All Over Albany

Another manhole explosion, reaction to McDonald's decision, more residential development in downtown Troy

There was another manhole explosion caused by an underground electrical fire Thursday, this time in Troy. Said a nearby resident: "I was lying on the couch watching TV and all of a sudden ba-boom!" National Grid says the Troy incident isn't connected to the recent Albany incidents. And the utility says the two Albany incidents aren't connected to each other. Jerry Jennings on the underground fires: "It doesn't matter that they are two separate incidents, they are two incidents that could have hurt people." [Troy Record] [WNYT] [YNN] [TU] [WNYT]

If you missed it: Roy McDonald says he won't continue his campaign for the state Senate 43rd on the Indpendence line. People close to his campaign framed it as "unselfish decision" made to help Republicans keep control of the state Senate. to In a statement, Kathy Marchione called McDonald "a good man who works tirelessly for our community." Robin Andrews -- the Democratic candidate for the seat -- said in a statement that McDonald's exit "gives the voters of the 43rd Senate District a very clear choice." McDonald was thanked by the Empire State Pride Agenda, and called a hero by Log Cabin Republicans. Andrew Cuomo said he was "fully supportive of [McDonald], whatever he decides" and argued that McDonald's loss won't hurt the national push for same-sex marriage. McDonald declined requests for interviews. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [TU]

A state comptroller's office audit concludes that were "maintenance deficiencies" and a lack of proper management oversight on elevators and escalators at the Empire State Plaza. Says an Office of General Services spokeswoman: "OGS has confirmed with an independent inspector that the elevators are in safe working order." [NYS OSC] [TU]

The state DOT will be stopping weekend construction work on the Twin Bridges at noon Sundays (instead of Monday morning) in order to ease the flow of traffic returning from the Adirondacks, the Cuomo admin announced. [Cuomo admin]

The current phase of the Hudson River PCB dredging project is ahead of schedule thanks to the weather and improved techniques, GE says. [Saratogian]

The town of Colonie's proposed budget includes a 5 percent property tax increase -- which supervisor Paula Mahan says would fit under the tax cap. [TU]

Guilderland's supervisor says the town is looking a very small tax increase in the next budget thanks to better than expected sales tax returns. [TU]

Albany County legislators are debating what to do next if, as expected, the state doesn't sign off on the current plan for a new nursing home. [Troy Record]

Colonie police say a pizza deliveryman was beaten and robbed while making a delivery to an apartment complex on Sand Creek Road (map). CPD says it's looking for two suspects. [TU] [Troy Record] From 2011: Mapping attacks on food delivery people

Watervliet police say they're investigating a possible abduction Thursday evening (map). [Troy Record]

A state appeals court has censured attorney Terry Kindlon for snapping a photo of a document on the prosecution's desk during a trial last year. The court called his actions "undignified" and "discourteous." Said Kindlon in response: "No excuses. I was wrong. I regret this happened, and I unconditionally accept responsibility." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]

Former Milton town supervisor Frank Thompson, after the town board decided to admonish him and bar from working for the town because of an ethics issue: "I'd rather put a stick of dynamite in my mouth and light it [than return to work for Milton]." [Daily Gazette]

Developer Sam Judge is the renovating the former Quayside Apartments on River Street in downtown Troy into upscale apartments (map). [TU]

Negotiations are reportedly in the final stages for "a growing local business" already in Saratoga to rent the former Borders building on Broadway. (The totally unofficial word on the street we've heard: it's a marketing company, one you've heard of.) [Saratogian] [TU]

An engineering consultancy is recommending that a mandatory inspection system for all recreational boats taken to Lake George in order to help stop the spread of invasive species. [TU]

A wetland, gone for about a century, is being restored in an effort to filter the runoff going into Lake George. [TU]

Following the yogurt summit, a state wine and beer summit is apparently on tap. [State of Politics]

Schenectady's new free crosswalk touted as being "extremely bright, colorful and inviting." [Daily Gazette]

An unusual problem for Shaker High School -- or, really, any Capital Region high school: how to accommodate a big crowd for a football game. [TU]

Constance Laymon, a fierce advocate for people with disabilities, has passed away. [TU]