Items tagged with 'newyorkstate'
Paterson goes looking for help in DC, Gillibrand on list to replace Clinton, Albany gets an upgrade, infamous B&B gets new purpose
David Paterson and other top state officials were in DC yesterday lobbying for federal aid -- with little progress. Chuck Schumer said help -- if there is any -- would not arrive before there's a new Congress in January. [TU] [NYDN]
In what was perhaps not the best PR move during a budget crunch, the state's Office of General Services bought a $21,000 custom rug for the Governor's Mansion. Upside: Turkish rugs are apparently very much in style now. [TU]
Kirsten Gillibrand is reportedly on the list of people David Paterson is considering to replace Hillary Clinton -- if Clinton takes the Secretary of State job in the Obama Administration. Paterson apparently would like to appoint someone who's a woman or Latino or from upstate. [NYT]
Jerry Jennings said yesterday that he wants to "create a new template for urban education" in Albany. He didn't elaborate, though. [TU]
Scenes from a breakdown
New York Now has put together a highlight reel from yesterday's bizarre leaders meeting at the Capitol (though "lowlight" might actually be the better word).
Watch as David Paterson talks about auditory hallucinations, Sheldon Silver steams as Jimmy Tedisco tries to lecture him, and Malcolm Smith gives Dean Skelos the hand.
You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll wonder how our state government became an episode of the Jerry Spring Show.
The folks at New York Now promise more clips and analysis on this week's show, which airs Friday at 7:30 pm on WMHT (it also repeats Sunday 11 am and 11 pm).
(Thanks, Matt!)
State leaders do nothing but point fingers, trouble counting ghost tickets, new city hall for Troy, big increase for bus ridership
Yesterday's special budget-cutting session of the state Legislature went no where as David Paterson frustatedly pointed the finger at Dean Skelos and the Senate Majority Leader responded with political passive aggressiveness. The day culminated in a bizarre public meeting of the state leadership described as "emotional, contentious and playful" and "near-farcical." (Fred Lebrun might have had the best line: "It was as if the leaders were playing themselves in a 'Saturday Night Live' parody.") Commented David Paterson yesterday, "If it looks like a dysfunctional government and it acts like a dysfunctional government, it may actually be one." Of course, this being the Paterson administration, the meeting ended with hugging. (Here's video of the leaders' meeting.) [TU] [NYT] [NYT] [TU] [NYDN] [NYP]
Faced with the prospect of losing VLT money that makes up 5 percent of its budget, the City of Saratoga Springs is trying figure out what to do about next year's budget. Mayor Scott Johnson is looking for city residents to email him suggestions. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Yesterday's special session cost the state at least $50,000 (and maybe much more) in expenses. [CapNews9]
The Albany Police Department says it might be hard to figure out just how many "ghost" parking tickets were issued -- even though they were computer-generated. [TU]
Budget session stalling before it starts, Albany ghost tickets stopped, murdered UAlbany student's parents call for info, Saints come out smoking
The Legislature is in town for the special budget session -- though it doesn't seem like anyone is very optimistic that anything will get done. The action -- or inaction -- started last night when Dean Skelos essentially threatened to have the Senate vote down all of Paterson's proposed cuts. Paterson was not happy, calling the move a "a political game." [TU] [NYT] [NYP]
A Siena poll reports that Paterson's approval rating is at highest point so far -- and New Yorkers would much rather see budget cuts than tax increases. [SRI] [TU]
Saratoga Springs city officials were at the Cap yesterday lobbying to keep their full allotment of VLT money, but they seem to think it's a losing cause. Among the obstacles: they don't have Joe Bruno pushing for them any more. [TU] [Saratogian]
After the TU reported that "ghost" (that is, no fine) tickets were being given out to police officers and other connected people in Albany, Jerry Jennings says he's stopped practice. The Common Council is upset and looking to investigate. [TU]
State leaders meet and get nothing done, Troy needs a fire truck, UAlbany students charged with rape, truck hits overpass
David Paterson, Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos met up on Sunday to discuss possible budget cuts ahead of tomorrow's special legislative session. And the result: nothing. [TU]
Saratoga Springs city officials say they'll be lobbying state leaders this week in an attempt to keep all of the VLT money originally allotted to the city. David Paterson's proposed budget cuts would cut $1.9 million from the city's share of VLT revenue -- that's five percent of the city budget. [Daily Gazette]
Seemingly half of New York's Congressional delegation -- not to mention a handful of other state officials -- could be in the running for an appointment to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat in the event she takes a post with the Obama Administration. Oh, and about that -- Clinton's not talking. [TU] [TU]
Troy's deputy mayor says the city's fire chief sent him a letter last week reporting that the city is in emergency need of a new fire truck after two of the trucks were recently taken out of service. [Troy Record]
Reaction to Paterson's proposed budget cuts, DA candidates broke rules, beer can DNA leads to plea, paying for horse retirement
