The last week's worth of items on AOA
Craig and his wonderful list
The good thing about Craigslist: It's a window into our fellow community members' wants, needs and aspirations. The bad thing about Craigslist: It's a window into our fellow community members' wants, needs and aspirations.
Good or bad, we'll let you decide...
BusPlus realtime app
CDTA says its mobile app for BusPlus now includes realtime information about bus arrivals. The app pulls the location info from CDTA's BusTime, which uses GPS to track BusPlus buses are at moment to moment. (At least, it should -- we couldn't get that feature to work this morning.) We'd love to eventually see this feature for regular bus routes, too.
Barberville Falls closed for summer
Beautiful. And for this summer, closed to the public.
The Nature Conservancy is closing public access to the Barberville Falls in Rensselaer County this summer because it says people aren't following the rules there. From the org's press release:
Despite effort to prohibit swimming and other activities not allowed at the preserve, misuse of the preserve and disrespect for the preserve neighbors continues to be a problem.
"The decision to close the preserve, especially during the summer months, is a difficult one," said Rick Werwaiss, executive director, The Nature Conservancy Eastern New York Chapter. "In past years, the Conservancy has hired a security force, utilized volunteers, and had staff on site to patrol the preserve. Despite our efforts to discourage and control the misuse of the property, the problem has persisted and we feel closure is the only option currently available to us."
Closing the preserve will give the police the ability to strictly and consistently enforce the recurring issues of trespass, disturbing the peace, littering, swimming and climbing on the falls, and alcohol consumption.
The Nature Conservancy owns one side of the falls -- the other side is owned by a private homeowner. And as we found out when writing about the falls a few summers back, the homeowner is very serious about people not cutting across their property to reach the falls. That's understandable -- we wouldn't want hordes of people walking through our backyard all summer, either.
The conservancy says access to the falls will be closed from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
The whole situation is unfortunate. It really is a beautiful spot.
Earlier on AOA: Capital Region waterfall walks
photo: Sebastien Barre
Alleged Ballston Spa bank robber nabbed after car crash, APD officers cleared in February shooting, AC Dems won't endorse candidate to replace McEneny, Spa City parade back on
A Ballston Spa man is facing a second degree robbery charge after allegedly robbing a branch of the Adirondack Trust Company. Nigel Guy was arrested after crashing his car in a getaway attempt. Ballston Spa Central School District schools went into lockdown mode during the attempt to apprehend Guy. [WNYT] [TU] [Saratogian]
Lincoln Elementary School in Schenectady went on lockdown for a short time Wednesday after shots were fired nearby. Police are investigating where the shots came from.[News 10] [TU]
Albany County Democrats decided last night not to endorse any of the candidates bidding for Jack McEneny's Assembly seat. Frank Commisso dropped out of the race earlier this week, but his son, Frank Commisso Jr is apparently considering a run and three more Democrats are officially in the race and another is expected to enter the race soon [WNYT] [TU]
Police say they're close to making an arrest in the shooting of a 15-year-old girl in Troy this week. City councilman Mark McGrath has ask the Mayor and the Troy P.D. to reinstate the city's Street Crimes unit. Troy police do say they're stepping up patrols in the city after the shooting. [WNYT] [Record] [News 10]
How to move a piano?
Having successfully submitted his property tax assessment grievance with your help, Sean is back for more:
My wife and I just moved, but the one item that we couldn't manage was our piano. We're not related to any football players or bodybuilders, and there are more than one flight of stairs to contend with, so none of our moving posse felt comfortable taking on this challenge. So, that leaves us searching for an alternative solution. Do you or your readers have any tips for not only getting this thing out of our former residence, but into our new one as well?
Are there still piano moving services? Or any advice for Sean (aside from lift with your legs)?
