January 17, 2014
Two local school districts tagged as facing "significant fiscal stress," plan to reduce sewer overflows into the Hudson, communication mishap resulted in unintended release from jail
In a "fiscal stress" analysis of school districts in the state by the state comptroller's office the the Watervliet school district topped the list of districts facing "significant stress." Said Watervliet's superintendent to the TU: "We're strapped ... The comptroller knows it, the state knows it and now the whole world knows it, but no one will help us do anything about it." Also among the top tier of districts facing "significant financial stress:" Schenectady. Said superintendent Larry Spring to the Daily Gazette: "They only give us 54 percent of the aid we're supposed to get, and then they issue a report saying, 'You're in fiscal stress?' Yes, because you made that happen. I don't see the purpose of the report except to say, 'You're successfully strangling us.'" [NYS OSC] [NYS OSC] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced a $136 million plan involving six Capital Region municipalities in "The Albany Pool" aimed at reducing the amount of sewage that pours in the Hudson River during heaving rains. A key part of the plan: a disinfection system for a pipe called "Big C" near the Port of Albany, which accounts for about half of the "combined sewer overflows." [NYS DEC] [TU] Earlier: Something stinks about the Hudson near Albany
Colonie supervisor Paula Mahan on the possibility of a casino at the First Prize Center: "Personally, I don't think that's the right location for it ... It's right smack in the middle of a neighborhood." [TU]
A federal judge has ruled that the Wandering Dago's lawsuit against the state -- over the food truck being rejected from vending at the Empire State Plaza and Saratoga Race Course because of its name -- can proceed. [TU]
Stuff to do this weekend
The Grave Digger returns to the TU Center this weekend for Monster Jam.
Winter may be making a bit more of an effort this weekend with some snow showers and cooler temperatures. For those of you making an effort to reject the default hibernation urge that often kicks in at this time of year, there's wine, food, caffeine, theater, comedy, movies, museums and music to help you out.
We've compiled our weekly list after the jump. Doing something you don't see listed here? Tell us about it. And whatever you're up to, have a fantastic weekend.
Curating and curing in Hudson
The ongoing transformation of Hudson continues to draw media attention. And two articles this week -- one in NYT, the other in Esquire GQ -- had us wondering if there's a bit of a Hudson bubble.
From "Cultivating Hudson: Enter the Tastemakers" by Penelope Green in NYT, about the influx of people from cities such as New York and San Francisco and their desire to "curate"... everything:
Whether or not the Marina [Abramović] effect is real, Ms. Duffy [a real estate broker] averred that the "market here is gangbusters. We've never had buildings on Warren Street for over a million before. Two years ago, they were maybe $400,000. Ten years ago, you couldn't give them away." As for the Warren Street rents, she added, last year's average was about $1,600 a month; now they are close to twice that, at about $2,800. Mr. Coleman is paying $2,300, a deal in New York City, but a jaw-dropper for the area.
The article touches some of the complicated facets of the upswing, including questions about gentrification and how the prosperity on Warren Street can be extended.
A big part of the current Hudson scene is its restaurants, and the one getting the most attention right now is Zach Pelaccio's Fish & Game. From a two-visit review by Alan Richman titled "Is Hudson New York's Next Great Dining Destination?" (a question the review doesn't answer):
The first was bread, more formally a "bread bowl." It held a couple Parker House rolls, a few slices of sourdough, and a schmear of the house spread, made with butter, yogurt, and ash, one of those slick concoctions that doesn't taste as good as plain butter but guarantee an elevated price. In this case, the bread bowl was $8, quite a climb from what bread in fancy places used to cost, which was nothing. The slightly grainy schmear wasn't nearly enough, so we asked for extra, and that was another $2, please. Our bread had climbed into double figures.
$10 bread? The bread bowl was the beginning of a string of items Richman found to be "random" and of "little coherence" and to include "considerable curing." He concludes: "Fish & Game isn't close to being the great restaurant it seems to think it is." (The restaurant got a much better review from the TU last fall.)
By the way: If you're interested in Hudson, Sam Pratt's blog is worth keeping up on. Example of a recent item: A "venerable" old bar was reportedly sold to "a hedge fund manager and his spouse, said to have managed nightspots in Manhattan's Meatpacking district."
Cash money
Have a quick look at that cash above.
Can you pick out what's special about it? Here's a closer look.
The answer is post jump.
