All Over Albany

Alleged meth lab found in Saratoga County, public comments about Park South redevelopment, town concerned about drinking water quality, a life that included exploring Antarctica

State Police say two women were arrested after a search allegedly found a meth lab in a mobile home park in Greenfield. Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy says the alleged operation was a "highly sophisticated" "active cook center" and neighbors were tipped off by fumes. The DA also alleges the women had set up the lab there to move production closer to a network of people or places in the area. A third person was also arrested, and all three are facing child endangerment charges because authorities say a baby and a teen were also at the mobile home. [NYSP] [WNYT] [@JimMurphyIII] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]

A packed Albany Common Council meeting including public comments about the proposed changes to the Park South redevelopment plan -- among the criticisms voiced: concerns about an increased number of apartments, a larger parking garage, and increased building height. Officials say the plan's increased density will help support a walkable neighborhood. [daleyplanit Instagram] [YNN] [TU] [News10]

It pays (in campaign contributions) to be in a position to influence state casino legislation, according to a review of campaign finance reports by Common Cause. Among those benefiting: The review concludes Andrew Cuomo has received more more than $350k in contributions from gambling interests. [TU] [AP/Saratogian]

Chris Gibson says he thinks multiple provisions of the NY SAFE Act will be found to be unconstitutional. The Congressman had been scheduled to appear at a standing-room-only NY SAFE Act forum in Brunswick Monday (he had to stay in DC to vote). Among the officials who were there: Rensselaer County sheriff Jack Mahar, "Never in my 38 years of law enforcement, until recently, have we been asked to go after honest, law-abiding, good citizens." [Troy Record] [News10] [WNYT]

Niskayuna police say a 75-year-old pedestrian was killed as she crossed Nott Street Monday afternoon. No tickets were immediately issued to the driver and NPD says it's investigating the incident. [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [News10]

UAlbany police say a man with a knife -- and wearing a Christmas sweater -- tried to abduct women at the bus stop on Western Ave near the downtown campus Alumni Quad on Friday (map). [TU]

Among the local effects starting to pop up from the partial federal government shutdown: TSA officers at ALB aren't being paid (but they're still working). [TU]

According to documents filed as part of a lawsuit, the woman who died from a known heart condition while being held for deportation at the Albany County jail in 2011 didn't a see a doctor during her week there. [TU]

Surfaced during a review of public assistance payments to inmates by the state comptroller's office: a group of Schenectady County jail inmates received improper benefits -- including food stamps. A Schenectady County official says the improper payments totaled less than 1/10 of one percent of the benefits the county pays out each year. [NYS OSC] [Daily Gazette]

The town of Ballston is considering shutting off its water supply connection from the Saratoga County Water Authority over quality concerns. [Saratogian]

The state Authorities Budget Office has turned its attention on another local development corporation in the area -- Troy, this time -- raising questions about the org's independence from city government. [TU]

The proposed Cohoes city budget includes a tax levy increase that doesn't fit under the tax cap, although officials say they're working on it. It also makes the mayor's job full-time (again) and more than double the current salary. [Troy Record] [TU]

Saratoga County and Saratoga Springs consider the potential payout if a casino is sited in Saratoga Springs. [TU]

Two men were arrested in Troy Monday after police allege they were caught transporting 100 grams of crack, worth about $11,000. [Troy Record]

Among the damage from the line of storms that rolled through the area: downed trees and wires, and a cow. [News10] [Daily Gazette]

Some residents of Albany's New Scotland neighborhood, including manager of the The Fountain, are opposing a plan to open a new bar on the commercial strip between Grove and Ontario (map). [TU]

A Ballston Spa resident won a gold medal -- and set a world record -- in his age group at a world powerlifting competition in Hungary last week. [Saratogian]

Anthony Wayne -- Schenectady native and Antarctic explorer -- died Sunday at the age of 98. [Daily Gazette]