Please share!
photo: Flickr user
"The Maple Avenue Mind-Set"
The bizarre drama over whether a kid should be able to ride his bike to Maple Ave Middle School in Saratoga is rehashed in a recent issue of Bicycling magazine. The long article by David Darlington -- "Why Johnny Can't Ride" -- details the many turns in the story, but also argues it's part of a broader context involving health, urban planning, and helicopter parenting:
Schoolwise, this might be referred to as the Maple Avenue Mind-Set: passive acceptance of a status quo that promotes not only pollution and disease but also the lesson that children (who grow up to be citizens--and parents) are helpless. Amid this grand civic failure, the chief cause for encouragement comes from individuals who refuse to give in: the Marinos, Olsons, Skenazys, and Robinsons who prioritize fresh air and exploration and exercise, the powers-that-be be damned.
In a twist we wouldn't have guessed, the Shen school district and its superintendent -- Oliver Robinson -- are held up as an example of a more bike-friendly district.
(Thanks, Jess)
photo: Nathaniel Welch / Bicycling
Pug Ball VIII
Little devil.
The annual Pug Parade and Costume Ball is coming up June 2. It's pretty much what it sounds like: a bunch of pugs parading about. In costume.
The event is organized by the Albany Capital District Pug Lovers Group and is a benefit for the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society and the Green Mountain Pug Rescue org.
We attended the Pug Ball a few years back -- it was a lot of fun. Pugs are sort of inherently funny dogs. Many of them appeared to actually enjoy parading about in costume. (Or, at least, they didn't feel like it was crushing their will to live, as some dogs have claimed.) There seemed to be a lot of happy people and dogs.
Of course, if you're a strict no-costumes-on-dogs person, this event is not for you. Because the costumed pugs will have you surrounded and outnumbered. Snort.
The Pug Ball runs from noon-4 pm on June 2 (a Saturday) at the main pavilion in Colonie's Cook Park. The pug parade is at 2 pm.
After going to Hell and back...
Steve
What's up in the Neighborhood
From Sebastien's recent trip to The Gunks.
Among the topics in this most recent spin around the Capital Region's online neighborhood: moving to Albany, bike commuting, the 1880s, the Frear Building, magnifique with a side of sacrebleu, the escarpment, moths, lobster, sliders, cheating, downtown Saratoga, running uphill, and a remembrance.
Proposed New York legislation aims to crack down on anonymous online comments
Members of both the state Senate and Assembly are pushing legislation that aims to crack down on cyberbullying and other online nastiness by requiring a commenter's actual name and contact info be associated with a comment.
From the text of the "Internet Protection Act":
"A web site administrator upon request shall remove any comments posted on his or her web site by an anonymous poster unless such anonymous poster agrees to attach his or her name to the post and confirms that his or her IP address, legal name, and home address are accurate. All web site administrators shall have a contact number or e-mail address posted for such removal requests, clearly visible in any sections where comments are posted."
The bill's Senate sponsor -- Tom O'Mara, a Republican from the southern tier -- has framed the bill as anti-cyberbullying measure: "Victims of anonymous cyberbullies need protection. We're hopeful that this legislation can be helpful to the overall effort to deter and prevent anonymous criminals from hiding behind modern technology and using the Internet to bully, defame and harass their victims." [NY Senate]
But other sponsors also see the legislation as a way to crack down on anonymous criticism of businesses and politicians.
Troy teen shot on River Street, NYRA cedes control to NYS, Milton man tries to save Spa City Memorial Day Parade
A 15 year old girl was shot in the leg on the 700 block of River Street in Troy on Tuesday night. The girl sustained a non-life-threatening injury.Police do not believe she was the intended victim. [TU] [Record] [YNN]
A 19 year old Mechanicville woman died last night after the car she was driving veered into the path of an oncoming SUV on Route 146 in Halfmoon.[YNN]
Andrew Cuomo has selected Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Assemblyman Keith Wright of Manhattan to be the new leaders of the state Democratic Party. [ TU]
The State Senate unveiled a counter measure to the effort to raise the minimum wage -- a $450 million business tax cut and incentive plan -- but Andrew Cuomo says he doesn't think it will fly in the Assembly and Sheldon Silver is already saying the plan is too costly. [YNN]
The state senate passed a law yesterday that would make the murder of an EMT, firefighter or other medical responder in the line of duty a murder-one offense -- carrying a mandatory life sentence with no possibility for parole. [YNN]
NYS Summer Writers Institute 2012
Claire MessudThe slate is up for this summer's New York State Writers Institute's summer public readings series in Saratoga.
