BPCNA NEWSLETTER

BUCKINGHAM POND CRESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Joe Sullivan, President T/Fx 438 5230 Lonerangeralbany@aol.com

Your neighborhood association works when you do. Get informed.Participate. Your time and effort are your dues.

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Spring is here. Time to shape up our properties and neighborhood. Share this information with family, neighbors, friends who do not have a computer.     Thank you.

NOTICE: The Trustco Bank branch under construction atCrestwood Plaza has applied for a variance to add a drive up window. The City Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on the application, April 12, 2007, 5:30 pm City Hall.

Please attend and speak in OPPOSITION to the drive up window application. Ask the BZA to DENY. (VERIFY hearing DATE/TIME)

Can't attend? Send an e mail/ fax or letter IN OPPOSITION to:

The Albany City Board of Zoning Appeals c/o

melnickd@ci.albany.ny.us Doug Melnick, City Dept Planning

Fax 434 9846 21 Lodge St Albany NY 12207

Copy Mayor Jennings T 434 5100 Fx 434 5013 City Hall 12207

OPPOSE THE DRIVE UP WINDOW It will act as a magnet for speeding traffic, associated congestion, noise, litter and air pollution from vehicle emissions; create a pedestrian safety hazard in and around Crestwood Plaza; thereby eroding the residential integrity and quality of life, and property tax base in this R 1B zoned single family residential neighborhood.

Whitehall Rd, Hackett Blvd, S, Manning Blvd, John David and Gingerbread Lanes , Ferndale-Hopewell Sts and Collins Pl , Hurst Ave and Westford St would be most impacted.

We defeated a similar proposal four years ago.

8th Ward Alderman John Rosenzweig is writing a letter to the BZA in OPPOSITION asking the BZA to DENY application.

We WELCOME TRUSTCO without the drive up window. JS 4/07

 

Albany Muni Golf Course/Crestwood Plaza

Albany Muni Golf Course and Crestwood Plaza. What have these two in common?

Thursday, March 29,  I went for an early morning walk around Albany Muni Golf Course (Capitol Hills), with my Aussie Pals Mick and Paddy. It was a lovely brisk morning, below freezing. As the sun rose, the scattered ice began to melt.

As we walked along enjoying the scenery, it occurred to me that this truly beautiful setting might one day be in danger of being privatized  just like the  Office Campus, by a city government hungry for more cash, facing a landfill crisis, and an exodus of homeowners leaving behind a population consisting of the poor and elderly who are unable to pay for the schools and services they require.

I resolved to contact 8th Ward Alderman John Rosenzweig to have him sponsor legislation providing that the Capitol Hills Golf Course (Albany Muni) could never be privatized, that in case the golf course ceased to exist, the land would forever be public open space as a park and natural area.

Talk about ESP. A bit later than morning, who should knock at my door? Alderman John Rosenzweig. He had come to alert me that the City Board of Zoning Appeals would be considering a variance application from the Trustco Bank branch, now under construction at Crestwood Plaza, for approval of a drive up window.

John said he would write a letter in opposition to the BZA. I thanked him for that, reminding him that four, or so, years ago, our  neighborhood association had defeated a similar application for a bank with a drive up window.

The reasons for opposing this latest drive up window variance application remain the same. It would generate more speeding traffic, and associated congestion, noise, litter and air pollution, present a safety hazard for pedestrians and others using the Crestwood Plaza, all of which would adversely impact the residential character and quality of life in this R-1B single family residentially zoned neighborhood.

I called John's attention to my thoughts about the city golf course and the need to protect the land in perpetuity as a public park/natural area, by means of a deed restriction. I suggested that John sponsor a Common Council Resolution to that effect. John agreed that it was a good idea, and said he would sponsorsuch a Resolution. I said I would work with him in that endeavor.

The city golf course site is a priceless jewel. In 1993, I ran for 8th Ward Alderman opposing then Mayor Thomas Whalen's plan, to build luxury housing on the Albany Muni Golf Course and  called for creation of Buckingham Pond Park. I missed winning the Democratic Primary by 65 votes out of more than 3,000 cast.

However, I was successful in getting the golf course and adjacent Hartman Rd community garden site, zoned Land Conservation, blocking the luxury housing proposal, and creating Buckingham Pond Park through zoning the pond and adjacent shore area, Land Conservation.

