by Doug La Rocque
Even before the ink on the application was dry, the Brunswick Planning Board learned that a planned 20-foot extension of the cell tower located on land at the intersection of Creek Road and Menemsha Lane is a go, if Blue Sky Towers meets the minimum federal criteria. Under a federal law adopted during the Obama administration, neither local nor state officials can stop it. The law allows for a one-time increase in tower height, in this case, to add an AT&T antenna array above the current Verizon Wireless array already on the tower. [Read more…] about Brunswick Cell Tower Extension a Done Deal
Brunswick
Brunswick Water District Shortfall a Concern
by Doug La Rocque
Brunswick Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Bill Bradly had some bad news for the Brunswick Town Board at their February meeting on Thursday the 9th. Seems what they are being charged by the City of Troy for metered water usage will be about $32,000 more than what users are estimated to be billed. Supervisor Phil Herrington summed up the feeling of the Board members nicely by saying this is not good. Why the shortfall? Mr. Bradley offered several reasons. Water that runs through hydrants is not measured, as are some other usages. What is troubling, however, is the discovery that an unknown number of people have installed bypass valves on their private meters, meaning some—if not all—of their water usage is not measured and therefore not billed. This has been a problem in the past but now seems to be a bit more prolific. [Read more…] about Brunswick Water District Shortfall a Concern
Brunswick’s Multi-Family Housing Moratorium Repealed
By Doug La Rocque
With several two-family and multi-family housing applications before the Brunswick Planning Board in 2021, residents and some Planners started expressing concerns about density, especially with some of these proposed housing units in areas they felt were not a good fit. The concern reached the Town Board, who decided they should review their zoning as to where and where not these projects might be allowed. Thus, the moratorium came into being while that zoning study took place.
One plan that was proposed resulted in a full zoning law change, but met with some push back at a public hearing, and Board members decided to [Read more…] about Brunswick’s Multi-Family Housing Moratorium Repealed
Brunswick’s Aldi Opening Date Targeted
By Doug La Rocque
It was more than five years ago the Brunswick Planning Board approved the Aldi store on property next to Planet Fitness on Hoosick Road. The project ran into a snag when the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) refused to place a traffic light at the intersection of Hoosick Road and Lord Avenue. That signal was a demand by Aldi, who refused to spend a dime on construction without it. So there the project sat with neither side willing to budge. The time frame on the Planning Board’s approval ran out, and the project was dead in the water, or so it seemed. [Read more…] about Brunswick’s Aldi Opening Date Targeted
Lansingburgh’s First Annual Parade and Tree Lighting
Story by Amy Modesti
Saturday, December 10, residents and visitors lined up along Corliss Park, Northern Avenue, and Fifth Avenue to enjoy a wonderful afternoon. Holiday candy was tossed out to parade goers as a who’s who of participants ranging from area fire departments to the Lansingburgh HS football team, City of Troy departments, police officials, area businesses and residents in decked out vehicles made an appearance. The parade ended at Powers Park. [Read more…] about Lansingburgh’s First Annual Parade and Tree Lighting
New Medical Building Gains Brunswick Planners’ Approval
By Doug La Rocque
Following a sidewalk to nowhere issue and delays over sewer design and easements, Paulsen Development’s application to construct a two-story medical building at 112 McChesney Avenue gained conditional approval from the Brunswick Planning Board at their Thursday, December 15 meeting. Those conditions were numerous, however.
Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Bill Bradley has given his approval to the preliminary sewer design, although [Read more…] about New Medical Building Gains Brunswick Planners’ Approval
Barbara J. Greene – Obituary
Brunswick – Barbara J. Greene, 85, passed away on December 4, 2022 at her home, with her loving family by her side, after a short illness. Born in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Frank Noyes and Ellen McCullum Noyes, and the loving wife of 67 years to Albert J. Greene, Jr. Barbara for many years worked in the banking industry. She is survived by her husband Albert, her children David Greene of Grafton and Meg (Dan) Reiser of Melrose. She loved spending time with her grandchildren Daniel (Karly Dolen) Reiser, Jr., Jenna (Curtis) Beck and Elara (Thomas) Foley. In addition to her mother and father, Barbara was predeceased by her sister Nancy O’Reilly. Family and friends were invited to call on Thursday, December 8. Funeral services followed. The family asks in memory of Barbara, to thank a veteran, and go out to eat and enjoy yourself with family and friends. Please visit www.mcloughlinmason.com.
Brunswick Solar Moratorium, Housing Code Changes Approved
By Doug La Rocque
Two issues, one that has been before the Brunswick Town Board for only a few months, another that has been discussed for more than a year, saw action taken at the Thursday, December 8 meeting.
First was changes to Town Code as they related to construction of two-family and multi-family homes. Density concerns sparked a moratorium on such consideration and construction in late 2021 while the Town looked at where such construction should be allowed and consideration of a density factor. That moratorium was eventually extended twice. The initial changes, which involved several code modifications, met with some opposition at a public hearing, and were pulled back. The newer version was approved as a local law, and takes effect upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State’s Office. [Read more…] about Brunswick Solar Moratorium, Housing Code Changes Approved
Eliminating Homelessness Among Veterans
Submitted by Kathy Betzinger
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has been working with veterans to eliminate homelessness among their population. The Elks National Foundation awards grants to support this effort.
Dale Louks, past BPOE State Vice President, and Brunswick BPOE Exalted Ruler Mike Pendergast applied for an ENF Beacon Grant to help a local women’s homeless shelter. As a result, the Capital District Women’s Veterans, Christopher House, received a $5,000 grant to purchase a shed for their residents’ needs. The mission of CDWV.org is to provide supportive services, housing, and community, enabling women veterans in need to return to productive and independent roles in their communities and families. [Read more…] about Eliminating Homelessness Among Veterans
Solar Issues Come to the Forefront
By Doug La Rocque
Solar Energy may not only light up homes and businesses, it continues to light up some controversy in Brunswick. Town officials are concerned about the number of solar farms either constructed, waiting to be built, or in the approval process for several reasons. These include visibility, proximity to residential neighborhoods, eventual decommissioning costs, and loss of tax revenue. It is enough of a concern that the Town has proposed a one-year moratorium on all solar construction [Read more…] about Solar Issues Come to the Forefront