A very quick overview of David Paterson's plan to cut $2 billion from this year's state budget. [AOA]
David Paterson's proposed budget cuts went over pretty much as you would expect with the state's various interest groups: not well at all. [TU] [Biz Review] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
Dean Skelos, the lame-duck state Senate majority leader, basically said the Senate wouldn't act on Paterson's proposals during next week's special session. Skelos also said he didn't "see anything creative" in Paterson's plan. [Daily Politics]
A big portion of the proposed budget cuts come from school aid. Among the proposed cuts for local districts: Albany $2.6 million (3.4 percent), Schenectady $2.7 million (3 percent), Guilderland $2 million (10 percent), Troy $1.4 million (3 percent). [TU]
Also among the proposed cuts: VLT money that goes to cities and counties. Saratoga Springs could lose $1.8 million next year under the Paterson plan. The city's finance commissioner says the city's going to plan on still getting the full amount. VLT money makes up about 10 percent of the city's budget. [Saratogian]
A quick read of the Paterson budget plan
David Paterson unveiled his plan for cutting $2 billion from the current state budget today. He says this plan will cut $2 billion from this year's budget and $3.2 billion from next year's (in which a $12.5 billion gap has already been projected).
We've put together a quick rundown of the cuts/savings. It includes some possibly bad news for Saratoga.
Paterson says budget cuts will involve "a big knife," state economy in recession, recycling urged in effort to save money, proposed Saratoga horse park would be pricey
At a town hall-style meeting yesterday Syracuse, David Paterson said of making cuts to the state budget: "We'll be using a big knife but trying to operate it like a scalpel." The Gov will unveil his plans for cutting $2 billion from the current state budget this morning. Reportedly among the proposals: across-the-board cuts for health programs, big cuts to public universities, a repeal of the gasoline tax cap and increase in fees for health plans. [NYT] [TU]
The leadership situation in the state Senate is still unsettled. One of the three Democrats who have not pledged their support to Malcolm Smith says he'd prefer to see a Latino Democrat be majority leader. [NYT]
An analysis from a University at Buffalo center has concluded that New York State has been in a recession since the second quarter of this year. [Biz Review]
Local retail stores are hiring extra help for the holidays shopping season -- and this year they have their pick of employees. [AP/TU]
Unions scoff at Paterson's suggestion, SUNY tuition increased proposed, cop accused of threatening to kill ex-wife, state holds back stem cell research funding
A trio of the state's most powerful public employee unions scoffed at David Paterson's suggestion that they might open their contracts for re-negotiation. A Paterson spokesman says "no area of state spending can be off the table." [AP/Newsday]
More than two dozen SUNY campus presidents have called for a 25 percent tuition increase ($1,090 tacked onto the present $4,350), half of which would be charged during the spring semester. SUNY's finance committee also approved a three percent cut in each campus's budget . [TU]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton approved the city council's 2009 budget, even though he called unachievable and irresponsible. The council had cut Stratton's proposed budget, which included a 2.9 percent tax increase, against his objections. The new budget does not include a tax increase. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson expects cuts to Medicaid and schools, food pantries running low, copper pipe ripped off from church, high-end development planned for Cohoes
David Paterson says cuts to Medicaid and school aid will probably be necessary to cover the state's budget gap. He said he also expected to be renegotiating contracts with the state worker unions. By the way: as of the Friday deadline set by Paterson, state legislative leaders offered the following proposals to help the state cover its budget gap: nada. [NYT] [AP/TU]
It looks like state Senator Malcolm Smith (a Democrat from Queens) has locked up the role of state Senate majority leader come January. Smith, accompanied by David Paterson, sealed the deal this past weekend in... Puerto Rico. [TU]
Albany County DA David Soares says the leaders of the union that represent Albany police are trying to smear him. He also says the leaders organized a protest outside his house. One the leaders is the guy who was accused this past summer of spitting on an officer because of a misappropriated shot of Jagermeister. [TU]
Local food pantries say demand is up and supplies are starting to run short. Local homeless shelters say they're also seeing increased demand. [Daily Gazette] [CapNews9]
Kenneth Lally has died. Along with his wife Thelma, he donated a bunch of money around the Capital Region -- most prominently to RPI (The Lally School of Management) and St. Rose (Lally School of Education). The Lallys also supported local hospitals and museums. [TU] [Troy Record]
Record voter turnout expected, ballet season shortened, flooding in Monument Square, airport getting new eateries
Boards of election around the region say they're expecting record voter turnout today. One of the Albany Count election commissioners says he expects between 75 and 88 percent of registered voters to cast a vote. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