So now, the responsibility for protecting both of these valuable public open spaces (park land/natural areas) rests with the current Aldermen, John Rosenzweig (Ward 8) and Joe Igoe (Ward 14), as well as Mayor Jerry Jennings, who is a neighbor, as well as Mayor.

The Crestwood Plaza is essentially a neighborhood pedestrian plaza. In an age when gas prices are sky rocketing, the future fuel supply dwindling and the age of the auto coming to an end, it behooves city officials to have the foresight to plan for the eventual return of population from the suburbs and outlying rural areas to the city. By maintaining and enhancing the residential integrity and quality of life of this and adjacent neighborhoods, now, their futures will be assured. This, in turn, will assure that the city property tax base, based on single family homes, remains strong, to support city schools and city government services.

                                                                     J P Sullivan

                                                                     T/Fx 438 5230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEAMROLLER STALLED?GO TO PLAN B

Steamroller stalled? Seem like it's all down hill since Day One?  Slipping in the polls?  What to do? Go to plan B.  Shore up your base.

See  Times Union. pA3 3/27/07

   Spitzer vows to guard abortion rights

Pledge to strengthen state laws to safeguard abortions because you fear the U S Supreme Court may overturn Roe v Wade?

Plan to expand access to emergency contraception drug "Plan B"?

What about civil and voting rights of the unborn?  Moot point if they are aborted. All those millions of unwanted, inconvenient conceptions. Not to worry, they will never vote or serve the good of society in a troubled world. They never will be drafted or volunteer to serve in the military to protect America from the Jihadists.

Is abortion  New York and America's version of the holocaust?

What about the growing elderly population? Run away medicaid and nursing home costs? Can euthanasia be next?

One thing did not change with the dawning of Day One. There is no respect for life here. That is at the root of all the violence we see in our neighborhoods, on our streets and highways, or in our schools.

                                                                        J P Sullivan

 

REASSESSMENT: CITY SCHOOLS THE PROBLEM

Albany City homeowners, have received their Notice of Reassessment Disclosure, and the news is not good.  Most homes have doubled in value based on comparative sales in a overinflated market, where decline has set in.

This translates to hefty projected property tax increases, of a 1,000 dollars or more. This is particularly devestating in a city where less than a third of the housing is owner occupied and where that owner occupance population is aging, with many on fixed incomes.

Upon closer inspection of the projected property tax increases resulting from this revaluation,  80 percent of the increase per residential unit, will  be levied by the city school district.

This is unacceptable. The Albany City schools will be receiving an additional $9.6 million dollars in state aid this year.  The school district has been mismanged, in the recent decades, by a succession of incompetent school boards and superintendents, who are not accountable to the property tax payers of this city.  Poor performance of the student population, school board and superintendent can no longer be tolerated.

The solution? Dissolve the city school district, and school board,  make the Mayor responsible and accountable for the functioning and performance of the city schools. Establish ONE property tax levy citywide. Trim school expenses by eliminating the top heavy administration. Establish a residency requirement for all  teachers and school staff. Return to a K-8 neighborhood school system which is best for kids, parents and neighborhoods.

Mayor Jennings must go to Governor Spitzer and request that the Governor introduce legislation, this session, to achieve the above educational reforms, and to make certain that legislation passes this session.

Governor Spitzer wants accountability in the public schools. As far as the City of Albany is concerned, there will be no accountability without establishing a clear chain of command - make the Mayor responsible and accountable for the city schools,  based on establishment of a single property tax base. as supplemented by state aid.

To the detriment of children, parents and city property taxpayers, the Albany City schools have been a pawn in a political power struggle by a liberal faction of the Democratic Party, which has gained control of those schools, and is now seeking to control the Mayor's office and city government.

Making the Mayor responsible and accountable for the city schools, together with implentation of a single property tax levy , will result in improved student performance as the city returns to a K-8 neighborhood school system. This in turn will help spur revitalization and stability in Albany's deteriorating residential neighborhoods. Smart education equals smart growth.

                                                                                    J P Sullivan

LEAD TAINTS SCHOOL WATER

Lead taints school water  is a front page headline in today's Times Union. We read that six Albany city elementary schools have elevated lead levels in the drinking water. The school district has shut down water fountains and begun replacing fixtures.

