Politics

Albany County Sheriff knocks SAFE Act

Local authorities see benefits and downsides to new gun control law

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple isn’t convinced the SAFE Act will make the streets any safer, despite what the legislation’s acronym implies, but thinks it could turn formerly lawful gun owners into criminals.

Tech company named for Vista

First interested tenant will seek tax breaks, bring 44 jobs

Bethlehem's Vista Technology Campus may soon have its first technology tenant.

Altamont trustee cautions contingency usage

Village board OKs Wastewater Treatment Plant project change orders

The Altamont Board of Trustees Tuesday authorized two change orders totaling nearly $18,400 for the $3.5 million capital improvement project, which includes installing new equipment.

Gun fight comes to Albany County Legislature

Gun rights advocates call on lawmakers to support SAFE Act repeal

Republican Albany County Legislator Deborah Busch presented a proclamation for fellow lawmakers to sign in support of repealing the SAFE Act. At least 14 legislators had signed the proclamation by the end of the meeting.

McCoy: County can meet tax cap by 2015

County executive says consolidation is key to future

County Executive Dan McCoy said in his State of the County Address he wants to keep up momentum built in 2012 by continuing consolidations, establishing more partnerships, seeking ways to save money and making meaningful movement on the county nursing home.

Updated: Bethlehem board takes up gun fight

Councilman suggests town officially support SAFE Act

The fierce debate over New York’s new gun law ended up being fought on the local level at a Wednesday, Feb. 27, Bethlehem Town Board meeting, after Councilman Jeffrey Kuhn suggested the board pass a resolution in support of the restrictions.

Job cut question goes to public

Bethlehem board OKs eliminating highway superintendent position

After hearing comments from the public, the Bethlehem Town Board unanimously passed a law abolishing the elected position of highway superintendent on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Town weighs expanding development notification

Petition circulates to have more neighbors notified of impending projects

Colonie officials are considering an amendment to the town code that would expand neighbor notification requirements for developers after receiving complaints from concerned citizens.

Town, police union strike deal

Contract to save $80,000 over three years, union hopes to restore positions

The Town of Bethlehem and its police officer’s union have come to a new contract deal more than one year after the previous contract expired.

Protesters take aim at gun-control law [photo gallery]

Gun advocates and state legislators call for end of SAFE Act

Thunderous rally cries could be heard coming from Empire State Plaza as gun rights advocates and state legislators campaigned for a repeal of the law.

No easy path for School’s Out

Variance requirements, neighborhood opposition threaten building sale

Bethlehem Central School District and School’s Out, Inc. are facing an uphill battle when it comes to finalizing the sale of 90 Adams Place.

NYSUT calls out tax cap

Area legislators ask for increased state aid to schools

Public schools are in the budget limelight as local lawmakers call on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to modify aid distributions guidelines, while at the same time the state’s largest teachers union is suing to challenge the constitutionality of the state tax cap law.

Saratoga County to get $3.7M payout

Money part of five-county deal with Hudson River-Black River Regulating District

Saratoga County’s Law and Finance Committee unanimously approved the $3.7 million settlement on Wednesday, Feb. 13, and the full Board of Supervisors will vote on it Tuesday, Feb. 26.

McCoy vetoes legislature’s ‘stall tactics’

Executive wants legislators to pick from his list of consultants

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has vetoed the County Legislature’s resolution to hire an outside consultant to study the nursing home issue, calling it a method to stall any decision.

New county legislator appointed

Democrat Alison McLean-Lane replaces Phil Steck

After living and working in Colonie for the majority of her life, Democrat Alison McLean-Lane says she is more than ready to take on her new role as county legislator for the 14th Legislative District.

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