David Paterson says he's worried that if Barack Obama becomes president, he will ignore the needs of New York because he coasted to such an easy victory in the state. [AP/TU]
Paterson says borrowing money to cover the state's $12.5 billion project budget gap next year is "off the table." [Newsday]
An Albany man has pleaded guilty to torching two apartment buildings he owned this past summer in order to get the insurance money. But wait, there's more -- the guy is a former Trustco bank manager who needed the money to pay restitution on $40k he had stolen from the bank. [TU]
The New York City Ballet's residency at SPAC next summer will be two weeks long, instead of the usual three weeks. The shortened schedule is expected to save about $800,000 -- SPAC and the ballet lost a combined $2.3 million on the three week schedule last summer. Officials hope the shortened schedule will increase attendance at each performance. SPAC says another dance company might be brought in for what would have been the ballet's third week. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
Paterson warns Congress of "impending calamity," police say soph threatened school with data release, Stratton asks for raise, CDTA increasing swiper prices, fares up at ALB
David Paterson told Congress yesterday that New York needs federal assistance to "stave off an impending calamity." The Gov also invoked The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. [NYT] [NYP]
Sales tax data indicates that local consumers are continuing to spend. Sales tax revenue during the first three quarters of this year for Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga counties was up 5 percent over the same period last year. [Daily Gazette]
The company hired by the state to test its new voting machines has been suspended by a federal oversight board. That won't affect things this year, but it could mean the old lever machines will hang on through 2009 and possibly into 2010. [TU]
State Police say the Shen sophomore who discovered unsecured employee data on a district server had uploaded the data to his own web account -- and issued vague demands to the district for its return. "He knew exactly what he was doing when he did it," a state police investigator said. [TU]
Paterson looking to DC for budget help, it snowed, Gillibrand and Treadwell debate, "madhouse" on election day, romance lives in Troy
David Paterson is in DC today looking to turn up federal aid for New York State. The Gov says the state needs federal assistance because it's "the epicenter" of the financial meltdown. Paterson announced yesterday that the state is facing a $12.5 billion budget gap next year. [NYDN] [NYT]
How'd the state end up facing such a gaping hole in its budget? A loss of revenue from Wall Street is part of it. But the state has also been increasing spending much faster than inflation. [NYT]
Yep, it snowed yesterday. The Catskills and the Albany County hill towns saw some significant accumulation. The snow didn't stick in most other places. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police chief says the city will provide "the same police service in 2009 that we do in 2008" -- even though the city's budget includes money for 10 fewer officers. [TU]
State facing huge budget gap, Gillibrand-Treadwell race one of nation's most expensive, cop dragged by truck, Schenectady OK with "arcane" reference
David Paterson will be presenting a mid-year budget plan for the state today -- the projected budget gap for 2009-2010 is expected to be a record $12.5 billion. [NYDN]
The candidates for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat), Paul Tonko and Jim Buhrmaster, met for another debate last night. Here's the full video. [WNYT]
The Congressional race between Kirsten Gillibrand and Sandy Treadwell is the nation's second most expensive, according to FEC data. The two campaigns have spent a total of $9.2 million so far. [Daily Gazette]
This year's campaigns for the state Senate are shaping up to collectively be the most expensive ever, according to an analysis by NYPIRG. Campaigns have already spent $40 million and are on pace to surpass the $43.6 million spent in 2006. [NYT]
AMD is looking to get an exemption for the sales taxes it would have to pay on construction materials for the Luther Forest chip fab. If the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency approves the exemption, it could save AMD almost $28 million. The exemption is expected to be approved. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Former state assemblyman nabbed in Colonie in sex sting, new steroid rules for horse racing, campaign signs too big?, hiring freeze at RPI
State police say former state assemblyman Chris Ortloff tried to set up a sexual encounter with two tween girls at a motel in Colonie on Monday (there were no girls -- it was a sting). The police say Ortloff was "buck naked" when they nabbed him. Ortloff had been serving on the state parole board. [TU] [AP/DG]
Police say two men robbed a bank in Schaghticoke yesterday afternoon. The pair then led a high-speed car chase through Clifton Park, which ended in a five car wreck. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Saratogian]
The proposed 2009 budget for Cohoes includes an almost 4 percent tax increase. Water and sewer fees would increase 8 percent. [TU]
New York is tightening the rules for steroid use in race horses. "Steroids are no better for four-legged athletes than they are for two," said the chairman of the state's racing and wagering board. [Saratogian] [AP]