Lead is a neuro toxin. Exposure to low levels, over time, can cause low IQ, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and poor school performance. Exposure to high levels of lead can cause brain, red blood cell and kidney damage.

Is it possible that the elevated lead levels in drinking water extends to those homes and buildings which were required to have lead connector lines to the water mains, by the ruling political party?

Should the city , county and state health departments, and EPA conduct city wide water testing to determine if  those homes and buildings, with lead connector lines, have excessive lead levels, and to what extent this has caused long term cognitive  health  and behavioral problems for the residents.

If this is found to be the case, perhaps, this could, partly. explain a host of local problems, including poor school performance, an increasing violent crime rate, and a variety of political behaviors, including blind party line voting and an ever declining voter turn out in elections.

If there is a citywide problem of lead contamination in the drinking water supply, perhaps the millions to be spent on dredging PCB's from the Hudson River sediments, might better be spent on getting the lead out of the city water supply.

                                                                                    J P Sullivan

LEAD TAINTS SCHOOL WATER

Lead taints school water  is a front page headline in today's Times Union (3/23/07).

Exposure to even low levels of lead can lower IQ's, increase attention deficit disorder resulting in poor performance in school (and life). Lead is a neuro toxin which, in high levels, can cause brain,.kidney and red blood cell damage.

We are told that the Albany schools are replacing faucet fixtures.

Is it possible that the problem extends far beyond the schools, to homes, bars, restaurants in the city of Albany, located in those parts of the city that were built at a time when the ruling political party required that lead lines were required to connect structures to city water mains?

Perhaps, the city  or health department should order a citywide test of  residents, homes and businesses ,to determine if there is a long term lead exposure problem resulting from the extensive use of lead water line connecters, and how serious the problem is?

If it turns out that this is the case, perhaps, the millions of dollars which are to be spent on getting the PCB's out of the Hudson River sediments, might be better spent on getting the lead out of the city water supply.

Low levels of lead exposure not only can cause impaired mental ability, other health problems, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and poor school performance - this could also extend to problems with political behavior, including blind party line voting and ever decreasing voter turnout in elections.

                                                                                               J P Sullivan

Return Albany Schools k-8

Now the Superintendent wants to close Livingston Middle School - reason low enrollment, poor student performance. Not mentioned was the fact that PS 20 in North Albany is a K-8 school. Also, charter middle schools compete with Livingston..offering better and safer learning environments for serious students.

SO,   WE REALLY DIDN"T NEED A THIRD MIDDLE SCHOOL ON WHITEHALL RD. BIG WASTE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

THE SMART MOVE WOULD BE A RETURN TO A K-8 NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM IN ALBANY.

PUT THIS QUESTION TO ALBANY VOTERS IN THE COMING MAY SCHOOL BUDGET/ PROPERTY TAX INCREASE/ MULTI MILLION DOLLAR REFERENDUM TO REHAB THE ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL.

WHEN ARE ALBANY PROPERTY TAXPAYERS GOING TO WISE UP AND SAY....ENOUGH?

THE ALBANY SCHOOL BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT'S POSITION AND MOST OF THE TOP HEAVY ADMINISTRATION POSITIONS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.

MERGE THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH CITY GOVERNMENT. MAKE THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL RESPONSIBLE AND
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CITY SCHOOLS.  HAVE ONE PROPERTY TAX.

HOLD SCHOOL BUDGET VOTES AT NOVEMBER ELECTIONS. RESULTS FINAL. NO RE-RUNS.

MORE MONEY AND MORE BUILDINGS WILL NOT RESOLVE THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM OF UNMOTIVATED STUDENTS FROM
DYSFUNCTIONAL HOUSEHOLDS.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND STRICT CONDUCT CODES ARE NEEDED. REMOVE UNRULY AND UNMOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS FROM CLASSROOMS SO THAT THOSE STUDENTS WHO WANT TO LEARN, MAY LEARN.

ESTABLISH BOOT CAMP AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL FORMS FOR THE UNRULY AND UNMOTIVATED.

                                                                         J P Sullivan

 

CIVIL CONFINEMENT LAW FOR TERRORISTS?