Some of the names you might recognize: Rick Moody, Joyce Carol Oates, Jamaica Kincaid, Mary Gaitskill, Russell Banks, Claire Messud, William Kennedy (of course), and more...
Williamstown Theatre Festival 2012
Skimming through the slate for this summer's Williamstown Theatre Festival, there are a bunch of names you'll recognize: Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, David Hyde Pierce, Lili Taylor, Susie Essman, Lewis Black, and others.
The schedule -- with a few highlights -- is after the jump. Performances start toward the end of June.
Here's a guide to buying tickets for the festival. Tickets are currently available by mail for donors. Online ticketing starts June 4.
Virgin Alexander DVD
The DVD for Virgin Alexander -- the indie comedy that shot in Saratoga -- will be out this July, and is available now for pre-order. (Presumably it will also be available on Netflix sometime after that.)
NYRA placed under "temporary public control"
Andrew Cuomo and the legislative leaders announced today that they've agreed to create a "NYRA Reorganization Board" that will place horse racing org under direct state control. From the press release:
The NYRA Reorganization Board will be comprised of a majority of publicly appointed directors, with a Chair nominated by the Governor. The Board will be in effect for 3 years to restructure and reorganize NYRA, following which NYRA will revert back to majority private control. The current NYRA Board will be dissolved. The NYRA Reorganization Board will go into effect when a majority of the new public directors are appointed. Once appointed, the new board will conduct a national search for a new CEO and General Counsel for NYRA.
The short story behind all this: NYRA has been a train wreck.
Bialy at the Eastern Parkway Price Chopper
Sort of like a bagel, but not.
The bialy is dead. Long live the bialy.
Maybe you've read Mimi Sheraton's The Bialy Eaters, in which the food writer travels the world in search of an authentic Bialystocker kuchen. There is actually a town in Poland called Bialystock, and at one point in time it was filled with Jews and bakeries that would churn out these hot, yeasty rolls which have only a passing similarity to bagels in that they are round.
From Ms. Sheraton's research, in the old country these were light and pillowy on the outside, with a crisp compressed center, which was filled with onions, poppy seeds, and bread crumbs. They were dusted with flour, baked in a wood or coal-fired oven, and came out with a thin, burnished brown crust.
After searching the world over, starting at Kossar's in New York City, and traveling to Poland, Israel, France and Argentina she came to a sad conclusion: One cannot find a Bialystocker kuchen like the ones made in that famous village before World War II. Most of the Jews from Bialystock were killed or driven into exile, and with them went the bialy.
That's not to say there aren't some delicious bialys around the world which come close. Oddly, the Capital Region was never mentioned in her book. However, if Mimi Sheraton ever made it out to the Price Chopper on Eastern Parkway, I think she would be quite pleased.
Susan Orlean at The Mount
The Mount -- Edith Wharton's home in Lenox, Massachusetts -- has another series of talks lined up for this summer. And the name that jumped out to us: Susan Orlean.
The New Yorker staff writer will be at The Mount July 23 to talk about her recent book Rin Tin Tin: The Life and The Legend. From the blurbage:
Who doesn't remember the wonderful television show The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin? As a young girl, Susan Orlean longed for a German Shepherd of her own, a perfect dog just like Rin Tin Tin. The renowned staff writer at The New Yorker and author of the best-selling book The Orchid Thief has written the biography of the beloved dog actor. Orlean will share with us Rin Tin Tin's incredible canine journey from orphaned puppy abandoned on a WW I battlefield to movie star, Oscar nominee, and international icon.
In addition to her work for the New Yorker, Orlean has also become well-known on Twitter (she's tweeted more than 19,000 times). She lives in Columbia County.
The Susan Orlean talk, as well as the other talks at the Mount, are $20. They go on sale to non-members starting May 27. We've heard the talks fill up fast, so you might want to buy a ticket earlier rather than later.
