Quoted Text

Quality of life issues remain as problems

By MARV CERMAK, Covering Schenectady
First published in print: Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Vince Riggi, Schenectady's long-time unofficial/unpaid ombudsman, chastised the City Council for reneging on an election promise to address neighborhood problems.


"Loud music, noisy parties, fireworks in the middle of the night, people congregating on streets blocking traffic,'' Riggi said. "The inmates have taken over the asylum and the only way to take it back is through zero-tolerance enforcement.''

Councilman Joe Allen commended Riggi, a Bellevue resident, for coming to council meetings for many years despite getting little satisfaction.

"Riggi is correct saying we will have problems until zero tolerance is implemented,'' Allen said. "We can't allow new people moving into this city to do stupid things.''

Riggi singled out Isabelle and Ray Zanta of Mont Pleasant as lifelong city jewels now surrounded by loud rap music from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Allen agreed saying "it's a shame what the Zantas have to put up with.''

Some may recall the Zantas were the parents of a 16-year-old daughter murdered many years ago at Cossayuna Lake. As if that wasn't enough tragedy, now in their 80s, the neighborhood fails.

Isabelle Zanta blames problems on absentee owners of two-family homes. "There are six of these landlords near our home and most live in the Bronx, New Jersey and elsewhere out of town,'' she said.

She said their home value has tanked. "It's terribly sad that our street is totally destroyed. We're surrounded by people without respect who are rude and inconsiderate with their music, parties and general behavior,'' she said.

Riggi said zero tolerance would drive misfits out of town. "All we ever hear is news about downtown improvements. That's great, but people in the neighborhoods are crying out for help,'' he said.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=827631&category=MCERMAK

these folks are waiting for the cash for clunkers to kick in for them.....then they could commute 2hours to get real jobs.....
although what bank will finance the rest of the loan???? And could they pay the taxes for the purchase and registration?  can they
afford the insurance?


then who would pay for the speakers and woofers in the cars after the backseats are removed?
oh,,,,my mistake, the local gang-bangers provide well for these folks.....drugs, x-box360, movies, computers etc....
robbing the rich to give to the poor.....literally.......

GET IT TOGETHER!!!!! is that loud enough??