More chip fab talk, Skelos says Paterson acting like Spitzer, UAlbany parts with search firm that couldn't find, Van Dyck gets a new owner
Local real estate agents and developers say the Luther Forest chip fab project will probably have some effect on home values -- but not a huge one. [Daily Gazette]
The chip fab's first product: gloating. [TU]
State Senate majority leader Dean Skelos says state worker layoffs should not be part of the budget cut discussion. He also says David Paterson is starting to act like Eliot Spitzer. [TU] [CapNews9]
The state DEC has decided to review Albany's landfill expansion proposal now that the city is considering more stringent recycling requirements and charging residents by the bag for garbage. At its current size, the Rapp Road landfill will be full by the end of next year. [TU]
Local boards of election are trying to keep up with a surge in voter registrations, which appear to be leaning Democratic. [Daily Gazette]
Lots of chip fab details, Paterson looks for "hand back," Saratoga Springs looks at cutting city jobs, Albany High scheduling mishap blamed on training
Even with the state facing a seemingly ever widening budget gap, David Paterson says the state will follow through on its pledge of $1.2 billion in incentives for the Luther Forest chip fab project. [TU]
The chip fab project isn't officially a done deal, yet. One of the remaining hurdles: the federal Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has to sign off on the deal because the AMD spin-off building the plant is being funded by the government of Abu Dhabi. [TU]
The fab is expected to directly generate about 1,500 jobs. The Malta town supervisor says he's heard that 60 percent of the jobs will pay between $40k-$70k -- and the rest will probably be worth more than $100k a year. [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson says he'll be meeting with state worker unions to discuss how "we can work together" to address the state's budget gap for next year, which now projected at $8 billion. The Gov wouldn't say whether layoffs were on the table. [AP/TU]
More budget gap talk: Paterson says the federal government should send some of the taxes New Yorkers pay back to the state to help cover the deficit. Paterson says the state should get the "hand back" after years of sending more to Washington than it's gotten back. [Newsday]
Paterson: cut another $2 billlion, Gillibrand votes no again, two Broadway shops closing in Saratoga, pumpkin prices up, tapas in Cohoes
David Paterson says he will call the state Legislature back after the November election so they can work on making another $2 billion in cuts from the current budget. At a leaders meeting on Friday, Paterson said the Leg doesn't understand how bad the situation is, to which Dean Skelos said: "I don't need to be lectured." [NYT]
Kirsten Gillibrand voted against the Wall Street bailout bill again on Friday -- her second no vote on it. She said the plan was "could be dangerous." Mike McNulty voted "yes" on it for the second time. [TU] [CapNews9]
National Grid says natural gas prices will be up 11 percent this winter. [TU]
Many of Schenectady County's top managers are getting a raise in next year's proposed budget. That's not going over well with some people because the budget also includes a 13 percent tax hike. [Daily Gazette]
Lots of cats and explosives found in home, artifact thief sentenced, Obama opens big lead in NY, graduation prankster wants his costume back
Animal control investigators found about 60 cats -- three of them dead -- in a house in Ravena yesterday. They also found grenades, land mines and a laser-guided rocket (it's unclear whether explosives were live or not). Police described the home owners as collectors of war memorabilia. [TU] [CBS6]
Jerry Jennings' proposed budget for the City of Albany has people thinking he will almost certainly be running for re-election next year. As one council member noted: the amount budgeted for street and sidewalk repair was tripled for next year. Jennings has been mayor since 1994. [TU]
Schenectady County is no longer in the top 10 nationally for highest taxes as a percentage of home value -- it's now 12th in the nation, according to a tax think tank. Homeowners in the county pay 2.3 percent of the value of their homes in taxes. (Of note: the county's proposed budget for next year includes 13 percent tax increase.) [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Daniel Lorello, the guy who stole artifacts from the NYS Library, was sentenced to two to six years in prison yesterday. He also has to pay $125,000 in restitution and give his personal collection to the library. [Daily Gazette]
Albany could charge for garbage by the bag, state to consider privatizing assets, cops in dispute over shot of Jagermeister, buzz and grumbing about EMPAC, Weathervane closes
The City of Albany could be moving toward a "pay as you throw" arrangement for garbage collection -- that is, people would be charged by the bag for their trash. (Trash pickup is currently not a separate charge for residents.) The proposal is part of the city's draft plan to the state DEC for its dump, which will be full by next year if it's not expanded. [TU]
David Paterson is setting up a commission to study ways the state could form public/private partnerships to help steady its finances. One such idea would be privatizing the state lottery, which reportedly could bring in as much as $4 billion up front and $200 million annually. [NYT] [AP]
The Albany gun buyback program has been extended to Schenectady. (Earlier on AOA: The Albany gun buyback: buyer's remorse?)