And if you've never been: Lenox is about a one-hour drive from Albany.
photo via Susan Orlean's website
Fatal hit-and-run in Colonie, Cuomo says minimum wage increase a no-go politically, suspicious fires in Schenectady, vandal apparently unhappy about "The Joe"
Colonie police say a man was killed in a hit-and-run on Central Ave at New Karner Road Monday night. They say they're not sure where the man was crossing the street when hit or knocked into the street. Witnesses say a male driver in a green four-door sedan hit the man and then took off. [YNN] [Fox23] [News10]
Andrew Cuomo said on the Capitol Pressroom Monday that he supports "the concept of a minimum wage increase," but a bill wouldn't make it through the Republican-controlled state Senate. [Capitol Pressroom] [AP/Saratogian]
More Cuomo on Capitol Pressroom: Cuomo said the state's new ethics panel -- JCOPE -- needs fine tuning. The panel has been criticized most recently after it came out that state Senate deputy majority leader Tom Libous is under investigation. [AP/Saratogian]
Sheldon Silver is raising concerns about oversight of the new agency proposed to watchdog the treatment of people with developmental disabilities. Silver says there needs to be a non-state entity that can hear allegations of abuse or neglect. [NYT] [TU]
Today's moment of spring
Even more up close, if you like.
The peonies had been so patient.
And then, on their first day out, it rains.
Applications open for street painting competition in Troy, and this year's Fence Show
Casey's AOA-sponsored entry in last year's competition.
The Troy River Street Festival -- one of our favorite local summer festivals -- is coming up June 16. And that means applications are now open for the annual street painting contest at the festival.
The competition includes space for 75 artists, a range of age-specific categories, to chalk designs on a panel of sidewalk along River Street. And there's $1,000 in prizes.
The entry fee is $15. And the competition does fill up -- so the earlier you apply, the better.
Fence
Speaking of arts and downtown Troy... the call for entries is now out for the annual Fence Show at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. The Fence Salon will open June 16. This year's juror, Jim Richard Wilson from the Opalka Gallery at the Sage Colleges, will select works from the salon for inclusion in the Fence Select show that opens July 27.
Yep, the Arts Center advertises on AOA.
It's so hard to find a house with a spacious blacksmith shop
For sale: 3 BR, 2.5 bath, 4,000 sq ft house in northern Saratoga County. Also includes: re-created colonial village with post-and-beam carriage house, country kitchen, icehouse, sugar shack, working blacksmith shop, 1840-style tavern and 1900-style emporium. [RealtyUSA] [Saratogian]
Photos from the AOA Burger Lab at Central Steak
Josie's submission, "The Whole Hog." Said one judge: "Thank god this is small because it could kill you."
We had a lot of fun at the AOA Burger Lab at Central Steak last week.
There were so... many... sliders. It was great to see all the combinations of toppings people put together on their tiny burgers. And we raised some money for the ASAP Daisies.
Five burger combinations submitted here at AOA were put to a taste test by our panel of judges. And we would have never guessed the winner.
Here are the results and a bunch photos...
Not the typical cafeteria sushi
How good is the cafeteria at the GlobalFoundries chip fab in Malta? As Steve found out recently, the sushi is made by Yasuo Saso -- of the former Saso's in Albany. [TU] Earlier: A fab cafeteria
My Exit: Gina Marie Cannistraro
Tonight: Beats by Gina Marie
It's Monday, which means WEXT is running another My Exit show -- where the listeners get to pick their own playlists.
