All Over Albany

Cuomo to propose women's rights agenda legislation, no further charges for driver accused of hitting pedestrian after falling asleep, "complete streets" for Albany

The Cuomo admin is planning to formally propose a "Women's Equality Act" today, which includes a bunch of measures from the governor's women's rights agenda. A provision that would allow abortions after 24 weeks to protect a woman's health is shaping up to be a point of conflict in the state Senate. In an op/ed at the Huffington Post, Andrew Cuomo argues that New York's current abortion law is "outdated and inconsistent with federal law." [WSJ] [YNN] [Huffington Post]

The state Conservative Party is criticizing the Cuomo admin's plan for tax-free zones at SUNY campuses: "As we have noted many times government should not be deciding what business receives government handouts that give them advantages over other businesses." The idea has also been criticized by CSEA. On Monday Cuomo said the plan "levels the playing field overnight" for retaining startups upstate. SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher said Monday the she'd heard from university presidents that the proposed plan was already generating interest from companies. [State of Politics] [News10] [TU] [Troy Record]

A large group of state legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, are pushing for the restoration of $90 million that was cut from funding for non-profits that serve people with disabilities in the state. [TU]

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Department says the driver who's accused of falling asleep and fatally hitting a pedestrian in Halfmoon this past weekend will not face charges beyond a traffic violation because of a precedent set by the state Court of Appeals in a Saratoga County case that dates back 1985. [Saratogian]

The Albany Police Department released a few more details about the death of a woman in an West Hill apartment last week, which it's now calling a homicide. APD says the woman was found in a closet and had been stabbed. It also reiterated that it wants to talk with the woman's husband. APD hasn't called him a suspect, but chief Steve Krokoff called him "a person of interest." [APD] [YNN]

A Schenectady landlord was ordered to pay $85,400 in fines after a city court judge found him guilty of 254 code violations at an apartment building in the Vale neighborhood. [TU] [Daily Gazette]

Another push for legalizing professional MMA bouts in the state at the Capitol Monday included Ottavia Bourdain, the wife of Anthony Bourdain. (She's a fan of the sport, and competes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.) [TU] [@OttaviaBourdain]

Maplewood Manor -- the Saratoga County nursing home -- facing another lawsuit alleging negligence, this time for the death of a man who somehow wandered outside last December and had a heart attack. [Saratogian]

The Schenectady City Council gave preliminary approval to a plan that would install new pay-and-display parking meters downtown -- and increase parking fees. There was some skepticism of the plan's $130k price tag, but supporters argued the costs would be covered by additional revenue. [TU] [Daily Gazette]

Jesse Calhoun -- a pre-school teacher, activist, and musician -- says he'll attempt a run for Albany mayor on the Republican line, fueled in part by outrage over the APD's use of a public housing facility for tactical training in March. [TU]

The Albany Common Council passed "complete streets" legislation that would require the city to consider pedestrians and cyclists when planning street construction and upgrades. [TU] [YNN]

Glenville is considering strengthening its anti-scavenging law -- the town supervisor says scavengers picking stuff out of the garbage (like metal) are a problem. [TU]

The Schenectady Fire Department says there were no working smoking detectors on the second floor of the two-family house in the Vale neighborhood -- where there were six children -- when it caught fire because of an electrical overload. [TU]

Farther afield: A judge ruled that the city of Gloversville were within bounds when they denied to a permit to Sno Kone Joe after its turf spat with Mr. Ding-A-Ling. Gloversville officials lamented the time and money that went into the case. [Daily Gazette] [TU]

Skidmore wants to build a relatively large solar array in Greenfield to provide power for its Saratoga Springs campus. (RPI is also apparently looking at building a solar array, at its tech park in North Greenbush.) [TU] [TU]

As the state looks at legalizing full casino gambling, a group that includes the operators of the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut are angling to open a new casino resort on the property of the old Grossinger's Resort in Sullivan County. (Grossinger's has seen better days.) [TU]

A man who grew up in Lansingburgh, and now lives in Niskayuna, has spent thousands of dollars maintaining a boulevard median outside his mom's house in the 'Burgh. [Troy Record]

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APD: Homicide - Sherman Street - Update 6/3

Albany police are investigating the death of a city resident that occurred on Sherman Street.

On May 29, 2013 at approximately 9:50 p.m., detectives responded to the 200 Block of Sherman Street for a report of an unattended death. Upon arrival, the victim, a 37 year old female, was found deceased inside her apartment.

The victim was identified as Sharene Wallace, 37, of 279 Sherman Street (Apt. 2) Albany and it has been determined that she was the victim of a homicide. The events that led up to the victim's death will not be disclosed at this time.

Detectives are attempting to locate and interview the victim's husband, Robert L. Williams, 41, Albany (photo attached). The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Albany Police Department Detective Office at (518) 462-8039.

UPDATE 6/3

The victim, Sharene Wallace, was found deceased in her apartment in a bedroom closet. It has been determined that she died from multiple stab wounds.

Albany Police would like to speak to Robert L. Williams, 41, formerly of Quail Street in Albany. Williams is currently under the supervision of the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (Parole) and is a level 2 registered sex offender. Additionally, Williams is currently wanted for a Parole violation. The victim, Sharene Wallace, was also under the supervision of the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (Parole) at the time of her death.

The Albany Police Department is working with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision on this investigation.