Niskayuna's town supervisor has proposed a five percent tax increase for next year. He says the money's need to cover increasing costs for materials such as asphalt and road salt. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
I Love NY short film winner
Remember a while back when the I Love NY folks announced a make your own commercial contest? Well, the very famous judges (including Tina Fey and Phillip Seymour Hoffman) have spoken. And the winner is...
Former Schenectady police chief indicted, Governor talks of more budget cuts, huge reptiles rescued from house fire, UAlbany home to largest death penalty collection
Former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek and his wife, Lisa, were both indicted yesterday on drug charges. Among the allegations: that Kaczmarek provided strategic advice to the drug ring's leader during a meeting at DiCarlo's, the strip club on Central Ave. There have been suspicions about Kaczmarek and drug use dating back to the 1990s. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
A clerk for the Saratoga Springs department of public works has been arrested on charges she was skimming money from the sale of trash bags. Police say she might have stolen as much as $21,000. The head of the DPW says a lot of people were "very surprised" by the allegation. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
David Paterson said yesterday that it's "very likely" he'll call the Legislature back for another special session to possibly make more cuts to the state budget. Paterson seemed to indicate that state worker layoffs are not on the table. [TU]
The steel suspension cables on the Twin Bridges are being replaced. The current cables are showing signs of rust and fraying. [Daily Gazette]
Wall Street meltdown could hit NYS even harder, local unemployment rate up, bomb threat at supermarket, graduation crasher writes more sincere apology letter
A not-officially-released projection concludes that the Wall Street meltdown could now cost New York State as much as $3 billion in revenue over the next two years. David Paterson had predicted earlier this week that the hit could be as much as $1 billion over the next year. [AP]
With Wall Street institutions crumbling, local Capital Region banks say they're seeing an influx of deposits as people look to keep their money closer to home. [Daily Gazette]
The total number of jobs in the Capital Region is at its highest-ever point, but the unemployment rate still hit 5 percent last month. The highest the rate has been here in 16 years (it was 3.7 percent a year ago). Analysts say the picture isn't really all that bad and the area is doing better than a lot of other places. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Among the recently unemployed: eight Daily Gazette staffers. It's the second job cut this year for the paper. [Daily Gazette]
CDTA is facing a budget gap and a 50 cent fare increase might be one of the ways to cover it. [TU]
State finances hit by Wall Street meltdown, health plan accuses competitor of stealing, early SPUI construction starts, the luckiest place in the Capital Region
David Paterson says the recent investment bank meltdown on Wall Street will cost the state $1 billion in tax revenue, more or less wiping out the gains made by last month's budget-cutting special legislative session. The Gov says further budget cuts -- possibly into aid for hospitals and schools -- may be necessary. [Newsday]
Yesterday's debate between Paul Tonko and Jim Buhrmaster for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) was something less than friendly. The issues covered ranged from energy to universal health care to spending. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say an officer shot a suspect last night in West Hill after the suspect pointed a gun at the officer. [TU]
CDPHP has filed a lawsuit against MVP alleging that a former employee, who now works for MVP, illegally took sensitive company information with him to his new job. CDPHP is suing for $10 million in damages. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady's seventh homicide, Clifton Park tightens leash, Clinton and Schumer both in town, Troy firefighters irked, stripclub gets timeout
The 20-year-old shot in Schenectady over the weekend died Sunday night. Police say they have few, if any, clues about why he was shot. It's Schenectady's seventh homicide of the year. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Clifton Park town board approved a measure that requires all dogs in the town to be on leashes except on private property and in two town-managed parks, Mary Jane Row Dog Park and Kinns Road Park. To let dogs off leash at the those parks, owners will have to buy a $30 permit (which covers all of a person's dogs) . Only Clifton Park residents will be allowed to buy permits for the Mary Jane Row. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson says the ongoing implosion among Wall Street firms could force the state re-evaluate its budget -- again. The Gov says 20 percent of New York State's revenue comes from taxes paid by Wall Street. [TU] [TU]
A Siena poll reports that Barack Obama is leading John McCain in New York by just five points. The Democratic nominee had been up by as many as 18 points earlier this summer. [Biz Review]
Legislature cuts $1 billion, many in Rensselaer didn't have flood insurance, rider dies at The Track, Troy official's ability to spell questioned, adults argue over basketball hoop, OMG! Brian Stratton loves texting
The state legislature has agreed to cut about $1 billion from the state budget over the next two years, including a little more than $400 million from this year's budget. That falls short of David Paterson's $600 million goal. The cuts include $50 million in member items (that would be pork). [TU]
Paterson will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention next week in Denver. [NYT]
FEMA maps indicate that most of the City of Rensselaer is in a flood zone, but only six of the 60 homes and business affected by the recent flooding have flood insurance. One resident says no one told them they were in a flood zone. [WNYT]
An exercise rider at The Track died yesterday after being thrown from a horse Monday. [Saratogian]
Local colleges and universities are facing a housing crunch. Students are being forced to live in lounges and tripled up in rooms intended for doubles. [TU]
Can the state spend hyperbole?