Here's a look at what's coming up tonight:
Fourth Albany shooting in 8 days, Cuomo pressuring NYRA, investors allegedly bilked by McGinn Smith revealed, SUV crashes through Congress Park, as common as a pink unicorn
Albany police say a man was shot three times near Swinburne Park Sunday afternoon, while families played in the nearby playground (map). The man was shot in the neck and survived, but his family says doctors say he'll likely be paralyzed. APD says it's looking for two men, one who reportedly left the scene on a bike, and says it's looking for tips from the community. It's the city's fourth shooting in 8 days. Another man was shot Friday night in Sheridan Hollow (map). [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Fox23] [YNN] [News10]
Albany police say a man fled from a traffic stop at State and Pearl early Saturday morning, ran into two women with his car, and then drove off again. APD says it caught him shortly after that. The women's injuries were not life threatening (though they sound serious, read the comments). [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [News10]
By all accounts, Andrew Cuomo is seriously irked by recent problems with NYRA -- and "people close to those in the room" say that Cuomo told the NYRA board in a recent secret meeting to fix things or face state control or the racing org. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The city of Schenectady is essentially reducing all its property value assessments by four percent. [Daily Gazette]
The regional trash authority idea that was pitched as a potentially comprehensive solution to the trash problem faced by the city of Albany and other local towns: not moving. [TU]
The week ahead
A piece by Gisele Amantea at MASS MoCA, part of the soon-to-open Oh, Canada exhibit.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, look forward to, or keep busy with this week, from the weather (rough, then smooth), to fracking, to forking, to Michael, to Canada, to three-day weekending, to music...
Rediscovering a Capital Region childhood
One of Albany's newest residents has a lot to look forward to.
At 7:57am on Sunday, April 29, 2012, my life changed forever.
My wife, Jennifer, and I welcomed a beautiful 7lb,12oz. baby boy into the world. Mason Royal Daley. Our first child.
Words cannot do true justice to the emotions that poured over me when Mason was born. I felt bliss, fear, admiration, confusion, and excitement all at the same time. I'm coming to understand how much love I have that I didn't know I was capable of. I am so looking forward to being a part of my son's life. I'm excited to share with him all the things that I experienced growing up.
Parenthood, in some ways, is a bit of a second shot at childhood.
Mason's arrival has rejuvenated my desire to go out and explore, discovering and rediscovering wonderful things that are right here in my backyard.
Here's what's at the top of that list:
A quick recap of the week
Here are a few highlights from the past week on AOA:
+ Soapbox: a trip to the dog park got Siobhan thinking about whether dog people are a different breed.
+ All hail the new Tulip Queen.
+ Here are the finalists for this year's AOA Sunmark Startup Grant.
+ Graham asked about where to go for sports massage.
+ Veronica asked about where to go skydiving.
+ We looked at the average student debt of recent graduates from Capital Region colleges.
+ What was up in the Neighborhood this week: not donating, Upstate New York Bucket List, the crazy woman shouting, ramps, a Saratoga food tour, Mother's Day, fried chicken, voting, customer service, and therapy.
+ Polling: New Yorkers apparently support a minimum wage increase and medical marijuana.
+ The outlook recently has been very bearish -- we checked out a moment of bear in North Greenbush.
+ Jessica spotted quite the cloud over Loudonville.
+ A few of the items found on Craigslist this week: an appreciation of mom, and RFP for a best friend, a guard llama, and Rainbow the miniature horse.
+ We talked with EBA's Maude Baum about how Lark Street has changed over the last 35 years.
+ Sean asked about how to challenge his property tax assessment -- they were some great answers and suggestions.
+ We looked at the most popular baby names in New York State last year.
+ And the 110-year-old Albany International facility in Menands is under contract to be sold -- so it can be turned into apartments.
If you'd just like the whole week unfiltered, check our listing of the last seven days of AOA.
Thanks to everyone who posted a comment or shared a photo or idea this week!
Emily Finnegan photo: Michael Panzarino of M.A.P. Graphics
This week was brought to you by...
Dinner under the wisteria at The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark. We're just sayin'.
Voldemort over Loudonville, bears and copious amounts of rain. But there were also teeny tiny little burgers with goat cheese and caramelized fennel, which somehow made it all better.
And, of course, by the advertisers below. They AOA possible, so please, check them out when you can. If you want to reach the AOA crowd with your advertising message we can make it simple and affordable. Just email us advertising@alloveralbany.com and we'll give you details.
Food and Drink
+ The patio is open at The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark. And Albany Gastropub is now serving Sunday brunch. So what are you doing this Sunday morning?
+Delmar Farmers Market runs Saturdays, June through December 9AM-1PM, at the Bethlehem Middle School. Great food and friends. It's all there.
