPW notes, as always, that "Due to the nature of the materials involved in roadwork and the conditions needed for proper setting, the work projects are highly weather sensitive and thus this schedule is weather-contingent and subject to change again."

Work generally begins at 6 a.m. unless noted otherwise. Commuters should expect to encounter roadwork in the area and are encouraged to seek alternate routes of travel if possible.

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Updated city roadwork schedule for the week

Because of recent rainy weather, the City of Troy's Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued an update to a previously published work schedule for this week.

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 updated schedule is weather-contingent and subject to change again.

• Tuesday, August 8 -- 113th Street between 3rd Avenue to 9th Avenue

• Wednesday, August 9 -- 5th Avenue between 106th Street to 110th Street

• Thursday, August 10 -- 112th Street between 6th Avenue to 9th Avenue; 109th Street between 7th Avenue to 8th Avenue; 8th Avenue between 109th Street to 110th Street

• Friday, August 11 -- 8th Avenue between 110th Street to 115th Street

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How, where to get rid of old electronics items

Did you know that in New York State it is illegal to throw out electronics in your garbage can or recycling bin?

So, what do you do with any items you want to get rid of? You can take them to an electronics event, schedule a bulk pick-up, or take them to a retailer. 

Earlier this year, the state implemented updates to its electronics recycling law. The Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act (EERRA) makes electronics recycling free for consumers. 

This legislation requires extended producer responsibility (EPR), which calls for manufacturers to be responsible for creating items easily repaired and recycled. In the past, manufacturers have passed the cost of recycling to the consumer with increased overall pricing. The EERRA Act relieves the consumer from the burden of that expense. 

All that said, here's the bottom line: 

Save Saturday, September 30, for a disposal event at the Troy Resource Management Facility, also known as The Alamo. It is located at the corner of East Industrial Parkway and Main Street. Advance registration is required, and time slots will be emailed in advance. 

ELIGIBLE ITEMS

• electronics tires (fees associated) 

• paper for shredding 

• rechargeable batteries (must be taped)

HOW TO REGISTER 

• Online: www.troyny.gov/272/Electronics-Waste-Collection
• By phone: 518-279-7313 
• In person: Mayor's Office, Troy City Hall, 433 River Street (5th floor)

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Household hazardous waste disposal event

If you have any household hazardous waste items you'd like to dispose of, circle Saturday, September 16, on your calendar.

Here are the details of a collection session in Brunswick. Please remember advanced registration is required, and electronics recycling, tire collection, and paper shredding are not part of these events. 

A household hazardous waste is a product or item in your home that can be dangerous, toxic, or otherwise unsafe. Such items typically are labeled as flammable, corrosive (damages metals and skin), or toxic. Common items include paints, pesticides, gasoline, and pool chemicals. Go online for a complete list of eligible items.

WHEN

Saturday, September 16. You must register, and time slots will be emailed to you in advance.

WHERE 

Brunswick Town Hall, 336 Town Office Road, Brunswick

HOW TO REGISTER

Online

In-person: the Mayor's Office at City Hall, Hedley Park Place, 433 River Street

By phone: 518-279-7313

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Here's the latest on City roadwork projects

It certainly has been a busy summer for City of Troy crews who have been busy milling, patching, and repaving a variety of main and side streets. And, of course, digging up some that had been repaved in recent years and now are rutted -- such as that portion of 15th Street just off the fountain roundabout in Frear Park.

So, in a never-ending effort to keep residents up to date on what work might impact their commuting or shopping or visiting activities, here's the latest from the huge Terrace Times staff:

Wednesday, August 2

4th Avenue between 114th and 118th streets

Thursday, August 3

115th Street between 1st and 9th avenues

Friday, August 4

114th Street between 5th and Gurley avenues

Gurley Avenue between 9th Avenue and 114th Street

9th Avenue between 114th and 115th streets

Monday, August 7

113th Street between 3rd and 9th avenues

Tuesday, August 8

5th Avenue between 106th and 110th streets

Wednesday, August 9

112th Street between 6th and 9th avenues

109th Street between 7th and 8th avenues

8th Avenue between 109th and 110th streets

Thursday, August 10

8th Avenue between 110th and 115th streets

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Downtown Troy road closures announced

Troy's Department of Public Utilities (DPU) today announced that repair work on water mains will impact several South Troy and downtown thoroughfares. After that is completed, the roadways will be milled, backfilled, and repaved.

