Loudon House developer sues town
BCI Construction seeks to overturn decision on condo project zoning
The developer of the stalled Loudon House condominium project is suing the Town of Colonie over zoning changes that would force quick action on the stalled project.
Sandy cleanup a boon to Colonie
Town extends acceptance of superstorm debris
As Downstate New York digs out from Hurricane Sandy, the Town of Colonie is helping to make a dent in cleanup efforts by accepting storm-related debris. The town’s landfill began accepting debris the week before Thanksgiving and as of Friday, Dec. 7, it has taken in 16,000 tons of waste.
Seniors put the squeeze on giving
Loudonville Home makes stuffed animals focus of holiday charity drive
Any parent knows a stuffed animal can provide quick comfort to a child. And this holiday season, a local family service agency is trying to ensure as many kids get that gift as possible.
CAP COM to expand in Colonie
New location near The Crossings would more than double size of headquarters
CAP COM’s main office is at 18 Computer Drive East in Colonie, but a desire to expand has the company eyeing a much larger location at 4 Winners Circle, about a mile from the main office building. The credit union has about 93,000 members and 280 employees in 11 Capital Region branches. At a Tuesday, Nov. 27, Colonie Planning Board meeting, board members approved a sketch plan for the new headquarters that will pave the way for a more detailed review.
No rest for ironmen
Local triathlon athletes check out ‘Michael Phelps’’ pool
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, Ironmen tried out the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa, made by Master Spas, at Concord Pools and Spas in Latham. The 8-foot-long Swim Spa has a propeller design, a consistent flow of water with adjustable resistance.
Startup reaches out to startups
Young entrepreneur focuses on giving new businesses a leg up
Keegan Hayes, 23, might be only one year out of Siena College, but he’s already basing his professional career on helping startups gain a foothold in the Capital District. He’s founded the Capital Region Entrepreneurs Group (CREG), a networking organization that helps provide resources and advice to local entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their own business.
Uproar over lion burgers
Restaurant owner evasive on issue of lion burgers as advocates call for meat to be pulled
A local restaurant’s menu has caught the attention of national animal advocates, but there’s some question whether this cat fight’s been resolved or not.
County overrides tax cap for second time
Legislators put nursing home back into budget, hike taxes 7.6 percent
After weeks of considering the budget, the Albany County Legislature approved a plan that overrides the state tax cap at a Monday, Dec. 3, meeting.
Model trains make tracks for holidays
miSci’s train exhibit an annual favorite for all ages
As the temperature drops, model trains are warming up their engines and gearing up for the holiday season.
New door opens on Schuyler history
Colonie gains possession of centuries-old door from Schuyler Flatts home
Earlier this year, Town of Colonie Historian Kevin Franklin was shocked when he received a phone call from a person saying they had the Schuyler Flatt's historic home’s front door. And now, for the first time in 40 years, the town hopes to display the door to the public and retell the history of the Flatts.
Daycare can brighten life of caregivers
Ceremony at Bright Horizons recognizes seniors and their families
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, Bright Horizons members and staff had the opportunity to thank caregivers like Fantroy at the annual “Thanks for Caregiving” event at the Belltrone Living Center off Wolf Road in Colonie.
Park of the future meets reality
Colonie changes speed limit on River Road in anticipation of passive park
Plans are still in the works for the Mohawk Landing Park on River Road, but Colonie is scaling back the ambitious goals in favor of a cheaper, passive park.
Free turkeys make Thanksgiving for vets
Tully Rinckey law firm hands out free birds for area veterans
For the fourth year in a row, Tully Rinckey PLLC spent the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 20, handing out free turkeys for their “Turkeys for Veterans” program at 441 New Karner Road in Albany. Although the law firm usually pays for the turkeys, this year Hannaford Supermarkets decided to team up with the gift givers and donate 120 15-pound turkeys.
