What's up in the Neighborhood

The NeighborhoodAmong the topics in this most recent spin around the Capital Region's online neighborhood: Veteran's Day, campus drinking, the sun, The Point, The Pride of New York Harvest Festival, a secret cafe, the Dinosaur, a Herbivore, pugs, baby showers, the Pine Bush, history, national pride and appreciation.

The Bee Balm Gal thanked some important people on Veteran's Day.

Skidmore Unofficial's Executive Editor on drinking at the school: "Skidmore tows a line of ignorance and the administration seems largely unaware of the realities of on campus drinking."

Akum traced the history of her home's first owner.

Matt came across a great sign in Washington Park.

Bennett says Five Rivers is "one of the hidden gems of the capital region."

Jen was one of the winners of AOA's Pride of New York Harvest Fest drawing -- and it sounds like she had a great time.

Steve got a look at The Point, the new restaurant next to Cafe Madison in Albany.

Albany Jane went to dinner at a secret cafe.

Jerry came away "thoroughly impressed" with his meal at El Mariachi II.

The opening of the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Troy had Daniel B thinking about standardization and quality.

Rebecca enjoyed an Herbivore at the Wine N Diner.

Rochelle noticed an odd name-check on the menu at Graney's.

Mark posted some adorable photos from the pug rescue.

One of Kristi's readers asked about a good local place for a baby shower.

Carey scored a velvet "Juliet-ish" vintage dress at Reruns in Saratoga.

Jackie walked the new Spring Run Trail in Saratoga.

Drew took an uninspiring trip to the Albany Pine Bush.

Daniel Nester came across a great program from the 1896 Rensselaer County Fair.

Naomi's started a series about what to donate, and where.

The Exile experienced a moment of national pride while standing in an aisle at Price Chopper.

CAPow says the Laughs on Lark series has been consistently funny.

Albaniana took part in NANOvember.

Rob survived a Buffalo Bills game.

And Chuck was the subject of some poetic appreciation at Brown's.

Comments

WHAT??? Cell Towers in this neighborhood? Where there is a social services agency serving children? Three schools? Where we enjoy and pay for a park-like ambiance thanks to a 100 or so years of protecting our maple-lined streets?

Is it me? Aren't the health and safety risks of such towers well-documented? And what about the glaring disruption of a 60 foot tower in a residential community?

And surprisingly no one seems to know about it! Neighbors and parents of students recently received word from the Albany Academies regarding a proposed cell tower for the Beth Emeth property located directly across my beautiful home on Academy Road. According to the temple they held one meeting about the cell tower, but it was very sparsely attended. They said they would get Verizon to hold another meeting at which time information about height, appearance, and safety would be discussed.

Apparently Congregation Beth Emeth has notified the City of Albany about the tower and has provided the City a copy of the Section 106 report (a FCC requirement).

The next step is for Congregation Beth Emeth to submit a request for a building permit to the City of Albany Division of Buildings and Codes. Elements of the proposal will require a public hearing to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The proposed tower would be located on the other side of its main building, just about opposite Leonard House (there is a white trailer parked at the approximate location).

Temple Beth Emeth held one meeting about the cell tower, but it was very sparsely attended. They said they would get Verizon to hold another meeting at which time information about height, appearance, and safety would be discussed.

I, for one, plan to make sure everyone affected has enough information about the project to make clear choices regarding opposing it or not. Let me know if you want to be kept informed. I'll make sure you are.

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The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

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