As always, the work projects are weather-dependent and subject to change. The schedule:

• Monday, July 31 -- Work on River Street from 4 a.m. to noon.

• Tuesday, August 1 -- Work at the intersection of 4th and Polk streets from 4 a.m. to noon. 

Roads will not be fully closed, but motorists should expect delays and partial closures. Alternate routes are recommended.

Bus stops in the designated work zone will be temporarily unavailable for use. Bus riders are requested to use the next available bus stop to the north or to the south of the designated work zone. 

Motorists are asked to reduce vehicle speeds in the construction zone area, observe all posted traffic restrictions, and watch for flaggers and equipment operating in the street right of way areas. 

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Little Italy 'quality of life' work may impact shoppers

If you're planning to do any shopping in Troy's Little Italy/South Central neighborhood anytime soon.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced that sidewalk and curb replacement work will continue along 4th Street this summer, along the west side of 4th Street at Adams Street. One-way north bound traffic will be maintained on 4th Street. 

"Upon completion of work on one side of the street, parking restrictions and the designated work zone will then move to the other side of the street as necessary to complete work started last year."

The project is expected to stretch into late October, depending on weather conditions. It includes removal of existing sidewalks, installing new sidewalks, curbs, lighting, tree plantings, utility upgrades, and related work.

The work is part of a federally-funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project intended to improve the “quality of life” and “mobility” for Troy residents and families living in this South Central /Little Italy Neighborhood. This project continues the work already completed last year in South Troy, along 4th Street. 

Pedestrians will be directed to use existing available sidewalks along the opposite side of the street from the construction area. Motorists are asked to reduce vehicle speeds in the construction zone area, observe all posted traffic restrictions, and watch for flaggers and equipment operating in the street right-of-way areas. Motorists accustomed to street parking in these neighborhoods are encouraged to mind posted parking restrictions to avoid costly fines and towing. 

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Weed, grub control applications next week

The following required notice has been received from the vendor supplying pesticide and fertilizer services to the Terrace at Highpointe. Work will be done on Wednesday, July 26.

Please exercise caution when you -- and your pets -- are strolling, jogging, or otherwise using the grounds on that day. 

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NOTICE  

  

Vinmar Solutions LLC  

Telephone Number: 857-3499; Fax Number: 584-4094 

Pesticide Business Registration Number: 14954 

This notice is to inform you of a pending pesticide application at a neighboring property and/or the  property you are visiting or working at. You may wish to take precautions to minimize pesticide  exposure to yourself, family members, pets or family possessions. Further information about the  product or products being applied, including any warnings that appear on the labels of such pesticide  or pesticides that pertain to the protection of humans, animals or the environment can be obtained by  calling the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378 or the New York  State Department of Health Center for Environmental Health information line at 1-800-458-1158. Address of Application:  

The Terrace at Highpointe, Troy, NY 12180  

Hyland Circle  

 Date of Application : WEDS JULY 26 , 2023  

  

Products to be applied to the lawn:  

Product name: Quali-Pro 3-D Herbicide EPA # 53883-378 weed control  Product name: 15-0-0 w/ .2 % Merit EPA # 432-1349-34704 grub control fertilizer  

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Troy roadwork and traffic notes for next week

The City of Troy continues a busy schedule of roadwork on a variety of streets and major thoroughfares for the summer, although the scope of next week's efforts is a bit narrower than in preceding weeks.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has released the schedule for the week beginning July 17 that may impact your travels around the City. Everything is, of course, weather dependent.

Monday (7/17)

• Lavin Court from Hoosick Street to Park Boulevard
• 16th Street from Sausse Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue

Tuesday (7/18)

• Dead End, Carlyle Avenue from Chelton Avenue to North Lake Avenue, from Hoosick Street to the City Line

There will be no milling conducted next week. DPW said the next round of milling will last five days and start the following Monday, July 24, weather providing.