Colonie website compromised
Town’s site down for days, source of problem unclear
The Town of Colonie’s website has been down since Friday, Nov. 16, and town officials aren’t sure when it might return.
Historic signs get facelift
Scout Troop 278 giving Colonie’s historic markers a makeover
As part of a renovation project, Boy Scout Troop 278 began painting eight of Colonie’s 16 historical signs that describe significant landmarks in the area on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Colonie adopts 2013 budget
No comments from public in $82 million spending plan
A lack of comment or questions from the public preceded the early adoption of the Town of Colonie’s 2013 budget on Thursday, Nov. 8.
Sandy donations roll in
Capital District residents quick and generous when it comes to storm relief
Superstorm Sandy may have skipped over the Capital District, but that didn’t stop the area from mobilizing relief efforts.
Toys for Tots take to shop
Volunteers from the Marine Corps League and Dunkin’ Donuts raided the Toys “R” Us in Colonie Wednesday, Nov. 14 in preparation for the fourth annual Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train headed across New York State.
Present-day search honors past
Historian scours St. Agnes Cemetery to properly mark graves of veterans
In 2007, Grimaldi decided to take on the unique task of identifying every Civil War soldier buried in the 114-acre St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Using a list of 248 names culled from a survey of vets in the area, the historian set out to restore and replace the cemetery’s decrepit tombstones.
Sweet taste of home for soldiers
Donations from Shaker students help Military Mom in Action
Everyone gets a sweet tooth now and again, even soldiers. And local mom Kathy Buckley makes sure our fighting men and women don’t have to go without.
New book explores decades-old hoax
Latham native became fascinated by literary controversy
Literary hoaxes have always been touchy topics for bibliophiles, and author Molly Guptill Manning hopes to finally put one to rest in her first book.
FedEx donates Boeing 727 to airport
Retired aircraft to be used for training for Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting department
FedEx donates retired aircraft to Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) department
Alliance to shine light on lung cancer
Shine a Light Vigil a call to action on fighting major killer
For more than 35 years, Phyllis Goldstein would take walks with her friend around Guilderland. But in 2002, both women’s lives swerved in an unexpected direction.
History takes center stage
Home schooling experiment leads to young theater troupe
Ruth Henry was never a big fan of the subject of history. But when she decided to home school her three girls in 2003, she knew avoiding it just wasn’t an option.
No time for mediocrity
CBA senior aims high in Boys Nation program
If there’s one thing 17-year-old Chris Watson is short on, it’s free time.
Democrats retain Colonie Town Board seats
Republicans unsuccessful in filling Board positions
Two Republicans hoping to land seats as members in the now all-Democratic Colonie Town Board were unsuccessful this Election Day.
Steck sails ahead
Democrat declared victory for 110th Assembly District
A long and somewhat dirty race finally came to an end Tuesday, Nov. 6 when Democrat Phil Steck secured his seat in the 110th Assembly District.
UAlbany prof receives international award
Aiguo Dai’s work on climate change’s effect on freshwater recognized
A University at Albany professor has garnered international recognition a few short weeks after joining the school’s faculty.
Pepsi wastewater means higher fee
Town tacks $400k onto company’s bill after bottling plan byproducts spike
After a 27-year history with the Latham Pepsi plant, the Colonie Department of Public Works has noticed a dramatic increase in the corporation’s contaminated wastewater output this year.
Four vie for two board seats
Republicans hope to capture remainder of terms from Dem appointees
As Election Day draws near, four candidates are seeking two open Colonie Town Board seats.
Students learn how to save a life
CPR investment rolled out at Sand Creek Middle School
First Niagara invested $10,000 to donate 275 CPR Anytime kits to 20 schools in the Capital Region.
Community funds college dreams
South Colonie Dollars for Scholars grows to giving $29k last year
South Colonie Central High School students may want to go to college, but some of them need financial assistance along the way. And a community group aimed at doing just that has grown to nearly 10 times its original size.
