Niskayuna weighs school closure
Community wary of consolidation efforts, possible savings unclear
Amidst budget problems and declining enrollment, the Niskayuna Central School District is debating if closing one of its two middle schools is a viable option for next school year.
And then there was one
High bidder on Curry Road Plaza redevelopment backs out
One company that saw potential in Rotterdam’s dilapidated Curry Road Plaza four years ago will likely realize its vision after a bidding process shakeup left it as the sole bidder.
Ellis breaks ground on $61M expansion
Golubs applauded for supporting new emergency room
The Golub Center for Emergency Care will cost $61 million and will nearly double the size of the emergency room to total 38,000 square feet. A new two-deck parking garage will also be constructed at the current ER parking lot.
Nisky rakes in lawn fees
Fewer than expected opt out of debris pick up fee
When a lawn debris pick up fee was first proposed last year, it became a contentious issue in the Town of Niskayuna. It turns out only about one in 10 homeowners opted out of the program, though
Flood buyback plan resurfaces
Rotterdam councilman eyes program for severely flood-damaged homes
Councilman Robert Godlewski on Monday, Oct. 8, submitted a legislative request to Rotterdam Town Supervisor Harry Buffardi urging the town to participate in the state buyback program for properties damaged by Irene.
Glenville faces 3.4% tax increase
No raises in supervisor’s proposed budget within tax cap
Glenville Supervisor Christopher Koetzle on Wednesday, Oct. 3, presented his proposed spending plan for 2013. It totals $18.5 million and calls for taxes around $69,000 below the town’s tax cap limit.
Store opening on Target
Long-awaited retailer welcomes customers at Glenville location
he former Kmart Plaza on Route 50 in Glenville started a new chapter on Tuesday, Oct. 9, as Target opened its new 135,000-square-foot store on schedule.
Southern-style barbecue, by the books
Rotterdam family opens restaurant featuring slow-cooked, southern food
Not too long ago, Rotterdam resident Dave Borst, couldn’t tell you what goes into a dry rub or barbecue sauce. Today, he’d invite you to try his own concoctions at his family-owned restaurant North Country BBQ in Rotterdam.
Waiting to come home
Flood recovery efforts a tedious and lengthy undertaking for some
More than a year after floods poured through Rotterdam hamlets, some residents are still working to get back in their homes.
Tkaczyk officaly wins Green Party primary
Democratic challenger for 46th Senate District handily secures line
Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk can add the Green Party ballot line in her bid for the newly drawn 46th Senate District against Republican George Amedore.
[Photo Gallery] Oktoberfest fun in Glenville
Glenville’s Oktoberfest was held on Saturday, Sept. 29, and wasn’t a complete washout as it rained only sporadically during the event.
Niskayuna supervisor's budget within tax cap
Hike of 1.4 percent held down by increase in other revenues, reserves tapped for $43k
Town Supervisor Joe Landry’s 2013 budget proposal was filed on Monday, Oct. 1, and calls for a 1.4 percent tax levy increase. The general and highway spending plan totals almost $13.67 million, which is an increase of $415,316, or 3 percent.
Schenectady County overrides tax cap
Public pleads against 7.5 percent tax hike, legislators blame mandates
Schenectady County leaders are eyeing a proposed 2013 budget with a tax hike more than double what is allowed under the tax cap after residents pleaded for a plan with a lower tax levy.
Rotterdam tax hike under 2 percent
Supervisor proposes no layoffs, reducing fund reserves usage
Rotterdam officials are seeing costs outpace revenues, but Supervisor Harry Buffardi is holding his budget below the tax cap.
National Grid forecasts lower natural gas bills this winter
Customers heating bills could drop 3 percent, weather conditions also a factor
Some people might not welcome the first sighting of snowflakes falling, but lower heating bills could help warm winter spirits.
Five remain in Schalmont superintendent search
The Schalmont Board of Education reviewed 34 applications to replace Superintendent Valerie Kelsey and has selected five semifinalists for upcoming group interviews.
Spotty fall on tap
Foliage forecasts differ on color quality; state pegs fall tourism at $13B
A dry, hot summer could mean a loss of fall’s beauty, as the state’s colorful landscape is blossoming earlier and with less vibrancy.
[Photo Gallery] Mustering at Mabee Farm
War of 1812 reenactment stages battles on land and water
The Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction on Saturday, Sept. 22, and the following day hosted a muster recognizing the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The farm was transformed into an encampment with reenactors holding rifles and cannons awaiting action.
A film with class
Nisky’s 50th reunion spurs documentary shot across country
It started as an idea to produce a video for a class reunion, but ended up as a documentary chronicling the struggles and triumphs of a generation.
Nisky to collect $15k for botched pipes
Flat sewer pipes will need periodic cleaning, money won’t cover replacement
Several years after sewer pipes were improperly installed, the Town of Niskayuna will be seeing some monetary compensation — but not nearly enough to correct the problem.
Schenectady County makes move to break tax cap
Legislature calls for public hearing to keep options open for county manager
After several years cutting or keeping taxes flat, Schenectady County has taken the initial step to override the state-mandated tax cap.
Presentation outlines Glenville’s budget woes
Supervisor details initial outlook on next year’s fiscal plan
Revenues are not keeping pace with expenses in Glenville, and residents will again bear the majority of the disparity through a tax hike, albeit one below the state tax cap.
Police: Man approaching children a misunderstanding
Mohonasen Central School District officials on Wednesday, Sept. 19, sent home a letter to parents regarding claims of a suspicious man allegedly approaching children, but police said it was a misunderstanding.
Supreme ‘Rain’
Local playwright sees national recognition for her children’s play
A Niskayuna native has been writing plays for local theaters since she was a teenager, and after being recognized for a script about tamales her passion for drama isn’t cooling off.
