March 27, 2012
Concerns about city of Albany money in state budget, Troy police respond to rash of violence, massive gang bust in Albany, man arrested for 59th time, worry about apple crop
The provision for a $7.8 million "spin up" on the state's payment in lieu of taxes to the city of Albany for the ESP is not in the current version of the state Senate's budget bills. Without the advance on the state's payments, the city would be facing a significant hole in its budget. Update Tuesday afternoon: Albany councilman Richard Conti reports the money has been restored in a new bill. [TU] [@RichardConti2]
It looks like voting on the state budget bills could start Wednesday, meaning the budget could be wrapped up by the April 1 deadline (or earlier). One potential roadblock to getting the budget finished -- the establishment of a federally mandated health insurance exchange -- is being sidestepped and could be established by an executive order. If the budget is finished by the deadline, it would be just the 8th on time budget since 1975. [TU] [NYT] [YNN] [AP/Troy Record]
The Troy Police Department says it's addressing the recent surge in violent crimes with an increased emphasis on community policing -- including more officers on foot patrol and increased deployments in crime hot spots. The TPD is also filling out its tactical team and adding a K-9 unit. [WTEN] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23]
Law enforcement agencies were in the process of arresting more than 50 alleged gang members in Albany Tuesday morning. The arrests are targeting drug operations in the South End. [WTEN] [TU]
Where to have lunch in downtown Troy?
Jay asks via Facebook:
Hey AOA. Do you guys have any tips for eating lunch in downtown Troy?
Troy has been described as "some kind of lunch time mecca" -- and with good reason. You're certainly not lacking for choices.
So, what's your favorite spot? Or maybe a tip about some place that more people should know about? Please share!
Men's roller derby recruitment night
The local men's roller derby team -- the Capital District Trauma Authority -- has a recruitment night lined up for April 18. They're also in action April 14 in a double header with the Albany All Stars at the Washington Ave Armory. Earlier on AOA: No fishnets in this roller derby
Lloyd Spear Honey
Buzzzzz.
Consider me converted.
Upon arriving to the area, my family was struck by the many varieties of local honey available at farm stands and farmers' markets. Part of eating local was enjoying these naturally sweet products.
Except there was a problem: granulation.
Really, it's not a problem. It's more of a nuisance. Because all honey eventually granulates, and it can be easily fixed by placing the jar in a pot of warm water until the crystals dissolve. But who wants to do that?
So we fell off the wagon and found some reasonably tasty supermarket honey. But recently all has not been well in bee-land. There have been all kinds of problems going on from colony collapse disorder to reports of fraudulent and contaminated honey being brought into the United States.
That, in addition to the rising price of supermarket honey and the very vocal fan base of local beekeeper Lloyd Spear led me to his stall at the Schenectady Greenmarket earlier this year. We've been buying Lloyd's honey ever since.
Recently when picking up a donation of honey he was making to the Jewish Food Festival, I had a chance to chat with him and find out what makes his stuff so good.
$25k reward in Albany Med mercury case
Originally tagged as a "person of interest," the APD said today this man is now a suspect.
Albany Med announced today that it's put up a $25,000 reward for info leading directly to arrest and conviction of the person responsible for spreading mercury around the medical center's cafeteria on March 2. Albany police have released surveillance video screengrabs of the man they say is a suspect (above, and after the jump).
The images are from 4:19 and 4:23 pm on March 2.
The APD is asking people with info to call its criminal investigations unit: 462-8039.
AG: large drug network centered in Albany busted
The state Attorney General's office announced today that a team of law enforcement agencies busted 52 people allegedly involved in a drug operation that's centered in Albany's South End neighborhood and associated with the notorious Albany gang Original Gangsta Killas (OGK).
"This investigation has shut down a major network of gang members responsible for the sale of illegal drugs and possession of dangerous weapons in our neighborhoods," said AG Eric Schneiderman in a statement. The AG's office says the operation was trafficking "massive quantities" of cocaine, heroin, and prescription painkillers.
The AG's office says the investigation helped, at least temporarily, short circuit the cycle of violent retaliation between the city's gangs:
Richard Gibbs (aka "50 Cent"), was one of the main subjects of this investigation. Back in February, he was murdered in the South End of Albany by a rival gang. Following that incident, [Organized Crime Task Force] investigators were informed about additional retaliation over authorized wiretaps. This allowed investigators to intercept the gun that was intended to be used in the retaliation attempt. The increasing violence on the streets made it necessary for OCTF to move quickly on this case before there was any more bloodshed. [That link is to a TU story about the shooting. Contrary to the AG's press release, Gibbs was killed this past November. The APD press release about the November shooting is after the jump.]
Downtown Albany restaurant week spring 2012
Downtown Albany restaurant week starts April 21, if you're a restaurant week person (some people love restaurant weeks, others avoid). Three courses for $20.12 at 15 restaurants.
Blind man driving
What?! Tim spotted this van on State Street in Albany near the Capitol last week.
The line below the King logo: "Venetian Blind and Drapery."
(Thanks, Tim!)
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?