His girlfriend's friends' boyfriends
Over at The Hairpin, Patrick Kearns writes about the missed connections (of a sort) that he's had with the boyfriends of friends of his girlfriend -- many of them in the Capital Region. A quick clip: "Summer of 2010, Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. I have to confess, I was terrified of you that night. S, you were the type of man who could crack me in two, twirl me like a baton and throw me the length of a football field. You had a good heart and a rage problem." (Thanks, Sarah!)
This week was brought to you by
This is the last weekend to catch the Toys & Trains exhibit at MiSci
This week was brought to you by puddles, smoothies, rumors and the over-under on the placement of an upstate casino.
Your AOA information fix was also brought to you by a group of great advertisers like MiSci's Toys and Trains exhibit, closing this Monday.
If there's something you want to pass along to the AOA crowd, we can help get you started. It's easy and affordable. Just send us a note at advertising@alloveralbany.com.
Here's a list of folks who made AOA possible this week. Be sure to check them out when you can.
Stuff to do
+Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts event. Wine & Dine for the Arts runs January 16-18th and includes tastings, chefs and restaurants, seminars, and competitions for sliders, baristas, and bar tenders. This year's event will benefit Albany Barn, Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Capital Rep, and Park Playhouse.
+Live Nation, presenting Kanye West at the TU Center, February 19.
+ The Spectrum 8 Theaters.
+Advantage Transportation. They provided the pretty awesome party buses for the AOA Bad Boys, Broads and Bootleggers Tour, and they can provide limos, trolleys and party buses for your special occasion.
+ The Arts Center of the Capital Region offers a wide range of classes, from dance to wood working to digital illustration. You can register for spring classes today.
+The Mop & Bucket Company -- offering a full slate of classes throughout the year. Not a performer? Improv can help increase your creativity and openness in the workplace too. You can catch MopCo performances every Friday night at 8 pm at Proctors.
Food and Drink
+ The Cheese Traveler, introducing its new sandwich and panini menu --available Tuesday through Sunday. Sandwiches built on loaves sourced from Bonfiglio & Bread in Hudson and will feature a variety of high quality meats, cheeses, condiments, and other fine accompaniments. Offerings will change based on seasonal availability and inspiration, and can be enjoyed in-store or packaged to go.
Here's a menu sample:
Laguiole, Apple Peach & Apricot chutney (Rosebud Farms) $6.99
Toma Celena, Pawlett, smoked duck breast (Larchmont Charcuterie), black currant jam (Les Comtes de Provence) $7.99
Manchego Artesano, salchichon Iberico (Fermin) oil-cured olive tapenade $7.99
+El Loco Mexican Cafe, something for everyone, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menu items.
+Sweet Sue's of Troy, lunches, sweets and catering.
+ Mingle on Delaware Ave in Albany. Be on the lookout for Fin the Fishmonger's "Fin"-tastic specials, including fresh haddock fish tacos & pan-seared whole trout. Their chef will be using local products to create new specials daily to keep the menu fresh.
+Smith's Restaurant has great food in an historic building. You'll want to check out the bar--it's from Tammany Hall.
+Brown's Brewing-- a sponsor of the AOA BAd Boys, Broads and Bootleggers tour. Relax with a cask beer at the new Malt Room.
+ Honest Weight Food Coop's new location is now open with delicious local flavors.
+ The City Beer Hall, serving brunch starting at at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Stuff to learn
+Albany Law School.
+The College of Saint Rose, proud sponsor of the All Over Albany Tournament of Pizza. Offering 52 Graduate Programs with a purpose. Programs include: MFA in Creative writing, MBA, Computer Information Systems and more.
Stuff to Try
+Urban Maker -- art, clothing, sculpture, jewelry and photography, made here in the Capital Region. Urban maker is currently seeking artists and crafters to sell their wares in this online local marketplace.
+The Lofts at Harmony Mills, Manhattan style loft living in the Capital Region.
+Choose Cohoes -- Tourism, dining, entertainment and shopping in the Spindle City.
+ Albany Public Library's mobile app -- find locations and hours, check your library card account, learn about upcoming events, download eBooks, audiobooks, music and more. Check ISBN bar codes on books, DVDs and CDs to see if the library owns what you're looking for.
+ Get a FREE MONTH of Wink High Speed Internet Service from Tech Valley Communications. Enter this code when you sign up for service at: www.winkinternet.com: w1n87k0
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?