During a radio appearance today, David Paterson compared the state's fiscal situation to the Great Depression. "We may be as challenged as we have been since the Great Depression," said the Gov.
Um, really?
Legislature back for special session, Clifton Park residents want dog park to themselves, charter high school opens, woman wins $1 million from scratch-off, Crazy Legs buffaloed in hot dog eating contest
The State Legislature is back today for its special "holy moly, the state is going broke" session. There isn't a whole lot of consensus about how to make cuts, though. [TU]
The Route 9P bridge that goes over Saratoga Lake has been narrowed to one lane after inspectors found that two of the bridge's floor beams had been falling apart. Repairs are expected to take two weeks. [TU]
Judging from the comments made at a public hearing last night, it sounds like Clifton Park residents aren't so keen about sharing their dog park with people not from Clifton Park. [Daily Gazette]
The City of Troy would like turn the site of the Rensselaer Iron Works, which burned down earlier this year, into a park. It would use pieces of the old iron works in the landscape and call the place Artifact Park. The city needs about $300,000 from the state to make it happen. [TU]
The Green Tech Charter School opened this week in Albany. Green Tech is an all-boys, college prep school. It's only the nation's third all-boys charter school. [TU]
Missing: 15 NY Governors
Where's Cuomo?
Mario Cuomo, George Pataki and Elliot Spitzer are among 15 NY State Governors who quietly, or not so quietly, slipped away from the Capitol without leaving behind a formal portrait. Now Spitzer we can understand, and Pataki didn't ever really spend enough time in Albany to get his portrait taken, but where's Mario?
Well, now New York State OGS is on the case. This week they unveiled a picture of one term Gov and former Schenectady Mayor Joseph C. Yates, and Pataki's portrait is said to be on the way. Others are in the works.
We were relieved to learn that they do, in fact, have a portrait of NY's most badass Governor.
photo: Flickr user David Berkowitz, used under a CC license
Paterson proposes $1 billion in cuts, more flooding, track season all wet, principal arrested, permits for off-leash dogs, Giants coming back
David Paterson has proposed a plan to cut $1 billion in spending from the state budget. Half of that would come from Medicaid funding, $250 million from aid to local governments, and $100 million from legislative pork projects. As you might expect, legislators and lobbyists are already protesting. Local governments are also worried -- for example, Schenectady figures Paterson's plan could cut $700,000 in funding for the city. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
North Greenbush and Rensselaer were the latest parts of the Capital Region to get swamped by rain. The Amtrak line between Hudson and Rensselaer had to be closed for a while because the tracks were underwater. The 74-year-old mayor of Rensselaer said yesterday's flooding was the worst he'd ever seen in the city. A Rensselaer County legislator says the drainage systems there just haven't been able to keep up with the pace of development. [TU] [Troy Record]
Both attendance and the amount bet at the Track are down from last year at the season's midpoint. Attendance is down more than 16 percent and the "handle" is down 8 percent. [Saratogian]
Sewer system overloaded, trans-fat ban detailed, two kids use knife to rob Crossgates kiosk, light rail for Capital Region?