+The new spring menu is out at Taste. Sample it with a three course prix fixe dinner for $27. A new dinner every week.
+Central Steak made us some fantastic sliders this week. Check out the new harvest burger and other fun stuff on the
spring menu.
+The folks at City Beer Hall put on a fantastic party for AOA. It's a fun place to hang out and you'll love the food. Need to work or surf the internet over lunch? The WiFi works really well. Oh, and two more words: Mechanical. Bull.
+ Our Daily Eats -- serving up fresh basil pesto, roasted nuts and seeds. They also have four granolas. Available at the Delmar Farmers Market, Schenectady Greenmarket and the Empire State Plaza Wednesday Farmers Market. Local retailers are listed on their website.
+ Capital Wine on State and Lark in Albany. They've got tastings every Friday night, so stop by on your way out to dinner. And they've got great tips on wine and food pairings.
+ Stop in at The Point for dinner on in the "Don Draper Room."
+ There are lots of great seasonal flavors waiting for you at Honest Weight Food Coop.
Stuff to do
+Live Nation Presents Florence + The Machine at SPAC on September 16th.
+The Arts Center of the Capital Region is offering all kinds of interesting classes from art to cooking. Check them out and learn something new.
+The Albany Aquaducks and Trolleys are open for the season with fun spring break tours for the kids all week.
+Mop & Bucket Company makes up great improv comedy every Friday night underground at Proctors. They're also available for parties and private events. Check them out at MopCo.org.
+ God of Carnage opens this weekend at Capital Rep .
Stuff to learn
+You can get an MBA in 22 months and keep your current job at UAlbany's Weekend MBA Program.
Helpful stuff
+ Recenter Square is ready to help you jump start your new year's resolution right now. They've got personal trainers, classes and there's off street parking.
+ Sunmark Federal Credit Union is celebrating its 75th birthday! Check out their website to see how to put more money in your pocket.
+ Best Cleaners will pick up and deliver your dry cleaning to your home or office at no extra charge.
Stuff to live in
17 Chapel Boutique Condominiums in downtown Albany still has a few condos available. This weekend you can tour three beautifully decorated 17 Chapel condos as part of the Vanguard showhouse tour.
Stuff to Try
+ Get $250 off your 2011 website design and development from Brayton Graphics when you mention you came from AOA!
+ 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
Albany International building in Menands under contract to developer for residential conversion
The main building stretches along Broadway -- it straddles the Albany/Menands line. And there's a pond.
The Albany International Corp is under contract to sell its century-old facility in Menands. The company says it agreed to the contract in March and expects to close the deal this summer.
An Albany International spokesperson, Susan Siegel, said the sale is for the entire Menands property, which spans the Menands/Albany line. She could not confirm or deny the other party in the deal.
AOA talked with developer Uri Kaufman today and he confirmed that he is the buyer. Kaufman said his plan is to transform the Albany International complex into a residential development with "a couple hundred apartments." He said his company is currently doing due diligence on the deal. He said the purchase price was not yet public.
Kaufman has pursued a handful of mill/factory conversions in this region over the last few years -- most notably the Harmony Mills apartment conversion in Cohoes, which completed a second phase last year. He's also currently involved with the Victory Mill in Saratoga and the Marshall Ray Building in Troy. [Biz Review]
All of these projects rely on a series of tax credits and grants. Kaufman says he expects they'll be able to line up the necessary credits for the Menands property after closing. "Absolutely," he said today, "tax credits are everything." [Daily Gazette 2009]
Most popular baby names New York 2011
As it does every year, the Social Security Administration today released
So we pulled the list -- the 100 most popular names for boys and girls born in New York State last year are after the jump. We also looked at how the top 10 names this year ranked during the last few years.
One name in particular has skyrocketed in popularity...
Name change for Northern Lights
The Clifton Park music venue has announced on its Facebook page that it's changed its name to Upstate Concert Hall. The posting says it will explain more soon. "There [is] no secret agenda to the name change! It had to be done!" Update: Press release about the change post jump. The club is touting the name change as a way to "chart a fresh course" after a total renovation of the venue.