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Latest info on trimming and sealcoating

• Several homeowners have asked about tree and shrub trimming by Skyview Landscaping. Ned Alaskey, chair of our Grounds Committee, contacted Skyview general manager Michael Scaringe about that work. Here's the email conversation:

NED: Michael, could you please provide us a ballpark time we can plan on your crew for trimming and pruning. I’ve spoken with Jim [Skyview crew chief] and walked through some areas on our common grounds as well as the hedges and shrubs growing in all this rain. Your crew is doing an outstanding job, as I see it. Looking forward to your reply.

MICHAEL: Hi guys, and thank you for the compliment! We are looking at the week of July 31st. Hope this helps, and have a great day."

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• Bill Dowd contacted United Asphalt several times about the sealcoating process. As he has shared with everyone several times, sealcoating this summer is behind schedule because of the frequent rainouts and sporadic flooding United has experienced. They are working diligently to catch up and will let us know as soon as they're caught up.

As to when sealcoating is needed on new and/or repaired driveways, "We recommend sealcoating next season, and then every two years [thereafter]. We will reach out next season to all the new driveways with an estimate." So, no sealing needed this season on new asphalt.

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Troy Pig Out returns Sunday after pandemic absence

It's baaaack! Or, should we say, fatback?

The 16th Troy Pig Out, which hasn't been held since before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, returns this Sunday starting at noon and running through 5 p.m. 

Attendees will be able to try $4 samples from each participating food provider and vote for the people's choice winner in the BBQ competition, while a panel of three guest judges will weigh in with their views on whose chow is tops. 

Live music will be provided by Berk Star, Grandstand Jockies, and Black Mountain Symphony. And, Famous Lunch will be sponsoring the "Downtown Troy Hot Dog Eating Contest" starting at 1 p.m. at Broadway and 5th Avenue. The contest is open to the public and anyone can sign up to compete. 

“This year the format of Pig Out is completely elevated," said said Olivia Clemente, executive director of the sponsoring Downtown Troy Business Improvement District. "We opened up the event to the businesses of Troy as well as vendors from outside Troy to compete against each other for best of barbecue."

Among the scheduled participants:

• McAddy’s Pub, 452 Broadway
• Tatu Tacos, 452 Broadway 
• Bootleggers, 200 Broadway 
• Muddaddy Flats, 49 3rd Street 
• Brown’s Brewing, 417 River Street 
• Ryan’s Wake, 403 River Street 
• Oh Corn! Arepas, 429 River Street 
• Bacchus Wood-Fired, 33 2nd Street 
• Bard & Baker, 501 Broadway 
• Slidin’ Dirty, 9 1st Street 
• Tara Kitchen, 172 River Street 
• Dotty’s BBQ @ 518 Craft, 200 Broadway 
• Little Pecks, 211 Broadway
• The Mac Factor, Monument Square

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Multiple projects freshening the look of The Terrace

If you've noticed the neighborhood looking better recently, you're correct. This has become "The Summer of Beautification" on the Terrace.

• For the past few months, we have seen our new grounds crew from Skyview Landscaping whipping the common and private grounds into perhaps the best shape they have been in for several years. 

• Numerous residences have had new roofs installed, and more are scheduled to do so. 

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NOTE: Everyone who has had a driveway replacement is advised by United Asphalt to not drive on the new asphalt before Sunday, or to wait longer if we get blistering hot days that slow the hardening of the surface. You should have received a pamphlet describing the "care and feeding" of your new investment.

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• And, for the past few days, workers from United Asphalt have been repairing a number of driveways and replacing others. Before long, still other homes will have their driveways sealcoated, although that work has been delayed because the contractor's schedule was backed up by persistent bad weather. United promises to let us know ASAP when we can get scheduled.

All these things help freshen the appearance of the Terrace, so we appreciate the patience and cooperation of all who may have been briefly inconvenienced by all the activity.

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