The flooding in Albany last week was just a matter of the city's sewer system running out of capacity. Parts of the system date back to the Civil War. Also: the flooding on South Pearl was a secondary effect of the Hackett Blvd back-up. [TU]
Albany County officials have announced that all restaurant food in the county will have to be trans-fat free starting January 1. And by June 2009 all desserts and baked goods will have to be, as well. The ban has some critics calling it an expansion of the "nanny" state. The trans-fat ban was approved in 2007, but the rules were only announced last Friday. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state Senate has passed a four percent cap on yearly property taxes increases. David Paterson supports the cap, but Democrats in the Assembly aren't fans. [TU]
A foundation says New York State has the nation's second-highest tax burden. [Biz Review]
Harry Tutunjian has called a special meeting of the Troy City Council to discuss a plan to lease the Verizon Building for use as city hall. (The current city hall is slated to be knocked down.) One city councilman says the mayor's moving way too fast. [TU] [Troy Record]
Paterson says no to money for Albany, state archivist pleads guilting to ripping off artifacts, jobs and schools draw Asian-Americans to area, how not to fraudulently report your car stolen
David Paterson has vetoed the legislation that would have paid the City of Albany $5.5 million this year and $11 million for the next 29 years. The money was supposed to help compensate the city for state-owned property that can't be taxed, such as the Harriman Office Campus. Albany is facing a budget deficit of more than $14 million next year -- and the city comptroller says it may have to lay off people. [TU]
A fire burned through 22,000 square feet of warehouse space at the Rotterdam Corporate Park yesterday. It took more than 100 firefighters to put out the flames. A fire department official says the warehouse's fire walls and doors -- left over from the building's original use as an Army depot -- helped save the rest of the facility. [Daily Gazette]
The Saratoga Springs school superintendent says the school board will fire that teacher who had been emailing, texting and IM'ing one of his students about poetry and other topics that, in the words of the teacher, his wife found "very disturbing." [TU]
Daniel Lorello, the state archivist who had been accused of stealing state artifacts and selling them, pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree larceny. He could get two to six years in prison. He's also been ordered to pay more than $100,000 in restitution. [TU]
SCCC will start construction on a $20 million dorm next month. The five story building will go up on Railroad Ave next to the Armory. [Daily Gazette]
Asian-Americans have been the fastest growing ethnic population in the Capital Region since 2000, according to census data. Community members say tech jobs and educational opportunities are behind the growing numbers. [TU]
Tip: if you and a friend decide late one night to smash the windows out of your car, push it into the Hudson and then report it stolen -- it helps to not be drunk and bleeding when the cops show up to take your statement. [Daily Gazette]
Soares dumps Spitzer-Bruno documents, state official recommends firing Saratoga teacher, buried in the backyard, a two million dollar horse
David Soares' office released more than 8,000 pages of documents from the investigation into the Spitzer administration's "Let's get Joe Bruno by tracking his travel on state aircraft" plot. The short story: the Spitzer admin tried to hatch the plan while keeping the former Gov publicly out of it (though he was involved behind the scenes). Also: Spitzer didn't like Bruno, which probably comes as a surprise to, well, no one. [TU]
A hearing officer for the state Department of Education has recommended that a tenured Saratoga Springs teacher be fired for having what was apparently a platonic, though weird, relationship with one of his students. The 36-year-old teacher and 14-year-old emailed, texted, and IM'ed each other about poetry and met up at places such as Uncommon Grounds. No criminal charges have been filed. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The Albany Airport Authority moved a historic house, intact, more than 200 feet yesterday in order to clear it from a safety zone. [TU]
A woman who recently moved to Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood was flipping over old patio stones in her backyard and one turned out to be... a grave stone from 1849. A local historian says most of the neighborhood was once a cemetery. Said the historian to the Gazette: "It's a great little piece of Schenectady history. I think a lot of people didn't realize they're living in a former graveyard." No, that probably wasn't in the MLS listing. [Daily Gazette]
A horse went for $2 million last night at the Fasig Tipton Selected Yearling Sale. That was the highest price paid at this year's sale. The horse has bloodlines that run back to Secretariat. [TU]
Tom Roohan -- of realty fame -- would rather you steal his horse and admire it rather than kick it. [TU] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
The New York State payroll database
Alain Kalyeros, Will Brown and David Paterson. Which one of these NY State employees takes home the biggest paycheck?
The Empire Center, a think tank, launched an online database today called SeeThroughNY. The database includes info about contracts and spending, but probably the most interesting info -- in a voyeuristic and nosy way -- is a complete listing of the salaries of the 200,000+ state employees. Yep, everyone from the Governor on down is in there.
So, we admit, we looked. Here are a few things we turned up...