Board candidates find little to disagree on
Debate between four Colonie Town Board candidates covers economics, transparency, landfill deal
A debate held between candidates for Colonie Town Board on Tuesday, Oct. 30, largely failed to draw any sort of debating.
Public makes plea on nursing home
McCoy’s privatization plan has little support at public hearing
Proponents of the Albany County Nursing Home and Department for Aging crowded a public hearing before the County Legislature to protest a 2013 budget plan that would bring landmark changes to one or both programs.
Pine Bush sees record use
Discovery Center now open seven days a week in response to demand
Hidden between shopping malls and bisected by interstates, a globally-rare treasure sits, waiting to be discovered.
Lions and llamas and burgers, oh my!
Dave’s Pizza & Burgers offers meat choices you’re unlikely to find elsewhere
Burger Centric on Delaware Avenue in Albany has changed locations and names and is now operating as Dave’s Pizza & Burgers at 53 Fuller Rd. in Colonie, and serving some of the more exotic meats the area has to offer.
After false start, candidates debate
The Assemblyman Vito Lopez scandal was a consistently revisited topic at the 110th Assembly District debate Wednesday night.
Second career runs on passion
After renovating eyesore to arts center, business up and down for Patrizio Center
With the help of a former student, Michael Caruso, who is now Patrizio’s partner, the band teacher and his wife, Alana, opened the doors to his dream on June 9: The Patrizio Center for the Arts.
Landfill details wrapped up
Town Board passes several resolutions, scheduled public hearing
Saying it was a confusing matter, Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan tried to clear up any misunderstanding about the town landfill and its deficit at the Colonie Town Board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11.
Latham Circle overhaul underway
Developers hope to revitalize struggling mall as The Shoppes at Latham Circle
A development team with plans to revitalize the faltering Latham Circle Mall are before the Town of Colonie and looking for new tenants.
Full steam ahead
Historian to discuss local role in American railroad revolution
In a special presentation by the Historical Society of the Town of Colonie, Harry M. Steven will discuss the important role local companies helped make transportation more efficient in America and the world over.
The story behind the lens
Local photographer’s work featured at Siena
When Patrick Dodson was a kid, he found a camera in the woods behind his backyard. With a new toy and inspiration from his grandfather’s photography, Dodson took photos of one of the things he knew best: his cat.
New digs put spring in dancer’s step
Danceland makes third move and lands on Columbia Street
Dancers of the Capital District have shimmied their way to a new spot in Latham.
A blessing for all creatures
St. Matthew's to host its third annual "Blessing of the Animals"
Many pet owners feel the presence of their animal friend is a blessing. At St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, priests every year look to give a little of that back to the animals.
Art all over
MoHu kicks off 10 days of Capital District artistic revelry
Taking off for its second year, the main idea for the MoHu Festival is to push the art in the Capital District to the forefront.
How do you spell need? C-H-A-I-R-S
Library to hold spelling bee to raise money to replace aging seats
There’s one thing that goes well with a good book: a comfortable chair. But at the William K. Sanford Town Library, the more than 30-year-old chairs have seen better days.
Price Chopper to offer eats
Latham location will roll out 16 eateries in coming expansion
On Friday, Oct. 5, Price Chopper Supermarkets announced its plan to build a new concept store on the Latham Super Center on Route 9 that will feature fresh, made-to-order food services along with major renovations.
Texas Roadhouse pitched for Wolf Road
Impacts of light, noise, traffic on nearby residents discussed
Plans for a Texas Roadhouse were presented to the Colonie Planning Board at a Tuesday, Sept. 25, meeting.
Meet market
Social networking site helps those with similar interests connect face to face
People of the Capital District are finding new ways to meet up, and now there’s a simple website to help them do just that.
Picture perfect
Two former Sand Creek students find success with photography
When Sand Creek Middle School teacher Carol Esmond assigned her art class homework, she could not have predicted that just a year later two of her students’ photography would hang on the walls at William K. Sanford Library.