Legislature back for not-so-special-sounding extraordinary session, Niskayuna approves ice cream truck trial, Soares says surveillance video supported Van Plew, Saratoga Springs policia
The legislature is back today for the extraordinary session David Paterson called in an attempt to finish off the budget -- but it doesn't sound like much is going to get accomplished. One stumbling block (of many): there's some question as to how many Democratic senators will show up. (Senate president pro tem Malcolm Smith is reportedly on vacation. We kid you not.) [TU] [State of Politics] [NY Post]
You know how David Paterson has been talking about how state employee layoffs might be necessary to close the budget gap? NYT reports that it's hard to say exactly how many people work for the state -- and no one knows for sure. Also: it looks like a chunk of state workers won't be eligible for one of the early retirement incentives. [NYT] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo's gubernatorial campaign is focusing on a proposed two percent property tax cap. [State of Politics]
The Troy teen charged with the stabbing death of a man in North Central on Father's Day turned himself in -- and was out on bail a few hours later. Both the teen's attorney and the Rensselaer County DA say the case will be challenging for the prosecution. [Troy Record] [TU]
The Niskayuna town board voted 3-2 to allow ice cream trucks to operate in the town for a monthlong trial. The trucks have been banned for more than three decades because of safety concerns. Said the eight-year-old whose petition prompted the vote: "I think it's a great idea because kids love ice cream and everyone likes a nice summer treat every once in a while." Said one of the residents who opposed lifting the ban: "It's a diabetes truck." [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
An Albany is suing the City of Troy and its police department for $1.54 million for wrongful arrest related a home invasion in 2008. [Troy Record]
Troy police chief John Tedesco says the department will be investigating the post-crash behavior of Chris Pollay, the off-duty officer involved in that accident in Poestenkill a week and a half ago. [Troy Record]
The Who's Packing? NY handgun permit database is back online. [TU]
Ding-dong Drama Albany County DA David Soares says security video from Daniel Van Plew's home supported the man's version of events and was one of the reasons prosecutors didn't pursue charges. [Fox23]
Said the chair of a South Troy neighborhood association near a trash transfer station that County Waste wants to expand operations at: "I'm flipping out. We're going to really fight this." [TU]
The Wilton town board has decided to go without a town planner. [Post-Star]
One of the walls of the private parking garage on Lancaster Street in Albany's Center Square neighborhood collapsed yesterday. [TU]
Said the director of Saratoga County's sewage treatment plant on the effort to clean basins that have been used to collect sewage for three decades: "It was when you got to the front end that it got real objectionable." [Post-Star]
The development company that will be moving the Ingersoll home says the 350-foot trip will cost $250,000. [Daily Gazette]
Former Siena basketball star Kenny Hasbrouck will sign a contract with the NBA's Miami Heat today -- the same team LeBron James now plays for. [Fox23]
The Saratoga Springs Police Department will be using Rosetta Stone in attempt to teach officers some basic Spanish. [Daily Gazette]
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Some may say the TU and other media has already over-hyped the "ding-dong drama." Bolding it over all the news, is that really appropiate or necessary?
... said MattW on Jul 28, 2010 at 12:08 PM | link
How many fast food shops are there in Niskayuna?
... said MattW on Jul 28, 2010 at 12:09 PM | link
The "diabetes truck" comment made me laugh out loud, then I read it to my colleagues and they also laughed out loud. If you're concerned about the safety hazards of kids running into the street, fine, I can respect that. But to deprive children of the occasional ice cream treat during the hot summer months is just stupid and mean. If you don't want your kid to eat ice cream, fine, but don't ruin it for everyone.
... said Summer on Jul 28, 2010 at 1:34 PM | link
I grew up in the "country" outside of Syracuse, the only time the ice cream truck came by was when he got lost, once. It was a magical day! I think I should make up for lost time by enjoying some ice cream when they swing by my apartment complex and for the children of Niskayuna.
... said DH on Jul 28, 2010 at 2:05 PM | link
Hello, Niskayuna residents! How does it feel to live in a retirement community of 20,000? Well, I guess that's not entirely accurate since sanity prevailed and the ridiculous buzzkills were outvoted, at least for a 1-month trial period. (yay!) Good for that 8-year-old girl! Maybe we'll see her in politics in some years.
I happened to have Fox23 on last night and saw this story - even the anchors poked fun at the 'IT'S A COLOSTOMY TRUCK, IT'S A DISEASE TRUCK!' guy. (The reporter in the field also pointed out he never thought he would be saying 'Mr. Ding-A-Ling's business' on television - hah!)
"IT'S A COLOSTOMY *BLANK*" is so meme-worthy.
... said Paul on Jul 28, 2010 at 2:42 PM | link