No consensus on how to fix budget gap, NY officially in a recession, Amedore to run again, Guilderland principal put on leave, plastic bag ban proposed, parking harder to find in Saratoga
While most public officials seemed to applaud David Paterson for emphasizing the state's fiscal problems, there isn't consensus about how to cover the budget gap. [TU]
Lunching state workers don't seem too worried about the threat of layoffs. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
And one more thing about the state fiscal situation: Paterson's budget director says the state is officially in a recession. [Biz Review]
The chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees says the state's financial problems are an opportunity for the university system to "secure a rational tuition policy." And by "rational tuition policy," he means being able to raise tuition regularly. [TU]
George Amedore has officially announced he's running for re-election in the 105th state Assembly District (the city of Schenectady and surrounding areas). The Extreme Makeover home builder, a Republican, replaced Paul Tonko, a Democrat, last year in a special election after Tonko left to head up NYSERDA. [TU]
The woman who accused Albany police of conducting a cavity search on her during a traffic stop earlier this year has been charged with lying about the incident. The woman's friends and family say the APD's story doesn't match up. [TU]
What's going on at Guilderland High School? First the "culture climate inquiry" that led to two popular teachers being re-assigned. And now the school's principal has been put on administrative leave after he allegedly made racist and homophobic comments. [TU]
An Albany Common Councilman has proposed a ban on plastic shopping bags in the city. [TU]
Security cameras recently installed at a soup kitchen in Troy have made some of the regulars nervous. The org that runs the kitchen says the cameras became necessary after attendees were seen passing something other than the salt at meals. [Troy Record]
The number of parking spaces in downtown Saratoga is decreasing -- and it doesn't look like a trend that's going to stop anytime soon. [Daily Gazette]
Three guys were arrested in Cohoes for trying to sell stolen manhole covers and sewer grids for "a lousy $54" at a scrap yard. [Troy Record]
Earthly Delights Natural Foods on Jay Street in Schenectady is closing. The store has been open since 1974. The owners say they can't compete with larger food stores. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson says worst is yet to come, Stratton flouts residency rule for city employees, a "piddling" amount of money for butterflies, a long trip home
In his "live at five" speech yesterday, David Paterson reported that the state is now facing a $6.4 billion budget deficit -- that's up about $1.4 billion from previous estimates. The Gov also said things will get worse before they get better. So, what to do about it? Paterson didn't offer many specifics, but he did mention cutting spending at state agencies and reducing the state workforce. There are already reports that thousands of state jobs could be cut. Paterson also announced he's calling the legislature back into session on August 19 to focus on the problem. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
The EPA has announced that it will not pay for an alternative drinking water source for Stillwater and other communities worried about PCB levels during the upcoming Big Dredge -- or, at least, it won't as long as levels stay within established limits. Either way, the mayor of Stillwater says his town won't be drinking the water. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Schenectady City Council is annoyed that Brian Stratton is apparently ignoring the city's residency law for city employees. The mayor says he's just trying to hire the best people available. The council's in a tough spot here because the person in charge of carrying out city law is... the mayor. [Daily Gazette]
Albany County is looking to fire the contractor it hired to renovate the county courthouse. The project, which is two-and-a-half-years-old, is already two years behind schedule. [TU]
A fight over the Karner Blue butterfly is continuing to hold a hotel project near Crossgates Mall. The developer has agreed to pay as much as $382,000 over 50 years to help protect the butterflies, but a Save the Pine Bush advocate says that's a "piddling" amount of money. [TU]
What does it take to get a lost dog from Albany back from Montana? About $400, a good travel agent, and a lot of patience. [AP/Daily Gazette]
Paterson live at five, car falls off parking garage, attendance down at The Track, candidate says he'll donate salary, UAlbany off the party school list
David Paterson will be making a live, televised address late this afternoon (5:10 pm). The message: the state budget is in bad shape. "There will be no confusion about the gravity of the situation," the Governor said yesterday. By some estimates, the state will come up $5 billion short this year. [TU] [NYT]
A woman drove her car off the second level of a parking garage in Menands yesterday. Even though the car flipped over during its 20 foot fall, the woman was able to crawl away from the wreckage. [TU]
After tests turned up low levels of PCBs in its drinking water, Stillwater is looking around for other options. The town currently gets its water from the Hudson and it's concerned the dredging project will increase PCB levels. Kirsten Gillibrand says if an alternative can't be found, the dredging project should be delayed. [Daily Gazette]
Both attendance and the amount bet at The Track are down from the same period last year. Attendance is off about 25 percent and the handle (the total amount bet) is down more than 12 percent. NYRA officials blame rain and a lack of bobbleheads. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Ian McGaughey, a Wilton Democrat running to fill the state Assembly seat currently held by Roy McDonald (who's running to replace Joe Burno in the state Senate), says he'll donate his entire Assembly salary to charity if elected. That would be $79,500. [Saratogian]
UAlbany has dropped off the list of the Princeton Review's top party schools. Students may have been missing reasons to party. The school still ranked highly in a group of unflattering categories, including a second-place finish for "Least Beautiful Campus." [TU]
Will IBM follow through, pile up at the ER, eyes for Schenectady Big Brother, more people biking to work, enormous houses on Lake George
You know that big deal the state recently announced with IBM to invest in research capacity and new jobs? It appears that Big Blue doesn't always follow through on its word. [TU]
The merger between Ellis and St. Clare's hospitals has led to long waits at the Ellis emergency department. The hospital is planning to expand, but in the meantime it's encouraging people with minor injuries to go to emergency department at the former St. Clare's (now Ellis McClellan Campus), which is still open. [Daily Gazette]
The head of the Albany Convention Center Authority has quit. George Leveille says it was a good time to leave because there's a "lull" in the action. That lull would be uncertainty about whether there will be enough state funding to complete the project. [Biz Review] [TU]
Schenectady's crime surveillance cameras now have people watching the feeds from them, at