Ghents Road debate drives on
Neighbors and developer clash as town prepares for legal battle
Residents of Ghents Road in Rotterdam are again calling for the town to suspend permits issued for a construction project.
Curry Road Plaza hits stumbling block
Golub land acquisition complicates Columbia’s plan; late bids tossed
Another snag has cropped up in Rotterdam's efforts to redevelop the blighted Curry Road Plaza, even after a clear bid winner emerged.
Blessed Kateri students get unexpected break
Heavy rain floods private Niskayuna school, cleanup stretches two days
Snow days are already being wiped out at one local school after a bout of intense rain swept through the region.
County sales tax plan not a crowd pleaser
Distribution to suburbs remains flat as city’s increases $600k
A new agreement sets how county collected sales tax will be distributed for the next eight years, but some local officials say towns aren’t getting a fair cut.
Schenectady County lockup is top tier
State Sheriff’s Association awards correctional facility accreditation
The Schenectady County Correctional Facility was recently awarded the New York State Sheriff’s Association Accreditation, an honor held by less than half of jails statewide.
UPDATE: Tkaczyk dominates Dem race in 46th Senate
District’s Green Party results show Tkaczyk as likely winner
Cecilia Tkaczyk considerably won the Democratic primary in the 46th Senate District by receiving more than half of the votes in the three-way race.
Oktoberfest planners hope for sun
Glenville to host third annual German festival, with more attractions for kids and teens
Attendance at last year’s Oktoberfest in Glenville was washed out as Mother Nature rained on the festivities, but event organizers this year are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
UPDATE: Steck clinches Dem line in 110th Assembly
Whalen secures Independence line over three Dem challengers
Phillip Steck emerged the winner in a four-way Democratic primary for the 110th Assembly District after a spirited rally, according to unofficial election results.
Tkaczyk wins Dem line in 46th Senate
District’s Green Party write-in likely unclear for some time
Cecilia Tkaczyk dominated the Democratic primary for the 46th Senate District and received nearly half of the total votes in the three-way race.
Race in the 111th heats up
GOP points to speaker’s troubles while Dems focus on tax record
Voters won’t be casting any primary ballots in the newly redrawn 111th Assembly District, but the bell has been rung and general election candidates are already jousting.
SCCC project getting finishing touches
New music building unveiled, final construction under way
Schenectady County Community College now has a building that reflects the caliber of the music program it hopes to present, and it is striking a chord with faculty members.
11 years later, the final stanza
Lighthouse 9/11 ceremony marks an end to father’s poem
For some, Sept. 11 is day to pause in remembrance, but for one father it is a day he can never forget.
Police: Teen in standoff threatened to commit suicide
A portion of Eastern Parkway in Niskayuna was closed off and neighbors were evacuated as police negotiated for several hours with a suicidal teenager possessing a loaded firearm.
Art and friendship on display at quilt show
Group prepares to hold biennial event featuring founding members
Two hundred works of art will be on display later this month in Schenectady, and it is something fans of the medium will get wrapped up in.
Time to go Greek
St. George church holds annual festival featuring culture
Two tons of food fuels a festive three-day celebration of culture that invites people to go Greek for at least a few days.
Former Nisky Friendly’s to be demolished
Move said to clear the way for more ShopRite Square revitalization
Officials in Niskayuna hope the demolishing of a vacant building in the budding ShopRite Square will hasten the shopping center’s revitalization.
110th Assembly hopefuls face off
LWV holds candidate forum for Dem and Indy primaries; GOP and Dem differences shown
The Albany County League of Women Voters and Spotlight Newspapers on Wednesday, Sept. 5, hosted a combined primary candidates forum for the Independence and Democrat parties the 110th Assembly District.
Flood victims remember Irene
One year after disaster, most are back in homes, but effects linger
A year after floodwaters from Tropical Storm Irene ripped through their communities, residents gathered to celebrate progress and a return to a new normal.
Niskayuna’s drinking water takes top honors
Guilderland takes second place in state after tie at regional contest
The Town of Niskayuna on Thursday, Aug. 30, was announced the winner of the 26th annual New York State Drinking Water Taste Test. The Town of Guilderland captured second place.
Tully survives Afghanistan suicide bombing
Local attorney awarded Purple Heart, recovering from injuries
National Guard Lt. Col. Mathew Tully was awarded the Purple Heart after surviving a suicide bomber attack on his unit serving in Afghanistan.
Confusion surrounds forum
Event cancelled, but two 46th Senate District candidates show
A forum for the three Democratic primary candidates for 46th Senate District was called off hours before it was scheduled, but two candidates still showed up.
A new chef joins family business
More Perreca’s hires SCCC grad, young chefs beef up downtown offerings
As one family business expands its restaurant and refines it fare, the reins are in the hands of someone outside the family for the first time.
New wheels rolling to Nisky seniors
Board approves purchasing $55.4k bus to serve seniors
The Niskayuna Town Board on Tuesday, Aug. 28, unanimously approved accepting a bid from Johnston-based Don Brown Bus Sales, Inc., to purchase a new 2013 Starcraft All-Star passenger bus for a total price not exceeding $55,445.
The new lunch line
Guidelines require schools to meet stringent nutrition standards
School districts throughout Schenectady County are preparing to offer a slightly different fare to students at breakfast and lunch after new federal food service regulations were implemented in July.
Glenville seeks complex change
Town Board proposes new zoning to drive ‘higher-end’ housing
There won’t be a moratorium on apartment complexes in Glenville, but proposed zoning changes would reduce how many apartments a developer could build on a site.
Wal-Mart to anchor Mansion Square
Big box set to build smaller market storefront in Niskayuna
Another grocery store option is planned for a town budding with food options, with a familiar name presenting a new choice for shoppers.