NYS Governor and Legislature enact CIVIL CONFINEMENT law . Governor signed it into law 3/14/07.

 NOW, WILL THE GOVERNOR AND STATE LEGISLATORS ENACT A CIVIL CONFINEMENT LAW  FOR TERRORISTS AND WOULD BE TERRORISTS?

                                                                                   J P Sullivan

Top News- Senate Republicans Thwart Iraq Pullout Plan - AOL News

Top News- Senate Republicans Thwart Iraq Pullout Plan - AOL News :

 

Three cheers for Senator Mitch McConnell and those Senators who blocked this plan.

Wiser heads in Senate prevailed over misguided House Dems.

 

                                                                                     J P Sullivan

 

Smart Growth Planning

  Hon Ray Joyce, Chairman        For entry in record of 3/8/07 Planning Board Meeting

  and Members  Albany City                 Re: Hopi St proposed subdivision application

  Planning Board

 

 

This statement is in opposition to the Hopi St subdivision proposal to build 6 housing    units on  the 2.6 acre parcel at the foot of Hopi St, opposite Zuni St.

 

 I respectfully ask the Planning Board  to DENY this application for the following reasons:

 

       1. The site is a relic landfill and not suitable for building  quality homes that will attract  buyers seeking to buy such homes.

 

       2. The costs of site remediation as conditions stipulated in the now expired 1999 conditional approval of this Board make it highly unlikely that the developer would make a profit  on the proposed 6 units of housing.

 

       3. The site is essentially a cul de sac at the juncture of two narrow lanes (streets) that poses  problems for traffic flow, emergency vehicle access, and snow plowing. Approval of said application would only accentuate those problems.

 

       4. Neighbors complain of insufficient pressure in the water and sewer systems that now exist.

 

       5, New Scotland Avenue is already a busy commuter road at morning and evening rush hours. This makes egress from narrow tributary lanes such as Hopi St hazardous as it is. 6 more housing units and 12 or more vehicles would only increase traffic flow problems, thereby increasing the risks of accidents. Traffic on New Scotland Ave/Rd routinely exceeds posted speed limits.

 

 

The City of Albany is faced with a need to  maintain or increase a declining population base; and to maintain and improve the city property tax base.

 

The answer is not to build substandard housing on marginal sites, like this relic landfill, or that being built as an extension ofBuckingham Mews on Krum Kill Rd at Friebel Lane, that on Bender St, or the subdivision proposed for the steep slopped, wooded ravine, containing two small wetlands and a tributary of the Normans Kill, on Krum Kill Rd, opposite Ohav Shalom.

 

Such clustered or townhouse units do not readily find buyers.  They only diminish the residential integrity and quality of life of the single family zoned neighborhoods wherein they are located. This, in turn, rather than increasing the city property tax , erodes that property tax base, which supports city schools and city services.

 

Such housing units would best be built mid town or downtown on the large city inventory of vacant lands/buildings.

 

In sum, Smart Growth Planning can be achieved by (1) maintaining  and improving residential integrity and quality of life in existing Uptown single family residential zones and 2) steering the cluster, townhouse type housing to the those vacant lands and buildings in the city inventory, which are in walking distance of places of employment.

 

This Smart Growth Planning strategy  (1) maintains the Uptown property tax base (2) adds new housing to the city property tax base in mid and downtown as well as rejuvenating those neighborhoods and (3) reduces the increasing traffic flows on main corridors like New Scotland, allowing workers to live in city neighborhoods and walk or take a bus to work.

 

Smart Growth Planning far exceeds the current piecemeal approval and construction of substandard housing units on marginal sites, which is currently underway along the Upper New Scotland Ave/Rd and Krum Kill Rd corridors.

 

The Planning Board should DENY the Hopi Rd subdivision, as well as the proposed "town house or condo" proposals at Whitehall and New Scotland and the 7.2 acre wooded, wetland site on Krum Kill Rd.

 

Thank you.                                                           Joseph P Sullivan, President

                                                                            Buckingham Pond/Crestwood

                                                                            Neighborhood Association Albany

 

    3/7/07                                                              Tel /Fax 438 5230

 

NOTE: See also Letter to Mayor Jennings

http://bpcnanews.blogspot.com/2007/01/january-26-2007-hon.html