Stuff to do this weekend
ANTM finalist Laura LaFrate at tonight's Electric City Couture Show at Proctors
If all goes according to the current forecast, then by the end of this weekend you might just want to send Mother Nature a thank you card.
Don't waste it, people. If you don't have a plan yet, you'll find a few ideas after the jump. Got something else in mind? Let us know what you're up to.
And have a fantastic weekend!
Missing teen's body found in the Hudson, bear killed on UAlbany campus, driver who smashed car into New World sentenced, in the nude at SPAC
The body of Jesse Cale, the Schuylerville High School student who disappeared during a camping trip last week, has been found in the Hudson River near Greenwich. A friend said he spotted the body yesterday. Police aren't sure what happened to the teen, who disappeared after going to look for firewood. His body will be autopsied. His family said the teen had a history of seizures. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [YNN] [Fox23]
The DEC says it killed a bear on the UAlbany uptown campus Thursday. It says it's the same bear that was captured in south Albany a few weeks back. The bear had also had to be removed from Coeymans last week and was transported to Delaware County. It traveled 90 miles from the relocation spot to the UAlbany campus. DEC says the bear had become a public risk because it wouldn't stay away from urban areas. [YNN] [News10] [AOA] [Saratogian] [WNYT] [Fox23]
DEC says the bear captured in North Greenbush this week has been relocated. [YNN]
Martin Kimber, the retired pharamcist accused of spreading mercury around Albany Med, has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Two of the counts against Kimber involve a law that prohibits "possessing, stockpiling, or using a toxic chemical as a weapon." Kimber allegedly released mercury at the hospital on four occasions since 2011. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The Wateford man convicted of raping his former girlfriend in order to infect her with HIV has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The woman doesn't know yet whether she's been infected -- and in a statement read in court, described the torture of not knowing. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
Tips and advice for contesting a property tax assessment?
Sean emails:
As a new homeowner, I've been hearing rumors about a certain day / week in May where folks can go downtown and challenge their property tax amount. Would the editors or other AOA readers have any knowledge about this upcoming event, any tips for when to go (I imagine it's a zoo...) and what to come prepared with for the best possible outcome (i.e. lower taxes!)?
We're guessing the day Sean is referring to is Grievance Day, typically the fourth Tuesday of May in cities and towns in New York State (May 22 this year). You can submit the forms necessary to "grieve" the assessment of your home before that day (probably the best course). The day in question is when it's possible to make an oral argument before the board of assessment review, if you decide to do so.
OK, so let's use the city of Albany as an example. It recently posted the official notice that's it's completed its tentative assessment roll for property tax purposes. The assessment information is online -- it's as simple to look up as plugging in your address. From the city's website:
Complaint forms and a publication containing procedures for contesting an assessment are available at the Office of Assessment & Taxation Room 302 in City Hall. It is a prerequisite to review an assessment that the official complaint forms be used and that said forms be filed with the undersigned or the Board of Assessment Review on or before May 22nd, 2012.
The board of assessment review will be hearing grievances May 22 from 9 am-1 pm and 6-8 pm in city hall.
Of course, some details will vary from one municipality to another. Here's a NYS website with info on how to contest your assessment.
So... Have you ever contested an assessment? If so, got any tips or advice for Sean? Please share!
photo: Flickr user woodleywonderworks
Lark Street, 35 years ago
Maude Baum has seen a lot of changes on Lark Street
"Funky," is how Maude Baum describes the state of Lark Street in 1977 when she was looking for a home for EBA, her multimedia performing arts company. Funky in a lot good ways. And funky in some not-so-good ways.
Baum found the spot for her company above an old TV/radio repair shop at the corner of Lark and Hudson Ave. It's been there ever since.
This weekend, as EBA celebrates its 40 year anniversary, 35 of them on Lark Street, Baum took time to talk with us about where Lark Street's been (eclecticism, grocery stores, an archery range, unsavory behavior) -- and where it's going.
Looking for more? Check out the archive. Or try searching for it:
... said Tim about How to move a piano?